Exodus 5 -- More Like Pharaoh Than We Think?

Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh on behalf of the Israelites, at God’s direction.  They said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘Let My people go so they may hold a feast for Me in the desert.’ “  What the king of Egypt said next caught my eye:  “Who IS the Lord?  Why should I obey Him …?  I do not know the Lord, and I will not…”

Pharaoh’s heart had already been hardened by his sinfulness, and whether or not he had prior knowledge of Moses’ God, he was certainly intent on having his own way.  What he said, though, still rings true today among those who should know better.  Indeed, I can’t help but believe that a large percentage of Americans have had exposure to Bible stories at some point in their lives.  Yet exposure does not equal belief.  Unfortunately, belief also does not always equal obedience.  People see “In God We Trust” stamped on our coins and they learn “one nation under God” as part of our pledge of allegiance, yet they can honestly say, “Who is the Lord?  I don’t know Him, and I won’t obey.”

Sadly, those of us who could easily say “I know Him,” all too often find ourselves saying, “I won’t obey.”  It’s a part of our selfish sin nature that we struggle with our whole life on this earth.  In fact, Moses had just spent an entire chapter saying in effect, “I won’t obey” by making excuse after excuse for why he couldn’t (didn’t want) to serve.  And if we do really know Him, then wouldn’t we want to always obey the One who has loved us from the beginning of the world and who desires His best for us?  I have to admit that, like a child, I do find myself (in spite of what I know about God) feeling willful and stubborn, seeking after the temporary rather than the eternal, buying the lie that it will somehow be worth it to rebel.

Father, forgive me when I act like Pharaoh.  Break up the hardness of heart when You see it forming, especially when I can’t see it.  Thank You for loving me in spite of my sin nature!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford