Compromise: Pharaoh vs. Moses

Before the children of Israel left Egypt, God dealt harshly with Pharaoh and Egypt. He sent ten plagues on Egypt before Pharaoh finally gave in. During those ten plagues, Pharaoh tried to get Moses to compromise with him three times. The first time was in Exodus 8:25, where he told Moses they could go, but not far. The second time was in Exodus 10:11, where He said only the men could go. Then in 10:24, he said everyone could go but leave the cattle behind. After the third time, Moses said in Exodus 10:25-26, “You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. For we must take some of them to serve the Lord our God, and even we do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we arrive there.” God’s children were destined to leave Egypt without compromising with Pharaoh to leave something that they needed behind. Moses wouldn’t give in to Pharaoh at all.

The same is true for us in our dealings with Satan. He is cunning and may try to get us to compromise and give in a little to him. This can be done in many ways: by the way we dress, talk, and act around others. We must realize that we cannot give in even a little if we want to be right with God. James 4:4 says, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” It doesn’t matter how small the friendship with the world is, if it exists, we become enemies with God. We have to be like Moses and be strict with ourselves. The world is out there, wanting to be your friend. Do not give in and compromise with Satan, no matter how small the matter may seem!

Jonathan Glaesemann