Scripture Passage for Today
Scripture Focus
“This time I have sinned.” (Exodus 9:27 NLT)
Observation
The story of Moses is retold—with some poetic license, to be sure—in animated Dreamworks feature film Prince of Egypt. Early in the film, Pharaoh’s son (and Moses’ brother by adoption) is being groomed by his father (the Pharaoh) for the day when he will rule Egypt. He is challenged by his father about his readiness to stand his ground as a leader—his willingness to make (and stick with) the hard decisions demanded of a leader. “One weak link,” his father says harshly, “can break the chain of a mighty dynasty!”
At that moment (the script later suggests), a seed was planted in that future ruler that would lead to the oh-so-difficult-to-comprehend hardening of Pharaoh’s heart described in today’s reading. In the film, when confronted by Moses with God’s command to let the Israelites go, Pharaoh noticeably stiffens his back, strengthens his resolve, and echoes his father’s words—“I will not be the weak link!”
Now, understand—nowhere in Scripture is either “weak link” moment even hinted at. They are only fictional scenes from an animated film. But the script does make conceivable Pharaoh’s described hardness of heart, and it does provide a reminder of how powerful our words can be—how people can be impacted years after the fact by even the smallest remark…some off-the-cuff comment, joking accusation or unmerited critique.
Of course, we don’t know all that lead to Pharaoh’s hardened heart. In total, the Scripture says ten times that Pharaoh hardened his own heart, and ten times that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. I am reminded of Numbers 14:28, where God told the complaining Israelites…
“'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say.” (Numbers 14:38 NIV)
(I’m suggesting that Pharaoh chose a hardened heart, so God gave him one!)
However speculative, I read this passage and ask God for two things. First, I want my words to be words of life to others, not condemnation. Even when correction or rebuke may be necessary, I want my words to be “seasoned with grace”.
Second, I want to take my cues from what God says about me, over and above what anyone else may have to say. While others’ knowledge—and their ability to express it—is incomplete and therefore imperfect, God’s knowledge—and the grace and wisdom with which He speaks it—is both complete and perfect.
5 comments:
I have been doing a bible study and there is an exerpt that talks about changing our attitudes. It talks about the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21. Both were asked to go into the vineyard, one said, "No, I won't go," but later he changed his mind and went anyway. The father told the other son, "You go," and he said, "Yes,sir, I will." But he didn't go. The one who obeyed was the first son. The one who changed his mind. I was trying to understand the part where God gave Pharoah a hardened heart and now I understand that he chose it. I was also trying to understand why Moses was so hesitant to do something for God at first and was so much so that God allowed Aaron to do the talking for him, but now I am realizing that maybe Moses is like that son who at first had the wrong attitude and was changed. One of the things that made Moses worthy of being used by God was the fact that he had a pliable heart and was humble too. Is it fair to say he could have been full of pride as he paraded back into Egypt to "Save" his people? Instead he did it with a heart towards God's will. I pray for a heart like the first son and like Moses, that where there are changes needed in my life that the Lord will reveal them to me so I can repent and be open for the Lord to use me to do His will. I want to be someone who, when asked by God (or even my earthly father) to do something, says "Yes," and then does it!!
I can relate to Pharaoh's hardened heart. I had one for many years and it cost me and now I have to live with those consequences as did Pharaoh. Pharaoh chose to have a hardened heart. I look back on my life and cant figure out why I chose to have a hardened heart. I thought I didnt have one but the more I look back and see what I have done to the woman that I loved the more I see that I did choose a heart that did not care for anyone except myself and was very selfish in my ways. I gave my life to the Lord last November to take that hardened heart away and to know God's knowledge-and the grace and wisdom with which He speaks it. Since then he has given me a heart that is open and full of life and love that I want more of. I think being selfish in that way is ok.
Have a great day everyone!
PRIDE.....That is what makes most mens hearts hard. Sometimes it is very hard to admit you were wrong. I believe that is one of the main reasons Pharoah wouldn't let the Isrealites go. He was a King after all and admiting defeat in a place of power seems like the last option. I know that I deal with pride all the time and, sometimes I have to take a step back and look at the situation in another perspective. Open up your mind and heart and let God show you your path. Glen H
I sometimes wonder what would have happen if pharaoh would have let the people go the first time but the pride He had blinded him so much and made his heart hard that He couldnt see anyhting else.Or listen to anyone else. A hard heart to me makes close ears to others and their help or advice. So God showed pharaoh the greatness and that He is the great I am. Praise God.
“'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say.” (Numbers 14:38 NIV)
(I’m suggesting that Pharaoh chose a hardened heart, so God gave him one!)
We MUST always watch the tongue. I am guilty but I'm working on it. We must watch what we say as it becomes true. We must speak positive and not negative as if our life depends on it - I think it does. We create our own hell on earth by our words we live by. But by the same token I think our words can be so sweet that we'd enjoy eating them again.
Joey: I don't know you but you are a cool guy. The Lord has changed you and maybe like Job you will be restored after you are tested.
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