Exodus 5-12   God's message to Moses and Aaron was clear.. He was going to work in such a way that everyone.. even Pharaoh... would know the He is the Lord. God's message to Pharaoh was "Let My  people go... " 

At first things didn't go well for the people of Israel.. they actually got worse!  But, day after day, they began to see the Lord's power displayed.. 

Water turned into blood.

Frogs that covered the land.

Gnats that rose up out of the dust.

Livestock dying in the fields.

Boils breaking out on their bodies.

Hail raining down and destroying the crops... but, not on those belonging to the Hebrews.

Locusts that invaded and stripped every green thing in all the land of Egypt, with the exception of the Hebrew's land. 

Darkness that fell over the land for 3 days.. except for the Hebrew's homes. 

Then.. the final plague.  Death to the first born of every Egyptian "from the first-born of Pharaoh who sits on the throne, even to the first-born of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the first-born of the cattle as well." (11:5)

The Lord commanded the people of Israel to prepare for this last show of His power and wonders. They were to prepare for that night. They had to set aside a perfect lamb. They had to prepare the lamb.. taking his shed blood and putting it on the doorposts and lintels of their homes.  The lamb had to be roasted.. the bread had to be unleavened.. they had to stay indoors.. they needed to remember this night forever. 

The day came. Israel obeyed all the Lord commanded them.  The Lord did everything He said He would do. And Israel walked out of Egypt 430 years after they had come in.  Over 600,000 men plus women and children, flocks and herds.. and gifts of silver, gold and clothing from their Egyptian neighbors. 

Father, You are the Lord. Sovereign King and Creator.  Every nation is subject to Your command.  Yet, some still harden their hearts, just like Pharaoh.  May we remember what You did those many years ago.. and acknowledge that You are and always will be  the Lord!  Let Your will be done in our nation today, Lord!  Let our hearts be yielded and ready to obey Your Word. Bring repentance and humble us before Your throne. Change hard hearts, Lord God..  May we know the greatness and wonder of our God.. in new ways.. Shine Your light on us today we pray. In Jesus' name . amen.