“The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.”
—Exodus 9:29
I once had a chance to see the devastation brought by a short yet powerful hailstorm. My friends’ house roof was damaged, and their car was covered with hundreds of small dents.
The seventh plague that the Lord brought on Egypt for their disobedience was a hailstorm. But it was much more widespread and powerful than the one I experienced. This calamity had the purpose of forcing the king of Egypt to let God’s people go free to worship him. It also demonstrated to everyone God’s rule over his creation.
The French theologian John Calvin used the Bible’s description of the plagues to reflect on the connection between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. As Christians, we believe in God’s unlimited power. But that doesn’t take away our responsibility for making the right choices.
The plague of hail led Pharaoh, for the first time, to recognize his sins. Sadly, this confession wasn’t sincere, and he continued in his wicked ways.
Sometimes we are also like that. We experience a crisis situation, and we make a good decision for our spiritual life—but then we don’t follow through. Don’t delay in fulfilling your promises to the Lord. There’s still time to find peace with him in Jesus Christ. This opportunity will not last forever.
Sovereign and all-powerful Lord, I praise you for giving me time and opportunities to make the right choices. Help me to follow you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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