A MATTER OF EXPEDIENCE
From Joe Gatuslao
When the luxury liner Titanic first struck an iceberg, men who had been cursing and rolling dice at the gaming tables suddenly fell to their knees in repentant prayer. In a few moments the captain of the ship came on the intercom assuring everyone that the accident was not serious. Survivors related that these same men got up and returned to their cursing and gambling. Obviously their repentance was only for expediency.
Pharaoh had the same attitude. When God sent a plague of hail on the land (vv. 23-24), Pharaoh was ready to admit that he had sinned and that he and his people were wicked (v. 27) In an apparent change of heart, he really agreed to let the Israelites go. As soon as the hail ceased, however, he hardened his heart and reneged on his agreement.
Many people still use religion the same way. They promise to go to church every Sunday, give ten percent of their income and cease their evil habits, if only God would deliver them from some difficult problem. But when the crisis is over, so is their commitment. God is not deceived. He may get these people out of trouble, but unless they keep their promises greater judgment may come upon them later. God wants to do so much more for than offer a quick fix for a temporary problem. He wants to give you a long term relationship that will bring you eternal joy and fulfillment. God never play games with you. All His promises are "Yes", and in Him "Amen."
We must deal sincerely with God..
From Joe Gatuslao
"And when Pharaoh saw the rain, the hail, and the thunder had ceased,
he sinned yet more; and he hardened his heart, he and his servants. So
the heart of Pharaoh was hard; neither would he let the children of
Israel go, as the Lord had spoken by Moses". -- (Exodus 9:34)
When the luxury liner Titanic first struck an iceberg, men who had been cursing and rolling dice at the gaming tables suddenly fell to their knees in repentant prayer. In a few moments the captain of the ship came on the intercom assuring everyone that the accident was not serious. Survivors related that these same men got up and returned to their cursing and gambling. Obviously their repentance was only for expediency.
Pharaoh had the same attitude. When God sent a plague of hail on the land (vv. 23-24), Pharaoh was ready to admit that he had sinned and that he and his people were wicked (v. 27) In an apparent change of heart, he really agreed to let the Israelites go. As soon as the hail ceased, however, he hardened his heart and reneged on his agreement.
Many people still use religion the same way. They promise to go to church every Sunday, give ten percent of their income and cease their evil habits, if only God would deliver them from some difficult problem. But when the crisis is over, so is their commitment. God is not deceived. He may get these people out of trouble, but unless they keep their promises greater judgment may come upon them later. God wants to do so much more for than offer a quick fix for a temporary problem. He wants to give you a long term relationship that will bring you eternal joy and fulfillment. God never play games with you. All His promises are "Yes", and in Him "Amen."
We must deal sincerely with God..
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