An Ultimatum

 Sometimes we can get so angry at someone or at some situation that we make a declaration that we don't want to see them any more or to have anything to do with them any more. It can be just a rash statement made on the spur of the moment, but it can also be a firm pronouncement from our heart. In that case we really mean what we said, and we will take action if necessary. I am afraid there are people who give God an ultimatum, which is very dangerous.

Pharaoh gave Moses an ultimatum. (Exodus 10:28,29) "Get out of here!" Pharaoh shouted at Moses." "I'm warning you. Never come back to see me again. The day you see my face, you will die." "Very well," Moses replied. "I will never see your face again." Moses knew Pharaoh meant what he said, and it was his last word of response to God's demands. I believe we need to take a moment to reflect on this verse and our own lives.

I looked up the meaning of the word "ultimatum." This is what I found: "a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations." That definition seems to fit what Pharaoh said to Moses. He had made a final rejection of what was being asked of him, and if he was pushed any further, he would retaliate by killing Moses, God's messenger. That showed the hardness of Pharaoh's heart after all of the evidence he had seen about God's power. He cut himself off from God.

I believe the Bible teaches that anyone can get to that point with God. God draws them and draws them, even in miraculous ways. They keep resisting until they finally say no to God emphatically, and God knows that they mean it in their heart, so He quits bothering them. This could be what the Bible means by the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. It is the only unforgiveable sin. I pray we would all realize that this would cut us off from God forever. I am not trying to scare anyone, jut to give a warning out of love. Please, listen to God and don't reject Him when He draws you to come  to know Jesus.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 11-13.