THREE SIGNS. Exodus 7:14-8:19 Following the experiences of God's people in Egypt, there was a period of three to six months of severe plagues on the land where the Jews had been enslaved for 430 years. Nothing like it has happened before or since. In Egypt, the question, "Who is the Lord that I should obey Him," was likely the question of someone who did not know or at least lacked a clear understanding of God. God's people had become more like the Egyptians and worshipped the "gods on the other side of the flood."
It may take generations of gradual departure before the Lord God acts to bring about righteous retribution, but it will happen. In our day and place, that question is being asked by those who have deliberately chosen to turn away from truths that have been taught and practiced for many generations. How serious and challenging is the judgment on those who know what is right and have turned to what is wrong!
The plagues that afflicted the Egyptians answered the question of who the Lord is. They clearly overpowered the gods of the Egyptians and provided physical proof of the true God. The plagues are not just miraculous acts that quickly accelerate natural processes. They reveal God's role as the Supreme Creator and Sustainer of all things and teach the seriousness of sin. Signs carry a message, not just warnings.
Throughout human history, mankind has consistently overlooked the seriousness of sin. Occasionally, God highlights the issue of sin through signs that serve as warnings. During the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, natural events seemed to accelerate—noonday darkness replaced daylight. At His death, the earthquake was so intense that rocks split apart. This was not an ordinary tremor affecting only buildings. Whatever took place at the temple, the ripping of the veil that separated the Holy of Holies would have clearly signaled to the priests that God had spoken. No wonder that when the Gospel was preached just over a month later, many priests believed in Jesus Christ. When God employs acts of great power to enhance natural forces, He has an important message to convey.
Self-will and pride are destructive, and if left unchecked, they will ruin everything around them. In a sense, it was an act of mercy when the ruthless Pharaoh and his followers were destroyed so that Egypt and its people could survive. Sin impacts the entire world. Many will suffer and perish because of the evil choices of a nation's leadership. It’s a lesson most leaders don’t learn until it’s too late for repentance and recovery. I fear that today’s favored nations are soon going to face the righteous wrath of a Holy God.