Prayer Journal

Saturday, January 31, 2004

With extreme loss and the expectation of more to come, it's understandable when someone gives up and surrenders. That's exactly what Pharaoh did when he relented and agreed to let Moses, Aaron and the rest of the Israelites leave with all their livestock and tons of gold and artifacts given them by the Egyptians.

But I ask you to look at the strange last request of this defeated man: "And also bless me." Pharaoh knew God was doing this work because Moses gave him credit and deep down Pharaoh knew his real adversary was supernatural and not human. "You can leave Moses, but before you do, ask God to hold his wrath from me and my people; You can't leave us without hope and the fear of God's retaliation for our obstinance!"

Have you ever considered the influence you as a child of God have on those around you? He not only sends mighty signs to demonstrate his power, but during those times when you can't see him, God's there, working behind the scenes, blessing you to the point it spills over to those close by.

Aren't you glad our God is a God of compassion? Jonah didn't realize it or at least he didn't want to acknowledge it. Jesus expressed such compassion over and over again. One day a large crowd was following Jesus, probably expecting another sign when the shouts of two blind men were heard on the other side of the crowd.

The people ignored the cry of the two beggars until they got louder. Psalms 25:16 says, "Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins." When asked to be quiet, the two men turned it up a notch. And when they were rebuked, they cried all the louder for mercy. You know the story. The Lord heard them, stopped and responded by healing them. Then they followed Jesus.

Egypt oppressed God's people, but not before they had been an life-giving oasis to them during the life of Joseph. You can be certain Pharaoh didn't plan to follow Israel. He wanted God's blessing, but it wanted it from afar. You may know someone like that. Who knows, Pharaoh's request for blessing without worship may describe you fairly accurately?

Proverbs says, "A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart - he always stirs up dissension." (Pr 6:12-14) We know that perfectly describes Pharaoh, but have you considered it also describes a person who confesses to be a Christian and receives the blessing for being around God's people, but then fails to live up to his confession. Some call him a backslider, others a carnal Christian, but God calls him lost and dead in his sin. He will be "destroyed suddenly and without remedy." (Vs. 15)

The moral of this story? Don't wink at God with deceit in your heart. God's blessing may not be an true indicator of your salvation.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ex. 12:14-13:17a Mt.20:29-21:22 Ps.25:12-22 Pr.6:12-15 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
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* The sick
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* Those in despair
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