1. The Lord comes to Egypt (1-16)

Egypt was Israel's enemy. But God wants all people to worship him; so his people must be missionaries even to their enemies. When the Lord comes to Egypt, he comes to judge. He stirs up brother against brother, and the Egyptians lose heart. When they consult idols and spiritists, he uses another powerful country as his rod of judgment. Natural disasters bring economic distress. When there are no shepherds to lead the people, they become weak and fearful.

2. The Lord's altar in Egypt (17-25)

God's punishment is redemptive. He punishes Egypt so that they may repent and cry out to him. He is ready to hear and heal their land. God looks forward to the day when former enemies-Assyria, Egypt and Israel-all worship the Lord and become a blessing on the earth (24,25). God longs to call all people, 'My people.' This is God's vision.

Application: Lord, thank you for wanting to save all people--and for striking in order to heal.
One Word: God strikes and God heals