Thursday, April 15, 2021
“And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go” (Exodus 4:21 KJV).
Exactly what is “spiritual cardiosclerosis?” How can we avoid this invisible, destructive malady?
In medical science, “cardiosclerosis” is characterized by the rapid increase of scar tissue in the myocardium (heart’s muscle tissue). The death of myocardial fibers causes the heart to become physically hard. However, the Bible refers some 40 times to a far more devastating affliction. Today’s Scripture is its first appearance; nearly half of those verses apply to Pharaoh of Egypt, oppressor of Israel.
“And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 7:3). “And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go” (verses 13,14). “And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said” (verse 22). “But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said” (Exodus 8:15). “Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said” (verse 19). “And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go” (verse 32).
“And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go” (Exodus 9:7). “And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses” (verse 12). “And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses” (verses 34,35).
Pharaoh will suffer even more spiritual cardiosclerosis….
333 Words of Grace 