LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Wednesday 10th November 2021
A HARDENED HEART
Scripture Reading: Exodus 4
And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. Exodus 4:21
The Lord gave Moses the charge to do specific miracles before Pharoah. The first of those miracles was shown to Moses when the Lord appeared to him. He was to turn his shepherd’s rod into a snake and make his healthy hand leprous and vice versa. If Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go, the Lord would work new signs beginning with turning the waters of Egypt into blood.
Then the Lord spoke of what He would do if Pharaoh refused to yield to reason after Moses had performed the three signs. The Lord said, ‘I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go’.
This part of verse 21 has been the source of controversy for many. On the surface, it would appear as if the Lord was not fair to Pharaoh. The question has been, ‘if God was the one hardening Pharaoh’s heart, why is Pharaoh blamed’.
To answer that question, we have to read an earlier statement in Exodus 3:19 But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. God knew ahead of time how Pharaoh would respond to the three signs that He had asked Moses to perform. He knew Pharaoh would harden his heart against the Hebrews. He hardened Pharaoh’s heart because he chose to harden his heart against the signs God gave to Moses.
Our response to God colours His response to us. With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. Psalm 18:25-26
God hardened Pharaoh’s heart because Pharaoh first hardened his heart. We can get to a point of rebellion against God where He gives us over to our own ways. When we continue resisting the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the Lord leaves us to do as we please. The only end left for us in such a situation, if we don’t repent, is God’s judgment.
May the Lord have mercy on us and keep from hardening our hearts to Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to harden my heart against your will. Give me a humble and teachable spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
