An Unloved Woman by M. A. Cameron

Author:M. A. Cameron
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
Published: 2019-11-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

I Am the Lord

In the previous chapter, our survey provided a bird’s eye view of the relationship between the nation of Israel and their God. We saw that, despite their rebellious behaviour, God reassured them that his commitment to them was unwavering. Their special status as his chosen people would be re-established. A faithless wife, Israel had the promise that God, her husband, would resume their marriage. Through this survey the values that God holds dear are brought into sharp relief. The contrasts are unmistakable.

God is immutable. That is, he never changes. His values and plans are the same today as they were when he first spoke to Abraham over four thousand years ago. Our lives are so different to the lives of those who peopled the many biblical stories. It is hard to identify with these individuals and the socio-political experiences that are related.

With this in mind, inevitable questions arise. Is God still interested in whether his commands are broken? Is he serious about judging adulterers? An answer to these questions may be found by once more surveying Scripture.

One of the earliest involvements that God had with the people of Israel is when they were enslaved in Egypt. From an extended family of just seventy, their numbers multiplied. They began to be viewed as a threat by the Egyptians. They suffered at the hands of the Egyptians. In response, God called to Moses to lead the people to the land of Canaan.

Moses met with the king, the Pharaoh Ramesses11 and commanded him to release the Israelites. He refused and God brought about various judgements upon Egypt to convince Ramesses to change his mind and submit. It was at this time that definitive evidence of God’s plans and motivations were made manifest. When Moses approached him, Ramesses refused to release the Israelites. In response, God brought a plague upon Egypt. He turned all of the water into blood. There was one reason only that this plague was sent:

“By this you shall know that I am the Lord.”

Exodus 7:17

It is true that God wanted his people to be set free. Their release was a demonstration of his power. Yet this above reference, is his underlying motive. Throughout the process of the continuing plagues, God’s attitude is on display. He repeatedly states that his ultimate purposes are for revelation. By his actions he becomes known. God even speaks to Ramesses. He tells him that his life is for a specific purpose. It was not his governmental talents or his massive building projects. God tells Ramesses:

“But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Exodus 9:16

As Ramesses repeatedly resisted Moses’ demands, further plagues eventuated, each worse than the one before. Each message to Ramesses was accompanied by this declaration of the lordship of God, and his plan to bring judgement upon rebellion.

This theme of judgement is deeply connected to God and his integrity. His reputation is tied to his actions.

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