What lessons can we learn from God's use of "flies" and "bees"? Opening Snapshot “On that day the LORD will whistle for flies from the farthest streams of Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria.” (Isaiah 7:18) God commands what He creates • A simple “whistle” from the Lord summons swarms. • Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” His authority extends from kings to insects. • This verse underscores literal control over nature—He does not merely predict; He directs. Small creatures, weighty purposes • Flies: seemingly insignificant, yet in Exodus 8:21-24 they overwhelmed Egypt when Pharaoh resisted. • Bees (or hornets): God promised, “I will send the hornet before you” (Exodus 23:28; Joshua 24:12), driving out nations larger than Israel. • Lesson: God often uses the small to humble the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27). Instruments of judgment and discipline • Isaiah 7:18 sits in a prophecy of Assyrian invasion. The flies and bees picture vast armies, but the imagery insists the invasion is under God’s directive. • Deuteronomy 1:44 likens Amorite warriors to “bees,” stinging Israel when they disobeyed. • Whether against Egypt, Israel, or pagan nations, the pattern is consistent: sin invites God’s corrective “stings.” Warnings wrapped in mercy • Flies and bees give advance notice—buzzing before biting. God’s judgments are rarely without warning (Amos 3:7). • Every plague in Egypt came with Moses’ announcement; Assyria’s march was foretold years ahead. • Mercy shines in the delay, urging repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Trustworthy protection for the obedient • While God sent hornets ahead of Israel’s armies, they never harmed the covenant people walking in obedience (Exodus 23:27-31). • Psalm 91:1-3 promises deliverance “from the deadly pestilence.” The faithful can rest under His covering even when judgment swarms around them. Personal takeaways • Revere God’s absolute sovereignty—He rules the microscopic and the monumental. • Never underestimate what He can use to fulfill His word. • Take His warnings seriously; delayed obedience invites painful correction. • Find comfort: the same God who sends the swarm also commands it to cease (Exodus 8:31). • Respond with humble obedience, knowing He can protect as readily as He can chastise. Living it out • Examine areas of resistance to God’s clear commands—better to repent now than feel the sting later. • Celebrate His faithfulness: every buzzing reminder in nature declares that He keeps His promises, both pleasant and painful. |
    |