What lessons can we learn from God's use of "flies and gnats"? Setting the Scene: Flies and Gnats in Scripture “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron, “Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, and it will become gnats throughout the land of Egypt.”’ … The magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, but they could not.” (Exodus 8:16, 18) “And the LORD did so. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s house and his officials’ houses; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the swarms of flies.” (Exodus 8:24) Lesson 1: Nothing Is Too Small for God to Use • Gnats and flies are insignificant in size, yet God wields them as mighty instruments. • Psalm 8:2 reminds us that God establishes strength “through the mouths of children and infants.” If He does great things through babies, He can certainly work through tiny insects—or through us. Lesson 2: Judgment Is Real and Precise • Each plague directly confronted Egyptian idolatry; flies defied Beelzebub (“lord of the flies”), and gnats mocked Egypt’s obsession with cleanliness. • Revelation 16:2 shows God still sends targeted judgments. His accuracy means repentance is never generic; it addresses specific sins. Lesson 3: A Clear Distinction Between God’s People and the World • “On that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people live; no flies will be there.” (Exodus 8:22) • God’s protective distinction foreshadows 1 Peter 2:9, where believers are called “a people for God’s own possession.” Obedience positions us under His covering. Lesson 4: Human Power Meets Its Limits • “The magicians tried… but they could not.” (Exodus 8:18) • Science, technology, and religion falter where God begins. Jeremiah 10:14 calls every idol “worthless,” reminding us to trust the Creator, not the created. Lesson 5: Small Irritations Expose Big Heart Issues • Gnats and flies didn’t topple buildings; they simply annoyed relentlessly. Their cumulative effect softened Pharaoh momentarily—until his heart rehardened (Exodus 8:15, 32). • Luke 16:10 teaches faithfulness in “very little.” Our reactions to daily irritations reveal whether our hearts are tender or stubborn. Lesson 6: God Desires Swift Repentance • Each swarm was a megaphone of mercy before greater plagues came. Romans 2:4 says God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. • Delayed obedience deepens consequences; Pharaoh’s hesitation escalated judgment from insects to darkness and death. Lesson 7: Deliverance Comes Through Intercession • “Pharaoh summoned Moses… ‘Pray for me.’” (Exodus 8:8, 28) • James 5:16 links righteous prayer with powerful results. God still lifts afflictions when His people intercede. Living It Out Today • Examine small frustrations: ask what they reveal about your heart toward God. • Celebrate how God uses “insignificant” people and moments; volunteer in unnoticed roles. • Reject modern “magicians”—human solutions that sideline faith. Seek Scripture first. • Intercede for unbelievers under judgment; God may remove “flies” so they hear the gospel. • Rest in God’s protective distinction: walk in obedience and trust His covering promises (Psalm 91:1-7). Closing Thought The God who commands galaxies also directs gnats. When He sends tiny messengers, He calls us to humble repentance, wholehearted trust, and grateful obedience. |
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