January 23, 2006 - Exodus 7-8 and Matthew 15:1-20
These two passages give us more insight into the heart of man and into human nature. It is not a pretty picture, until we realize that God is in the heart changing business. I encourage all of us to take a close look at our hearts, and if we see any of these negative elements, ask the Holy Spirit to change our hearts in true repentance and confession.
Exodus 7 shows an 80 year old Moses going to deliver God's Word to Pharaoh. I am so glad God still uses us in out later years to do His work, aren't you? He does the signs God gave him to show Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's magicians copy the signs of the serpent and the blood. Satan is the great deceiver, and his deception leads people to doubt God. Therefore, Pharaoh did not listen. Then, the frogs came in chapter 8. They made Pharaoh uncomfortable, so he asked for them to be removed and promised to let the people go. However, when asked when he wanted the frogs removed, he said tomorrow. (v.10) This is the height of procrastination or complacency. People can put up with almost anything just one more day. However, he changed his mind after the frogs were gone, and he would not let the people go. People often go back on their decisions to do the right thing. They go back to their stubbornness and sin. Even after, the flies Pharaoh's hard heart would not let God's people go. He is the picture of a fleshly human person. He is trying to have things his own way. He is not listening to God. Even when he does listen for a while, he is soon back to his own ways. Do you see yourself in Pharaoh? What do you need to let God change in you?
Matthew 15 explains that it is in your heart. Yes, drugs and alcohol hurt you, but they don't defile your heart. They open you up to Satan's influence, but you decide to whom you give your heart. You decide to harden your heart to God or not. It is your heart that counts. You can't change your own heart, but you have the power to turn it over to God, so the Spirit can make it a soft, righteous heart. Don't try to do religious activities or rituals. They will not work. It is only a total heart change that brings God's peace and God's full presence into your life. Don't just try to change the outside. God looks on the heart. Clean up the inside and the outside will follow naturally. That is what Jesus is saying here. We all need to heed His words each day. Guard your heart!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 9-11 and Matthew 15:21-39.
Exodus 7 shows an 80 year old Moses going to deliver God's Word to Pharaoh. I am so glad God still uses us in out later years to do His work, aren't you? He does the signs God gave him to show Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's magicians copy the signs of the serpent and the blood. Satan is the great deceiver, and his deception leads people to doubt God. Therefore, Pharaoh did not listen. Then, the frogs came in chapter 8. They made Pharaoh uncomfortable, so he asked for them to be removed and promised to let the people go. However, when asked when he wanted the frogs removed, he said tomorrow. (v.10) This is the height of procrastination or complacency. People can put up with almost anything just one more day. However, he changed his mind after the frogs were gone, and he would not let the people go. People often go back on their decisions to do the right thing. They go back to their stubbornness and sin. Even after, the flies Pharaoh's hard heart would not let God's people go. He is the picture of a fleshly human person. He is trying to have things his own way. He is not listening to God. Even when he does listen for a while, he is soon back to his own ways. Do you see yourself in Pharaoh? What do you need to let God change in you?
Matthew 15 explains that it is in your heart. Yes, drugs and alcohol hurt you, but they don't defile your heart. They open you up to Satan's influence, but you decide to whom you give your heart. You decide to harden your heart to God or not. It is your heart that counts. You can't change your own heart, but you have the power to turn it over to God, so the Spirit can make it a soft, righteous heart. Don't try to do religious activities or rituals. They will not work. It is only a total heart change that brings God's peace and God's full presence into your life. Don't just try to change the outside. God looks on the heart. Clean up the inside and the outside will follow naturally. That is what Jesus is saying here. We all need to heed His words each day. Guard your heart!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 9-11 and Matthew 15:21-39.