Wednesday April 2, 2014

Read Romans 9:15-19, Exodus 9:13-35.
Pharaoh, Ra on earth, was no lightweight. He was the most powerful man of his day. His word was law and he could do as he pleased. He was the superpower of the day in one single person.

Years earlier the Hebrew tribes had come to live in the Egyptian town of Goshen. They thrived there and grew in number. Pharaoh became concerned that this people group could one day turn and fight against the Egyptians. To ward off the threat he put them into slavery.

The Hebrews languished in slavery for the better part of 400 years. Towards the end of this time God came down to rescue His people. He confronted Pharaoh face to face and challenged him to a duel. God’s goal, apart from redeeming a people for Himself is stated clearly by God himself:

“For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague

that would have wiped you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Ex 9:15-16).

The 10-round battle raged and God smote Egypt time and time again. God knocked Egypt to the canvas over and over. In the 10th plague delivered the knockout punch.

It’s interesting that we read in verse 34 of Exodus 9 that Pharaoh and his officials hardened their hearts. We are clearly told that they hardened their hearts against God. Yet we read in Romans that God has mercy on whom He wants and He hardens whomever He wants. Both sides are presented as true with no hint of contradiction.

As Paul wrote Romans he would have known to the letter what Exodus said about Pharaoh’s heart because of his Pharisaical training and religious background. Even so, without the slightest hint of contradiction he can write that God hardens whom he wants to harden.

Again, as we saw earlier this week, turning God into a crystal ball gazing guru who makes decisions based on what he sees doesn’t fit the bill. Both sides of the coin are presented as true. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart but Pharaoh is charged with sin against God.

The implication is the same as Job declared - ‘No plan of yours can be thwarted.’ God’s providence is in full swing and God Himself will not tolerate being charged with evil or wrong doing. We can but bow down and praise Him.

Walk Moment
Do you know someone whose heart is hard towards God? Don’t let it turn you off or worry you. God’s providence is in full swing and He is Lord even over this other person. Keep praying and keep trusting that the will of the Lord will be done.

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. After you have rebuked a believer for a sin in his/her life, she/he turns to you and says, ‘God is sovereign and He allowed me to sin so I don’t have to change.’ How do you respond?
2. A non Christian asks you to explain the difference between God’s sovereignty and human free will. How do you answer?
3. Can you find any other examples where human freewill and God’s providence work together as in Pharaoh’s life?

Prayer:
Having read today’s passages, jot down 2 points for each type of prayer.
Adoration:

Confess:

Thanks

Supplication:

• Pray that the Lord would allow each of us to share our faith with non believers this week. Pray that God would open doors for sharing and that we’d all be courageous enough to speak out the truth of the gospel. Ask God to grow your church through this sharing.
• Pray that God would bless the work of Creation Research as they continue to teach the truth of the Bible from cover to cover. Pray that God would bring in the needed resources and that this ministry will bear much fruit.