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Writer's pictureAlan Fong

Nile Nightmare

Today’s Verse:

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. ~Job 27:6

 

A couple of years ago, the people living in Flint, MI had to deal with the discovery that their drinking water had many contaminants in it, making it unfit for human consumption. Needless to say, this affected everyone in the city and turned life into a “safe water crisis.” This morning, we are considering a water crisis of epic proportion. We are considering the first of ten plagues that God brought upon the nation of Egypt when he turned the venerated Nile River into blood.

We see the deifying of the Nile.

The nation of Egypt was completely dependent upon the Nile for its water and food supply. Transportation was conducted via this waterway. Even more so was the fact that the Nile was one of the many idolatrous deities the Egyptians worshipped. The Nile was considered the god of life. It was believed that Osiris (god of the Nile) and Nu (god of life) had their origins in the Nile. It was not uncommon for babies to be sacrificed in the Nile. These people firmly believed the source and sustenance of life was dependent upon the Nile.

We see the debilitating of the Nile.

God sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh to demand that he set the Hebrews free from bondage. Pharaoh defiantly said “No!” As Aaron lifted his rod over the Nile River that fateful early morning, the entire river and all other water sources turned into blood. It was no longer a waterway but blood! All forms of life died. Water could not be found for consumption, cleaning, or cooking. The people dug about for water, but no water could be found. The Nile had been debilitated by God!

We see the disappointment of the Nile.

What these people revered and worshipped had just died on them! The water was undrinkable! The water turned into blood quickly, bringing in a foul smell throughout Egypt. Fish, river life, and plants died. What they thought was the source of life became a source of death. Their god had died on them and there was nothing they do to change it back. Life became desperate and deadly. People began digging in hope of finding water, but they found none. Their water was undrinkable, their food sources died, the air had a putrid stink, and blood was everywhere. The god they worshipped had become a nightmare to every household.

We see the didactic of the Nile.

The God of Heaven showed up that morning and demonstrated to Pharaoh and Egypt he alone is the true and living God! God exposed the false worship of the Egyptians. Satan is a liar, but Jesus is all truth! Only the true and living God gives life. Satan has the power of death, but Jesus has the power of life! God alone has the power to change. He changed water into blood. Years later, Jesus went to a wedding in Cana of Galilee where he would turn water into wine to reverse what could have been a disastrous situation. The greatest change God does is when a sinner repents of his sin and accepts Jesus as his Savior: this person becomes a new creature in Christ! The water turned into blood is an awakening: that whenever you worship other god turns into a disaster and disappoints. Jesus Christ is the living water. Whoever drinks of the water that he gives never will thirst again.

What is it you are trusting in? Has your education pursuit, career, job, business, hobby, or some relationship become your life source that you are dependent upon? Could it be that God might have to turn that life source into blood to awaken you that there is only one God who is deserving of your worship and your life? Be aware your Nile does not become your nightmare!

Have a prioritized God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Hosea 1-7

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