PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Exodus 7-9
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)
Something I wonder: did Pharaoh want to relent, but God hardened his heart?
In other words, 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).
Elsewhere we see how God gives over our hearts to our own desires (Romans 1:24,26,28).
In other words, God doesn’t make Pharaoh stubborn, He lets him be what he already is.
Instead of softening his heart to open it, He allows it to do what it wants to do.
As Paul says, for His purpose, for His better future.
Pharaoh is not a puppet nor a victim; he is a free agent who chooses to be stubborn.
God graciously uses our freedom, and directs it for His greater purpose.
Pharaoh was response-able, and he exercised that freedom despite the signs.
God doesn’t make me stubborn for His purpose, but He will use it for His purpose.
He is teaching me, and others through me, how foolish and futile stubbornness is.
I have a choice, but what shall I choose; will I willingly surrender to His purpose?
Its so much better if I offer my heart and life to Him; that way I can enjoy His purpose!
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!
The Pharaoh was considered to be a god – and he stubbornly denies bending and humbling himself before the true God. God through Moses perseveres – and pokes fun at the various nature gods and Pharaoh himself. Pharaoh had to learn to submit – and each time he did but recanted -he suffered the consequences. When do I stubbornly try to stay in control and suffer the consequence – then I too need to learn to submit to God.
There is one persistent message that the Lord commanded Moses to deliver to Pharaoh., “Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the desert.”
Today still there’s one persistent message that we have to deliver to everyone in words, thoughts, and most of all actions– where the Lord brings us, “Forgiveness of sins and eternal life is through Jesus Christ alone.” And when forgiven we have to worship the Lord our God alone.
Many of those whom we are sent to are like Pharaoh and will not listen but let us love and be patient and kind until God’s purpose in their life and ours is accommplished.
Heart. Head. Hands.
Pharaoh’s heart was hardened serving himself. God created man with a choice – to serve Him or to serve self. We see what pharaoh did. He made himself a god. In his mind he thought he was in control and was blinded by his own vision. He saw the greatness of the Almighty God and yet decided not to see. The works of his hands were of his own creation and might and he did not see God’s mighty acts. He insisted that he was in charge and did nit pay attention to the Word of the Lord but went his own way.
Today as in every day, God Is First (TGIF day). Open my eyes Lord that I may see You as I continue to live for Jesus.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy