Monthly Archives: May 2025

TO REIGN, WE MUST SUFFER – 1

Christian Life,

Romans 8:17 NLT
[17] “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ, we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

Has this verse ever troubled you?

I have often tried to understand and, just as often, dismissed what Paul wrote because it made no sense to me. What if God’s children, like me, have never had to face the terrible persecution for Jesus’ sake that many have endured over the centuries? Will we be disqualified from sharing in Jesus’ glory when He returns because we have not shared in His suffering?

A few months ago, I began a journey initiated and led by the Holy Spirit, that has been a game-changer. He led me, step by step, through a long process of revelation and reflection, to a satisfying answer to my perplexity.

Let me begin at the beginning.

One morning, during my daily study and prayer, the Holy Spirit dropped a Scripture verse into my mind that had nothing to do with my thinking that day.

Mark 6:34 NLT
[34] “Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”

“Sheep without a shepherd?” What did He mean? In John’s gospel, chapter 10, Jesus made a distinction between the Good Shepherd and the hirelings who didn’t care about the sheep. Who were the hirelings? Since He was talking to the Pharisees who had just had a major quarrel with a blind man whom He had healed, it’s obvious that He was exposing the attitude of those “shepherds”, the religious leaders, for caring only about themselves, not loving or leading the sheep.

Jesus saw God’s people wandering aimlessly around with no one to guide them to the truth. He, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, understood their need and immediately stepped in to help them .

Again, His solution puzzled me. Why did He show His compassion for them by teaching them “many things”? How did teaching help them?

It has taken me weeks to understand and absorb what the Spirit has been revealing to me. I have had to think and rethink what the Scripture teaches to understand Jesus’ concern for His people.

My first clue to understanding why Jesus taught the people is in the fact that it is the knowledge of the truth that sets us free… from what? Yes…from sin and its power over us. Was this Jesus’ concern for the people?

To the Father, to Jesus, and to the Holy Spirit, the big issue is sin, because sin enslaves people and causes the chasm between God and humans.

John 8:34-36 NLT
[34] “Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. [35] A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. [36] So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

Did Jesus teach the people that He would be the solution to sin, that He had come to set them free from slavery to sin?

Over the next few days, my mind turned to what Jesus suffered to set us free from sin. The Holy Spirit, the superb teacher, using the Scriptures as His textbook, opened up verse after verse to build a picture of Jesus’ suffering. Since we will only share His glory if we suffer with Him, how imperative it us that we understand, first, what He suffered and then, how we suffer with Him.

The next two verses that came to mind were…

Isaiah 53:3 NLT
[3] “He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.”

And,

John 1:10-11 NLT
[10] “He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. [11] He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.”

Rejection! That’s it, I thought! Jesus suffered rejection, so then I asked, “What is rejection?”

My interlinear Hebrew/English Bible came to the rescue.

“Strong’s h2310

  • Lexical: חָדֵל
  • Transliteration: chadel
  • Part of Speech: Adjective
  • Phonetic Spelling: khaw-dale’
  • Definition: forbearing, lacking.
  • Origin: From chadal; vacant, i.e. Ceasing or destitute….”

Do you get the impact of that word? Vacant!

Jesus own people, the ones whom He loved and saved from slavery in Egypt, the ones He led, fed, and protected for forty years in the wilderness despite their unfaithfulness…these were the ones who rejected Him. He fought their battles with them and gave them “a land flowing with milk and honey”… the descendents of these people treated Him with disdain, contempt! They thought He was vacant, empty, unoccupied, nothing. They threw Him out like garbage, beat Him to pulp, spat in His face, nailed Him to a torture stake, thinking they were finally rid of Him and His words… So, His suffering was in His rejection.

But, wait a minute. Is there something more to His suffering than rejection and its outcomes? If not, then I am still disqualified from sharing His glory because I have never suffered or are ever likely to suffer as He did.

To be continued….

WHAT CAN GOD DO IN SOUTH AFRICA? – 4

Christian Life, ,

THERE’S A HOLE IN THE JUGGERNAUGHT!

Several months ago, God showed me in a mental picture, a huge ship sailing on a stormy sea. As I watched, the Word that came to me was, “The juggernaught is turning around.”

The word “juggernaught” means “an unstoppable force”.

Only days afterwards, as I sought confirmation of this message, I read an article in a credible publication that reported on a speech our president made at a SACP conference. In his speech, he proposed building a second Eskom as a solution to the electricity problem! In his speech, one of the speakers referred to the government as “the ship of state”! I was stunned! That’s exactly what God had called the government of South Africa…a seemingly unstoppable ship of state!

In the months since that message, the picture is becoming clearer. After the elections in May last year, the ruling party lost its majority and had to resort to a coalition givernment to retain some of its power. The juggernaught began to turn around! At first, the ruling party bulldozed old bills through, passed by the old parliament without consulting coalition partners.

However, since then, the juggernaut is not only turning around. It has also has developed a hole. One of its own spokesmen has declared that the ship is sinking. Through the leaders’ stubborn and foolish decisions and actions, our country is being isolated from its historical allies by aligning itself with countries supporting terrorism and insane socialist Ideologies. There is also mounting internal disillusionment and dissatisfaction as the infrastructure crumbles.

AND THE WORLD IS Watching! The eyes of the world are focused on this little country and its conflict with the USA.

Shortly after a conversation with my son, in which I said that our leaders need a prophetic word from God, two prophecies came to light. One prophecy, spoken three years ago, clearly predicts judgment on our president because of the wickedness of his government especially in relation to the ongoing looting of the countriy’s resources and the oppression of the poor.

The second prophecy, spoken to the ANC during a parliamentary session, by the leader of a party with Christian values, declared that the ANC is under God’s curse because they have cursed Israel.

It seems that crux of the antagonism of the USA against South Africa is the case against Israel, taken to the International Court of Justice (the ICJ). Rumours of South Africa’s knowledge of the attack on Israel on October 7, and of Iran’s funding of the ICJ case against Israel are persistently surfacing.

All this evidence against South Africa, especially exposing the wicked intentions of its leaders, is pointing towards God’s involvement with our country in line with His pattern of judgment on Egypt and on Ahab in the Old Testament records I have already outlined in two previous posts. Our president’s stubborn refusal not only to change the laws that are strangling our economy but actually increasing their severity, mirrors the stubbornness of Pharaoh to let God’s people go.

Despite the warnings of international bodies and the pleas of coalition members, the attitude of our president is entrenching the purpose of the ruling party to drag our country into utter ruin. Is this the same way in which God judged Egypt and King Ahab, by giving them what they wanted?

How can we pray for our country?

Since our role as God’s church is to partner with Him in prayer in what He is doing, since Jesus is working, in all things, for His church, and since God’s will is for us to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness, we can pray two simple prayers, in line with God’s Word…

Matthew 6:9-10 NIV
[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10] your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ “

And, after the prophet Nathan’s prophecy to David that God would build him an everlasting dynasty…

2 Samuel 7:18-21, 25-26 NIV
[18]”Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? [19] And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human! [20] What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign Lord. [21] For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant…
[25] “And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. DO AS YOU PROMISED, [26] so that your name will be great forever. Then people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!’ And the house of your servant David will be established in your sight.”

God will destroy the gods of South Africa as He did the gods of Egypt. He will not tolerate rivals…

God will glorify His name by destroying the wicked who rule over us as He did Pharaoh and his army…

And, God will reveal His glory to the whole world as the world watches to see what happens in our land.

Habakkuk 2:14 NIV
[14]”For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

So, let’s not jump ship as many people are doing. Let’s stay faithful to the Lord and His plans. His pattern in Scripture is clear. He will rescue our land from the evil leaders who are enslaving us to socialism. He will destroy them and the gods they worship. He will show the world that He reigns in our nation and glorify His name in His righteousness and justice.

Psalms 37:1-11 NIV
[1] “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; [2] for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. [3] Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. [4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: [6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. [7] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. [8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. [9] For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. [10] A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. [11] But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.”

WHAT IS GOD DOING IN SOUTH AFRICA? – 3

Bible Study, ,

There is a third element in the unfolding revelation of God’s way of dealing with the nations. Through the same Jehoshaphat who witnessed the death of Ahab, God’s dealings with Moab and Ammon, two of Judas enemies, show us the way to work with Him, not against Him, through wise leaders.

2 Chronicles 20:1, 3-6, 10-12 NIV
[1] “After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat…
[3] Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. [4] The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. [5] Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard [6] and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you…
[10] “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. [11] See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. [12] Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Through Jeshoshaphat’s faith and leadership, God destroyed the coalition of Israel’s enemies.

2 Chronicles 20:21-24 NLT
[21] “After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” [22] At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. [23] The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. [24] So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.”

Did God accomplish His purpose?

2 Chronicles 20:29-30 NLT
[29]” When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. [30] So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”

How can we, God’s people, get the victory over the coalition of people and demons ranged against us? Through believing prayer, on the strength of what God has done in the past, we shall also see the gods of this nation destroyed, the glory of God revealed by what He does for us, and the nations watching us turning to the Lord because of what He has done.

Genesis 18:14 NLT
[14] IS ANYTHING TOO HARD TO FOR THE LORD?

Now, instead of jumping ship, let’s pray, watch, and see what God can do.

To be concluded…

WHAT IS GOD DOING IN SOUTH AFRICA – 2

Bible Study, ,

Now, let’s examine another record in Scripture to confirm the way in which God accomplishes His will by His dealings with unbelieving rulers … the story of Ahab.

God predicted King Ahab’s death because of his disobedience. He was instructed to defeat the Arameans and kill their king. However, instead, Ahab saved King Ben-Hadad’s life and made a treaty with him.

1 Kings 20:34 NIV
[34] “I will return the cities my father took from your father,” Ben-Hadad offered. “You may set up your own market areas in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Ahab said, “On the basis of a treaty I will set you free.” So he made a treaty with him, and let him go.”

God’s judgment fell on Ahab.

1 Kings 20:42-43 NLT
[42] “The prophet said to him, (Ahab), “This is what the Lord says: Because you have spared the man I said must be destroyed, now you must die in his place, and your people will die instead of his people.” [43] So the king of Israel went home to Samaria angry and sullen.”

After this incident, there followed Ahab’s theft of Naboth’s vineyard, bringing God’s final judgment down on his head.

1 Kings 21:18-19 NLT
[18] “Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth’s vineyard in Jezreel, claiming it for himself. [19] Give him this message: ‘This is what the Lord says: Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!’”

How did God fulfill this prophecy? I Kings 22 tells the story.

Ahab, together with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, planned a reprisal war against the Arameans.

In order to lure Ahab to his death through a lying spirit, the false prophets of Baal predicted victory against the Arameans. Behind the scenes, God planned, through His divine council, the course and outcome of this battle.

After all the favourable prophecies of victory, God’s prophet, Michaiah, called in to tell the truth about the outcome of this battle, revealed God’s plan to King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

1 Kings 22:17, 19-23 NLT
[17] Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’”…

How did the Lord get Ahab to go to war against the Arameans to fulfil this prophecy?

[19] Then Micaiah continued, “Listen to what the Lord says! I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him, on his right and on his left. [20] And the Lord said, ‘Who can entice Ahab to go into battle against Ramoth-gilead so he can be killed?’ “There were many suggestions, [21] and finally a spirit approached the Lord and said, ‘I can do it!’ [22] “‘How will you do this?’ the Lord asked. “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’ ‘You will succeed,’ said the Lord. ‘Go ahead and do it.’ [23] “So you see, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets. For the Lord has pronounced your doom.”

Angry and defiant, Ahab disregarded the prophecy, tried to outwit the Aramean army by disguising himself as an ordinary soldier, and was hit by a random Aramean arrow that pierced him through a joint in his armour, killing him as predicted.

1 Kings 22:29, 34-38 NLT
[29] “So King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah led their armies against Ramoth-gilead….
[34] An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. “Turn the horses and get me out of here!” Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. “I’m badly wounded!” [35] The battle raged all that day, and the king remained propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran down to the floor of his chariot, and as evening arrived he died. [36] Just as the sun was setting, the cry ran through his troops: “We’re done for! Run for your lives!” [37] So the king died, and his body was taken to Samaria and buried there. [38] Then his chariot was washed beside the pool of Samaria, and dogs came and licked his blood at the place where the prostitutes bathed, just as the Lord had promised.”

The conclusion? God did exactly as He predicted through Ahab’s own decision.

And the outcome?

God was glorified – His determined plan in everything He does to accomplish His will on earth in and through people. One thing is sure…

Isaiah 42:8 NIV
[8] “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.”

What of South Africa?

I see two things happening in the current scene. The whole world is watching little, insignificant South Africa because of two things…

First, South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ.

Egged on and paid for by Iran, so it is alleged, South Africa initiated a massive attack on Israel through the International Court of Justice, sparking global outrage against Israel. Bad decision!

Second, South Africa’s insane internal policies, for example, its NHI plan, its Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC) bill, and its foreign policies, alienating the west, especially the USA, and climbing into bed with pro-terrorist countries like Russia, China, and Middle Eastern nations has angered our allies.

Third, by alienating our country from our historical allies, the ruling party is setting us up for isolation from Western trading partners.

With the spotlight on South Africa, God can show the world what He will do with arrogant, stubborn rulers who are espoused to demonic spirits and who refuse to listen to reason and wisdom.

Just as Pharoah entrenched his antagonism towards the Israelites, so our leaders are entrenching their policies against Israel and the poor masses in South Africa, enriching themselves through corruption instead of taking care of the nation.

God’s ultimate plan is twofold, to destroy the gods of the nation and to reveal His glory to the whole world by destroying its wicked rulers just as He did to Egypt and King Ahab.

Habakkuk 2:14 NIV
[14] “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

To be continued…

WHAT IS GOD DOING IN SOUTH AFRICA? – 1

Bible Study,

Many of God’s children are running or thinking of running away from South Africa because of the things that are happening in our country right now. Is this the correct way to handle the challenges we face? Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence? Is this what God wants us to do, to abandon the country of our birth, the land where our roots go down deep, for an unknown land and, unfortunately and inadvertantly, to miss out on what He is doing here?

It’s time for us, God’s children, to have a NEW perspective on what God is doing in our country. If, on the surface, it seems that God has left us to our own devices or handed this land over to His enemies, is this the truth?

Before we begin, let’s consider one thought. I have heard many people suggest that we pray for the salvation of certain politicians who are charismatic and persuasive in their political aspirations. “What if so-and-so gets saved. What a power for good he/she would be in our country!”

This may be true and perfectly possible for the Lord but, is this necessarily His purpose for that person? What if the Lord created that person specifically to get glory through his/her behaviour?

Romans 9:17-18 NLT
[17]”For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.” [18] So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.”

God is sovereign and He is also just. He gave Pharaoh the opportunity to repent. Five times, Pharaoh hardened his heart. Five times God hardened his heart and confirmed Pharaoh’s decision to defy Him. God allowed Pharaoh to be his own judge.

Let’s turn to the Bible to get God’s pattern for His dealings with nations.

A recent discussion with my son brought me face to face with this issue. His concern is that South Africa is ruled by and given over to demonic powers. If so, how does God feature in a seemingly insoluble problem, a power struggle between God and Satan?

I asked the Lord to show me what He is doing in South Africa so that I can partner with Him, through prayer, in doing His will on earth as it is done in heaven.

This is what He revealed to me.

Let’s begin at the beginning.

First…to whom does South Africa belong? Does this country belong to the highest bidder?

Psalms 24:1 NLT
[1] “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”

The entire world and all its people belong to God, not to us and not to the spirit beings who rule over us.

Second…who rules our nation?

Psalms 2:6-9 NLT
[6] “For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” [7] The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. [8] Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. [9] You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’”

Although South Africa is not in covenant with Jesus, He owns and rules over our nation and every nation on earth by divine decree as the Father’s coronation gift. God has given Him the right to decide who will govern our nation, why, and how He directs our affairs to achieve His purpose for South Africa.

So, this settles these two questions…who owns the nations and who rules the nations? God owns the nations. He gave them to Jesus as His coronation gift. Jesus rules the nations with an iron fist and He is guiding us towards His predetermined purpose.

Third… What is nature of His rule?

Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
[6] “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”

Justice, righteousness,and peace! Wherever Jesus rules, He will overcome everything that does not fit in with His rule and standards.

1 Corinthians 15:24-25 NLT
[24]”After that, the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. [25] For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.”

God’s desire for all nations is expressed in Paul’s instruction to Timothy…

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV
[1] “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Fourth… How does He rule? Here is the principle and the method. God is perfectly just. He carries out His will by working through the way people think and act. People choose their own behaviour and their destiny.

Proverbs 21:1 NLT
[1]”The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.”

Now this is an interesting slant! Does this verse mean that the heart of a king, a ruler, moves along specific paths of thinking, directed by God, towards a certain goal? What if God allows rulers to think and do what they want to do, even if the outcomes are destructive and wicked, to serve His purpose?

Fifth…God predicts what will happen and then carries out His Word through people’s choices and actions.

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 NIV
[1] “This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:…
[4] For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. [5] I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, [6] so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.”

Now let’s examine two situations in Scripture to test this idea.

First, Egypt.

Exodus 2:23-25 NLT
[23] “Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. [24] God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. [25] He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.”

Egypt was steeped in idolatry. What was God’s intention?

Exodus 7:1-5 NLT
[1]”Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pay close attention to this. I will make you seem like God to Pharaoh, and your brother, Aaron, will be your prophet. [2] Tell Aaron everything I command you, and Aaron must command Pharaoh to let the people of Israel leave his country. [3] But I will make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. [4] Even then Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you. So I will bring down my fist on Egypt. Then I will rescue my forces—my people, the Israelites—from the land of Egypt with great acts of judgment. [5] When I raise my powerful hand and bring out the Israelites, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”

How did God accomplish His purpose?

Exodus 3:19-20 NLT
[19] “But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand forces him. [20] So I will raise my hand and strike the Egyptians, performing all kinds of miracles among them. Then at last he will let you go.”

Exodus 5:1-2 NLT
[1] After this presentation to Israel’s leaders, Moses and Aaron went and spoke to Pharaoh. They told him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the wilderness.” [2] “Is that so?” retorted Pharaoh. “And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don’t know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.”

Pharaoh persisted in his stubborn resistance…

Despite Moses’ demonstration of God’s power to Pharoah, he refused to do what Moses told him.

Exodus 7:13 NLT
[13]”Pharaoh’s heart, however, remained hard. He still refused to listen, just as the Lord had predicted.”

Until God confirmed Pharaoh’s choices ..

Exodus 9:12 NLT
[12] “But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and just as the Lord had predicted to Moses, Pharaoh refused to listen.”

God’s intention was, in the final plague, the death of every firstborn son of people and animals, to demonstrate His power over the gods of Egypt.

Exodus 12:12 NLT
[12] “On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!”

Finally, after destroying the land of Egypt, God glorified His own name by annihilating the Egyptian army…all through Pharaoh’s resistance to God’s command.

Exodus 14:2-4 NLT
[2] “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. [3] Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ [4] And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told.”

Exodus 14:8-9, 17-18, 23-25, 28 NLT
[8]” The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. [9] The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon…
[17] And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. [18] When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!”
[23] Then the Egyptians—all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers—chased them into the middle of the sea. [24] But just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion. [25] He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”…
[28] Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers—the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.”

Can you see, then, how God used Pharaoh’s own choices to destroy the nation and free His people from slavery?

Through Pharaoh and the plagues, God poured out His judgement on Egypt’s gods. He revealed His glory by annihilating Egypt’s ruler and his army, showing the people of Egypt that He is God.

How does this story show us God’s pattern for dealing with ungodly leaders?

To be continued…