LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Friday 18th February 2022
PHARAOH TURNS AGAINST THE PEOPLE
Scripture Reading: Exodus 5
And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Let more work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not regard false words.” Exodus 5:8–9
Pharaoh was incensed by Moses’ demand to free the Hebrews. He understood the political and economic implications of such an action. If the Hebrew slaves left, it would seriously dislocate the Egyptian economy and make Egypt appear weak to its neighbours. Pharaoh responded to Moses by worsening the lives of the Hebrews.
The king of Egypt wanted the people that Moses was fighting for to turn against him. Pharaoh knew the Hebrews. His people had oppressed them for centuries and he knew how they would respond when their already bad condition got worse.
The main reason for Pharaoh’s attack against the people was because they said, ‘let us go and sacrifice to our God’. He wanted to discourage the people from following God’s purpose for them.
Whenever we take a stand for God, the enemy would seek to discourage us. We must not be ignorant of the enemy’s tricks. Though he cannot stop you, he would seek to discourage you so that you stop yourself.
God’s plan to deliver Israel from bondage was set. He first revealed His plans to Abraham. Now was the time for deliverance. Pharaoh could not stop God. He could not delay God. Since Pharaoh knew he could not stop God, he wanted to use God’s people to stop God’s work.
Know this. God’s plan for you is certain. What the Lord wants to do for you is fixed. If He has said He will bless you, rest assured that He will bless you. If He has said He will give it to you, rest assured, He will give it to you. However, you must be on the lookout. The enemy will seek to intensify your burden to such an extent that you turn against the Lord and frustrate your blessing. Don’t yield to the temptation.
Prayer. Heavenly Father, help me to stand firm when my situation gets tough. I refuse to bow to enemy attacks. In Jesus’ name, Amen.