How can Exodus 9:35 inspire us to remain obedient to God's will? “But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.” Without Alarm Bells: A Simple Observation • Scripture states the fact; Pharaoh knowingly resisted God’s clear command. • The verse closes the plague of hail narrative, underscoring that repeated disobedience cements stubbornness. Key Truths About Obedience Drawn from the Verse • God’s Word is certain—“just as the LORD had said.” Every promise or warning stands. • Hardened hearts do not happen overnight; they calcify through repeated refusals. • Disobedience always has consequences, even if they are delayed (cf. Galatians 6:7). Practical Ways the Verse Inspires Continued Obedience 1. Recognize the Danger of a Hardened Heart • Hebrews 3:13–15 warns against sin’s deceit, urging us to exhort one another “so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” • Continual surrender keeps the heart soft and responsive. 2. Respect God’s Faithful Warnings • Proverbs 28:14: “Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” • Each warning in life—through Scripture, conscience, or wise counsel—is an invitation to align with Him. 3. Remember Obedience Brings Freedom • While Pharaoh imprisoned Israel and himself in stubbornness, obedience would have released both. • John 8:32 shows Christ reversing Pharaoh’s pattern: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 4. Respond Quickly, Not Gradually • James 4:17: “Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.” • Swift compliance prevents the layers of resistance from building. Warnings That Strengthen Resolve • Romans 2:5: “Because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath.” • Each act of defiance adds weight to future judgment, reminding us that obedience matters in time and eternity. Encouragement for Daily Practice • Cultivate a listening posture by meeting God in His Word every day (Psalm 119:11). • Invite accountability—fellow believers who notice early signs of drifting (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). • Celebrate small steps of obedience; they train the will to choose God consistently (Luke 16:10). Conclusion: A Clear Call Exodus 9:35 places two roads before us: Pharaoh’s hardened path or a responsive, obedient walk with the Lord. By noting the cost of stubbornness and the certainty of God’s Word, we gain fresh motivation to yield promptly and joyfully to His will. |
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