In Search of the Lords Way Daily Devotional by Phil Sanders January 19 Scripture Reading: Exodus 5:10-8:15 Memory Verses: Exodus 7:3–4 “But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart that I may multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. “When Pharaoh does not listen to you, then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out My hosts, My people the sons of Israel, from the land of Egypt by great judgments.” Song: “Humble Yourselves” There is a bigger picture here than just one man. You might think God is somewhat cruel to harden Pharaoh’s heart, knowing the Egyptians will suffer because of that rebellious spirit. The text speaks of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart (7:22), and Pharaoh hardening his own heart (8:15). But the purpose of the hardening was twofold: (1) that God may multiply signs and wonders in the land of Egypt (7:3); and (2) that Pharaoh and Egypt may know that God is the Lord.Pharaoh blasphemed the Lord when Moses said, “ Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” Pharaoh sarcastically replied, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and besides I will not let Israel go” (Exodus 5:1-2). Pharaoh’s arrogant and rebellious spirit led him into much suffering through the ten plagues.The water turned to blood, but Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. Frogs filled the land, and Pharaoh hardened his heart against the Lord and Moses. His hard heart meant that he would not listen to the Lord. It took ten plagues before Pharaoh came to understand “there is no one like the Lord our God” (8:10).I look into my own stubborn heart and wonder what it will take for me to learn that the God of Israel is the one and only Lord. The Lord disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11). Prayer: “Oh Father, thank You for loving me enough to discipline me when I most need it. Father, break my stubborn will that I may be a humble servant always. Forgive my willful ways, and help me to love You and devote myself to You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.” Thought Questions: Do I fight with God over things I don’t like? Do I require God to prove Himself to me? Do I harden my heart and stop my ears to the things I don’t want to hear?
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 03:19:49 +0000
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