At this point in the plague narratives, we see that some Egyptians were starting to realize that something genuinely spiritual was happening, and it affects their behaviour. In the next chapter when warned of the plague of hail, we read, “Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But those who ignored the word of the Lord left their slaves and livestock in the field” (Exodus 9:20-21). Later some had been so impacted by the plagues that they left Egypt with the Israelites (Exodus 12:38).
In the verse quoted above, the magicians also realized that something of spiritual significance was happening. They knew the plague of gnats wasn’t magic but had to be God. Thus revealing they knew all along, what they were doing wasn’t by the power of any god but was magic. God puts the magicians in a situation where they have to say, “Only God could have done that.” Even though Pharaoh refused to see it.
In our day, we also find God putting people in situations that only he could’ve orchestrated. Perhaps, like the Egyptians who knew Moses from his time in the palace, you find yourself reconnecting with people from your past. But now, you’re doing things – perhaps leading or preaching or serving in a way that you weren’t doing previously. All because of the difference God has made in your life. Some stop to consider and ask what has caused the change but others refused to believe the evidence in front of their eyes.
Over time our lives will show the difference that God has made in our lives. Let’s pray people will notice and ask.
