Reason for Respite

“When Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not” (Exodus 8:15).  “He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion… The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:4-10).  “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15).  “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish… But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us” (Titus 3:3-5).

We see Pharaoh hardened his heart

As soon as the respite then came: 

When God caused the plague to depart,

He stubbornly acted the same!

That’s NOT what God’s respite is for!

Through respite, we hear the Lord knocking. 

Behold Him!  He stands at the door:

It’s time for repenting, not mocking!

Though Pharaoh reacted that way,

Not all had to follow that path:

The space to repent and to pray

Was offered instead of God’s wrath. 

The way of a fool may seem right,

At least in his own prideful eyes,

But God, by His Word, will give light

With respite, so may be wise.   

For we all, by nature, were sinning,

Until, by God’s kindness, we feared, 

For this was our wisdom’s beginning,

And that’s when God’s kindness appeared! 

O Lord, we give thanks for salvation

You purchased at such a high cost!

You died for the justification

Extended to all of the lost! 

Lord, thank You for being so kind,

And making Your salvation known

With respite so that we may find

Your mercy so graciously shown. 

Lord, help us to show others too

Your wonderful kindness and grace,

So we may yet lead souls to You,

In respite, to seek now Your face.