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For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND IN ORDER THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.”

Romans 9:17, LSB

Most people like to feel like they are in control of their lives. This is true when we consider the will of the people, which is expressed in mottos such as “My Body, My Choice” or the importance of Informed Consent. When we look to Paul’s quoting of Exodus and are reminded of the way God used Pharaoh to show His power and His mercy. It wasn’t that God allowed for sin, but God can restrain the will and use the evil present in another’s heart for His purposes, like with Joseph and his brothers, what was meant for evil was used to do good. God is the one who gives anyone power, whether they be good or evil. He may also take the power of any ruler away like Nebuchadnezzar for a time or their life like Belshazzar. We remember these rulers not because of their greatness but because of the stories told of them by God’s Word and how their lives were used to show God’s glory. God can do the same through us as we humble ourselves to His lead and seek to be faithful to His Word. He can use us to be a light in the lives we encounter and proclaim His glory through us. We don’t have to be anyone of great power, but we can reflect the One who holds all the power and be beacons of peace in a chaotic world.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.