Is There a Difference?
God's power and protection distinguish His people from those who oppose them, bringing peace and safety in the midst of enemies.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes God's sovereign power to protect His people, illustrating that just as He can silence the tongues of dogs, He can also grant peace amidst adversaries. He reassures believers that despite the noise and threats from the ungodly, God can keep them safe and unhurt, much like Daniel in the lion's den. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to seek God's intervention in their troubles, trusting that His grace creates a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The sermon calls for a deep reliance on God's power to provide peace and safety in the face of opposition.
Text
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)
What! Has God power over the tongues of dogs! Can he keep ours from barking? Yes, it is even so. He can prevent an Egyptian dog from worrying one of the lambs of Israel's flock. Doth God silence dogs, and doggish ones among men, and the great dog at hell's gate? Then let us move on our way without fear.
If He lets dogs move their tongues, yet He can stop their teeth. They may make a dreadful noise and still do us no real harm. Yet, how sweet is quiet! How delightful to move about among enemies and perceive that God maketh them to be at peace with us! Like Daniel in the den of lions we are unhurt amid destroyers.
Oh, that today this word of the Lord to Israel might be true to me! Does the dog worry me? I will tell my Lord about him. Lord, he does not care for my pleadings; do Thou speak the word of power, and he must lie down. Give me peace, O my God, and let me see Thy hand so distinctly in it that I may most clearly perceive the difference which Thy grace has made between me and the ungodly!
Sermon Outline
- God's Power over Animals
- God's Power over Men
- Practical Application
- Moving forward without fear
- Perceiving God's peace in midst of enemies
Key Quotes
“He can prevent an Egyptian dog from worrying one of the lambs of Israel's flock.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“They may make a dreadful noise and still do us no real harm.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Oh, that today this word of the Lord to Israel might be true to me!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Trust in God's power to silence and protect you from harm.
- Speak to God about your concerns and fears, and He will bring peace and protection.
- Move forward in faith, knowing that God is with you and will guide you through difficult situations.