The Plague of Darkness

This is the ninth of ten plagues that God brings against Egypt. After each plague, Pharaoh repents, but it becomes clear that he has not experienced a true change of heart. In this plague we see an important change – the more Pharaoh has said “no” to God, the harder his heart has become. Here, finally, he is unable to even pretend to repent. This sets the stage for God’s most dramatic action yet…

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REFLECTION

Light Therapy
By Jennifer Jerrome

As we approach the time of year when night falls earlier and earlier, I can’t help but think about today’s passage… Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt – darkness that can be felt” (v.21). 

For some people less light means more sadness. In fact, seasonal affective disorder is commonly known as SAD and one of the recommended treatments is light therapy. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the idea behind light therapy is to replace the diminished sunshine of the fall and winter months using daily exposure to bright light. Symptoms of SAD may be relieved by sitting in front of a light box first thing in the morning, on a daily basis from the early fall until spring. 

God is our light therapy. He shines light in the darkness and gives us hope for a brighter tomorrow.  

Both the Old Testament and New Testament state…The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2). The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Matthew 4:16).

So even when our world seems too dark to navigate, God is there to provide light like he did for the Israelites. He leads us out of the paralyzing darkness to a new life of freedom. And just like NIMH recommends we sit in front of a light first thing in the morning - starting each day sitting in front of God’s word and praying is the best therapy there is.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - FRIDAY

FAITH - Pray for faith instead of fear, that many would come to faith in Jesus and that we would all trust God more deeply during this time.