Vin Smith Concert Pianist. Piano Tuner. Talk Show Host. Novelist.

Aaron's action of throwing down his rod (Exodus 7:10) was a clever gambit directed by God. Let's read the line: "And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent."

This move by Aaron, under God's direction, can be likened to a smart chess move by a master. For immediately, "...Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments."

Now Pharaoh was committed to his ill-considered tussle with the God of Heaven... "For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents..." The first part of verse eleven must have brought a momentary evil smile to Pharaoh's face. However, the lesson continued, the last part of verse eleven reads, "...but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods." 

It was clear that Egypt's gods were an illusion perpetrated by magicians. Yet, the Lord "... hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. 

Haters, non-believers, evil-doers that they are, do not, will not believe no matter what proof they are confronted with. The same kind of non-believers surrounded the Cross fourteen centuries later. When the scoffers said, "...come down from the Cross and save yourself!" (Mark 15:30) NIV, 

The scoffers at the Cross were nothing like the meticulous thinker "Doubting Thomas" had always been. Thomas simply wanted to "be shown," 

Pharaoh was exactly like those who jeered our Lord at the cross. His heart was so full of hate, none of the earlier plagues would persuade him. He even sent his troops to their deaths because he was so blinded--even after he had first relented after multiple refusals to let God's people go.

Yet, Aaron's rod had more to tell us than merely the unstoppable power of force when directed by God's will. God caused another miracle which clearly showed that Aaron now possessed a new nature. Aaron's rod started to bud, blossom, and then produce fruit--which showed that Aaron had obtained the wisdom, understanding, and finally knowledge of the LORD that would enable him to carry out priestly duties.

June 03 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report