God Spares His Firstborn Son -- Exodus 11:1-10

There are a couple verses in these ten assigned for today which grabbed my attention. "There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again. But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any person or animal.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel." (Exodus 11:6-7)

The words, "Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel," are striking. On a night when the Angel of death moved throughout the land claiming the first born of every Egyptian family, even of the livestock, sounds of mourning and anguish filled the air. Yet, among the Israelite community not a sound was heard. Even the usual incessant barking of dogs was non-existent.

That night, the Lord made a distinction between the two countries. The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, but made the Egyptian people think favorably of the Israelites and Moses. The blood of the Lamb, God's firstborn son, saved the Israelites this night. God's first born triumphed, Pharaoh's firstborn perished. This is a classic example of good vs evil.

Pharaoh wouldn't believe there was anyone greater then he, even after his firstborn son died as a result of his stubborn heart.  As we approach Christmas Day with anticipation and renewed hope, God's firstborn once again brings light into a dark world. No one knows what this day or this year will bring, unlike Pharaoh, we know that God is in control.

Read the text here.