Exodus 9
“Then whoever feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses” (verse 20.)
These are the people and livestock that lived.
“But whoever did not pay attention to the word of the Lord left his slaves and his livestock in the field” (verse 21.)
These are the people and livestock that died.
Do you see it? Fearing the word of the Lord meant life. Ignoring the word of the Lord meant death.
Proverbs 1:32-33 teaches that the simple turn away from the word of the Lord and are killed. Whoever listens to wisdom, however, dwells secure.
The word of the Lord is life giving. It provides protection. It gives guidance.
It seems simple. “Do this and live.” And, yet, many did not. They ignored the warning and paid the price. How often do I do the same?
I know to hold my tongue and, yet, I let the words fly.
I know to forgive and, yet, I cling to my anger.
I know to overlook an offense and, yet, I choose to be offended.
I know to spend time in the Word and, yet, I occupy my mind with other things.
How often do I, like the group in Exodus 9:21, not pay attention to the word of the Lord?
