MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

Today's reading has an intriguing phrase.

"...and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart." - Exodus 11:10

Whooaaa! Can God do that? Can God hardened the heart of Pharoah? Can HE force anything on us?

The bible does not describe the Pharoah as a good guy. Maybe he was always in Santa's naughty & nice list. But isn't hardening his heart a bit too harsh?

Well, that’s if you take Exodus 11:10 out of context. Let’s take a look at the events before Exodus 11.

• Exodus 7:13 - Still Pharaoh's heart was HARDENED, & he would not listen to them
• Exodus 7:22 - But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts; so Pharaoh's heart remained HARDENED
• Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he HARDENED his heart, & would not listen to them
• Exodus 8:32 But Pharaoh HARDENED his heart this time also, & did not let the people go.
• Exodus 9:7 And Pharaoh sent, and behold, not one of the cattle of the Israelites was dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was HARDENED, and he did not let the people go.

What's my point? 

God did not hardened the Pharaoh’s heart. His heart was already hardened by no other than himself!

God is all powerful & mighty but there is one thing that God will not do - GOD WILL NEVER FORCE ANYTHING ON YOU.

HE gives you free will. God will always allow you to choose. HE wants a relationship not a dictatorship. Jesus is waiting for you to open the door.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me” - Revelation 3:20

God is waiting for you to open the door of your heart. You are always free to choose.

So, choose to love not hate. Choose to forgive not revenge. Choose God always. Choose heaven not hell.

Remember that going to hell is CHOICE, not a penalty. Choose well, choose JESUS. Have happy & blessed week! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

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