First there was blood. Now, frogs. As I sit in my front row seat, my eyes darting back and forth from an earthly king to the One who created him, I am mesmerized by the wrestle taking place.
An Egyptian king refused to give up power and control and had no idea that his heart was in the hand of the Almighty, who could harden it, soften it, turn it, or stop it in the blink of an eye. This king was never actually in control, and had no power with which to hold God off. He only thought he did.
(I wonder if that’s us as well… fighting to hold onto control that we never had in the first place.)
The frogs died and Pharoah’s will did not, so bring in the gnats. As it turns out, gnats were the limit of the king’s magician’s dark magic. Who knew? To their credit, they did tell Pharoah that the gnats were from “the finger of God”, but their words fell on a hard heart. Take a seat, magicians, your job here is done.
Flies are now taking the stage, and God is about to change things up. “But on that day I will give special treatment to the land of Goshen, where My people are living; no flies will be there. This way you will know that I, the Lord, am in the land. I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.”
Do you know that God has made a distinction between you and those who do not know Him? You are different, and I pray you stay that way.)
Let the negotiations begin! First, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Go sacrifice to your God within the country.” No can do sir, because we’re going to kill things that you think are sacred and that’ll start a riot. We’re gonna have to leave the country, go for a 3 day walk.
Ok, fine. Don’t go far. And say a prayer about all these flies.
Flies leave. Pharoah’s rebellion stayed behind and changed his mind. Let My people go is a hard no. Oh Pharoah. Bless your wicked little heart. You’re about to learn such a hard lesson. God is coming after His people and you, sir, do not stand a chance. His victory is certain. But I guarantee that by the time this story is over, you will know that there is but one God, and He is more powerful than you ever dreamed of being.
Roughly 1500 years after the exodus from Egypt, Christ was born and once again, God was coming after His people to rescue them from slavery. Victory was and remains certain.
Today is a good day to remember that you have a mighty God with power that can be met by no man. You have a God that has come after you in a spectacular display of love to rescue you, and now calls you His own. You are safe. You are loved. You have been fought for by the Creator of heaven and earth.
Karla Jo Wasion 