Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 8:16-19.
“16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become gnats through all the land of Egypt.’” 17 They did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats through all the land of Egypt. 18 The magicians tried with their secret arts to bring forth gnats, but they could not; so there were gnats on man and beast. 19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had said.” Exodus 8:16-19.
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We should discern what God is doing (and has done) and give credit to God. Part of glorifying God is discerning what God is doing (and has done) and giving credit to God.
We start with creation. “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. …” Genesis 1:31. With all the evidence of spectacular planets and stars held in perfect orbits, with amazing and colorful animals and plants with distinct features and functions, and with man created in the image of God, we should eagerly declare: “This is the finger of God.”
And yet, so many would prefer to give credit to unknown forces of nature (evolution). But, God is not dismissed. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1:18-21.
We finish with salvation. “… God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:28-31. With all the evidence of “Total Depravity” (man’s inability to contribute anything to salvation) and all the evidence of God’s work within us, we should eagerly declare: “This is the finger of God.”
And yet, so many would prefer to give credit to their own works or their own alleged “free will”. But, God is not dismissed. “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31.
“For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act;
For how can My name be profaned?
And My glory I will not give to another.” Isaiah 48:11.
“This is the finger of God.” “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array.” Psalm 29:2.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 