The Life of Moses the Prophet, Part 4
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflects on the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart and how miracles, plagues, and warnings could not lead him to true repentance. He explains that a person is not saved simply by witnessing miracles, but needs a pure heart that is open to God. He points out that God can use even Pharaoh’s hardness within His divine plan to accomplish salvation. He also explains that a person may draw closer to God during times of trouble and then forget Him when relief comes, and therefore our relationship with God should remain steadfast in every circumstance.
Spiritual Message
Moses is presented as an example of a kind heart that does not become hardened because of the mistreatment of others, for Moses continued to pray for Pharaoh despite knowing that Pharaoh’s promises were not sincere. The reflection emphasizes that a kind heart can be merciful while also being firm regarding God’s rights, refusing to compromise in worship or give in before sin. It also explains that God continued to warn Pharaoh and give him repeated opportunities, but Pharaoh rejected the means of grace, the warnings, the miracles, and the prayers offered by Moses and Aaron.
Educational Lesson
The reflection explains that the people’s departure from the land of slavery was not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a long journey in the spiritual life. The Passover and the unleavened bread carried clear spiritual symbols: the Passover points to the blood that saves, while the unleavened bread points to a life of purity and holiness. Thus, as the reflection explains, salvation is connected with both the blood and a pure life. The exodus also teaches us that God leads a person step by step, and that it is not necessary for a person to know all the details of the journey from the beginning.
Practical Application
When a person wants to leave sin and the bondage of the world, he should be prepared for trials, because the enemy of goodness tries to hinder his journey even until the last moment. When a person feels that the sea is before him and the enemy is behind him, he should hold firmly to faith and not surrender to despair or doubt. A person does not always need to know where he is going, but he needs to know who is walking with him, and God is the One who leads. What is required is to look toward the salvation of the Lord and trust that the God who began the journey of salvation is able to complete it. Therefore, we should walk with God step by step, trusting in His guidance, while holding firmly to a life of worship and purity and refusing to compromise with sin.
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