20 August 2025
For the Scripture tells Pharaoh, I raised you up for this reason so that I may display my power in you and that my name may be proclaimed in the whole earth. So then, he has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
Pharaoh stands as a solemn witness in Scripture. His stubborn heart shows that even rebellion serves God’s purposes. God raised him up, not as an accident of history, but so that His power and His name might be proclaimed. As Mark said, “Pharaoh serves as an example of God’s sovereignty. God endured his rebellion in order to demonstrate His power and to broadcast His glory.”
It is crucial to see that God did not create Pharaoh’s evil. Pharaoh hardened his own heart again and again. Scripture says, “When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the Lord had said” (Exodus 8:15). Mark explained, “God hardened Pharaoh’s heart by giving him over to the desires he already cherished. God did not inject evil into Pharaoh. He simply allowed Pharaoh to be Pharaoh.” This is a sobering picture of judgment, yet it magnifies God’s glory.
Even hardened hearts cannot thwart God’s plans. Pharaoh defied God, yet every act of defiance became a stage for God’s power. “For this reason I raised you up, that I may display my power in you and that my name may be proclaimed in the whole earth.” Mark pressed this home: “Pharaoh thought he was sovereign. But it was the Lord who was sovereign. The Lord used Pharaoh’s rebellion to accomplish His redemptive purpose.”
You may face people who seem immovable. Arrogant bosses. Dishonest colleagues. Difficult clients. Even family members who resist truth. Their hardness is real, but it is not final. God’s sovereignty is never threatened. Mark reminded us, “God’s purposes are never at the mercy of human resistance. He overrules rebellion for His glory and for the good of His people.” That gives courage to trust Him when you feel powerless.
Take heart. The same God who turned Pharaoh’s pride into a platform for His glory is still at work. No one is beyond His control. No heart is beyond His reach.
Discussion Question:
How can remembering God’s sovereignty over Pharaoh help you respond to difficult people in your workplace or family?
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to trust Your power when I face hardened hearts. Give me patience, courage, and faith to see Your glory at work. Amen.
Read the sermon notes here.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.