Well, this next section, we're going to look at, really lays out for us "The Reason for the Plagues." And this section will take us from the 14th verse of 7th chapter into the 11th chapter. I'm going to read a small section for you in a moment from Exodus 7.
But God brought ten plagues down on Egypt: The Nile into blood, frogs all over the land, lice in the livestock, flies tormenting the Egyptians, a deadly disease infecting the Egyptian livestock, boils on the people and animals, hail and fire, locusts devouring all vegetation, three days of utter darkness, and finally, the death of all the Egyptian firstborn. And Exodus 7:14-25 is a recounting of the first plague and its result. Again, a replication by the sorcerers and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart.
But I want to discuss verse 17, because here you have the reason for the demonstration of God's ultimate power over the very cells of creation. Think about this, if God can turn the molecules of water into molecules of blood, his power over creation exists even at a cellular level-cells do his bidding. And although sorcerers imitate him, they quickly give up because they do not have the power he has, and they cannot replicate every plague. "Thus says the LORD, 'By this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood...'"
You see, the plagues were apologetic. By that I mean, a physical argument for the existence, sovereignty, authority, and almighty power of God. The plagues were meant to convince Moses and Aaron, the people of Israel, the Egyptian people, and most of all, Pharaoh, that there's only one God who sits on the throne of the universe. He alone rules in power and authority. He alone has the power to assure that what he has planned will be done.
Now think about the situation here. There are probably not many of the people of Israel who are really confident in the power of God because they've been in slavery for 400 years. They probably think that either God is weak, there is no God, he's forsaken them, or he just isn't faithful to what he's promised. They've been in this dire condition for all of these years, for generations. I mean, think about this, they were in Egypt for more than twice as long as the United States has existed, it's amazing. But they could rest in the promise of deliverance that God had made, it would come to pass, and Moses and Aaron could be sure that God would accomplish his will through them.
You see, your hope should not rest on your interpretation of your ability and your circumstances. Rather, you should interpret your ability and your circumstances through the lens of God's power, and his presence with you, and the promises he has made for you. You don't judge God by your circumstances; you judge your circumstances by who God is and what he said he will do. When Jesus was about to send out his disciples to represent him and to face the persecution that would follow, he said, "All power is given to me in heaven and on earth." He is saying, "You will never be in a situation that is not ruled by me." And then he said, "Behold, I am with you always, where I send you, I go also. I rule, I'm with you. Now go!" (Matthew 28:18-20)
Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion
1. What kinds of apologetics have helped you to see the existence, sovereignty, authority, and power of God? In what ways did those specific apologetics convince you of the truth about God's identity and character?
2. Are you, like the people of Israel, in a season where you're not really confident in the power of God because your life's circumstances have been difficult? What kinds of dire conditions have you experienced to make you doubt God's strength and promises to you? How can the gospel directly address your doubts and struggles?
3. What would it look like for you to practically interpret your ability and circumstances through the lens of God's power, presence, and promises? Even though it may not seem like it sometimes, every situation you encounter is ruled by God--how does this truth provide you with hope? As a child of God, what helps you to remember that you are never alone because his presence is always with you?
For Younger Children:
1. What kinds of situations make you afraid? Is there anything that makes you more nervous than normal? How does God want you to experience him when you face scary situations?
2. How can we know that God is in control of everything, all the time? When you remember that God is always with you in every situation, how does that help you to be courageous instead of afraid?
For Older Children:
1. What in life makes you nervous or afraid? How have those scary situations or people controlled you or had power over you?
2. Why can we trust that whatever we face, we are never alone? How does God's presence with you help to calm your fears and anxious thoughts? What helps you to remember that you are never alone because his presence is always with you?
3. How can we help each other remember the truth of God's power and presence in our lives?
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