Thoughts on the readings for February 3rd (Exodus 9 Psalms 62,63, Romans 13,14)

Exodus 9 tells of the 5th plague (a grievous disease which killed the livestock of the Egyptians); the 6th plague (of sore boils on man and beast); and the 7th plague (hail which smote the grain and vegetables of the Egyptians). The economy and food of Egypt was being destroyed by Pharaoh’s stubborn arrogance and defiance of Yahweh. A man whose heart was so hard that he would rather see the destruction of his people, than yield to Yahweh. Of course God had exempted His people from these sufferings from after the third plague. How ironic that Egypt, which hardly ever sees any significant rain
(Zechariah 14 verses 17-19) should be hammered by an overwhelming hail storm. At last the terrified king seemed as though he would relent; having suffered enough punishment. He pleaded with Moses and Aaron to beseech the Almighty to cease the ravages. But upon receiving respite Pharaoh withdrew from the agreement he hade made with God.

Psalm 62 comes from the pen of David. It speaks of David waiting for the Almighty to act on his behalf. David says there is no other than his Omnipotent Creator that the faithful can depend on. David has experienced the loving kindness of the LORD and found Him to be an immovable fortress. And although the psalmist may feel like a tottering wall , any attempt to throw him down is futile. His foes were evil hypocrites who spoke well of David when he was in their presence and slandered him behind his back. Not so his God who had upheld David no matter what had happened. His trust in Yahweh couldn’t be shaken. Those who put their trust in the LORD will find Him to be a refuge. On the contrary those who place trust in people are trusting in a mere vapour – a passing breath. Listen O hearer in the Lord God Almighty alone is strength to be found.
Psalm 63 is yet another of David’s Psalms where he recalls the times when he was hiding from Saul in the Judean wilderness. He was like a hunted deer, fearing and unable to rest, or find a place to be refreshed. God alone could give him rest and refreshment. David reflects on past support when he was in the LORD’s sanctuary. The psalmist says God’s steadfast love is better than life. And so he will continue to praise and extol his God. In these practices alone can David find any satisfaction. The psalmist will remember and think upon Yahweh’s mercy and loving kindness. He contrasts his position with that of his enemies, who will be destroyed without any recognition. King David will rejoice in Yahweh’s saving truth.

Chapter 13 of Romans developed the extension of peaceful living by explaining the purpose and practices needed in an orderly society. Deterrents are essential for the preservation of peace. Paul tells the disciple how to discern our place and practices in such a God ordained ordered society.
Chapter 14 turns its focus from living peacefully in a broad society ordered by divine discipline to the disciple’s need to fix his mind on walking in harmony and fellowship with his fellow disciples. Avoiding judging our fellow believers, but rather recognise that it is to our Lord Jesus Christ; and he alone to whom we must give account We will either stand, or fall for our own doings and not to worry too much about what anyone else does. Peripheral matters must never become a focus or basis for comparing ourselves with others.