In the LORD, collateral damage has a definite purpose: however, it may not give us any comfort to know what it is. But, we will still pursue the knowledge of this portion of the way of the LORD. So, I guess we will just have to be uncomfortable, some more.
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One of the purposes for collateral damage is to broaden the base of understanding. Among the more public times that, that purpose was evident, is this one.
And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.
And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
(Exodus 7:6-13)
Oh, the calamity for the poor serpents. They were not involved in the decision to be destroyed for the sake of understanding. No, this is not just a calamity for serpents and other creatures. In time, we will see the human collateral that was damaged. Please note the beginning of collateral damage that is in this portion of the event: he hardened Pharaoh’s heart. As proceeding from that damage to Pharaoh; Pharaoh stretched his influence out, and dragged much collateral into several episodes of damage. Those episodes of damage are enumerated in the plagues of Egypt, as occurred during the redemption of the children of Israel. Here is an overview of that time, as speaking of the LORD, and telling . . .
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– Explore Collateral Damage and the Heart of God: Part Seven –