February 15, 2022 - Exodus 7-9

How many times does it take for God to speak to you about a situation before you obey? Sometimes our obedience is immediate and at other times it may take two, three, or four requests from the Lord before we listen and obey.

Moses knew that it would be a long process before the children of Israel would be released from Pharoah's service. The Israelites had come to believe Moses and Aaron's words and deeds. They had anticipated that the king would comply as well. Instead of believing, Pharoah stated, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice..." (Exodus 4:2).

Repeatedly, Moses stood before Pharoah and reiterated the request, and each time the king's heart was hardened and resistant toward Moses. In the interim, the people of Israel suffered and faced intense hostility by Pharoah. Instead of being reverent and obedient, Pharoah did just as God had stated he would do and hardened his heart toward the commands of God.

Pharoah's heart was hard, and the pain inflicted was felt by all the people of the land. Both Egyptian and Jew were affected by this warfare waged between God and Pharoah! God allowed trials to continue for Egypt to be humbled and Israel to learn dependance upon the LORD. God uses all suffering for His honor.

Today many are refusing and rejecting the teaching of God which has led to suffering and heartache both within and outside the church. The abortion, human trafficking and drug crisis have caused financial, and family breakdowns. Let us be prayerful that people may have ears to hear and eyes to see God's ways. "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts ..." (Hebrews 3:7-8).