LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Sunday 8th May 2022
PHARAOH HARDENS HIS HEART
Scripture Reading: Exodus 8
They gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said. Exodus 8:14–15
The Egyptians went out to gather the dead frogs which had invaded their land. The frogs were so many that they had to be gathered in heaps all over the land. This shows that the frogs that came on the land were real.
The land stank. Because the Egyptians could not dispose of the heaps of frogs early enough, they decomposed and sent off a foul odour on the land. As bad as the foul odour was, the people preferred that over the live frogs invading their homes. They felt relief.
Once the judgment was removed, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to honour his word to Moses. God had been merciful and delivered Pharaoh and his people from the hand of chastisement and judgment. But Pharaoh shamefully abused the mercy of God.
Of course the Lord had known and said this would be the result. The price of following God was just too great to pay: he could not afford to free God’s people. To obey God meant the loss of wealth, of cheap labor and financial gain—too great a price to pay in order to obey God.
How often do we cry to God for deliverance from some terrible situation? We make promises to God, promises to obey and do exactly what He commands. But how many of us follow through with our promises? How many of us shamefully abuse the mercy and patience of God? How many of us truly repent and turn with renewed vigour and commitment to God?
Though we may dislike Pharaoh for his devious behaviour, if we look at ourselves closely, we may find that we have a bit of ‘Pharaoh’ in us as well. May the Lord help us to keep our promises to Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to keep my promises to you. Grant me the grace to honour my vows. In Jesus’ name, Amen.