Exodus 14:5
“When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?”
It used to be a common concept that one’s word is his bond. Today it’s all about the contract. “Get it in writing.” Even though times have changed, it’s a good idea to have it written down. Partly because over time peoples memory’s fade. It may be that the one who signed the contract moved on or passed on.
Today’s story is about the disastor that came upon Egypt for breaking a contract. Most people don’t feel the immediate conscequence of dishonesty. Some live an entire life without large reprocussions.
What are the typical results of a dishonest person? The most immediate is to violate one’s conscience. To do this one must manage the guilt somehow. I would say that this person attempts to ignore guilt. In this story it speaks of Pharaoh hardening his heart. They cut off the emotion that calls out for mercy. Just like scrooge contented himself with great profits, he numbed the tender part of himself. This is a partial death. When nerves are damaged, the feeling is gone. So, when we ignore our guilt, we put to death a part of ourselves.
This person is a tyrant in his world. If there is a spouse and children, there is no tenderness. This doesn’t have to be the rich person, the poor and other classes have the same issues. Their dishonesty doesn’t have to be for financial gain, but for any selfish pursuit or self preservation.
Unfortunately, behavior is passed on to those around us, as well as to the next generation. Our children pick up all of our habits. Not just the ones we hope to pass on. An office’s tone and culture is established by the boss and those of influence. A school room or play ground has influences as well. If those of low character are doing the influencing, then those around suffer.
Pharaoh promised to let the Hebrews go. However, he saw that he wrecked his economy in doing so. It said “he had a change of heart”. We aren’t to let these feelings alter the contract or promise made. We will always feel regrets. Our word needs to be our bond. We can’t ponder over regrets. In doing so, we open the door to break our bond.
The great Egyptian nation was destroyed by this action. Pharaoh’s “change of heart” caused the entire army to be destroyed in the Red Sea. Egypt’s greatness can be seen today in the pyramids and great cities. They have never reached that point of prosperity and power again. Our dishonesty won’t receive such drastic and immediate consequences, but lives will be negatively affected.
Lord, help us to be people of our word. Help us not to dwell on the “what if’s” that bring us close to dishonesty.