THE LEADER SERIES (4)

[The consequences of Pharaoh's stubbornness on the Egyptians]

This study has been an interesting one for me because it reveals the sensitivity of leadership. A leader's personal life has an impact on the people he leads.

No matter how well a leader tries to shield, the effect of his/her personal life will be reflected in public directly or indirectly.

In the case of Pharaoh, his stubbornness did not only cost him pain, but the entire Egyptians.

In Exodus 5, when Moses and Aaron went to meet Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites from bondage. 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.'

My concern is not much about why he refused to let the Israelites go, but whatever the reasons were, it was too expensive.

The Ten Plagues

The 10 plagues were God's judgement on the Egyptians and Pharaoh for refusing to obey him.

There were terrible penalties that caused so much inconvenience for (not only Pharaoh but) the people.

After the first four plaques, (their waters turned to blood, frogs everywhere in the country, the outbreak of lice and flies across the land,) Pharaoh promised to comply and so the Lord stopped the plagues but he refused to let the people go afterwards.

His refusal provoked the Lord and next, He killed all the cattles and animals not only of the King, but of the Egyptians.

Next, was outbreak of skin diseases. Torrential thunder and hail stone tormented the entire nation. Their agricultural produce was attacked by locusts which became uncontrollable. 🦗🕷️🪳🐝🐞🐛

No pesticide could put them out from the palace of the King and in other houses. Darkness covered the land round the clock for three days.

He was still hardened. He refused to comply and so up next, was not death of only animals, but of all the first born in every household beginning from Pharaoh's son 'who sat on his throne.' (See Exodus 7 verse 17; 8 verse 3, 16, 20, 21) 🥺

If it was only his son that died, then the impact of his stubbornness would be said to have affected his household, but every other firstborns were dead! ⚰️⚰️

The Bible says that 'there was great cry in Egypt for there was not a house where someone wasn't dead. ☹️ (See Exodus 12:30)

Imagine the death of a widow's only son because of the stubbornness and the King. Poor woman. She did not cause it. Her President was claiming hard man before God.

Could it be that some innocent people under your jurisdiction are in pains because of your leadership decision. As a leader, think beyond yourself. 😎

Many times your decision will greatly displease, you but in the interests of your people. Do it for your people. 👍

They will thank you for it and God will reward you for the sacrifice of your pleasure, pride and convenience.

This applies to all levels of leadership. Don't cause your people pains like Pharaoh.

Thank you for reading.

Also listen to Goodlife Podcast.

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