A “through the bible” devotion from Exodus 4.
Some recipes call for softened butter. Others need butter that has been hardened in the freezer. It just depends.
Moses’ initial assignment is to go to Pharaoh, perform miracles, and tell him to release the Israelites from bondage. Then God tells Moses, “I will harden [Pharaoh’s] heart, so that he will not let the people go” (Exodus 4:21).
It’s not a big deal to harden someone’s heart. It doesn’t take divine power or authority. Push back comes naturally. That’s just the way we are. I don’t think I’m rebellious, but I don’t want someone telling me what to do.
When Jesus says, “Love your enemy,” “Pray for those who persecute you,” and “Forgive” over and over, my first reaction is, “Yeah, I’m not going to do that.” Isn’t that a hardened heart?
The real miracle is when God gets through and changes a heart. His promise to Ezekiel is, “I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Do you know what softens a heart? It’s when Jesus says, “You’re forgiven,” “I don’t condemn you,” or gives me yet another chance. That’s what grace does. It melts away our guilt, shame, and fear, opening us up to his love.
I think it’s interesting that God can use a hard heart or one that’s been thawed to accomplish his purposes.
Waite for it... 