It is normal to scratch your head when you hear the baffling words of a world ruler. You can even question their sanity. We do it all the time here in the United States. The hardest part to deal with is wondering why they are in power in the first place. Isn’t God a loving God who looks out for His children? The answer is yes, but we live in a sinful world, and wicked rulers are put in power. Sometimes they are allowed to remain so God can show His power.
EXODUS 9:16
“But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.”
A Stubborn Man
Pharaoh was a stubborn man. He didn’t want to lose the free services that the Israelites were providing. Even after several plagues, he refused to budge. All the livestock were killed, boils came up the people, and locusts ate the plants. Still, Pharaoh didn’t budge. God hardened his heart and allowed him to live so that He could show His power and proclaim His name. It switched from Pharaoh using Israel to God using Pharaoh to accomplish His purposes. Never think that a wicked ruler has gotten one over on God’s people. God is probably using them to do His work.
God Meant It For His Good
Joseph told his brothers, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” (Gen 50:20). People like Pharaoh are evil to the bone and commit many atrocities. What he did to Israel was wrong, and God used the plagues and drowning in the Red Sea to judge them. He also used those to let the rest of the world know not to mess with the God of Israel. When Israel got to the promised land, the nations were trembling because they had heard of the plagues and the Red Sea.
Allowed to Remain
God is not above using wicked people for His purposes. That doesn’t mean He condones their sinful ways. He can work through those to show His power and save His people. Through all of the plagues, Israel was spared. While believers may not be spared every harmful action, Jesus will preserve His saints. Don’t live in fear of what the world rulers are doing. Continue to walk worthy of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.