Scripture to Read: Exodus 10:1–29
Today, God sent two more plagues on Pharaoh and the Egyptians—the first is the plague of locusts. In Exodus 10:7–9, it seems that Pharaoh’s servants almost persuade Pharaoh to let Israel go. But Pharaoh’s heart remained prideful, as stated in this question in Exodus 10:3, as God had Moses ask Pharaoh, “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?” Pharaoh was full of himself, and though there were little signs of Pharaoh possibly letting the Israelites go, time and time again, Pharaoh’s heart hardened as God sent plague after plague. Pride has destroyed many a person because pride convinces us that we are always right (Proverbs 8:13, 14:12, 16:18, 21:24, 29:23). When the locusts came, they brought such destruction that Pharaoh said, in Exodus 10:16–17, “I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you. 17 Now therefore, please forgive my sin only this once, and make supplication to the Lord your God, that He would only remove this death from me.” One might think that Pharaoh had repented but that would be wrong. Note that even his request is, “please forgive my sin only this once”—as if Pharaoh only needed forgiveness this one time. Pharaoh only wanted relief from the locusts, not repentance of his sin. Then God sent darkness for three days. Pharaoh’s heart was so hard that when he called for Moses, he told him, “Beware, do not see my face again, for in the day you see my face you shall die!” Death was inevitable (Romans 8:6)!
Challenge & Application
· What have you seen from the lives of people unwilling to humble themselves before God?
· How do you humble yourself before our Lord each day, and what results have you seen from choosing humility over pride?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!