January 19

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 5, 6, 7; Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139; Proverbs 19

“And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2

When I read this passage, I cringe a little bit at the utter arrogance of the Pharaoh. After I thought about this for a little while, I think I can sympathize. I would probably have the same attitude, if I were in his place. If someone came to me and said, “Mohammed said to let my people go”, I would be less than cooperative, I am sure.
It is sad, but in our day, almost everyone has this attitude. I wish I could say that it is only people outside the church that have this attitude. Unfortunately, it is people on both sides of the stained glass. We, who name the name of Christ, should live a life in total submission and surrender to the One who gave himself for us. We demand our rights and privileges, because we really believe we deserve it.
How can I, or anyone else, who is a sinful, rebellious, wretch, think that we deserve anything more than an eternity in Hell? The problem is an inflated view of our own selves that is fueled by pride. We have been created from the dust of the ground and we are no better than that until the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us.