SATURDAY - 12TH JUNE, 2021
MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE - Olusola ADEJUMO
WHEN MEN ARE RELIEVED
Read Exodus 8:1-15
Exodus 8:15,KJV
"But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart and hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said."
I have come to discover that when men are under fire - suffering, facing persecution or being disturbed by one challenge or the other; they seek for an escape and won't mind getting it right away and any how. As a matter of fact, once they're cornered, they seek with all their heart a solution. In seeking a solution, you can see their desperation. They can make promises and vow to turn a new leaf after their problems are attended to. They can tell the Lord if He is the one disciplining them they would turn a new leaf if He gives them one more chance. They just want relieve.
However, these people tend to surprise God. They most times don't live up to their words. You will see them change gears and reverse backwards on the very thing they said they would do when the Lord keeps His part of the bargain.
This vividly describes Pharaoh in today's passage. Though it was God that hardens his heart for a purpose He deems fit yet we learnt one nature of man and response to situation once given an opportunity to repent and reorder his life or make amends. What's that?
God had said through Moses and Aaron "let Israel go" but Pharaoh would not. So, God began to show forth His signs. One of such was to turn their water to blood. After that came the swarm of frogs that covered the whole land. It was during this time that Pharaoh begged Moses for relieve.
Exodus 8:8,KJV
"Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the Lord, that He may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord."
Did you hear Pharaoh. He meant "if God let go the frogs, I will also let go the people." Meanwhile, after being eased at the departure of the frogs and the taking away of his besetting problem, did he let Israel go? No.
Why? He saw that there was respite. At his relieve , he has left the tightness and strictness that occupies him before. His leaving that condition gives him hope not to succumb. So, he goes on to be hardened.
That's the nature of every man which Pharaoh continually exhibited until destruction sweeps over him. Give people an inch and they will go a mile. When people needs help, they prostrate and promise to be humble, do all kinds of menial jobs but what do they become when succoured? They evolve into monsters and masters. You will wonder "is that not that same fellow that was pleading for forgiveness with a promise to become a new leaf? Why has he not changed indeed even after his being succoured." It is because he is now comfortable like before and is in a good condition to go on to try the Lord. Many promises and vows made in troubles are not genuine. They are made to get miracles and solutions. That's why they're forgotten to be redeemed after getting the answers. Only a fellow with Hannah's heart will redeem his.
Don't think you can play on God and escape. Pharaoh thought God was a fool but the drama reveals the fool at the day's end. Be mindful not to promise a thing you won't fulfill when in desperation because God will not hold you guiltless.
Correct is therefore the passage that says:
Job 14:7-9, KJV
"7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 14:8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; 14:9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant."
This hope once delivered to people can be misused and do make them go on in their old life instead of changing their ways. However, look at what God is saying about that.
Acts 17:30,KJV
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"
So, compromisers, repent. Truce breakers, turn a new leaf. Sinners, become believers. Don't use this given opportunity to fight God once more.
PRAYER: Lord, may I not take for granted Your longsuffering. May I make use of forgiveness and respite and not test how powerful You are.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 8:1-66, Acts 7:51-8:13, Psalm 129:1-8, Proverbs 17:1
Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment