By Lou K. Coleman
Pharaoh dissed God. God had raised Pharaoh to the highest earthly throne, but Pharaoh spurn God’s mercy and did his own thing [Exodus chapters 8and 9]. Pharaoh would not listen to God [Exodus 5-10]. He dismissed the warnings and moved on about his business, completely ignoring God and God’s messengers. Don’t you do it! Don’t you be another Pharaoh. Refusing to listen to God is the worst kind of stubbornness [Jeremiah 16:12] that would lead to your ruins. You better know that you know.
Listen, to what the Lord declared against Judah who would not listen; “Behold, I am bringing upon Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the disaster that I have pronounced against them, because I have spoken to them and they have not listened, I have called to them, and they have not answered” [Jeremiah 35:17]. “They gave a backsliding shoulder and hardened their neck and would not hear.” [Nehemiah 9:29]. “They refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and plugged their ears”. [Zechariah 7:11-14]. The punishment? They were scattered with a whirlwind among all the nations. Talk about severe consequences! Don’t you be another Pharaoh. The Bible doesn’t mince words about those with a hardened heart – they’re compared unfavorably with fools! This isn’t an insult but rather a stern warning about the spiritual danger of refusing to listen. The choice is stark – embrace wisdom or face the consequences of refusing to listen. [Proverbs 13:18].
Pharaoh said, “I don’t know the Lord,” he was right. [Exodus 5:1-2]. He didn’t know God, [as the Deliverer] but he was about to meet him [as the Destroyer]! What a terrible price to pay. Don’t you do it! Don’t you be another Pharoah. Choices have consequences. Choose to heed the Word of the Lord.
Instead of being obedient, they dug in with their defiance even more. [Jeremiah 17:23]. The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. [Psalm 78:40]. They have turned to me their back and not their face. And though I have taught them persistently, they have not listened to receive instruction. [Jeremiah 32:33]. I’ve had enough! Blow the trumpet. [Revelation 8 chapters 8-11]. They will know that I am the LORD! [Ezekiel 6:14].
