The Tongues of Dogs

"But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel." (Exodus 11: 7)

For those who think that God does not "micro-manage" the affairs of this world, or of his people, this verse should teach them better.

God controlled all the dogs in the land of Egypt so that they did not harm, or in any way seek to harm, or be unfriendly towards, any of the Israelites.

This was not an exaggeration or hyperbole. God does not speak in that way. He is speaking very literally when he says these words to Moses and to the Israelites.

"Not a bird falls to the ground without your Father" (Matthew 10: 29), and "the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (10:30), said Jesus. That sounds like "micro-management," does it not?

"The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD." (Proverbs 16: 33)

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." (NIV)

Though some find it a disturbing thing to believe, yet it is rather a truth that ought to bring great comfort and joy. God's absolute and complete sovereignty over all times and events is a solid foundation upon which to build one's mental house of faith. Wrote Paul:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God..." (Romans 8:28)

The idea that God controls all events, great and small, is a comfort to those who "love God." Knowing this, we can come to him with the smallest matters.

Nothing escapes the notice and goverment of God. He sees all. He knows all. His will is supreme in all things. That is why James said:

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." (4: 13-17)

The Lord's "will" is what determines the future, not just for the world as a whole, but for every creature in it, from the highest angel to the lowest creature on earth.

"If the Lord wills, I will" should be our attitude and constant conviction and belief. "If the Lord wills" I will be alive tomorrow and be healthy, and prosper. If it is not his will, I will not. If it is the Lord's will, I will go to Heaven or Hell.

"This is the will of God that you believe in him whom he has sent," said Jesus. We do not have to wait till tomorrow to know that it is his will for Christ to be declared to all men. It is his will that men have opportunity to hear the saving message of the cross and to believe, trust in, and receive the benefits of the atoning death of Jesus for sin.

Friend, if you have heard the gospel but have not yet believed, have not yet turned to the Lord in repentance, it is God's known will that you do so today. You have not a certain promise of "tomorrow" as James said. If you died today, will you forever regret your resistance and rejection of the saving message?