Why the Snake? From Miracle to Plagues

Note: Due to technical difficulties the first few minutes of this message were not recorded...

Chapters 1-6 prepare the way for the contest between God and Pharaoh that is about to begin in earnest in chapt 7, culminating in the deliverance of God's people and the destruction of Pharaoh's pride and power at the bottom of the Red Sea. The first exchange between Pharaoh and Moses did not go well from Moses' point of view. He lost the support of the people he had come to rescue, and he lost confidence in his mission. After reminding Moses of his sovereign purposes and certain promises, God sent his servant right back into the battle. Questions we want to ask include Why the snake? And what happens next? Why was this contest drawn out?