This sermon continues the study of the Ten Plagues, examining plagues six through ten (Exodus 9-11). It moves from the boils and hail to the climactic 10th plague, the death of the firstborn. The message connects the plagues to God's judgment on the gods of Egypt, their prophetic fulfillment in the book of Revelation, and the urgency it creates for our own lives.
Scripture References
- Exodus 9:8-9: The plague of boils.
- Exodus 9:18-21: The plague of hail, where some Egyptians "feared the word of the Lord" and were saved.
- Exodus 11:4-7: The announcement of the final plague, the death of the firstborn.
- Revelation 8:7-8: The end-times judgments echoing the plagues (hail, fire, blood).
- James 4:14: "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
- 2 Corinthians 5:10: The judgment seat of Christ for believers.
- Revelation 20:11-15: The Great White Throne judgment for unbelievers.
- Philippians 1:21-23: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Key Points
- The Plagues Get Personal The plagues intensify and become more personal. They began by attacking Egypt's economy (Nile, livestock), but the sixth plague, boils, is the first to directly attack human flesh. God is "turning up the volume" of His revelation.
- God's Heart: An Invitation in Judgment Even in severe judgment, God offers a way of escape. During the plague of hail (Plague 7), God gives a warning to bring livestock inside. The text explicitly states that some of Pharaoh's servants "feared the word of the Lord" and were saved, showing God's desire to rescue anyone who will listen.
- The War on Gods: Defeating Ra The plagues were a systematic humiliation of Egypt's gods. The ninth plague, darkness, was the most significant. It was a direct assault on Ra, the sun god, who was the chief deity. Since Pharaoh was seen as the human embodiment of Ra, this plague was a total humiliation of both the god and the king.
- The Final Exodus: Plagues in Revelation The plagues of Exodus are a preview of the "Final Exodus" described in the book of Revelation. The end-times judgments use the exact same imagery: hail, fire, blood, darkness, and sores. What God did to one nation that hated Him, He will one day do on a global scale.
- Your Personal End Times Whether or not we are in the "last generation," every individual is in their own "personal end times." Life is a mist (James 4:14). The two most important days of our lives are the day we respond to the Gospel and the day we stand before Jesus.
Conclusion
The tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, is the climax and the clearest picture of the Gospel in the Old Testament. Judgment is real and coming for all. But God provided a way out: the blood of an unblemished lamb. Those who applied the blood to their doorposts were saved.
This truth gives believers a "win-win" perspective on mortality. As Kathleen Candy, a beloved member of this church, famously said while battling cancer, "Either way, I win." This echoes Paul: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Calls to Action
- Acknowledge Your Mortality: Recognize that your life is a mist and you are not guaranteed tomorrow.
- Prepare to Meet God: Ensure you are "covered by the blood of the Lamb" (Jesus) so you are prepared for your "personal end times."
- Live with a "Win-Win" Attitude: Adopt the perspective of Philippians 1:21, knowing that for a believer, death is not a loss but a gain.
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