Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
God has sent plague after plague on the nation of Egypt. The magicians have been able to duplicate everyone of them. They are not all that impressed with what Moses and Aaron are able to do. Then all of a sudden here comes a plague that is out of their league.
They realize that God Himself must be involved. They state to Pharaoh that this is not just a trick, it is not just normal magic. This is God.
The truth is that much of what we do in church can be imitated by the world. Their psychology, their 12 step programs, therapy, even TV talk shows can accomplish good things. Often they are more impressive than even the church.
But we must go a step further. We must so yield ourselves to God and obey Him that God Himself does a work that Satan nor his workers can counterfeit.
I want a work where God has placed His finger. I want God to be doing something in and through us that is greater than what the world system is able to do.
But we do need to be reminded that though God Himself work in and through us that doesn’t mean that they are going to love or respect God or His church. Pharaoh saw what God had done. He had the testimony of the magicians yet he still refused to believe.
So the lesson for today is that we need God to move in and through us. Let us be very busy seeking Him and His will for our lives. Let’s be careful not to do His work in the flesh, our ability, etc.
But let’s remember also that they may very well reject God and His work because they are so caught up in themselves and this world’s system.
God move in our midsts. God show your power. God help your people to believe you and look to you even when the world rejects you and all that you have to say!
Great devotion! I love this passage. Only God can take something that is not living (dirt) and make it alive (lice). Only through His power can we fulfill the purpose and mission of the church.