“But I know that the King of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compiles him.” (Exodus 3:19 NIV)
Pardon my unstructured run-around through Exodus the past few weeks. 🙂 I’ve been preaching through a series on Moses and I keep submerging and resubmerging in his story. It seems like each dunk brings up another element of application.
Today I was praying over tonight’s sermon and realized with a start that we act like Pharaoh when we refuse to let go of the things God asks us for. When we hold fast in disobedience, we declare kingship of our own life. What’s worse, we position ourselves to be ‘compelled by the mighty hand of God.’ Learn from Pharaoh: that’s a painful posture to take.
What does God typically ask us to loosen our grip on? Pride. Control. Resources. Security. Staunch commitment to the way we thought it should go. Grudges. Unforgiveness. Bitterness. Disappointment. Blame. Our claim to comfort and ease. Routine.
Note His motive before you’re refuse.
He asks us to let go of anything that would hinder our relationship with Him.
He also asks us to release things. We can release encouragement – especially helpful in this particularly season. We can release faith and joy. We can release peace and absolute trust in His sovereignty. We can release people from our judgement and even our expectations.
Pharaoh was obstinate and paid a hefty price. His personal kingdom was left in ruins and his gods proved false.
Moses, however, surrendered all he possessed to an Almighty God. And in return he experienced freedom, power and victory. Ultimately, God got all the glory.
I don’t know about you, but I’m praying for less Pharaoh and more Moses. I want to let go of anything that interferes with the more intimate divine relationship I am intentionally pursuing.
“And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him and Moses His servant.” (Exodus 14:31 NIV)
Lord, forgive me for all the times I’ve held on when You’ve asked me to let go. Help me release my grip and consign to Your greatness. I don’t want to be my own sovereign being; my flaws are many and Yours are absent entirely. Lax the muscles in my grasping nature. Lead me by Your Spirit and let me follow closely. Have your way in every aspect of my story. Amen.