Thank you Amy, that is sweet.
When Pharaoh refused to let the people of Israel leave Egypt, thousands of innocent Egyptians died because of his stubborn will. Perhaps the knowledge of what was about to happen to Egypts firstborn on that first Passover night caused the great anger Moses felt as he left Pharaoh (Ex. 11:8). It was going to be a night of devastation and sorrow because the ruler was in a fatal frame of mind.
Its easy for me to condemn Pharaohs willful disobedience to God, and very difficult to face my own. But this passage forces me to ask, Is my attitude choking the life out of someone close to me?
Oswald Chambers said: The right of life is insisted on all through the Bible. As long as I do not murder anyone outright the law cannot touch me, but is there someone dependent on me to whom in the tiniest way I am not giving the right to live? Someone for whom I am cherishing an unforgiving dislike? Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer (1 John 3:15).
Our hearts become hard through repeated refusals to yield to God. But they can be softened by obedience. When we say yes to God, the result is relief and life-giving release for our families, colleagues, and friends.
Whats my frame of mind today? David C. McCasland
I thank You for Your patience, Lord,
Because I often strayed,
But, O the joy that came my way
When I Thy Word obeyed. Stairs
The way of obedience is the way of blessing.