The story of the Lord and Pharaoh is a powerful, yet tragic one. Pharaoh won’t let God’s people go – because of greed, pride, and power. God has more power, but Pharaoh can’t see that yet, and instead of yielding to God’s plan, he fights against the Lord. I wish this was only a 3500 year old story, but it is one I see every day.
People turn away from God; people hold on to what they want and are unwilling to change – even if it is going to help others and make a difference. God calls out to them, warns them, punishes them, forgives them, calls out – and yet people keep turning away. In some areas of my life I do the same thing.
In Exodus this story goes on for 10 plagues, each one affecting Egypt more, each time the hard heart of Pharaoh hurting the nation more. God loves His people, and He will work to set them free.