Plagues
Second Cup, Judgement or The Cup of Plagues
All: “I will free you from the forced labor of the Egyptians….”(Exodus 6:6)
Host: Moses left the wilderness to return to Pharaoh’s palace where he had been raised as son of Pharaoh. Armed with the message from God, Moses knew he would face fierce resistance to the word of the Lord for Pharaoh believed himself to be god.
All : I know the king of Egypt will not let you leave unless he is forced to do so. I will reach out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do there. After that, he will let you go. Ex 3:19,20
Host: God sent plagues to demonstrate the Egyptian gods were not gods at all. With each powerful plague, Pharaoh hardened his heart. The Egyptians were afflicted with discomfort and disease, bane and blight. Still stubborn Pharaoh would not relent. Finally, with the last most awful plague, God pierced the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart.
All: For that night, I will pass through the land of Egypt and kill all the firstborn, both man and beast. I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt. I am ADONAI. Ex 12:12
Host: Let us fill our cups a second time. A full cup is a symbol of joy and indeed on this occasion we are filled with joy at God’s mighty deliverance. Let us also remember the great cost at which redemption was purchased. Innocent lives were sacrificed to bring about the release of God’s people from slavery. A far greater price purchased our redemption from slavery to sin---the death of our sinless, innocent Messiah, the Lamb of Adonai.
As we count each plague, let us dip a finger into the cup, allowing a drop of liquid to fall onto the plate, reducing the fullness of our cup of joy this night. The drops of wine fall into the plate, which is called the cup of the judgement of the Almighty.
All: “Is it for this cup we praise Adonai?”
Host: No, for even in judgement, Adonai loved the Egyptians as He loved the people of Israel. It is for His infinite mercies we praise Him.
All: Blood! Frogs! Lice! Flies! Cattle disease! Boils! Hail! Locusts! Darkness! Slaying the Firstborn!
(Do not drink the second cup at this time).
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