March 10, 2010

It was a knockout punch in the third round! In one corner — the gods of Egypt. In the other — Yahweh, the God of Israel. It would be a ten-round fight; 10 plagues to force Pharaoh's hand and free the Hebrew slaves and to show Yahweh's supremacy over all the gods of Egypt (Exo. 12:12).

Representing the gods of Egypt-the great magicians, skilled in the arts of sorcery and delusion. Representing Yahweh — Moses. Incredibly, the magicians had duplicated Aaron's staff becoming a snake (Exo. 7:12). Unbelievably, they also turned the Nile to blood (Exo. 7:22) and called forth frogs (Exo. 8:7). But by the third plague of gnats the magicians cried "Uncle." "This is the finger of God."

Pharaoh hardened his heart for seven more plagues, but God's battle with the gods of Egypt was over. God won. He defended His own glory.

Sometimes we might feel that we need to answer for God. People ask, "Why did God do such-and-such?" or "Why did God allow this to happen?" Frankly, there are times when we just cannot speak for Him or defend Him. His ways are unsearchable, and He needs no defense.

How many times have I found myself unable to explain why God allows bad things to happen to people? How can I speak for Him whose ways are unsearchable?

Yet, we know He loves us so much He sent His Son to die for us. But we cannot always explain His ways, but we don't ever have to defend Him. God is all powerful and sovereign. He defends His own glory.

1. In what ways does God show His glory?
2. In what ways is God's glory challenged?
3. Why do you think people sometimes blame God when bad things happen?
   

About the Author David Ingrassia It’s hard to believe that I have been a pastor for 25 years already. I have been on staff at Calvary Church since 2005 and am the Pastor of Spiritual Development.