LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL

By Pastor Mensa Otabil

Thursday 30th April 2026

PHARAOH’S DELUSION

Scripture Reading: Exodus 8

Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:19

Pharaoh’s magicians were defeated. The visitation of the stinging lice had accomplished what neither the blood of the waters nor the nuisance of the frogs had achieved.  They called the third plague, ‘the finger of God’. 

Though they did not understand the concept of one God who ruled over all, they knew what was happening was unusual. In their own way, what they communicated to Pharaoh was something like, “this is beyond anything we know - some powerful god must be helping the Israelites”

For us Christians, the term, ‘finger of God’ is a reference to God’s power. God works daily through the natural processes He has created. However, there are moments when He does things in our world that are extraordinary. The Lord can make His creation function in extraordinary ways. When that happens, we recognize those acts as ‘the finger of God’. 

Pharaoh’s heart grew hard. Earlier, he hardened his heart; now, his heart ‘grew’ hard. That means Pharaoh became more obstinate. It shows a progression of stubbornness. How did Pharaoh get to this point where he was so set in his own way to imperil himself and his nation?

Pharaoh’s path to self-destruction had been encouraged by his magicians. They made him believe that Moses and Aaron were not remarkable people and should not be listened to. They sought to downplay the earlier miracles as simple magical works similar to what they did. Now, the magicians had come to the end of themselves, but they couldn’t get Pharaoh to turn back.

Sometimes people mislead others and later change their mind. Unfortunately, the people they misled continue on the path of deception.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, deliver us from delusion and self-destruction. Help us to know when to turn back. In Jesus’ name, Amen.