Proof that God's Power Controls Everything and that the Lord is the Savior in Every Land and Place

Exodus 8:16-19

L/W—We discussed the 2nd of 10 proofs of God, His divine nature, and His divine character

Proof that God has no equal; there is no one like our God

T/W—We will discuss the next 2 proofs about God—seen in the plagues of judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt

Proof that God’s power controls everything (plague of lice/gnats)

(READ Exodus 8:16-19)

God’s Word lays out the truth about creation:

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Psalm 8:3 “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,”

Psalm 33:6-10 “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.”

Who is responsible, and Who holds it together:

Colossians 1:16; “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”

God Himself declares this truth when He spoke to Job in Job 38 and 39:

Job 38:4-7 ““Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?” ‘

God lays this out and more in these chapters in Job

The are not many “gods.” There is only one Lord God of the universe, only One who is both ELOHIM and YAHWEH—the only One Creator and the only One who is Savior—who can deliver and redeem man (us).

This is the lesson Pharaoh and the Egyptians needed to learn—needed to be shown. Pharaoh, as we know, thought himself a god and the Egyptians revered him as one. Pharaoh was power-hungry and he craved control—as seen in how he ruled Egypt and more-so in his relentless pursuit to hold his oppressive thumb on the Israelites.

He needed a right lesson about Who has ultimate control

This is also a lesson for each of us. Why?

First—we again, need to be reminded that Pharaoh is a picture of Satan and Egypt a picture of the systems of this world. As such, Satan and the systems of this world want nothing more than to see you controlled & held in idolatry by systems of this world.

Secondly, on a more personal level—each of us at some level—to some degree—struggle with the need for control, particularly the control that stems from our sinful distrust of the Lord. In our need of control we display a lack of trust in God:

In our sin, instead of entrusting the Lord, we try and control it ourselves (this certainly is/was part of my testimony)

In our situations/circumstances, instead of entrusting them to wisdom of the Lord, we try and manipulate, figure out, and control our outcomes our way, in our own wisdom.

In our relationships, instead of entrusting them to the Lord, we try to control them to feed our own appetites, dreams, and personal needs.

The sin of distrust—and the sin of control—has the ability to touch any/every part of our lives if we are not careful, if we are not disciplined, and if we are not on guard.

Pharaoh was consumed with having, maintaining, and insisting, he was in complete control (of himself, his household, and his kingdom). Yet this contrl had led him, his family, and his nations into idolatry and sin—along with the enslavement of the nation of Israel.

Here, in today’s look at God’s 3rd plague of judgment against Pharaoh, God proves His power to control everything, using the most minute thing visible to man’s naked eye

I. (v.16-18) The Day of Judgment Arrived

Exodus 8:16-18 “So the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the land, so that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.’ ” And they did so. For Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod and struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice on man and beast. All the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. Now the magicians so worked with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and beast.”

(CONTEXT)-Note this:

There was no warning of this particular plague

Pharaoh should have expected it. Why

Exodus 8:15 “But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said.”

The Lord was not going to allow Pharaoh to escape; not after his continued defiance/refusal/denial of Himself or His commandment, unless:

They turned from their idolatry (repented)

They turned to God and forsake their sins

(FOUR THINGS)

The Lord gave His charge to Moses (v.16)

The result? Billions and billions of insects (kinnim)

The Hebrew word— used only here in Exodus and in Psalm 105:31, indicates lice or most likely gnats; but has been translated as, “mosquitos, fleas, sand-flies, maggots, and gadflies”

Whatever the insect was, “all the dust of the land throughout all the land of Egypt,” became as gnats/lice

Moses and Aaron obeyed God’s command (v.17)

Judgment was immediate (v.17)

Dust became lice or gnats

Lice or gnats swarmed, “on man and beast.” (all over the people and the animals)

All the dust—so thick no one could escape being attacked

False magicians (messengers) attempted to imitate the miracle—but failed (v.18)

Unlike before—the deceit of the false messengers (magicians) failed here

Unlike before—the false messengers were defeated in the eyes of Pharaoh and the Egyptians

They could neither stop the judgment or deliver the people from the judgment

(CONNECTION-YOU AND ME)

In the broad stroke look at this-The day of judgment, when Christ returns, calls the church home and judges those who refused Him is an unknown—no man knows the day or the hour.

For the believer this is a hope and an admonition—

Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

1 Peter 4:7-11 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

For the unbeliever, we know God is patient—but there will come a day when Christ will return and it will be too late:

2 Corinthians 6:2 “For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Matthew 24:35-36 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

In the personal look at this connection, let’s go back to Exodus 8:15 “But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said.” (Last week we learned from this verse about true confession & repentance—this week we look at what it teaches us about God)

The Lord will not be mocked

Deuteronomy 6:16 ““You shall not tempt the Lord your God as you tempted Him in Massah.”

Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

Nothing is hidden from the Lord

Luke 8:17 “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.”

Luke 12:2-3 “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”

Hebrews 4:13 “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Numbers 32:23 “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.”

We cannot live or have our being outside of God’s purview or knowledge

Psalm 139 as a whole speaks to God’s perfect knowledge of man; in verses 1-5 we get an idea of just how much: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”

II.(v.19) The Purpose of this Judgment: To Prove the finger (power) of God controls all things, even the minute dust of the ground.

Exodus 8:19 “Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the Lord had said.”

(CONTEXT)

The scene: (dramatic)

Magicians were humbled by the power (finger) of God

Magicians had failed to help the king and the people

The reality

The only hope to save their position/save the people was to lead Pharaoh to acknowledge the existence and power of the Lord

They declared this truth: “This is the finger of God.”

All God had to do was “lift His finger.”

What was accomplished?

This was an attack on the Egyptian’s “protecting god” of the earth

This was proof that God was (is) omnipotent and sovereign over ALL things on the earth—not ANY earthly, man-made “god”

(CONNECTION-YOU AND ME)

God controls all things—from holding the universe together to the most minute things (visible or invisible)—He holds and controls basic elements and the building blocks of life: Think about what this includes:

Particles

Matter/energy

Atoms/Protons/Neutrons

DNA

Cells/life

God holds all things together

Nehemiah 9:6 “You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.”

John 1:3 “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV) “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

What all this means

If the Lord can hold the universe together and He can hold those things which are invisible together—He can

Redeem you, save you, restore you

Hold you, look after you, provide for you, and keep you

Think for a moment how valuable you are:

Compared to the vastness and complexity of the universe, it’s not a leap for some people to say, “Why am I here,” or “What’s my purpose here,” if “God is so big and I am so small”

Yet the designation God established in Genesis 2:7 speaks to just how valuable you are, b/c no other part of God’s creation was created for the purpose you were created for

Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

No matter what the enemy says—you are not insignificant—you are valuable to God because He created, formed, and breathed His breath of life into you

This is lost on people who cannot/refuse to relinquish control of their lives to God; b/c if they did—if they gave up control of their lives/situations/sins/circumstances and placed them in the hands of God

They would realize just how valuable they are (you are) to God

They would realize God holds them (you) so valuable, that He sent His Son to willingly give up His life for you

They would realize, in their surrender of salvation, God would also continue to lead/provide/guide them—and they don’t have to hold themselves together, because God can

Some people hold on to control b/c they are deceived in thinking God has just left them alone/abandoned them and the world,; when the truth is since the fall of man, the remainder of God’s Word speaks of God’s Work to save and restore

Tragically, Pharaoh, like so many others, refused this message and truth, and his heart grew even harder

III.(v.19) The Response to the Judgment: Pharaoh’s heart was hard—he refused to listen

Exodus 8:19 “Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the Lord had said.”

(CONTEXT)-

Pharaoh

His heart grew harder

He refused to listen/He shut his ears

He would not obey God’s Word—His message

He refused to repent—despite even his own advisors’ declaration of the power of God

(CONNECTION-YOU AND ME)

How many people (how many of us), time and time again

Have heard the gospel message?

Have been witnessed to?

Have seen God’s power at work in our lives or the lives of others?

Have felt God’s chastisement/conviction/urging?

Have shut our ears?

Have been warned?

Have been counseled?

Have refused to listen and obey?

Have rejected God?

(WORSHIP TEAM)

But we are people who struggle in giving up control;

Control of our homes/families/children

Husbands control in unbiblical ways

Wives control in unbiblical ways-resisting their husband’s leadership

Children, as the grow, struggle with giving up control to parents and others

Control of our situations/circumstances

Control of dealing with the trials/temptations of this life

Control of dealing with our own sin

We are people who like control, b/c in our control, we think we can:

“hold it all together”

“feel safe and secure”

“manage the situations/circumstances in our lives the best”

“solve our sin problem”

“navigate our shortcomings and failures”

We are people who insist on control

We are people who misuse control )

Yet the most dangerous area of our lives is seen in thinking we can control:

How God accepts us

How we deal with our sin

This happens when we lose sight of the truth of God’s control of EVERY part of creation—and this includes you

In our understanding of God’s judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt in the form of lice/gnats, there’s the context of what is happening here-- but there’s also a vital application for each of us: The Bible teaches that God controls all things and is sovereign over all things within the universe--b/c He created it. Dust, although the most minute visible to the naked eye, is also included in the scope of ability of God’s control. Listen to the power/sovereignty God has even over the dust of the earth:

God used the dust of the earth to create man in His likeness and image:

Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

God uses dust as a means to describe the multitudes of Jacob’s descendants

Genesis 28:14 “Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

God used dust as a means to bring judgement

Exodus 8:16 “So the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the land, so that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.’ ””

God recognizes that our lives are like dust on this earth—fleeting, but a vapor; therefore He cares deeply about us, knowing our weaknesses/shortcomings, so desiring to redeem us from them and compassionately care for us

Psalm 103:13-14 “As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”

God controls the smallest of all things, visible and invisible—even the dust of the earth, so why would he then not be able to sovereignly look over those who belong to Him? His power alone can save, redeem, and deliver us from sin, trials, temptations, and the circumstances of life, as well as, take care of us and see us through our sojourn through this life on earth:

What is it that you need to relinquish control of and surrender to God?