Monday, January 29
Pharaoh in me
Scripture: Exodus 7-8, Psalm 13, Acts 5
Exodus 7:13 Still Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. (Also: 7:22, 8:15, 19)
Observation
In Pharaoh’s battle with Moses (and God), Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart and would not listen. He stubbornly entrenched and refused to listen and do what God said. Ultimately, this stubbornness was his undoing.
It’s easy to be like Pharaoh—to be stubborn, entrenched, refuse to listen—whether it’s toward God or other people. These verses stand as a reminder and warning to the Pharaoh in me.
Application
I recognize in myself a dangerous tendency toward stubbornness.
I can be stubborn toward God, refusing to listen, insisting on my own way.
I can be stubborn toward people, refusing to listen, getting entrenched in my own narrative or perspective, confident I’m right.
Here’s a practical check point: any time you find yourself unwilling to listen, check your heart. Are you being proud, stubborn, hard-hearted? Have you lost your curiosity, openness, willingness to learn?
Prayer: Lord, I see some Pharaoh in me. Please catch me every time I get stubborn and refuse to listen. Help me to be soft-hearted toward You and others, not hard-hearted and refusing to listen.