LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
 
Wednesday 15th April 2026

A DIVINE DISTINCTION

Scripture Reading:* Exodus 7
 
> _For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said. *Exodus 7:12–13*_
 
The Pharaoh’s wise men, sorcerers, and magicians responded to Moses and Aaron’s actions. They also threw down their rods as Moses and Aaron had done, and their rods turned into serpents.
 
It is instructive that Pharaoh’s spiritual gurus could only replicate what Moses had done. They didn’t do anything different. Neither did they do anything better. That is the true nature of a counterfeit. It only mirrors but does not originate.
 
The scriptures simply state that Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. You get the impression that it was a quick showdown. The word ‘swallow’ has these implications.

To Overwhelm.

This has to do with establishing superiority. The moment the rods of the magicians turned into serpents, that of Aaron, though outnumbered, dominated. What Moses and Aaron had produced was far superior to their challengers.

To Destroy.

This has to do with breaking down something that used to stand. Though the serpents of the magicians seemed to project some strength and power, they were swallowed in an instant.

To Eradicate.

 This has to do with erasing something from view and from existence. After the showdown, the magicians were without their rods. Their sign of authority with which they showed their power had been consumed and was nowhere to be found.
 
When Aaron’s snake swallowed those of Pharaoh’s courtiers, God demonstrated His supremacy over the gods of Egypt. In the end, whatever is of God stands. There may be some mimicry of His power, but He comes in to establish his victory over them.
 
Prayer:

Heavenly Father, let your power swallow up every evil power at work in my presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.