Monday 17th November 2025

SUBMIT TO GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS

Scripture Reading: Exodus 8

And the Lord said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. Or else, if you will not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. Exodus 8:20–21

Just imagine what is going on here. Pharaoh – the king of Egypt – is taking his morning walk to the river to have his bath. He is surrounded by his courtiers who dread his very presence. Out of nowhere, Moses appears with a message from the Lord. He disturbs the royal procession with a demand: “Let God’s people go—free them to live and serve God.

God hates oppression. He does not want powerful human beings to dominate the less powerful ones. No leader, whether in government, business, organisation, or family, is to abuse a person’s freedom.

Or else.

That is the alternative the Lord offered to Pharaoh – “let my people go, or else.” There is a price to pay if we choose to oppress and mistreat people. The Lord always gives us options. The tree of life – or else the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Salvation – or else damnation. Blessing – or else cursing. This is what God offers to the stubborn.

Swarm of flies.

The word ‘swarm’ in Hebrew is a collective. It means a ‘mixture’; implying that the flies were a mix of all sorts of flying creatures. They were probably attracted to the decaying frogs from the second plague. They came in and greatly afflicted the people of Egypt.

On you and your people

This plague affected Pharaoh directly. He and his household couldn’t hide from the swarming flies that came upon the land. This plague was first targeted at Pharaoh before getting to his people. We see the escalation of God’s judgment upon Pharaoh. The initial plagues were collectively borne by the Egyptians right at the onset. Now Pharaoh felt the brunt first, even before his people did.

We must not be unyielding in relating to the Lord. Disobedience to Him attracts painful consequences.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, deliver me from stubbornness. Help me to yield to your instructions. In Jesus’ name, *Amen.