Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Before God’s Final Judgment

“As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live” (Exodus 33:11 NLT).

Sometimes, I think people believe that God is simply waiting to strike out and bring judgment. Actually, it’s the very opposite.

The Bible teaches that God takes no delight in the death of the wicked (see Ezekiel 33:11 NLT). God doesn’t want to bring judgment, but He will because His Word is true. And He tells us there are penalties and repercussions for disobedience.

For instance, the Lord gave Pharaoh chance after chance to cooperate when He spoke through His servant, Moses, and commanded him to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Instead, Pharaoh resisted, and his heart got harder.

As a result, a series of 10 plagues, or judgments, came upon Egypt. Pharaoh was finally worn down by them, but then he tried to mislead and deceive Moses through a series of compromises. Thankfully, Moses didn’t give in to them.

That left one final judgment, which would be the deaths of Egypt’s firstborn. Some might see that as cruel, harsh, and extreme on the part of the Lord. But let me say that for all practical purposes, Pharaoh decided his own fate.

How so?

Moses warned Pharaoh that he would be treated the way he treated the Jews. The Lord was very clear about that when He said to Moses, “Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’” (Exodus 4:22-23 NLT).

The Lord was very gentle with Pharaoh in some ways. He sent plagues, each gaining in intensity, to get Pharaoh’s attention. But Pharaoh’s heart only grew harder. And in the end, Pharaoh had no one to blame but himself.

Never play chicken with God because you’re always going to lose.

Copyright © 2020 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

marvel at the mood levi lusko greg laurie devotional offerIn thanks for your gift, you can receive a copy of Marvel at the Moon by Levi Lusko

In this fantastic 90-day devotional, author and pastor Levi Lusko uses illuminating stories, biblical teaching, and eye-opening surprises about outer space to show kids that they’re never alone because God is always with them. A copy of this beautifully illustrated book will be mailed to you when you make a gift of support to Harvest Ministries this month.

Click here to find out more!