Most people are vaguely familiar with the story of the ten plagues which struck Egypt to bring about the freedom of the Hebrews from bondage. The second of these was the plague of frogs:
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all your territory with frogs. 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.”’” Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.’” So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt. 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 (Exodus 8: 1-10 NKJV)”.”
There were frogs everywhere. They were squashed under foot. They were making a nasty smell as they burned in ovens. They covered people in their sleep. Yet, how does the Pharaoh respond? Initially – with MORE FROGS! Just like with Aaron’s rod, and the plague of blood – Pharaoh’s sorcerers replicate the warning from God. There seems to be no sense in this unless it is a hardhearted bravado that “You don’t scare me.” But does that lesson the discomfort of a world overrun with frogs? No.
Eventually, the plague becomes beyond endurance for the Egyptians and Pharaoh calls Moses to rid him of the frogs. Moses tells the king, that all he need do say when the Jews may leave and it will be done. Surprisingly, Pharaoh’s response is “Tomorrow.” One more night with the frogs, please.
But are we any different? When God convicts us of something we need to change in our lives, how do we respond? Often it is with – “tomorrow.” I will study more – starting tomorrow. I will diet – tomorrow. I will stop smoking -tomorrow. I will get to the gym – tomorrow.I will begin to be less judgmental – that’s right – tomorrow. “One more night with the frogs, Lord. One more night.”
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 