Death of the firstborn

Exodus 12:29-32 Click here for the reading

Given the section of this reading, hard to discern what to make of it.  But I am struck today by the very audacity Pharaoh makes in casting out Moses and Aaron and all of the Israelites after all the plagues sent down on him, after all the signs pointing to this moment....it is the death of the firstborns....(a reversal of the passover that the Israelites experienced - saving of the children of Israel) that takes Pharaoh over the edge and dismisses these Israelites much like the villains in a scooby doo episode. "I would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for those meddling kids."

Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron, the ones who have been battling all along, to bless him.  Through all the power struggle within Exodus already, the most powerful person in the world asks these lowly Hebrews for a blessing.  Why? Gracious loser? Accepting defeat? Admission of role reversals? Can't be, not with what is coming next....(Hint:Its a chase scene)

I can't wrap my head around it.  BUT God was the one that hardened Pharaoh's heart. So God can soften it too.

When have you been surprised by someone in power? Why?

Lord give us wisdom to discern the mysteries in which you operate.  Give us grace to recieve them as mystery and know you are still at work without proof of reason or rationale. - Amen