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Exodus 7:8–13 “A Heart That Demands a Sign”

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3–5 minutes

Exodus 7:8-13 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

God tells Moses and Aaron what will happen when they return to Pharaoh. Pharaoh will demand a sign proving that releasing the Israelites is God’s will. God instructs them to throw down the staff before Pharaoh, and it will turn into a serpent (vv. 8–9).

When they go to Pharaoh and ask him to let the Israelites go, just as God had said, Pharaoh demands a sign as proof that this is truly God’s will (v. 10). Moses tells Aaron to throw down the staff before Pharaoh, and it becomes a serpent.

Pharaoh then summons his court magicians. Using their secret arts, they also turn their staffs into serpents (vv. 11–12). But Aaron’s serpent swallows up their serpents. Even after witnessing this, Pharaoh “hardened his heart” (v. 13) and refused to listen. He was not someone who would change his mind so easily.

Meditation:

Pharaoh spoke as if he would believe only if he was shown clear evidence. But he did not believe it, no matter what signs were presented. In the end, the reason he let the Israelites go was not because he came to believe in God through the signs, but because he could no longer endure the plagues. His heart was already determined not to believe it when he demanded a sign. No evidence is powerful enough to open a heart that has already decided not to believe. If Pharaoh had truly sought to discern God’s will, when he saw Aaron’s staff swallow the staffs of the magicians, he might have said, “There’s something going on here!” and reconsidered his disbelief. Had he done so, perhaps he would not have met such ruin.

When Jesus ministered in Galilee, the Pharisees “demanded a sign from heaven” (Mark 8:11), asking for undeniable proof that He had come from God. Jesus, deeply grieved by the posture of their hearts, replied, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it” (v. 12). This response means, “No sign will make a difference for this generation.” Their hearts were already darkened and hardened so that no sign would be effective.

When Pharaoh saw Aaron’s staff turn into a serpent, he may have thought, “My magicians can easily do that! Show me something greater!” The signs performed by the magicians and Aaron looked similar on the surface. But just because things appear similar outwardly does not mean they are the same. To live by faith in God means to perceive God’s hand even in what looks like coincidence or random events. It means recognizing the divine in the everyday. When we live like that, we experience miracles every day.

Prayer:

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts so that we may see Your rhythm flowing throughout all creation. Open the ears of our hearts so that we may hear Your voice echoing across the universe. Help us to realize that living each day is a miracle. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Believing in God isn’t about seeing bigger or flashier signs. It’s about having a heart that truly wants to see and hear Him. When our hearts are open, we notice God’s miracles all around us—even in the little things of everyday life.

  • For Preschool-Elementary
    • If you could ask God to show you something amazing, what would you ask for—and why?
    • Do you think believing in God would be easy or hard if you saw a miracle? Why?
    • Can you think of something small that feels like a gift from God today (like a hug, a flower, or a kind friend)?

  • For Youth
    • Why do you think Pharaoh didn’t believe, even after seeing a miracle? Have you ever wanted more “proof” from God?
    • Jesus said that no sign would be enough for people who don’t want to believe. What kind of heart do you think God is looking for in us?
    • What everyday things might be signs of God’s presence if we really pay attention?

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