PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Exodus 7-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and… he will not listen to you.” (Exodus 7:3)
Did Pharaoh want to relent, but God hardened his heart?
Did poor Pharaoh have no choice, was he a pawn in God’s plan?
It certainly sounds like it, and Paul seems to say the same (Romans 9:16-21).
And yet we also see how God gives over our hearts to our own desires (Romans 1:24,26,28).
As I see it, God doesn’t make Pharaoh stubborn, God lets him be what he already is.
Instead of softening his heart to open it, God allows it to do what it wants to do.
Pharaoh is not a puppet nor a victim; he is a free agent who chooses to be stubborn.
God graciously uses his freedom, and directs it for a greater purpose.
Jesus was crucified by human stubbornness, and God used it to set humanity free.
Jesus is now at work in my life, giving me all kinds of signs to see his goodness.
He is calling me, but he is not forcing me; and he is using me, even my stubbornness.
Where am I resisting him, stubbornly holding back or on to something that is hurting me?
Surrender to Jesus and God is the path to freedom and blessing.
I want to be softened by his grace, not hardened by my stubbornness.
PRAYER
Lord, I accept responsibility for life. But thank you that you use my life to give me opportunities to see, and to respond better. Help me not to harden my heart to your grace!
“But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. Since the gnats were on people and animals everywhere, 19 the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.”
“Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the Lord your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.””
God is teaching Pharaoh a lesson – but he refuses to submit and even goes against his own word. The power struggle is on. It is the age old power struggle – the enmity with evil. Even as his own magicians say that this is the ‘finger of God’ – he refuses to relent. How tough the evil one is – but only God can overcome and through Jesus we are victors – stay connected with Jesus and we win!
God is with His people. Even during the hard times we need to see the hand of God. Even the magicians said that the plagues were the finger of God. Where will I see His hand at work today? Open my eyes Lord that I may see you and live fully in Your presence. May Your Spirit lead and guide me that I am a servant of Your peace. Help me daily to let Your light shine through me in my words and deeds. Lead me and guide me.
I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.