In what ways can we recognize God's authority in our lives today? His authority in the hailstorm “Throughout the land of Egypt, the hail struck down everything in the field—both man and beast; it beat down every plant of the field and shattered every tree in the field.” (Exodus 9:25) The seventh plague was not random weather—it was the living God declaring, “I rule here.” Pharaoh’s gods of sky, crops, and livestock were powerless; Yahweh’s word alone stood. That same absolute authority still reaches into every corner of life today. Clear snapshots of God’s authority in Exodus 9:25 •Power over nature: hail obeys His command. •Power over people: both Egyptians and Hebrews are under His hand. •Power over provision: plants and trees—Egypt’s food supply—are His to give or remove. •Power to judge and to spare: Goshen was protected (Exodus 9:26), proving He distinguishes between obedience and defiance. Recognizing His authority today: six fresh lenses 1.Creation’s ongoing testimony •Psalm 19:1—“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” •Psalm 29:3-4—storms, thunder, and oceans still carry His voice. •Every sunrise, earthquake, and gentle rain whispers, “I am Lord.” 2.The written word that never expires •2 Timothy 3:16-17—“All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete.” •When the Bible speaks, God speaks—binding conscience, shaping choices, correcting error. 3.Providence in nations and leaders •Romans 13:1—“There is no authority except from God.” •Acts 17:26-27—He sets borders and seasons so people might seek Him. •Elections, economies, even traffic lights operate under His sovereign placement. 4.The inner witness of conscience •Romans 2:14-15—law written on hearts, conscience bearing witness. •That nudge toward honesty or compassion is His quiet claim: “I made you, and My standard still applies.” 5.The gathered church and its discipline •Hebrews 10:24-25—believers meet to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” •When sermons, counsel, or accountability press us, Christ is exercising Headship (Ephesians 1:22-23). 6.The supreme lordship of Jesus Christ •Colossians 1:16-17—“In Him all things were created… and in Him all things hold together.” •Philippians 2:10-11—every knee will bow; every tongue confess. •John 14:15—love proves itself by obedience. His commands still carry the weight of Sinai’s thunder. Practical ways to submit right now •Start and end the day with open Scripture, letting His voice set the agenda. •Look at weather reports or starry skies as personal reminders of His throne. •Pray for governing officials—even those you dislike—as servants “appointed by God.” •Respond quickly to conscience; delaying obedience dulls its clarity. •Stay planted in a local church where truth is preached and sin is lovingly confronted. •Measure every plan—career, finances, relationships—against Christ’s expressed will: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” The takeaway The hail of Exodus 9 was loud, but God’s authority has never grown quiet. From the pages of Scripture to the rumble of thunder, from inner conviction to global movements, He still says, “I rule here.” Recognize it, yield to it, and find the freedom that only comes from living under the rightful King. |
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