Exodus

Exodus 8: No one is like God

Begin in prayer

Before the frogs fill Egypt's houses, let us ask God to uncover our stubborn hearts. Pray that we will seek Him for Himself and receive the Savior, instead of asking only for trouble to stop.

For you are great, and do wondrous things. You are God alone.

Psalm 86:10

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that no one is like You. Replace our stubborn resistance with faith in Jesus and willing worship. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

At God's command frogs cover Egypt and fill houses, ovens and kneading troughs. Pharaoh promises to release Israel if Moses prays, but hardens his heart when the frogs die. Aaron strikes the dust and it becomes lice, which the magicians cannot produce. God then sends grievous swarms of flies while keeping Goshen, where His people live, free of them. Pharaoh offers worship within Egypt and then a limited journey, but Moses insists on what God commands. Moses prays and every fly is removed, yet Pharaoh again refuses to release Israel.

As you read Exodus 8, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God shows that no one is like Him and sets His people apart.

The frogs enter the places where Egyptians sleep and prepare food, making the king's own house share the trouble. His magicians can bring more frogs, yet Pharaoh needs Moses to pray for their removal. Moses lets him choose the time, so the answer will display God's unmatched power. Relief exposes Pharaoh's heart when he refuses the release he promised. The next sign defeats the magicians, who cannot produce lice and acknowledge God's finger. Then God sets Goshen apart from the flies, showing that He rules the earth and distinguishes His people. Pharaoh offers worship in Egypt, where Moses says their sacrifices would offend the Egyptians and bring the danger of stoning. He then offers a short journey, still trying to limit the worship God commands. Moses cannot accept the king's terms in place of the LORD's command.

How does Exodus 8 show us that God shows that no one is like Him and sets His people apart?

God removes the frogs at the chosen time.

Pharaoh asks Moses to pray and chooses tomorrow for the answer. God does what Moses asks, and the frogs die. The answer shows that no one is like the LORD, who hears and acts.

The magicians admit a power they cannot match.

They try to produce lice from the dust and fail. Their admission does not make Pharaoh listen. The signs leave his resistance exposed before the God who commands him.

God sets His people's land apart from the flies.

Goshen has no swarms because God has marked it out. His distinction belongs to His gracious purpose for Israel. Christ saves a people for God and teaches them to worship under His word.

Memorise

there is no one like Yahweh our God.

Exodus 8:10

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, when have I wanted relief from Jesus while refusing His rule?

Moses tells Pharaoh, “there is no one like Yahweh our God.” The frogs die when God answers prayer, yet Pharaoh keeps Israel in bondage. Relief has changed his circumstances without changing his refusal.

Our hearts also need more than easier days. Sin deserves God's wrath, and Jesus bore God's anger against His people when He suffered at the cross. His saving work is finished, and no one can add to it. He rose from the dead, proving that His sacrifice is enough to rescue sinners.

Do not bargain about how much of your life God may rule. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. He grants forgiveness to those who repent and believe. The Lord without an equal is worthy of the whole heart, and His mercy is a safe place for the guilty.

Parent's note

Tell your children that asking for trouble to stop is different from repenting, and that Jesus died and rose to save sinners. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His unmatched power and His care for His people, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you.

Matthew 12:28

Lord God, thank You that no power equals Yours. Forgive our bargains and our stubborn hearts. Please lead us to trust Jesus for forgiveness, beyond asking for easier days. Teach us to worship as You command and to listen when Your Word corrects our wishes. Amen.