0292. A STRAIGHT QUESTION.

A STRAIGHT QUESTION.

"How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before Me?’ (Exo_10:3).

Pharaoh, like many more in our own day, has frequently resisted the call of God.

I. The Pride of Man. Not to humble ourselves before Him is-

1. Foolish. It shows awful ignorance of God.

2. Presumptuous. A deliberate resisting of His will.

3. Vain. God will sooner or later break the pride of man. Haughtiness goes before destruction (Pro_18:12).

II. The Question of God. "How long wilt thou refuse?" This searching question is to us a revelation of-

1. The Grace of God. Why not smite at once with judgment? O the forbearance of God!

2. The Grief of God. "How long?" God asks as if His heart was pained to its very depths.

3. The Impatience of God. "How long?" as if His great patience and long-suffering were nearly exhausted. "My Spirit will not always strive with man" (Gen_6:8).

III. The Excuses Sometimes Offered. To God’s "How long?" proud, self-satisfied man has many answers-

1. Till a More Convenient Season.

2. Till I Feel a Little Better.

3. Till I Settle Down in Life.

4. Till I Retire from Business.

5. Till I Come to Die.

All this simply means: When my own time comes. Humble yourself, and God will lift you up (1Pe_5:6).

Autor: James Smith