Did God enjoy watching a tyrant like Pharaoh? No, He endured it. The fact that God was long-suffering indicates that He gave Pharaoh opportunities to be saved.

God prepares men for glory, but sinners prepare themselves for judgment. In Moses and Israel God revealed the riches of His mercy; in Pharaoh and Egypt He revealed His power and wrath.

Since neither deserved any mercy, God cannot be charged with injustice.

Ultimately, of course, God’s purpose was to form His church from both Jews and Gentiles. Believers today are, by God’s grace, ‘Vessels of mercy” which He is preparing for glory. Doesn’t it feel good to be on the glory road?

Verse for today: “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2, NIV).

Take time to read: Romans 8:28-30; 9:22-24; 2 Peter 3:9; Exodus 3:7; 7:6-13; 8:8-15; 1 Peter 5:1;-Genesis 3.

Action assignment: From the very beginning, God has allowed us to choose between good and evil. Our choices are very important.

C.S. Lewis said that we are becoming now what we will be in eternity—something beautiful and full of glory, or something hideous and full of darkness.

Write down the names of three living Christians whose character seems to you most “prepared for glory.” Next to each name, write down at least one trait that person has which seems valuable.

Now, use one of these Christian examples to guide some of your own actions today. Also, write a short note to that person, expressing your appreciation to God for him or her and mentioning the inspiration his or her life has given you.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in