Exodus 7:1-13
The hardening of hearts.
I like to ask about unfairness that arises from the bible - why did God harden the heart of Pharaoh? If he has soften his heart, the Israelites will be freed and will be able to leave and journey to the promise land.
Of course, as a Christian, if I am asked the same question, the answer is: So that the people may see and know that their Lord is their God. God repeated that many times. God will show the people the signs and wonders and miracles that bring the people out of Egypt. It is not Pharaoh but God, so that the people see and remembers. Anyway, the Pharaoh will not let the people go. Even after the 10 plagues, he still seek vengeance by sending an army to pursue - unwilling to let God wins.
Background, I have always been graded second - second class, top 20%, miss a A to get a scholarship. I don't believe in fairness and equal opportunities. As such, I can simple be in the shoe of the Pharaoh instead of the Israelites - meaning I can be the one God choose to harden the heart so that someone may knows the Lord their God. It will be nice to see God hardening someone heart in order that I have an encounter with God. There is always that what if and I know that I may not be in that best position - but second.
I am running out of working ages. It will be another 10-15 years. Moses knew God when he was 40, when he was 80 he led the people out. Never too old - good encouragement. But remember the what if - so it is good to be a little pessimistic.
What do I want for the last lap? Build an empire, a career chase... Probable not and too late too little time left. Well, God, let me enjoy this last lap doing what is best for me - it should be about you, your heart beat - your people that they may know that you are God, their Lord. Amen
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Saturday, March 09, 2013
9 Mar 2013
Exodus
Exodus Chapter 1 and 2
The world that forgets, but the God who remembers.
Joseph and his family moves to Egypt, Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.
(Exodus 1:6-8 ESV)
It looks great, it sound great in pursuing the wealth, the glory and power of this world, but the generation that comes will forget what we have done. What is that purposes?
During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.
(Exodus 2:23-25 ESV)
Our God remembers. Therefore it is right and worth to work and do the things of God. What is it then?
In chapter 1 the people were oppressed, but there is no word of cry out. The first mentioned of cry out is in chapter 2. When the people do so, God remenbers.
To start - ask God and offer ourselves for service.
I have another 15-20 years of my working life. Do the things I like and like what I am doing. What is it in God's kingdom that we are doing then?
Exodus Chapter 1 and 2
The world that forgets, but the God who remembers.
Joseph and his family moves to Egypt, Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.
(Exodus 1:6-8 ESV)
It looks great, it sound great in pursuing the wealth, the glory and power of this world, but the generation that comes will forget what we have done. What is that purposes?
During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.
(Exodus 2:23-25 ESV)
Our God remembers. Therefore it is right and worth to work and do the things of God. What is it then?
In chapter 1 the people were oppressed, but there is no word of cry out. The first mentioned of cry out is in chapter 2. When the people do so, God remenbers.
To start - ask God and offer ourselves for service.
I have another 15-20 years of my working life. Do the things I like and like what I am doing. What is it in God's kingdom that we are doing then?
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