As we come to the plague of flies, I am reminded of the old camp chant that got louder and louder. Now, I know where that comes from–the plague of flies!

What is worse than gnats? FLIES! These pesky, little flying annoying creatures were in everything that the Egyptians owned. Swarms of flies filled their homes and covered the ground. Ew. Can you imagine stepping on a carpet of flies. I do NOT like stepping on even one bug and hearing the crunch. “The whole country was thrown into chaos by the flies.” (Exodus 8, NLT)

Imagine the few flies, or even one at a family picnic, while you are trying to eat or talk. ONE is annoying and drives us crazy! But a house full?

As we can imagine, Pharaoh’s mind is blown by the flies! “All right! Go ahead and offer sacrifices to your God,” he said. “but do it here in this land. Don’t go out into the wilderness.”

By God’s hand, there is not ONE fly in the land of Goshen where His people live. Hence, “but there ain’t no flies on me”. Amazing. 

But Pharaoh’s order to Moses, through craziness over the flies, is not good enough. It is a compromise. It does not follow God’s complete command and Moses tells him that, “That won’t do!” Moses stays tough to every command of God, right down to the smallest detail. (Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for that lesson in Your Story, too!) Do not compromise what God has told us to do!

Pharaoh finally gives the go ahead. Moses tells him NOT to change his mind after he prays the flies away. “Not a single fly remained in the land! But Pharaoh hardened his heart again and refused to let the people go.” (Exodus 8, NLT) Ugh.

Dear Heavenly Father, Don’t let us be as stubborn as Pharaoh with You in our lives. Help us to stay strong in the commands You have given to us. Help us live uncompromising when it comes to doing what is right according to Your Word. May we follow You, not giving in, but to do good without growing weary. Help us stand on Your promises. Thank you, LORD.
In Jesus Name, Amen