God is in Power

Readings for this Article: Exodus 7-12

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been studying the plagues that God placed upon Egypt and how those plagues fulfill God’s statement that He “against all the gods of Egypt” He would “execute judgment” (Exodus 12:12).  While this study is far from complete at the moment, there are a few observations that I wanted to share that might beneficial spiritually in our present time. 

There are a few different perspectives that are presented, although they each end up at the same basic conclusion: God rules in the kingdoms of men (Daniel 5:21).  Some conclude that each plague addresses one (or, in some instances, multiple) gods, and some conclude that God was essentially demolishing one “king of the gods” entity, thereby pronouncing judgment on all the sub-gods at the same time.  The latter is based on the fact that throughout Egyptian history, they had 2,000+/- deities, although some were more popular/worshipped than others.  There are reasonable arguments to be considered for both perspectives (which will be explored more later in the sermon), but both of these concepts end with God being victorious over all of the gods of Egypt.  That being said, it is actually more impressive that each plague be associated with more than one Egyptian god.  For instance, some assert that since there were multiple gods that ruled over the Nile in Egyptian mythology that it would be impossible to associate the plague with a single god.  However, consider that argument from this perspective: if there were multiple gods in control of the Nile (according to the Egyptians), then NONE of them were powerful enough to thwart the one true God. Finally, many of the Pharaohs considered themselves to be gods, and yet God destroyed the Pharaoh in the end as well.

In three instances, the magicians of Pharaoh were able to duplicate either miracles or plagues (rods to snakes, water to blood, and frogs).  In each of these instances (Exodus 7:11-13, 22; 8:7), the duplication hardened the heart of Pharaoh (note, however, that while the magicians duplicated rods to serpents, Aaron’s rod “swallowed up their rods,” thereby exerting God’s authority even in this instance).  However, it is written that when the magicians tried to duplicate the plague of lice that “they could not” and that they recognized the “finger of God” (Exodus 8:18-19).  By the plague of boils, the magicians were unable to even stand in front of Moses due to their own boils (Exodus 9:11).  By following these events, we see that Pharaoh had great faith in his magicians, and yet God overwhelmed them step-by-step to the point that they could no longer physically stand before Him. 

These are but a few observations that we can make concerning the plagues of Egypt, but there is a lot to learn.  For the Israelites, these events should have acted as evidences of God’s overall power and that He could (with their obedience) protect and provide for them.  For the Egyptians, it should have convinced them that their belief was misplaced in their own “gods” and rulers.  What should it teach us? That God is in power, no matter what, and that He can see through and save even on an individual level (Daniel 5:21; Psalm 68:35, 114:1-8; Genesis 6:1-12, 19:1-29). 

Finally, think about how the Israelites must have felt while watching the plagues happen around them (note that the plagues happened around their land, but not to them).  Fear? Anxious? And yet God maintained control and preserved them from the destruction around them.  As we close, consider the following passage and how it applies to every Christian (no matter what circumstances we might find ourselves in):

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things (Philippians 4:6-8)