Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, October 4, 2019
by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff
Yeah…no. So said Pharaoh nine times after nine bold and horrific demonstrations of God’s power. In the moment, he was so awed and terrified by these plagues that he promised anything to make them go away. But the moment God did so, the moment things returned to normal, Pharaoh took back his promise to let the Israelites go.
Now, I don’t know about the whole “God hardened Pharaoh’s heart” thing. Frankly, I don’t think God needed to bother. We stubborn humans are quick to turn to God when things are going downhill in our lives, promising we’ll turn over a new leaf, seek after God, live according to God’s call—if only things get better. Then as soon as things get better, we forget all about our promises. We’re like, “Phew. Glad that’s over. Guess I didn’t need God to fix things after all.” Um. Completely missing the point. Just like Pharaoh.
God, help me to recognize your divine action in my life so that, in gratitude, I might lean closer into you. Amen.
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