A Closer Look at God’s Question to Pharaoh

How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? (Exodus 10:3

Pharaoh, like many people today, resisted the call of God.  What does this question really show us about those who refuse to heed the call?

1.  The pride of man.  To refuse to humble ourselves before God is:

Foolish, because it shows a woeful ignorance of God.

Presumptuous, because you think you can resist the will of God without repercussions.

Vain, God will sooner or later break the pride of every man.  Remember well the words of Proverbs 18:12; “Pride precedes your fall.”

2.  God’s question is a searching question.  “How long will you refuse?” asked God of Pharaoh.  This simple question is a marvelous revelation to us of:

The amazing grace of God.  Why didn’t the Lord simply smite Pharaoh immediately?  Why did God let Pharaoh have is way for so long?  Here we see in vivid depiction the patience of God!

The grief of God.  “How long?” is a question coming from a heart full of pain.  God knew what was in store for Pharaoh. 

The impatience of God.  “How long?” as if His great patience and longsuffering were coming to an end.  As wide and as deep as God’s patience may be, even it has its limits.  God warned man once in Genesis 6:3 that He would not put up with man’s sinfulness forever.

3.  Man’s excuses.  In response to the call of God, “How long?” proud, self-reliant and satisfied man has many answers:

When it’s more convenient.  Not right now.

When I feel better about my life.

When I settle down; there are too many things I want to do first.

Once I retire, I will spend more time with God.

I’ll come to God sometime before I  die.  Just not today.

If you have ever offered any of these excuses to God, think about the words of Peter:

Humble yourselves, that God may lift you  up in due time.  (1 Peter 5:6).