"Moses and Aaron (had) performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; yet the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go out of his land." (v.10)
If nine plagues had come from the hand of God into your life, one might expect that the warning about a tenth plague (the death of the firstborn) would be believed; but Pharaoh’s heart remained hard, so God strengthened Pharaoh in his hardness of heart. Evidenced by the fact that here for the fourth time we are told that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 9:12, 10:20, 10:27, and 11:10).
God never hardens our hearts until we first harden it against Him. And even then, just like Pharaoh, God gives us plenty of opportunities to change. Yet, there comes a time when God will no longer strive with man but instead, gives him over to his own folly. In this case, the loss of the firstborn of all Egypt. Moses delivered God's final request to Pharaoh to let His people go or this plaque would surly take place. Sadly he did not.
Many people have loved ones who have hardened their hearts toward God. They have knowledge of God but they do not recognized Him as their LORD and Savior. To you I say, take comfort in the fact that God will continue to pursue them, give them every chance to change. And like Moses, we must not give up, but continue to deliver God's message, even when it seems that NOTHING could persuade them, and trust in God to break through - no matter what it takes.
Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy in our lives. Help us all to trust that all things are working together for your greater good. Amen.
The Truth: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:8)
