With dead frogs and fish everywhere, naturally, the third plague involves mosquitos. And for the first time, Pharaoh's magicans cannot explain or duplicate how God did this. Despite God's clear superiority, Pharaoh digs in.
Mosquitos give way to flies - the fourth plague. And Pharaoh becomes annoyed enough to want to negotiate. He offers for the slaves to have a worship festival in Egypt. But Moses explains that Hebrew worship is messy, rituals Egyptians may find offensive. So Pharaoh once again counteroffers, "how about just someplace closer?"
Pharaoh leads on that he is open to compromise, and begs for the flies thing to stop. But just as quickly as the flies disappear, Pharaoh goes back to his stubborn refusal of God.
A strange thing about the flies - there are none in the valley where the Hebrews live. None. The slaves get to sleep like babies.
Write
Think about your faith story: how have you been stubborn towards God?
Presently, where in your life - what relationships or circumstances, are you stubbornly refusing God?
Who do you know is stubbornly refusing God?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about the ways you have been stubbornly refusing him. Thank God for the way he stays patient, and gives you the time you need to come around.
Pray about the circumstances in your life where you are stubborn towards God. Ask God for the help you need, the reassureance of his presence, and the courage to submit and give in to him.
Pray for your friend who is struggling with stubbornness towards God Ask God to show you how you can come along side and support your friend..
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he gives you time to change, and in the way he earns your trust.