Then the LORD said to Moses, “Return to Pharaoh and make your demands again. I have made him and his officials stubborn so I can display my miraculous signs among them. I’ve also done it so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them—and so you will know that I am the LORD.” [Exodus 10.1-2]
In light of previous comments regarding the subject of God "hardening" Pharaoh's heart, I wish to carry my thoughts further today.
As concluded in HARD HEART a couple days ago, any time good confronts evil, the reaction is most often one of pride and arrogance. Pharaoh is the "poster boy" of this pride and arrogance in the Bible.
But there is more to this story than just a proud man.
God's glory will shine brightest against the backdrop of man's evil. Not only does God's glory elicit the proud and resistant response of evil, but through that same means it also provides a testimony to God's people of the distinction God makes between those who are, and those who are not, His. Pride's reaction always brings curses. Those curses upon the disobedient assure God's people that their obedience is not misplaced.
Is this relevant today? We shall see. But God's people must first be absolutely sure they are in fact "God's people!"
What will distinguish us as God's people today? Well, for starters, we will expect and see "everything God" harden the hearts of those who are not His. We will also likely see persecution. But we will remain confident in that persecution that God will show Himself God (in all the Bible reveals that to mean) and that the proud hardened opposition will provide the 'canvas' upon which that picture will be painted - just like Pharaoh and Egypt.
Wow. These are exciting times.
Father, I want to be 'Yours.' I want to stay true to You and Your Word. I want to see Your glory.
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