“Let Them Go—But Not My Heart”
Scripture: Exodus 12:31–36
Introduction:
In Exodus 12:31–36, we witness a pivotal moment in the story of God's deliverance. After the death of every firstborn in Egypt, Pharaoh finally calls Moses and Aaron and gives the long-awaited command: “Go, serve the Lord, as you have said.” At first glance, it appears that Pharaoh is surrendering—but is he really?
Let’s take a closer look, because even in Pharaoh’s apparent submission, there’s a strange and revealing request. He says, “Also bless me.”
The Strange Request: “Bless Me Also” (v. 32)
Pharaoh, who has opposed God at every turn, now asks Moses and Aaron for a blessing. This is the same Pharaoh who said “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?” (Exodus 5:2). But now he begs for divine favor. What changed?
Pharaoh is not converted. He is not repentant. He is desperate. He does not truly want to worship the Lord—he wants relief from judgment. His heart is still hard, but his world is falling apart.
This is often how pride works—it won’t bow until it's forced to its knees. And even then, it looks for a way out without actually changing. Pharaoh’s request for a blessing isn’t a confession of faith—it’s a last attempt at control, a grasp for personal gain in the face of loss.
False Surrender: A Delaying Tactic
Pharaoh seems to surrender—but only after the plague hits home. His words, “Go, serve the Lord,” sound like release, but his history suggests otherwise.
He had already “repented” during earlier plagues and quickly took it back. This could easily be another strategy—a way to buy time, prevent further judgment, or maybe even get Moses to intercede on his behalf again.
This teaches us a vital truth: partial surrender is still rebellion. Pharaoh wanted to appear submissive, but he was still clinging to control.
We must be careful not to do the same. Are there areas in our lives where we say “Yes, Lord,” with our lips but “Not yet, Lord,” with our hearts?
The Cost of Pride and Stubbornness
Pharaoh’s pride didn’t just cost him personally—it cost all of Egypt. Verse 35 tells us that the Israelites “asked of the Egyptians articles of silver and gold and clothing,” and the Egyptians gave freely.
Why? Because Egypt was broken. Their gods were powerless. Their leader had failed them. And now they had to pay tribute to the people they once enslaved.
Pride doesn’t just hurt you—it drains the people around you. Pharaoh’s stubbornness led to ten plagues, national grief, and the loss of treasure. And still, he would not truly repent.
How many blessings do we miss, how much peace do we forfeit, because we cling to control instead of surrendering to God?
What This Means for Our Worship
Pharaoh’s example shows us what worship is not:
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Worship is not bargaining with God.
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Worship is not a response only to disaster.
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Worship is not conditional or half-hearted.
True worship means giving God what He asks—our hearts, our obedience, our trust. We do not worship to get something. We worship because He is worthy.
Let us not wait for hardship to worship. Let us not ask for blessing while keeping our fists clenched. Let us not try to manage God like Pharaoh tried to manage Moses.
Conclusion:
Pharaoh said, “Go. Take your people and worship. And bless me also.”
But he had no intention of worshiping himself. His request reveals a divided heart—one that wants the benefits of God without bowing to the Lord of all.
Let us learn from Pharaoh’s failure. Pride delayed deliverance. Pride brought ruin. But God still delivered His people.
So today, let us worship with sincere hearts.
Let us give God all—not just our requests, but our repentance. Not just our hands, but our hearts.
And in doing so, we will find the blessing Pharaoh never received—freedom, peace, and true communion with the living God.
Call to Action:
Ask yourself today:
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Am I truly surrendering to God, or just trying to manage Him?
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Is there a Pharaoh-like pride in me, holding back full obedience?
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What blessings might be waiting on the other side of my surrender?
Today, let the Lord lead—not just out of Egypt, but into a new heart.
Amen.
More: EXODUS Sabbath School Lesson 6 - Through the Red Sea
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