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Text: Exodus 8:1-15
There is a famous sermon from decades ago by Hugh Pyle called One More Night With the Frogs that comes from this scripture. That’s a great title. It exposes the foolishness of procrastination. Why would you want to deal with your current trouble for one more night? I don’t know, but we seem to be OK with it.
First response: Mockery
- This is the “I’ll take my chances” attitude.
- This was the second plague. After Pharaoh turned and went into his house in defiance against the water turning to blood in his nation. After seven days the blood has flowed out of Egypt and the rivers have returned to being water again. After that troubling week in Egypt, the LORD sent Moses back to Pharaoh with the same instruction to let His people go. But this time the judgment will be frogs.
- Pharaoh wasn’t moved and decided he’ll take his chances with this plague.
- “I’ll take my chances.” I’ve heard this said out loud by scoffers and said this to myself on some occasions. If you’re honest, you’ve probably said this too. You knew the LORD’s will on a certain matter and in spite of His work in the past you said, I’ll take my chances with it.
Second response: Imitation
- Here come the frogs. They are not only outside people’s houses, they are inside. They are in bedrooms, kitchens, on people’s beds, in people’s ovens, and in people’s dishes. The frogs are in everything. On top of that, the magicians once again duplicate the event. But, they can only make the frogs appear; they can’t seem to make them go away. Which is something I wonder about. It certainly fits the M.O. of satanic work. The devil doesn’t seem to be able to undo what God does, so he imitates it. Now, that’s something to consider there.
- A common Satanic response to God’s work is imitation. 2 Corinthians 11:12-15. He can’t undo what God has done, but he can imitate it. Either leading you astray or providing an alternate source of influence in your life as Satan engages your senses.
Third response: Deception
- This time around Pharaoh isn’t willing to let this go on for a week, so he calls for Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh makes a proposal, clear out the frogs and I’ll let you go. In other words, get rid of the consequences and I’ll serve God.
- You and I are good at this. LORD, if you’ll take this away, then I’ll do that. LORD, if you’ll give me a husband or a wife then I’ll serve you. LORD, if you’ll make this pain go away, then I’ll serve you.
- Even if the intention is good, you’re still just bargaining. And your part of the bargain will be over as soon as the pressure is off. That is certainly the case with Pharaoh.
- The right attitude is Ninevites’ attitude. They said we don’t know if God will be merciful to us, but we’re going to do the right thing anyway.
Fourth response: Procrastination
- Moses was excited in verse 9. Wow, Pharaoh has finally wised up. So Moses asked, when do you want this done. Pharaoh’s famous words, Tomorrow.
- There are a few problems with that.
- Boast not thyself tomorrow because you don’t know what a day may bring forth.
- Why would you want to spend another night with the frogs?
Fifth response: Neglect
- Moses does what Pharaoh asks and gets rid of the frogs the next day. And sure enough, as soon as the pressure was off, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he’s right back to hating the LORD.
- Can I warn you of something? If you find yourself up and down, wanting to do right when life get’s hard then returning to old habits when the pressure is off, that isn’t the life of a Christian. That is the life of Pharaoh. That isn’t the life of faithful Moses. It’s the life of the tyrant Pharaoh. It isn’t the life of God’s kingdom. It’s life in the devil’s world.
Beware of these responses that creep up in your flesh. When you know the will of God, it’s best to do it.
