One More Night

Exodus 7:23
“And Pharaoh turned and went into his house. Neither was his heart moved by this.”

Have you ever wondered how different the story of Exodus would read if Pharaoh had only listened to the Lord? Instead, Pharaoh is an example of what we should not do, when we hear the Word of the Lord. We read, Pharaoh refused to allow his heart to be moved. Before ever hearing the Word of God, he had already determined he would not obey. A good friend of mine went on a vacation to a new hotel that was selling time shares. They received a very inexpensive rate on their room, under the condition that they would sit through a sales pitch. Before entering the meeting, he and his wife made a pact, they would not allow themselves to be swayed into purchasing something, no matter how good it sounded. That may be a good way to approach hard sales, but it is a terrible way to approach listening to the Word of God.

Exodus 8:9-10
“And Moses said to Pharaoh, ‘Accept the honor of saying when I shall intercede for you, for your servants, and for your people, to destroy the frogs from you and your houses, that they may remain in the river only.’
So he said, ‘Tomorrow.’ And he said, ‘Let it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the Lord our God.’”

As things heat up around him, Pharaoh’s heart is finally starting to stir. He looks around at the conditions in his nation, because of his rejection of the Lord, and begins to see the need for change. Calling for Moses, he requests that the frogs be removed, to which Moses asks, “when?” The reply from Pharaoh is shocking! He says “tomorrow”, instead of pleading for them to be removed instantly. It is as if he is desiring just one more night. Sin can have that kind of hold on us. We can realize it is destroying us, and still desire to keep it around. The right way to react, when God reveals sin, is to forsake it and cling to Him.

Exodus 8:19
“Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, ‘This is the finger of God.’ But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the Lord had said.”

The more Pharaoh hardened his heart to the Word of God, the worse things got. Those around him began to recognize this was the Lord. Yet, Pharaoh’s heart continued to resist the Lord. There are times, when we refuse to hear from the Lord, He will send someone else to encourage us. Instead of becoming upset at him or accusing him of judging you, the right response is to recognize the loving hand of God, and turn to Him.

Pastor Jim