Exodus 7-9, Psalm 19
Exodus 8:18-19 (NLT)
“Pharaoh’s magicians tried to do the same thing with their
secret arts, but this time they failed. And the gnats covered everyone, people
and animals alike. ‘This is the finger of God!’ the magicians exclaimed to
Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. He wouldn’t listen to them, just as
the Lord had predicted.”
In Exodus 8:18–19, Pharaoh’s magicians finally admit that
their power is limited and that the God of Moses is greater than their own. The
magicians had previously been able to replicate some of the earlier
signs—turning staffs into serpents, water into blood, and even the plague of
frogs. However, they were unable to reproduce the plague of gnats. At that
point, they acknowledged that this plague was the “finger of God,”
recognizing that the power at work through Moses exceeded their abilities. Even
so, Pharaoh refused to listen to their warning. Because of his stubbornness and
pride, he rejected the evidence of Father-God’s power, just as the Lord had
foretold.
I have always found it striking that it took ten signs and
wonders before Pharaoh finally allowed the people to leave Egypt. This passage
helps me see how stubbornness and pride can prevent people from recognizing the
power of the Lord, even when it is plainly revealed. Pharaoh ignored the
counsel of his own advisors when they acknowledged that the God of Moses was
greater than they were. Some biblical scholars have noted that the plague of
gnats may not have affected Pharaoh directly, since he could retreat into his
palace. It was not until Pharaoh experienced a personal loss that his
resistance began to break.
When I look back on my own life, I can see how stubbornness
and pride sometimes kept me from asking the Lord for help. I took confidence in
my intellect and my ability to solve problems on my own, and I was patient
enough to exhaust every option before turning to God. These verses remind me
that Father-God is sovereign and that nothing can ultimately stand in the way
of His will. Even human pride and resistance cannot prevent the Lord from
accomplishing His purposes in the world—or in our lives.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place
your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who is sovereign and able to work through
every situation to accomplish His plan for your life—this may be your moment.
Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer, expressing your trust, your
desire to walk with Him, and your willingness to welcome His presence into your
life. God is faithful and ready to meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for
all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart
that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is
my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of
salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made
new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of
Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel,
Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s
love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Being part of a Holy Spirit–led church community has deeply
shaped my faith. If you’re searching for a place to grow, worship, and
encounter God, you can explore my church and its affiliated campuses here: https://revivaltoday.com/
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