What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites? Scripture Focus: Exodus 14:8 “The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, so he pursued the Israelites.” Seeing God’s Hand in Every Turn • Pharaoh’s chase wasn’t an accident; it was orchestrated. • The verb “hardened” shows deliberate divine action—God guiding even hostile hearts. • Earlier promise fulfilled: “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart… the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” (Exodus 14:4) Hard Hearts, Soft Hearts—All Under His Rule • Proverbs 21:1 — “A king’s heart is a stream directed by the LORD wherever He chooses.” • Romans 9:17 — “I raised you up to display My power in you, that My name might be proclaimed.” • God governs rulers, circumstances, and outcomes without surrendering His holiness. Deliverance Designed for Display • Exodus 14:17 — “I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so they will go in after them.” • The Red Sea moment spotlighted God’s glory far beyond Israel; news echoed through Canaan (Joshua 2:10). • Sovereignty isn’t sterile control; it’s purposeful, redemptive display of power and mercy side-by-side. What Israel Learned—And We Can Too • Fear is natural when chariots thunder, but faith sees a larger script. • God’s sovereignty includes timing; He let the danger close in so rescue looked unmistakably divine. • Their helplessness turned into worship (Exodus 14:31). Our crises can do the same. Living Under the Same Sovereign Today • Ephesians 1:11 — “He works out everything according to the purpose of His will.” • No leader, diagnosis, or setback stands outside His jurisdiction. • When opposition presses, remember: the God who guided Pharaoh’s path also guards yours. |
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