Moved…But Not Changed
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” But Moses said, “It would not be right to do so, for the offerings we shall sacrifice to the Lord our God are an abomination to the Egyptians….So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away….” Exodus 8:25,26-28 ESV
As the plagues rained down on Egypt the response of Pharaoh is an interesting observation about pride and human nature. Ten plagues came upon the Egyptians. Each an affront to one of their many gods. The most notable is when the sun was blocked and darkness came upon the land. The “sun god” was one of the most infamous in history among several pagan nations.
But it was just after the fourth plague when the land was ravaged by swarms of flies that Pharaoh cried “uncle” for a brief time. He told Moses and Aaron, “go and sacrifice in the land…” Then he was negotiating, “go into the wilderness but only a short distance.” This is not total surrender, but a typical negotiating position where you start at a position that is less than what you would be willing to settle for.
In this situation like others, when relief came, Pharaoh “hardened his heart” and took back the offer. By the time the seventh plague of hail came down, Pharaoh confessed, “….This time I have sinned; the Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. Plead with the Lord, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.” (Exodus 9:27,28 ESV)
Moses, being cautious, told Pharaoh that he would pray for the plague to end when he was outside of the city. But as soon as that happened, Pharaoh again, went back on his word and did not let God’s people go. Now at this point is when the Lord tells Moses that “He will hardened Pharaoh’s heart.”
I am reminded of the Proverb, “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed–without remedy.” (Proverbs 29:1 NIV) That is certainly what we see with Pharaoh because he becomes so stubborn that he is blind to what is happening around him.
The severity of the situation is seen in this account, “Then Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God. Do you not yet understand that Egypt is ruined?” (Exodus 10:7 ESV)
Still Pharaoh hesitated and after the ninth plague of darkness Pharaoh changes his “bargaining position.” “Go, serve the Lord; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.” (Exodus 10:24 ESV) But he soon found out that the God of the universe is to be obeyed and honored, not bargained with.
There is a great temptation to fall into the reaction of “being moved, but not changed.” Either that our we confuse partial surrender with full obedience. I am thankful for the Lord’s patience and mercy, but we must remember the words of Solomon about continuing to refuse correction.
Remember the words of the prophet to King Asa, “The Lord is constantly watching everyone, and he gives strength to those who faithfully obey him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9 CEV)
Prayer for today…. Lord help us in our life to those who commit to full and quick obedience. When we know You are speaking to us about an issue in our life, allow us to be quick to respond, to shun partial obedience or and refuse to “negotiate” in our minds as to how far, is far enough. Help us to see that peace and strength comes from full obedience.