WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT (PART 4)

 The curse of poverty and stagnation is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: PARABLES AS A FORM OF HARDENING

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Jesus taught in parables not just to reveal truth but also to conceal it from those who refused to believe:

Matthew 13:13-15 – “Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”

This echoes Isaiah 6:9-10, where God declared Israel’s heart would be hardened due to their rebellion. The parables were a form of judgment: truth was hidden from those who had already rejected it.

3. THE DISCIPLES' STRUGGLE WITH HARD HEARTS

Even Jesus' own disciples struggled with hardness of heart, though theirs was temporary:

Mark 6:52 – For they had not understood about the loaves [miracle of feeding the 5,000] because their heart was hardened.

Mark 8:17-18 – “Do you still not understand? Do you have a hardened heart? Having eyes, do you not see?”

Unlike Pharaoh, the disciples’ hearts were softened through their relationship with Christ. This shows that hardness of heart can be reversed through faith and revelation.

4. THE DANGER OF PERSISTENT UNBELIEF

Jesus warned that persistent unbelief leads to irreversible hardness, just like Pharaoh.p

John 8:43-44 – “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil.”

John 12:39-40 – “For this reason they could not believe, because Isaiah said: ‘He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart.’”

The Pharisees had so persistently rejected Jesus that their hearts were beyond softening. This aligns with Paul’s warning

Romans 1:28 – “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind.”

Unbelief can reach a point where repentance is no longer possible—a terrifying warning to those who continually reject God.

5. THE WAY TO AVOID A HARDENED HEART: HUMILITY AND FAITH

While Pharaoh and the Pharisees were hardened due to rebellion, Jesus offered the remedy:

Matthew 11:25 – “You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have reveled them to infants.”

Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

The key is to respond to God's truth with humility. Those who acknowledge their need for God will receive mercy, while those who persist in rejection may eventually be hardened beyond return.

Conclusion: Pharaoh, the Pharisees, and Us

Pharaoh resisted God and was hardened as judgment.

The Pharisees saw Jesus’ miracles but still rejected Him, leading to their hardening.

Jesus warned that persistent unbelief leads to blindness and separation from God.

The disciples had temporary hardness but were restored through faith.

The ultimate message? Respond to God while your heart is still soft. The longer we resist, the closer we come to being like Pharaoh—hardened beyond return.

 In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and zeal for his house .

PRAYERS: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome poverty.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART; AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT (PART 3)

 You shall be protected from the destroyer because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART; AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT (PART 3) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

5. DOES GOD HARDEN HEARTS TODAY?

Yes, in the sense that when people continually reject God, He may allow them to be further blinded in their unbelief (Romans 1:24-28). However, Scripture also teaches that God desires all to repent (2 Peter 3:9).

THOSE WHO REJECT GOD RISK HAVING THEIR HEARTS HARDENED.

Those who seek God with humility can receive His mercy.

The key takeaway is that God's hardening is not random but a response to persistent rebellion.

THE BALANCE BETWEEN MERCY AND JUDGMENT

Pharaoh’s story demonstrates both God’s mercy and His justice.

God gave Pharaoh opportunities to repent – Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his own heart.

God then confirmed Pharaoh’s choice – Hardening became a form of divine judgment.

God’s purpose was to glorify Himself – The Exodus became a testimony of God’s power and deliverance.

This account teaches us to respond to God’s truth with humility and not resist Him, lest we, too, experience the danger of a hardened heart.

Jesus' Teachings on Hardened Hearts and God's Sovereignty

Jesus frequently spoke about hardened hearts, connecting it to unbelief, divine judgment, and the necessity of repentance. His teachings align with Pharaoh’s story and expand on the theme of how people respond to God's truth.

1. THE PHARISEES: A NEW PHARAOH?

Just as Pharaoh resisted God despite witnessing miracles, the Pharisees saw Jesus' signs but still rejected Him. Jesus confronted their hardness of heart:

Mark 3:5 – After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was [fully] restored.

John 12:37-40 – Even though He had performed so many signs before them, they still were not believing in Him… “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they would not see… nor understand with their heart, and turn to Me.”

This parallels Pharaoh’s situation: repeated rejection led to judicial hardening.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and a heart that accepts correction .

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to heal the sick .

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART: AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT ( PART2)

 You shall be rescued from your problems because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART: AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT ( PART2) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Theological Implications of God Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart

The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart raises deep theological questions about God's sovereignty, human free will, and divine justice. Below are key themes that help us understand its significance.

1. HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY VS. DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY

At first, Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34), showing that he was responsible for his rejection of God’s command. However, later, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 9:12, 10:20, 11:10, 14:8), demonstrating His sovereign control over events.

Pharaoh was morally responsible – He freely resisted God’s will before God actively hardened him.

GOD’S JUDICIAL HARDENING – When Pharaoh continually rejected God, God confirmed his decision, using it to fulfill His purposes (see Romans 1:24-28).

This shows that God does not harden someone arbitrarily; rather, He gives them over to their own stubbornness when they persist in rebellion.

2. HARDENING AS DIVINE JUDGMENT

In Exodus 4:21, God told Moses in advance that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart. This suggests that the hardening was not arbitrary but part of a greater plan.

God’s patience was demonstrated – Pharaoh had multiple opportunities to repent but refused.

Hardening was an act of judgment – Since Pharaoh resisted God, the hardening sealed him in his rebellion.

Paul explains this principle in Romans 9:17-18, quoting Exodus:

    For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “I raised you up for this very purpose, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the earth.” So then, He has mercy on whom He wills, and He hardens whom He wills. (AMP)

This illustrates that God's hardening serves a larger purpose—to reveal His power and justice.

3. THE PURPOSE: DISPLAYING GOD’S GLORY

In Exodus 9:16, God declares that He raised up Pharaoh to display His power and make His name known. The plagues and Pharaoh’s resistance magnified God’s supremacy over Egypt’s gods.

GOD’S POWER OVER EGYPT – The plagues systematically dismantled Egypt’s religious system, proving Yahweh was the true God.

TESTIMONY TO THE NATIONS – Rahab in Joshua 2:10-11 later testifies that the people of Canaan heard about God’s wonders in Egypt and feared Him.

FORESHADOWING OF GOD’S GREATER REDEMPTION – The Exodus foreshadows Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and oppression.

4. THE HARDENING OF HEARTS IN OTHER BIBLICAL CONTEXTS

The concept of hardening is not unique to Pharaoh. It appears elsewhere:

ISRAEL’S HARDENING – In Isaiah 6:9-10, God tells the prophet that Israel’s heart would be hardened as a judgment for their rebellion. Jesus later applies this to the Pharisees (Matthew 13:14-15).

GENTILES in Romans 1 – Paul describes how those who suppress the truth are given over to their own sin (Romans 1:24-28).

THE ANTICHRIST’S FOLLOWERS – In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, God allows people who reject the truth to be deceived.

In each case, hardening follows a pattern: persistent rebellion → divine judgment → inability to repent.

 In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and humility to serve .

 PRAYER; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome temptation.

+2348035536911, +2348098636911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

WHEN GOD HARDEN''S A MAN'S HEART: AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT ( PART 1)

 You are marked for an unusual upliftment because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life  Devotional: 

WHEN GOD HARDEN''S A MAN'S HEART: AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT ( PART 1) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

  The Bible records multiple instances of Pharaoh's heart being hardened during the events of the Exodus. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is attributed both to Pharaoh himself and to God. Here’s a breakdown:

1. PHARAOH HARDENED HIS OWN HEART:

Exodus 7:13 – Yet Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

Exodus 7:22 – But the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts, and Pharaoh's heart was hardened.

Exodus 8:15 – But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them.

Exodus 8:32 – But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.

Exodus 9:34 – But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart.

2. GOD HARDENED PHARAOH’S HEART:

Exodus 9:12 – But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not listen to them.

Exodus 10:1 – Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants.”

Exodus 10:20 – But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go.

Exodus 10:27 – But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go.

Exodus 11:10 – Yet Pharaoh’s heart was hardened by the Lord, and he did not let the people of Israel go.

Exodus 14:8 – The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel.

SUMMARY OF THE HARDENING OF PHARAOH’S HEART:

Pharaoh hardened his own heart: About 5 times

God hardened Pharaoh’s heart: About 6 times

THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart in defiance of God. Later, God judicially hardened Pharaoh’s heart as an act of divine judgment, solidifying his resistance. This demonstrates both human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Paul references this in Romans 9:17-18, emphasizing that God has the authority to show mercy and to harden whom He chooses.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and a heart that easily yields to the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to preach the gospel.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

JESUS CHRIST: THE GREAT STABILIZER IN TURBULENT TIMES

 What was meant to destroy you will increase your greatness because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional:  JESUS CHRIST: THE GREAT STABILIZER IN TURBULENT TIMES

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   Life often brings seasons of turbulence—uncertainties, trials, and storms that shake our faith. Yet, Jesus Christ remains our steadfast anchor, the great stabilizer who secures us even when the waves of life rage around us.

     In Matthew 14:25-32, Peter walked on water toward Jesus, but when he shifted his focus from the Lord to the storm, he began to sink. However, Jesus did not immediately calm the storm. Instead, He rescued Peter in the midst of it, demonstrating that true security is not found in circumstances but in unwavering trust in Christ. This teaches us that peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus.

    Similarly, the Macedonian church (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) exemplified stability in crisis. Though experiencing deep poverty and affliction, they remained joyful and generous, giving themselves first to the Lord and then to the work of the Gospel. Their faith was not shaken by hardship, proving that stability in Christ produces resilience and sacrificial love even in difficult times.

James 1:2-3 reminds us to “consider it nothing but joy…when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Trials refine our faith and deepen our dependence on God.

Jesus does not always remove the storm, but He strengthens us to walk through it. When life becomes uncertain, keep your eyes on Him, trust in His promises (Isaiah 41:10, John 16:33), and stand firm in faith—He will uphold you!

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and great faith in the midst of crisis.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to make great progress. 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

MADE NEAR THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

 The anointing of God's favour is removing the obstacles hindering your breakthrough.

Good- Life Devotional: MADE NEAR THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Ephesians 2:12-15 addresses the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through Christ. Paul reminds the Gentiles that they were once "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (v.12). However, through Christ, they are now "made nigh by the blood of Christ" (v.13).

   The Greek word for "nigh" in verse 13 is ἐγγύς (engys), meaning "near" or "brought close." This implies not only spatial nearness but also relational intimacy with God, made possible by Christ's atoning work.

   Paul continues in verse 14, stating that Christ "is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." This refers to the separation between Jews and Gentiles, symbolized by the temple’s dividing wall. Through His sacrifice, Christ abolished the enmity caused by the Law’s ordinances, uniting believers into one new man (v.15).

Other supporting verses include:

Isaiah 57:19 – "Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near."

Colossians 1:20-22 – Christ reconciled all through His blood.

Romans 5:10 – We were reconciled to God through Christ’s death.

  This passage is a profound defense of salvation by grace, showing that Christ's work brings all people into fellowship with God, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

   You do not need to go to any physical  location or engage in any spiritual sacrifice to be close to God . He is in the believer's heart .

 In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and consciousness of his abiding presence. 

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

RAISED UP AND QUICKENED TOGETHER WITH JESUS CHRIST

 You shall rise again regardless of how many times you fall because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: RAISED UP AND QUICKENED TOGETHER WITH JESUS CHRIST 

Ephesians 2:6 (AMP) states, "And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus." The phrase "raised us up" is from the Greek word sugkathizō (συγκαθίζω), meaning "to cause to sit together." This conveys a present spiritual reality of believers sharing in Christ's victory and authority.

The preceding verse (Ephesians 2:5) uses "quickened" (syzōopoieō, συζωοποιέω), meaning "to make alive together," signifying regeneration through Christ (cf. Colossians 2:13).

This truth aligns with Romans 6:4-5, emphasizing that believers, united with Christ, partake in His resurrection life. Colossians 3:1-3 reinforces that we are spiritually positioned with Christ. Apologetically, this defends the believer’s security and divine inheritance, refuting works-based salvation. Our heavenly status is not future but present in Christ (John 17:22-23), demonstrating the transformative power of grace.

 With this understanding you see it is not true when a false preacher says your destiny is buried or tied to something other than Christ . .

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and wisdom to walk in the revelation of the new creation in Christ. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to work miracles .

+2348035536911 +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com