But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go.
Exodus 8:32

We all know the story. Movies have been made about it. It’s one of the most well documented events of ancient history. God delivered His chosen people, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt.

Poor Pharoah! He was the most powerful man on earth, lord of the wealthiest and most powerful nation in world history, but he had no idea what he was up against. He thought he could tell God, “No.”

When Moses first approached him he said, “I don’t recognize your God and I’m not going to let your people go. Shut up, and get back to work!”

By the time it was over Egypt’s economy would be destroyed, Pharoah’s army would be at the bottom of the sea, and his oldest son, along with the oldest son of every family in Egypt, would be gone. The Egyptians were be ready to pay the Israelites to leave, giving them anything they asked for!

Pharoah thought he could terrorize God’s people into submission, so God gave him a taste of what real terror would be like.

God finally told him, “By now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you My power, so that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth.”
Exodus 9:15-16

Dear friend, don’t say “no” to God. You don’t know who you’re messing with.

Lord, forgive the many times I harden my heart and refuse to pay attention to Your Word.  Give me a heart that responds quickly and willingly when Your call, that drops my sin when You point it out, and trusts in You. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles