Not Now and Not Today

 

Little Things, Part 3

 

Introduction

As children, we’re first taught the basic bible stories: Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, Moses and the Ten Commandments; from the Old Testament. The Life of Jesus from the New Testaemnt. All have valuable lessons for children as they learn about the bible. In Proverbs 22:6, it is written, Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

In the story of Moses, Pharaoh, and the Ten Plagues; we’re all familiar with the phrase, “Let my people go” and the different plagues that God brings upon the people of Egypt. But notice a “little thing” in Exodus chapter 8 concerning the second plague; the frogs.

 

Here Come the Frogs

The purpose of the ten plagues was to prove that God (Jehovah) was the one, and only, God. In Egypt, they had many gods that the people worshipped. Each god of theirs controlled certain parts of nature. For example, in regards to the second plague (Ex. 8:1-15), Hekt; the goddess of birth and the wife of the creator of the world, had the head and body of a frog. Surely, if this was a real god, she would have prevented this plague from occurring and not allowed the frogs to leave the Nile.

However, the frogs were everywhere! Note what God says in verse 3 and 4, “So the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into your house, into your bedroom, on your bed, into the houses of your servants, on your people, into your ovens, and into your kneading bowls. And the frogs shall come up on you, on your people, and on all your servants.”

 

He Said What?

Notice then, this little thing, that I had overlooked in the telling of this story (until it was pointed out in a sermon). Here’s what Pharaoh said in 8-10, Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, "Entreat the LORD that He may take away the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD." And Moses said to Pharaoh, "Accept the honor of saying when I shall intercede for you, for your servants, and for your people, to destroy the frogs from you and your houses, that they may remain in the river only." So he said, "Tomorrow." And he said, "Let it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.

That’s right, Pharoah said, “Tomorrow”. It wasn’t ‘right away’ or ‘by the day’s end’; it was “tomorrow”! I’m going to suggest to you that, although these signs, that were happening; were beyond his control, Pharaoh showed that he was still ruler of Egypt and made the decision to wait until tomorrow to have the frogs taken away. I’m sure the people of Egypt were none too happy about this but couldn’t do anything about it.

 

Do it Today!

You’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t put off for tomorrow, what you can do today.” All too often people who have heard the gospel message, and know what to do to become a Christian, decide that they have plenty of time to be baptized.

If that’s true, then why did Paul write in 2 Corinthians 5:11, Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. He said, “we persuade men.” Why persuade someone? Because it’s an urgent matter. Salvation shouldn’t be put off until tomorrow, the next day, or the next week. Paul also wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:2, For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

 

Conclusion

Do not be like Pharaoh and harden your heart against what God would have you do. Start today; this minute, and begin your walk on the path of righteousness. In case you forgot what you must do, here’s the list:

Hear the Word of God (Rom. 10:17)

Believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24)

Confess Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10)

Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)

Become baptized to wash away your sins (Acts 22:16)

Live Faithfully even unto Death (Rev. 2:10)