EXODUS 8:13-14

So the Lord did according to the word of Moses. And the frogs died out of the houses, out of the

courtyards, and out of the fields. They gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank.

Natural consequences are often the best form of discipline. A friend of mine had a little daughter

who insisted on eating her soap at bath time. Repeated warnings only heightened her delight at

nibbling on this odd delicacy. Finally, after being” assured that no permanent harm would come

to his daughter, Dad let her have her way. She blew bubbles for hours after her bath, but she

never ate soap again.

The Egyptians also experienced the consequence of their stubbornness. When Pharaoh refused to

let God’s people go, He sent a plague of frogs on the land. To make matters worse, Pharaoh’s

magicians worked their “magic” to give the people a double dose of frog legs. Even Pharaoh

finally had enough and asked for the frogs to be removed in return for the release of the

Israelites.

When Moses interceded for the Egyptians, however, God did not remove the frogs. Instead, He

caused them to die. That cured one problem and created another. In a matter of hours the land

was filled with stinking piles of frogs—the residue of the people’s willful sin.

Sin often leaves a residue in a Christian’s life too. Even though a sin might be forgiven, God may

well allow the consequences to continue. He does not do this to exact revenge, but to remind us

of the seriousness of sin. The natural consequences of our behavior are often God’s way of

discouraging us from repeating that behavior In the future.

When tempted to sin, do not be lulled by Satan’s assurance that you can be forgiven. That is true,

but remember Pharaoh’s frog residue. The sin may be forgiven and forgotten, but the

consequences may follow you into eternity.

IF YOU DON’T WANT THE FRUITS OF SIN, STAY OUT OF THE DEVIL’S GARDEN.

WOODROW KROLL

www.backtothebible.in