exodus 14

i was reading in my quiet time this morning from exodus.

the israelites have finally gotten out of egypt after the ten plagues.

they escape to the red sea, and God tells moses:

"I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them [the Israelites],

and I will get the glory over Pharaoh and all his host,

and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord."

[vs.4]

i was so struck by how passionate God is about his glory in this sentence.

he PLANNED for the egyptians to pursue his people.

the israelites panic when they see that they are being followed,

but GOD already KNEW. he is so worthy of trust.

he allows the people to cross through the parted red sea on dry ground,

and then when the egyptians go through, he sends the waves crashing down.

his purpose in changing pharaoh's mind was to be able to magnify his glory.

"I will get the glory OVER pharaoh" is really scary.

i was really struck by how passionate and furious this phrase sounds.

God will stop at nothing to bring himself glory.

but he is kind and loves his people.

he is the only being worthy of receiving all the glory,

and that's why its right for him to plan things for his own glory.

his people find joy when he is praised and magnified.

therefore it is kind of God to glorify himself.