Title [Ex 7:1-7] Moses and Pharaoh
Moses stood before Pharaoh as God had commanded him. And he preached the word of God, “Let my people go” (5:1). However, because of this, the abuse against the people of Israel became even worse, and the people of Israel also began to turn their backs on Moses (5:21). Moses was also human, so he couldn't help but be frustrated. Of course, we prayed to God to receive refreshment, and according to the Lord's command, we recovered for the salvation of Israel. Finally, the battle between Moses and Pharaoh began. The text speaks about God's grace toward the elect (Moses) and God's punishment for the forsaken (Pharaoh). Focusing on that point, we will introduce the Word and receive grace.
1. Moses as the Chosen One
Whenever Moses was in a difficult situation, he tried to stop the work by stating his own shortcomings. Each time, God encouraged, comforted, and reassured him. In the end, he gave me courage and courage to stand in front of me.
② He said that many signs and miracles were performed in Egypt. God said that through Moses, the Egyptians would know that God was Jehovah (5). It would soon be God's terrible judgment on the Egyptians. The catastrophes we will see have two sides. One is a sign that confirms that God is Yahweh, and the other is a judgment against God (God's people) and abuses them. Moses received the promise of this sign and miracle, and bravely stood before Pharaoh.
③ God Himself said that He would lead the Israelites out of Egypt (4-5). It is the word that shows that it is God who brings Israel out of Egypt. Pharaoh knew that he had to let him go, and Moses had the same thoughts, but Moses was able to stand in front of Pharaoh more proudly by confirming that it was God who brought Israel out of Egypt. When Moses heard these words of God, he was strengthened and “does just as the Lord commanded them” (6). From then on, the Bible testifies that Moses never showed weakness and showed great power to subdue Pharaoh. As such, those whom God has chosen and appointed to work are with God and are able to carry out the work.
2. The Forsaken Pharaoh
Pharaoh was a powerful king at that time. However, when he was abandoned by God, he became the most helpless king. Above all, we can learn from the Bible that he and his people suffered terrible calamities because they tried to oppose God, and that they lost everything. God appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus when he was persecuting the church and said to him. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick back the thorns” (Acts 26:14). When Saul heard these words, he repented and was saved and became Paul, the servant of God. The elect hear the voice of God and repent. But the forsaken never repent. Pharaoh heard the voice of God speaking through Moses and saw various signs. But he did not repent. Because they are the forsaken.
① Those who are forsaken have a hardened heart. At first glance, it seems that God has hardened his heart (3), but in reality, it means that he allows him to be hardened. Humans have been hardened since the original fall. Unless the Holy Spirit comes upon us and we are born again, no one can cast away our stubbornness. Therefore, it is human responsibility, not God's, that man is hardened. It is wrong to understand that the responsibility of stubbornness (sin) is due to God. Whether chosen or not, they completely belonged to the sovereignty of God. We who have been saved, we who have been born again by the Holy Spirit should only give thanks to God and should always be renewed in the Holy Spirit so that we do not become hardened again.
② Those who are forsaken do not listen to the Word of God. “Because Pharaoh will not listen to you” (4). It means not listening to the word of God through Moses. This is in contrast to Moses and Aaron hearing the word of God (6). Faith comes from hearing the Word. To hear does not mean to hear with your ears, it means to put it into practice. Faith is given to those who do it and grows. Disobedience is characteristic of the outcast. May there be no poor souls among us who are hardened in spirit and disobey the word of God like Pharaoh. I hope that we will become saints who, like God's chosen ones, are able to conquer the world powerfully and live by listening to the words of comfort and encouragement every day while humbly obeying.