February 3

Exodus 7:14-9:35

Life is often filled with difficult relationships. We may find this strain in our families, at work, in our neighborhoods, or even at the church. This strain is evident in the series of confrontations between Moses and Pharaoh. Ultimately, this conflict is emblematic of the greater confrontation between God and those who oppose him. These chapters are essentially the story of God which are repeated throughout the Scriptures. God displays his power to save and judge, while people respond in the way they see fit. God reveals his power to the Egyptians by turning water to blood; sending flies, gnats, frogs, boils, and hail upon the people; and destroying livestock. Whenever Pharaoh humbled himself and acknowledged the power of God, he was saved from the plague. When he continued to resist, more judgment befell him and his people. The Israelites were saved, while many of the Egyptians felt the full wrath of God's anger.

As we read through the Bible, the tragic reality is God's people often put themselves in the place of Pharaoh by not responding to God with obedience and submission. Instead of resisting God and putting our trust in other things, we must put our full confidence in God and respond by worshiping him. We need to run to God, seek him, and not wall off any part of our life from him; or we will inevitably reap the disastrous consequences of our rebellion.

Father God, you are a great and powerful God. Help me to willingly submit to your authority as your servant and to never harden my heart against you; instead, help me to continually praise you. Amen.

Why are we so often hard hearted like Pharaoh?

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