Daily Devotions
Exodus
"For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast." Psalm 33:9
Text: Exodus 9 : 16, 19-20
THE PROFOUND WILL OF GOD
One of the most profound texts that reveal the sovereign and profound will of God may be found in this text!
“But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up,
that I may show My power in you, and that My name
may be declared in all the earth.”
EXODUS 9:16
Let us consider how we may understand this statement uttered by the Lord:-
1. From the standpoint of Pharaoh
a) He was raised up to be the Pharaoh.
b) He exalted himself in his position as ruler of mighty Egypt.
c) Of his own volition he hardened his heart and defied the decree of God.
2. From the Divine standpoint
a) It was God who raised him up.
b) It was God who allowed him to become the ruler of the land (Cf. Daniel 4:17).
c) God’s power was well displayed in this conflict with Pharaoh.
d) God’s name would forever be spoken in awe after this conflict with Pharaoh is over (Cf. Joshua 2:10)
NO CONTRADICTION – ONLY PROFUNDITY!
Did God force Pharaoh to be or to do what he did not desire? Far from it! Pharaoh did whatever he desired! He was the one who chose to make the lot of his Hebrew slaves miserable. He was the one who chose to defy God even though he saw the majesty of His power!
The Biblical text teaches us that God is not confined or restricted by the will of man! No matter how much man may like to think that he is the master of his own life and destiny, he is not! It is humbling to know that God is in absolute control at all times. It is this knowledge of God that prompted the psalmist David to write the following words in one of his psalms.
“Arise, O LORD,
Do not let man prevail;
Let the nations be judged in Your sight.
Put them in fear, O LORD,
That the nations may know themselves to be but men.”
PSALM 9:19-20