Why Not Now?

Today's Verse:

And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. ~Exodus 8:9-10 

---

Are you someone who tends to put things off? Do you have a difficult time making decisions? Are you a procrastinator? There are times when making a critical decision that we must weigh all the facts and not be hasty in coming to a decision. On the other hand, there are life-and-death decisions, or decisions central to a successful outcome, in which we must be decisive. Pharaoh told Moses at a critical time of his kingdom that he wanted to wait until tomorrow. Let us see why this is a vital lesson on discerning between now and tomorrow. 

We see the insubordination. 

Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go at God’s command. It is amazing that after seven days in which the Egyptian water supply had been turned to blood, Pharaoh did not fear the God of Heaven. The water situation was so bad that the land stank, and people dug about in desperation trying to find water. A lack of a fear of God is the root behind insubordination. When we do not fear God as we should, it is an indication we have a low understanding of and reverence for God’s holiness, justice, and Person. We believe we can get away with our disobedience. We think God does not care about what we do. God’s commands are given to be obeyed. 

We see the intolerable. 

God sent a second plague against Pharaoh and Egypt. This plague would multiply the frogs from the river and ponds to overrun everything in Egypt. The Egyptians worshiped the frog god “Heket.” This was a god of fertility and life and was represented by a woman with the head of a frog. When Moses stretched his rod over the rivers, streams, and ponds, frogs came out and were everywhere. They were in the streets and doorways, in the food and the cooking utensils, and on the tables, chairs, and beds. They were everywhere! Pharaoh and the people found this to be an intolerable situation. Imagine the croaking noises and how filthy things became. The Egyptians could not stand their frog god! 

We see the insanity. 

In desperation, Pharaoh begged Moses to pray that God would take away the frogs. Remember, Hekt was considered the god of fertility and life. It is interesting that Pharaoh believed in prayer to God, but he himself would not repent and ask God for help. So, Moses asked him, “When do you want me to pray for you and the nation that the frogs would be destroyed?” Pharaoh replied to Moses, “Tomorrow!” What insanity! He wanted to allow the infestation of frogs to remain until the next day. Many people don’t want to give up their sin and tell God, “Maybe tomorrow.” Many Christians will not surrender to serve Him with their life and will tell God, “Maybe tomorrow.” They would rather live one more day in disobedience and sin. Many sinners put off getting saved and tell God, “Maybe tomorrow.” 

We see the injunction. 

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Procrastination could result in lost opportunities. The unsaved relative you are trying to see saved could die and go to Hell. The privilege to serve God as a preacher or a missionary could close on you. Be careful of putting off things that are of eternal consequence to tomorrow. Tomorrow might be too late. Why not now? 

Have a decisive God Morning! 

Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 13-15

#Exodus #Decisions #Frogs #Moses #Procrastination #Sin