Wednesdays with Moses

Read Exodus 9:19-21 – “… Therefore send now and gather your livestock and all that you have in the field, for the hail shall come down on every man and every animal which is found in the field and is not brought home; and they shall die.” He who feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his livestock flee to the houses. But he who did not regard the word of the Lord left his servants and his livestock in the field. (NKJV)

You would think that as the ten plagues unfold, Pharaoh and the Egyptians would recognize the power of God and yield to His will. But this isn’t what people do in judgment. Instead, they curse God. Their hearts are so full of wickedness, that they cannot reason a wiser response. Sometimes, we want to think that the mighty acts of God will turn people to faith. When those acts are beneficial, people do often respond, believing that God is blessing them. But when God brings what people don’t want, they don’t turn to Him. Instead they raise their fists toward Heaven in anger and defiance. What a clear revelation of the true condition of man’s heart. Only those who know God are wise enough to relent from their rebellion when trouble comes. They know He is calling to them to turn from destructive paths. They know that He seeks relationship and will not stop pursuing them.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.