And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: – Exodus 10:1
Many have pondered what choice a person has if God hardens their heart – as if the person was an innocent bystander unlucky enough to have been chosen.
But in our story none of these were innocent bystanders! They had made their choice, so why fault God for using them and even disposing of them as best suited his purpose?
An additional scripture may shine light here.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. – 2nd Timothy 2:20-21
Think of it this way.
In our homes we have various pots and dishes. Some, like fine China, are used for lovely purposes while others, like beat up bowls, are used for nasty needs.
The Bible says we can, actually, choose the kind of vessel we become! Jesus paid for our sins so we can become valuable for God’s holy purposes! If we choose to be a nasty vessel then we can’t complain if God uses us for a nasty purpose.
Pharoah chose to be a nasty vessel so God used him for a nasty purpose, but what’s your choice?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus who paid for my sins on the cross so I can be a chosen vessel in your service!
Sound Bite: I choose Christ and Holy Living
– fritz@langgang.com
Patrikin - Kinship through The Father 