“But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the Lord, am in the midst of the land. I will put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign will occur.” (Exodus 8:22–23, NASB95)

The story of the Exodus in a very real way sums up how God works throughout history. It sometimes rains on the just and the unjust (both Israel and Egypt were affected by some of the plagues). Other times, the Lord makes a distinction between His people and the rest of the world (only Egypt bears the effect of the plague, while Goshen is spared).  The important part of this is to understand why the Lord makes the distinction.

First, He makes the distinction because He loves His people and does not want them to suffer under the wrath He inflicts upon others. Like the Israelites, we are the Lord’s chosen people. We are a “chosen race and a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).  What a comfort it should be to us today that the Lord throughout history, and even today, continues to make that same distinction out of love and compassion for His children.

Second, He makes the distinction so that the ones who are experiencing His wrath know that He is the Lord. Even in discipline the Lord seeks repentance. It was/is the Lord’s desire that those who currently are not His people would acknowledge Him and come to know Him through the discipline they are experiencing. I find it comforting that the Lord never disciplines just for discipline’s sake. He always has a redemptive purpose behind His discipline.

Today, join me in praising the Lord that He is a God who distinguishes between  His children and the rest of the world.  Let’s thank Him for the grace and mercy that He provides us because of our relationship with Him.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church