Bibledoorajar: Good Vs. Evil And Two Old Men

    The Word says that Moses and Aaron were older when they went before Pharoah the first time. How did they do? They did tell Pharoah that God wanted him to let His people go. But they went a little political too. God had not told them to make an appeal to Pharoah. But they did. They said, "pray thee" let the people go. This brings up questions. Does evil have a "better part" that can be appealed to? Does evil have to be handled just as God says? Just how powerful is Satan and his dominions? And, if God is hardening the hearts of evil men for His own purposes, how are we supposed to respond?
     When God spoke to Moses after the first encounter with Pharoah, He said two things: 1) I have made you gods before Pharoah and 2) do ALL that I command you to do.  First of all, God had Himself established within Moses and Aaron His power that would sustain them before the evil one. Secondly, there could be no ""pray thee" with evil---no negotiating. It had to be handled as God commanded. His wording became very important in this great battle.
     Yesterday in Bible class, we were discussing Paul's words to Timothy as to how to speak in the presence of evil. There was a trustworthy statement that Timothy should not veer from:
     
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen"  1 Tim. 1:15-17

This trustworthy saying is one that can be used over and over. It is the basis of our testimony to others to bring them to Christ and the thing well said that will overcome evil in our hearts. We do not understand all the ways that God is involved with the battle of evil. But it is clear that He is aware and is in charge. It is ours to use the trustworthy statement over and over giving praise to Him for His mercy and grace toward all who believe. Take that Devil!