Topic: Deceitful Dealing [DCLM Daily Manna 11 February 2019 Daily Devotional]
Text: Exodus 8:25-32 (KJV)
Key Verse: “And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will intreat the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, to morrow: but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD. (Exodus 8:29).
MESSAGE:
A shepherd boy who had joy in playing pranks on his people had this penchant for shouting ‘lion, lion, lion.’ His village would run out with guns and staves to help confront the wild beast only to see no lion. And the young man would laugh them to scorn. This he did a number of times until the people knew he was merely playing pranks. But one particular day, the lion indeed came and again he shouted for help but nobody responded. Needless to say, the lion indeed had a field day with his sheep.
Pharaoh had continued with his deceitful pranks. He did not sit down to calculate the cost of what he was doing. This time, he had met with Moses to once again go to plead with God promising to let the people go. But as soon as God relented and eased their pain; “Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go” (verse 32).
It is difficult to understand how a man purporting to be leading a people could so harden his heart to the point of insensitivity. It is to be noted that the plagues grew in severity of judgment. First, the Egyptians’ comfort was affected, then their property, then came physical pain, mental frustration and finally death.
Is there any area of your belonging you have held too tightly and have refused to let go? Are you holding back what belongs to God? Have a rethink today. Beware of Pharaoh’s obstinacy, lest you suffer the same fate as Pharaoh’s.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s ownership over His creation is indisputable; submit to His Majesty.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 1-3
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
