GAINNING HONOR
Exodus 14:10-18

Pharaoh insisted, persisted, and resisted not to let go the children of Israel from the bondage of over four hundred years. Pharaoh moved in his own way and the end of his way, was death. He did not die alone, but he dragged his land to death. “Afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” 2 And Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:1-2) Pharaoh did not know God as he began to undermine God, and what He could do. Pharaoh was operating a stubborn heart. He was set to be a vessel of dishonor, so that God alone could gain honor. Among His creation, there are vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor. Where do you stand? Are you operating in Pharaoh’s way? Have you been taking a hardened heart concerning any issue? It is time to take a look at yourself, settle down, and make sure that you are not operating with a hard heart. Pharaoh’s response to the request of Moses caused more pain when, “…Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying, 7 “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks, which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ 9 Let more work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not regard false words.”(Exodus 5:6-9) Pharaoh repeatedly rejected every possible miracle that could deliver the children of Israel from bondage of over four hundred years. After he had finally let them go, he went further to change his mind, and pursued the children of Israel. God had hardened his heart where he was operating as a vessel of dishonor. When it was time for the children of Israel to cross the Red Sea, he could not turn back and let them go just as the Lord had requested through Moses. Are there any situations that have refused to let you go? What is it that has insisted, persisted, and resisted for so long and will not give up, and let the Lord have its way in your life? Whatever it is becomes a failure as you set eyes on this in Jesus name. God responded on behalf of the children of Israel and His response shall be your portion also, “And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen.” (Exodus 14:17) Just like that of the children of Israel, God will gain honor over the Pharaoh in your life in Jesus name.