Exodus 9:8-12

⁸ And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from a kiln, and let Moses throw them in the air in the sight of Pharaoh. ⁹ It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and become boils breaking out in sores on man and animal throughout all the land of Egypt.” ¹⁰ So they took soot from the kiln and stood before Pharaoh. And Moses threw it in the air, and it became boils breaking out in sores on man and animal. ¹¹ And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils came upon the magicians and upon all the Egyptians. ¹² But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had spoken to Moses.

handfuls of soot

God used of handfuls of fish and bread to feed thousands. But he also used handfuls of soot to harm thousands. The goal of both miracles was the same: deliverance. The difference was the targets of the miracles. In the exodus story, the target was a nation that insisted on keeping God’s children in bondage. In the feeding miracles of the Gospels, Jesus used his hands to feed those who were seeking his truth.

Jesus told his apostles that they were shake the dust off their feet as they leave the towns who resist the gospel.[1] Jesus pronounced judgment upon those resistant towns.[2] Our society today can go either way, but it looks like it is leaning more toward Pharaoh’s resistance rather than seeking truth from Christ.

LORD, feed us. Keep us from rejecting your will and incurring your wrath.

[1] Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; 10:11.

[2] Matthew 11:21.