Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country.—Exodus 11:10 (NIV)
Pharoah’s stubbornness and refusal to set the Israelites free led to God punishing him by sending ten plagues to Egypt. But perhaps the purpose behind the plagues was larger—that future generations could know God by the powerful and miraculous events that the children of Israel witnessed.
Lord, Ruler of the World, I recognize the incredible lengths you have gone to so that I can know and love You.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)
One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.—Proverbs 13:7 (NIV)
