Of Lice and Men
Anyone who has had a child in public school has likely dealt with a lice infestation. My youngest came home from school nine times in her first grade year with the dreaded “lice outbreak” notice in her backpack. Since she was a very social child, can you guess how many times she got lice? Yep: Nine. The process of removing lice involves using a strong chemical shampoo, fine-tooth combing, washing all jackets and clothing, spraying all stuffed animals and putting them in a plastic bag for 48 hours, laundering sheets at a high temperature … it was exhausting. Finally, in deep frustration, I visited the classroom to talk to the teacher to see if there was anything to be done. Imagine my surprise when I walked in the room and found groups of children lounging together in BEAN BAG CHAIRS during reading time. I was a little like Jesus, throwing bean bag chairs out of the temple that morning. And the lice notices instantly stopped. Imagine that!
Today’s passage takes us back to the battle of God versus Pharaoh. The weapon of choice in this particular battle was lice.
Exodus 8 (Common English Bible)
16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your shepherd’s rod and hit the land’s dirt so that lice appear in the whole land of Egypt.’” 17 They did this. Aaron stretched out his hand with his shepherd’s rod, hit the land’s dirt, and lice appeared on both people and animals. All the land’s dirt turned into lice throughout the whole land of Egypt.
18 The religious experts tried to produce lice by their secret knowledge, but they weren’t able to do it. There were lice on people and animals. 19 The religious experts said to Pharaoh, “This is something only God could do!” But Pharaoh was stubborn, and he wouldn’t listen to them, just as the Lord had said.
The lice infestation was the third of ten plagues. God knew that Pharaoh would not listen or give in. Indeed, in Exodus 3:19, God told Moses that he was sure that Pharaoh would not let the people go. Free enslaved labor for decades was something Pharaoh could not give up. Even in this passage we see an acknowledgement that producing lice was something only God can do, yet it took seven more plagues and the parting of the Red Sea before Pharaoh understood the power of God in all its might. Of course by then it was too late.
Before we indulge in too much eye-rolling at his stubbornness, let’s stop for a moment and think about our own behavior. Do we ever underestimate the power of God in our situations? Have you ever doubted God’s interest or intention in your time of need? Have you ever felt that your sins have disqualified you from a right relationship with God? Most of us have. But we need to remember that Jesus died on a cross for the very thing you did that has made you feel disqualified. Remaining stubborn about God’s power to forgive and redeem is like saying what Jesus did at the crucifixion didn’t count. And that is heresy.
So relish the power of God and what only God can do in your life. Jesus died for it! Embrace it and live.
Early Light by Michelle Robertson
At Water’s Edge 