Stubborn and uncompromising

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Exodus 10:21-29 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘Then Pharaoh summoned Moses, and said, ‘Go, worship the Lord. Only your flocks and your herds shall remain behind. Even your children may go with you.’’

Exodus 10:24

Darkness was the ninth plague. I imagine the Egyptians had had enough. Surely they must have marvelled at how the darkness affected them, yet when they looked to the Hebrew camp the light still shone upon them. I wonder what was going through the Pharaoh’s mind. It clearly must have been getting to him, as here, within this story, we see Pharaoh make an offer to Moses ‘Go, worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.’ (10:24). 

It appears on face value to be a good offer… all the people get to go, including the women and children. A compromise, yes, but surely a good one? The Hebrews can worship God as a whole community. Freedom from their slavery. Sounds good to me. 

For Moses, however, compromise was not an option. This was a man who knew his calling. He knew the will of God for his life and his people’s life. This was the easy way out. He refuses. He will not compromise what is most important to him even though this seems to make his position worse.

Now I am not suggesting that compromise isn’t important in life. I haven’t managed to stay married for the past 20 years without it! But how often do we compromise on the really important things in life because it is the easier option, because it gives us mostly what we want or keeps others happy. Moses was stubborn for the things of God. As was our Lord Jesus, who stubbornly sets His face to Jerusalem, and ultimately the cross, even when He is rejected for it (see Luke 9:51-54). Both stubborn to fulfil their calling and uncompromising. 

As we reflect this Lenten-time, our reflections no doubt will turn to our calling and what is most important to us. We may reflect on what we have achieved and where we are up to. Let us be mindful of these examples to be stubborn and uncompromising for the things of God. Asking the questions, where have we allowed compromise? Where might we have taken the easy way out? The light shone on the Hebrews, despite the darkness. Let us pray that God’s light will shine on us, showing us His favour and guiding our way so that we too may uncompromisingly follow where He calls.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, as I make my way on this journey to Easter, help me to fix my eyes on You. May I know something of the uncompromising passion that drove You to the cross, that I too may fulfil my calling to know and love You more. Amen.

Laura Watson, Director of Spirituality, Hutton C.E. Grammar School & Sixth Form