Good Morning.
But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said. (Exodus 7:11-13)
As it has been, so it will be — foolish and wicked men will look to the wisdom of mankind for guidance rather than recognize the power of God. In the last days, the Beast, along with the false prophet, will arise performing wonders. In Revelation, John said of the false prophet:
He performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. (Revelation 13:13-14)
In the days of Redemption, God’s people need to be prepared for these “wonders” and be able to discern the handiwork of the Almighty from the sleight of hand wielded by the Adversary. Messiah warned His people that “a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign” (Matthew 16:4), indicating that His people shouldn’t be preoccupied with seeking for signs — signs and wonders should follow those who believe! To be predisposed to seek for a sign might play into the hand of the enemy and his ability to seduce and deceive. Speaking of this the last day Pharaoh and his deceit, Paul said:
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
There will be those who appear to possess God-like powers, performing signs and wonders but be on guard. Everything that looks and sounds like it is from God isn’t necessarily of God. Some rabbinical sources maintain that there are powers inherent in nature that wicked people have been able to harness and then perform signs such as those performed by the magicians of Egypt. It is a lie; it is an illusion which will, unfortunately, deceive those whose hearts, like Pharaoh’s, are hardened against the Creator.
The Adversary is a master illusionist but even when he is allowed to flex his muscles, his best is swallowed up by God’s purposes – Aaron’s rod swallowed those of Pharaoh’s magicians. Later, Pharaoh and his chariots would be swallowed up by the Red Sea. And so, as God’s people, we should not be impressed nor intimidated by the power of men or the Adversary. Our God is all-powerful and righteous; if we are going to fear anything or anyone, it should be Him. Let us trust in His power and His might, having confidence that, in the end, all of the power of the enemy will be swallowed up in victory that comes through Messiah our LORD!
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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