The term obtuse refers to individuals who are annoyingly slow to understand or dull-witted. This word is illuminated by the classic film Shawshank Redemption. When Andy Dufrene confronts the Wardon about his lack of concern for his innocence, Andy gets sent to solitary confinement. As for today’s featured passage, the Lord allows Pharaoh to become obtuse by replying in such a manner.
Afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness. 2 But Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go, Exodus 5:1-2.
Centuries later, God raised up a prophet who would approach the nation of Israel with a similar message. In the days of Isaiah, eighth centuries Before Christ, leaders of Israel adopted pagan rituals like the New Moon festival. Subsequently, in the days of Isaiah, God stopped listening to prayers of the Israelites. Israel explains what needs to happen before regaining God’s attention.
Your New Moon festivals and your [hypocritical] appointed feasts My soul hates. They are an oppressive burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 And when you spread forth your hands [in prayer, imploring help], I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood! 16 Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes! Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it, Isaiah 1:14-20.
Since America no longer adheres to Judeo-Christian values, educators have taken God’s place in the pulpit. Subsequently, college professors have become modern day Pharaoh’s proclaiming the same question, “who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?” May this question challenge you in the final days of December, so that others will know the name of Jesus in 2024, Acts 4:12.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 