How does Pharaoh's hardened heart in Exodus 7:14 challenge our obedience to God? Setting the Scene: Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Pharaoh’s heart is hard; he refuses to let the people go.’” (Exodus 7:14) What Hardness Really Means • A settled resistance—not momentary doubt but deliberate refusal • A will that prizes self-rule over God’s rule • An insensitivity to repeated warnings and wonders (cf. Exodus 7–11) • A progressive condition: every “no” to God makes the next “no” easier (Romans 2:5) How Pharaoh’s Example Challenges Our Obedience • Delayed obedience is disobedience – Pharaoh kept bargaining (Exodus 8:28; 10:8–11), yet God still called it refusal • Pride blinds us to obvious truth – “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?” (Exodus 5:2) – Pride opposes submission (Proverbs 16:18) • Authority does not equal autonomy – Earthly power cannot shield from divine accountability (Psalm 2:10–12) • Repeated warnings do not guarantee another chance – Each plague intensified, yet Pharaoh’s heart grew harder (Exodus 9:34–35) • Hardened hearts hurt others – The nation suffered because the king resisted God (Exodus 7:20–21; 11:5) • Obedience brings life; rebellion brings judgment – “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22) Practical Takeaways for Today • Say “yes” promptly when God’s Word convicts—postponement breeds resistance • Examine motives: is pride fueling reluctance? (James 4:6) • Remember influence: a leader’s disobedience multiplies pain for many • Treasure tenderness: “Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” (Proverbs 28:14) • Keep short accounts with God—regular repentance keeps hearts soft (Hebrews 3:13) Guardrails Against a Hardened Heart 1. Daily exposure to Scripture (Psalm 119:11) 2. Honest self-evaluation in light of the Spirit’s conviction (Hebrews 3:7-8) 3. Fellowship that speaks truth in love (Hebrews 10:24-25) 4. Immediate alignment of actions with known commands (John 14:15) A Final Word of Encouragement Soft hearts experience the freedom Pharaoh never tasted. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) |
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