In Exodus chapter 9, we find a unique command. Moses was commanded to take ashes and sprinkle them in the air toward heaven. As a result boils broke out on all the Egyptians. That must have been very unsightly as well as miserably uncomfortable.
This is what Patriarchs and Prophets says about this act:
"Moses was next directed to take ashes of the furnace, and sprinkle it toward heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. This act was deeply significant. Four hundred years before, God had shown to Abraham the future oppression of His people, under the figure of a smoking furnace and a burning lamp. He had declared that He would visit judgments upon their oppressors, and would bring forth the captives with great substance. In Egypt, Israel had long languished in the furnace of affliction. This act of Moses was an assurance to them that God was mindful of His covenant, and that the time for their deliverance had come." – {PP 267}
It's interesting the contrast between the judgements of God on the wicked and unbelieving and the mercy of God promised upon those that humbly seek His face. For the righteous He promises to take their ashes and give them BEAUTY in its place! "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." (Isa. 61:3)
You know, seriously, we have nothing to give God. NOTHING! All our good works, our best efforts, our most precious gifts....they are all just ashes. Yet, He takes those ashes gladly and gives BEAUTY in exchange. That experience of trading beauty for ashes however, only occurs for those who have fallen on the Rock and been broken. That point is brought out very beautifully in today's chapter of Matt. 21. Either we will fall on Him and be broken (of all pride, self, vainglory) or the Rock will fall on us and break us.
One more thing that really made me think from today's reading is how the Bible says, "For this cause I have raised thee [Pharaoh] up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." (Ex. 9:16) Again, the words of Inspiration add even deeper significance as we meditate upon this interesting passage:
"Not that God had given him [Pharaoh] an existence for this purpose, but His providence had overruled events to place him upon the throne at the very time appointed for Israel’s deliverance. Though this haughty tyrant had by his crimes forfeited the mercy of God, yet his life had been preserved that through his stubbornness the Lord might manifest His wonders in the land of Egypt. The disposing of events is of God’s providence. He could have placed upon the throne a more merciful king, who would not have dared to withstand the mighty manifestations of divine power. But in that case the Lord’s purposes would not have been accomplished. His people were permitted to experience the grinding cruelty of the Egyptians, that they might not be deceived concerning the debasing influence of idolatry. In His dealing with Pharaoh, the Lord manifested His hatred of idolatry and His determination to punish cruelty and oppression." – {PP 267.4}
God even takes cruel Kings and uses them for His ultimate glory! Could he perhaps do the same thing again today?
Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 11-12 and Matt. 22
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