Do Not Be A Pharoah Theologian
The Exodus account begins by describing what God had done to keep His promise to Abraham that He would multiply his descendants into a great nation (Genesis 12:2; 17:5-7). “But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them” (Exodus 1:7). The multitude of Israelites was a living expression of the mighty blessing of God that had triumphed over seemingly insurmountable circumstances.
But when Pharaoh looked out at that very multitude he saw a curse. He said, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us” (Exodus 1:9). His theological understanding of the world led him to oppose and oppress what God declared a blessing (Exodus 1:11-22). Pharaoh’s response was a self-protective move that revealed that he rejected what the true and living God had declared was a blessing. The unfolding of God’s promise was working against his plans, desires, and agenda.
We live in a generation of professing believers who have embraced a little Pharaoh Theology. God said “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28; 9:1) and “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward . . . Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” (Psalm 127:3, 5). Yet many believers do not celebrate and treat a full quiver as a reward. Far too often children are seen as necessary liability to carry on the family name but something you should not get carried away with.
It is always a dangerous thing to take what God describes as a blessing and call it a curse. It is not uncommon among Christians for those with the fullest quiver to be treated like they must be crazy to have or to want that many children. “Glad it is you and not me” is a frequent refrain. Is the fruit of the womb a reward and a blessing or not? And who has the right and the authority to define the answer to that question? Is it acceptable for us to disagree with God concerning this one issue?
The Bible calls us to celebrate life on every front. We must oppose the systematic war on children taking place in modern day death camps known as abortion clinics. We must be willing to rescue children who are in danger from every corner and crevice of the globe through adoption; just as our Lord has rescued us from every, tribe, tongue and nation. And every time we cast our gaze on gathered multitudes of children in parks, malls, and even church picnics and begin to think “Oh no!,” we must immediately say “Get thee behind me Pharoah! It is written - Blessing!”
When Jesus returns and peers at His followers with flaming eyes of fire (Rev.1:14) do you think He will ask, “Why did you not support a balanced budget amendment?” Or do you think He will remind you of the weak and helpless and that “precious is their blood in His sight.” (Psalm 72:14; Matt. 25:45) and ask you “What did you do to protect the life of the most defenseless of your generation?” Listen and find out what the Iowa Caucuses have to do with the Kingdom of Christ, as Pastor David addresses the horrific act of abortion that plagues our culture.
