How should believers respond when witnessing God's undeniable power, as in Exodus 8:19? The Scene in Exodus 8:19 “Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, ‘This is the finger of God.’ But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.” The Egyptian court had exhausted every trick; even the pagan magicians confessed the plague was divine. Yet Pharaoh’s heart remained closed. His response warns us what not to do when God’s power is unmistakable. Recognize and Acknowledge the Source • God’s works are never random acts; they reveal His character and authority. • Psalm 115:1 – “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” • When God acts, believers are called to credit Him openly, resisting any impulse to downplay or misattribute His intervention. Choose Humble Worship over Hardened Resistance • Pharaoh illustrates pride’s tragic end. By contrast: – Psalm 95:6-8 urges, “Come, let us bow down in worship… Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • Humility before God’s power invites deeper relationship; stubbornness breeds judgment. Respond with Immediate Obedience • Genuine recognition always moves from mind to action. – John 14:21 – “Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • When God demonstrates His might—through provision, healing, answered prayer—ask, “What has He already told me to do?” and then do it. Cultivate Reverent Awe • Awe is not terror that drives us away but reverence that draws us near. – Hebrews 12:28-29 calls us to “offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • Reverent fear guards against casual familiarity, keeping worship vibrant and sincere. Bear Witness to Others • Silence after seeing God work robs Him of glory and deprives others of encouragement. – Psalm 145:6 – “They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds.” – Acts 4:20 – “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Share specific stories of God’s power at home, church, workplace—letting testimony spark faith in listeners. Let the Experience Strengthen Future Faith • David remembered past victories to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). • Catalog God’s works—journal, memorial stones, family stories. In the next trial, recall, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Guard Against Forgetfulness • Deuteronomy 4:9 warns, “Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen.” • Regular Scripture intake, communion, and fellowship keep memories of God’s power fresh, protecting against the drift that hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Putting It All Together When God’s hand is unmistakable, believers respond by: 1. Acknowledging Him publicly. 2. Bowing in humble worship. 3. Obeying whatever He has already commanded. 4. Maintaining reverent awe. 5. Testifying to others. 6. Banking the memory for future challenges. 7. Vigilantly resisting forgetfulness and pride. Such responses turn moments of divine power into lifelong catalysts for faithfulness, keeping hearts soft and lives aligned with the God whose “finger” still moves history today. |
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