February 3rd

Exodus 7:14-9:35

God unleashed His wonders on the land of Egypt, through plagues of bloody water, hordes of frogs, gnats and flies, a disease on the cattle, painful boils, and a nasty hailstorm. Tomorrow, we will complete the plagues, but we read enough today to get a glimpse of the awesome power of God.

In His display of power, He outlasted the Egyptian magicians, who were able to repeat the first few plagues but then were outmatched when Moses turned the dust to gnats. They even advised Pharaoh to beware, for “this is the finger of God!” God also demonstrated His great power when none of the plagues affected the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived. There was a clear separation between Him and the gods of Egypt, and between His people and the Egyptians. There is no one like our God!

However, despite all of these things, Pharaoh did not budge, as God predicted. It seemed at times that Pharaoh would give in, but he always changed his mind and refused to let Israel go. In our passage today, it was mentioned at least nine times that Pharaoh hardened his heart. Now, I’ve met some pretty stubborn people, but this guy was immovable, to the point of the humiliation and destruction of his nation.

Daily Reflection

Though it is easy to point your finger at Pharaoh and shake your head at his defiance, I would guess that there have been times in your life when you have been pretty hard-headed. Perhaps even now, God is trying to get your attention, trying to get you to listen, or trying to convince you to act or do something that you know He wants you to do; yet, in your selfish, sinful, stubborn way, you have refused to budge. I hope that you, unlike Pharaoh, will soften your heart of stone before He is moved to break it.

If you could see through your own self-deception, how hard is your heart towards God at this moment? Are you open to His calling, to His will, to His direction in your life, or are you, like Pharaoh, set in your ways?

What does this type of stubbornness reveal about Pharaoh, about you? What causes your heart to harden, to turn into “stone”?

Is there something in your life that you know God has been asking you to do and you simply have not budged? You are only asking for Him to break you, to humble you. Will He have to unleash “plagues”? Will He have to destroy your idols? Will He have to dismantle your kingdom?

A heart of stone is simply an indication of a heart of pride. Repent of your self-reliance, your self-confidence, your selfish arrogance, and soften your heart. Be willing to allow the Lord to accomplish a great work in your life.

BiAY.org | Day 34 — 331 Days to Go