Egypt’s extensive blackouts

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt” (Exodus 10:21).

Ten horrible judgments came upon Egypt, because they refused to “let my people go.” The above Scripture describes the ninth plague. Most unusual is the statement, “darkness which may be felt.” With this, the Bible reveals that darkness is matter; it is much more than the absence of light. Here we are reminded of what many scientists speak of as a “black hole.” Indeed, in outer space there is nothing but darkness.

This also reminds us of the article from The Media Line regarding Egypt’s extensive blackouts.

Amid extreme temperatures, the state-owned electricity company is struggling to meet the demand for electricity and air conditioning in a population of over 114 million.

Government officials blame the power crisis on the ongoing high temperatures and supply issues, which “disrupted pre-planned coordination to secure the necessary fuel quantities for the increased summer consumption.”

-themedialine.org, 1 July 2024

A contributing factor is Israel’s natural gas supply reduction, which they claim is in response to Egypt’s lack of cooperation relating to the Gaza war.

Another article, this time from The Jerusalem Post, reveals how Israel—despite now having an abundance of natural gas—continues to build gigantic solar energy storage facilities.

Enlight Renewable Energy has commissioned two new projects in Israel, bringing their number of solar storage units in the country up to 9, the company announced. 

By the end of 2024, Enlight estimates that with the help of international partners, 632 MW of generation and 1,880 MWh of storage will be operating in an integrated configuration. 

Enlight now has a total of four projects connected to the grid in the Gaza border communities since October 2023. Adding to the achievement, these projects were completed despite delays caused by the security situation in the area.

-www.jpost.com, 9 July 2024

Back to Exodus 10; we see Egypt in total darkness, “even darkness which may be felt.” Verse 23 declares: “They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” In the land of darkness, Israel had light.

What a mighty message for us believers. We are living in a world of darkness. The apostle Paul warns, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). 

It is unfortunate that so many dear servants of the Lord attempt to enlighten their government politically, which will never work. So, what are we supposed to do? Here the answer in Ephesians 6:12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Quite clearly, not political; we stand in opposition to “the rulers of the darkness of this world.” 

We do not have identifiable enemies (flesh and blood). Presently, the “favorite” enemies are Russia, Iran, North Korea, China, etc. Yet within these nations, Jesus is building His Church—light in the midst of darkness. 

In the very instructive chapter 5 of Matthew, Jesus admonishes us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (verse 16). Note carefully that the light is the Lord Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

When we practice God’s instruction, something happens to those in darkness: “may see your good works.” Unfortunately, we often do the opposite: showing off our works. Thus, the light is darkened.

In the meantime, Israel is fighting for its survival, but we hear the prophet Joel proclaim their future: “The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel” (Joel 3:16).

Midnight Call - 09/2024