Scripture: Exodus 7:14-9:35
I love to think of all the extraordinary people in the Bible God used to accomplish His purposes. It’s fun to imagine who I am most like. Do I have the tenacity to accomplish a lengthy assignment like Noah? Am I courageous and daring like Esther? Can I patiently wait for years for God’s plan to come to fruition like David? It’s neat to consider the heroes of our faith. But have you ever compared yourself to the ‘villains?’ I don’t enjoy that as much! But it’s worthwhile to ask tough questions.
Is my heart stubborn and spirit unwilling to obey God like Pharaoh? Am I like Pharaoh?
Unfortunately, I have to answer yes. At times, like Pharaoh, I submit to my sinful nature. I make decisions with pride and arrogance that are contrary to what God wills and wants.
God expects me to forgive her even though she deeply wounded me? Forget it. That woman doesn’t deserve my forgiveness.
I asked and asked him to help me, but he didn’t. Now God wants me to help him? I don’t think so.
We make our hearts hard with every stubborn “no” we defy God with. The longer we demonstrate a Pharaoh-like personality toward God’s leadership in our life, the more rebellious our spirit and harder our heart will become. The moment we sense a distance in our intimacy with the Lord we should pray and ask Him to reveal areas of rebellion. Our response to His revelation? Immediate repentance followed by immediate obedience. The result will be an agreeable spirit and a softened heart.
We each have certain aspects of our personalities that are similar to Noah, Esther, and David. If we are willing to admit it, we are all a little like Pharaoh too. However, our goal should be to liken ourselves especially to one hero in the Bible … Jesus.
