. Over the past couple of months I've been teaching a class on Exodus at the church. As we've moved through the first 10 chapters of this account, I've been amazed at how stubborn and rebellious the Pharoah really was. I mean this guy just didn't get it! There was no way he was going to win this "war of wills" with God. Each time Moses came to him with the request to let the Israelites go, Pharoah arched his back like a 2 year old pouting in the corner! "No, I won't let you go" or "I'll let you go, but only on these conditions". Moses warned him of the consequences of refusing, but the Pharoah was more concerned with exercising his own power of control. He was one oif the world's first real "control freaks".
Unfortunately, every time he refused, the consequences were worse for him and the entire nation of Egypt. First came the plague of blood, then frogs, gnats, flies, pestilence, boils, and hail! By the time God sent the 8th and 9th plagues (locust & darkness), even his own advisors were astounded at Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to admit he was wrong. God had given him a multitude of chances to change, but he had rejected each opportunity or reneged on the agreement he made with Moses.
A simple request didn't do it for Pharaoh. A gentle nudge didn't move him. A reprimand didn't have any effect on his actions. A direct confrontation was met with stern opposition. God had poked, prodded and pleaded with Pharoah to listen, but he refused. So God had to get out a 2'x4' and bring a more substantial consequence....the plague of locust, then darkness, and finally the plague of the firstborn. Wow!
Sometimes God only has to nudge us to get us to listen. Other times He may need to shout or put a few obstacles in our way. But there are times when we force him to pick up a 2'x4' and whack us good before we will stop, listen and obey. I've had a few of those experiences.....and I suspect you have too! So will your kids! Doesn't that bless you? The point is, we need to learn how to listen better and how to teach our children how to avoid making the same mistakes. We may need a 2/x4' every once in a while, but hopefully we can be a bit more pliable than old Pharaoh so that God can get us to do what we need to do without getting "whacked".
Experienced at taking a few lumps,
Larry
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