What can we learn about God's authority from "I will strike the water"? Verse in Focus “Thus says the LORD: ‘By this you will know that I am the LORD. Look! I will strike the water of the Nile with the staff in my hand, and it will be turned to blood.’” (Exodus 7:17) God’s Supreme Authority Over Creation • The Nile represented life in Egypt, yet one word from God reversed its nature. • Genesis 1:9-10 shows that God originally gathered the waters; here He reorganizes them again, underscoring that the elements remain subject to their Maker. • Psalm 95:3-5 affirms, “The sea is His, for He made it,” echoing the truth on display in Exodus 7. Authority That Debunks False Gods • Egyptians venerated the Nile as divine. Turning it to blood proved that idols possess no real power (Isaiah 19:1). • The Lord’s statement “you will know that I am the LORD” highlights that His authority alone demands recognition (Exodus 12:12). Authority Backed by an Inerrant Word • “Thus says the LORD” precedes the miracle. The event simply fulfills what He has spoken, demonstrating that God’s word cannot fail (Numbers 23:19). • Isaiah 46:10—He declares “the end from the beginning,” and His counsel stands. The plague validates that claim. Authority Exercised Through Ordinary Instruments • A shepherd’s staff, not a royal scepter, becomes the tool. God delights to channel His power through humble means (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Moses merely obeys; the authority originates in God alone, encouraging us to trust His sufficiency over our limitations. Authority That Brings Both Judgment and Redemption • Judgment: Egypt’s water supply is ruined, previewing further plagues (Exodus 7:18). • Redemption: The same authority will open the Red Sea for Israel’s deliverance (Exodus 14:21-22). God’s acts are purposeful, securing freedom for His people while confronting rebellion. Continuity in the Whole Canon • Joshua 3:13—Jordan’s waters stop when priests step in; God still commands water. • 2 Kings 2:8—Elijah strikes the Jordan, echoing Moses. • Matthew 8:26-27—Jesus rebukes wind and waves, revealing the same divine prerogative embodied in the Son (Colossians 1:16-17). Living It Out Today • Trust: Rest in the Lord’s uncontested rule over every natural and personal crisis. • Obey: Act on His directives, confident that His authority equips your obedience. • Worship: Give exclusive allegiance to the true God; idols, ancient or modern, cannot compete. • Witness: Tell others of the God who can still “strike the water,” altering realities to display His glory. |
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