Bibledoorajar: Grievous Matters

Egypt and its' Pharoah were enduring what the Word describes as a" grievous" hail, the likes of which Egypt had never experienced and which was extremely difficult to bear.  It was fraught with thunder and lightning so severe that "the fire ran along upon the ground." This, the seventh plague, followed six others that had not been fully understood and assimilated properly by Pharoah. How did he do with assimilating the Word of God with this one? At first report, things looked good. Pharoah called to Moses and told him that he knew he had sinned. This was a step in the right direction. But did this confession include reconciling himself to God and declaring his undying service to Him? Was his heart's affection now on God? Moses did not think so and told Pharoah that he did not feel Pharoah was being genuine. For one thing, Pharoah was only admitting sin that brought on the hail judgement  and admitted nothing about sins that had brought on the first six plagues. However, Moses told Pharoah that when he, Moses, left the royal city the grievous hail would stop. And it did. Why? It would stop in order for Pharoah to realize that earth was the Lords'. However, Moses told Pharoah that he knew he did not truly fear God. Was Moses right? Yes, the evidence is that as soon as the hail stopped Pharoah and his people immediately sinned.

The Hebrew linguists tell us that two meanings of the word hardened are used in this passage. One connotes great pride and the other great strength. The arrogance of this man Pharoah astounds.  But then this is how the story of the Bible starts isn't it?  Lucifer wanted to be as the Most High God. As Satan he displayed and is still displaying his great pride and great persuasive strength to get mankind to avoid undying service to God. What he never seems to get is that we serve a Savior who always has our well being in mind. Because our heart is not hardened toward Him, He will make a way for us. And, praise the Lord, though it may at times be difficult it will not be grievous because the God of Heaven is in charge. Hoffman put it this way:

          "Are all thy powers under Jesus control?
           Is Thy heart right with God?"

How can we get to that state? According to Hoffman, by nailing our affections to the cross. Sell out to Jesus.