Pharaoh

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. (John 15:18-21 ESV). Another unnamed character of the Bible is the pharaoh of the Exodus. A pharaoh actually figured in the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. “Pharaoh” is mentioned even in the story of Solomon. At first we might think this individual must have lived a very long time, though it becomes clear that there must be several of him. It is somewhat like the eighteen kings of France who were all called Louis. Further, history tells us that “Pharaoh” was not in fact a name, but simply the Egyptian word for “King.” In one way the Pharaohs were all alike, and we don’t need to know the names that distinguish them from one another. All of them stood for a famous, historic, powerful empire, organized without any concern for God. Old Testament Egypt shows us what many New Testament Scriptures mean by the expression “the world.” It is uncanny how Egypt is so like the world we live in today. “Pharaoh” will admire and use men of God like Joseph when it suits him. But usually he ignores them, or suppresses them, or even persecutes them. There is an important message embedded in these stories. We shouldn’t be surprised when the pharaohs of our world ignore and work toward abolishing all of our Christian principles. Ravi Zacharias says: “The shift that is taking place is very calculated. Eastern religions are protected in today’s society because to critique Eastern religions is seen as culturally insensitive and prejudicial. But the Christian faith, which is the target of Western culture (but people have forgotten that it came from the East), is now the dartboard. Society can attack any aspect of Christianity.” This shouldn’t take us by surprise. Jesus said, “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” There’s the real answer. Remember. There is a reason why we don’t know any of the pharaoh’s names from the Bible. They are of no consequence. They may be a part of the story, but only so far as they further the message that God is in control and working toward the deliverance of His people. Of course, we should be equipped to give a good answer to the charges against our faith; but, our faith is stronger than any charge leveled against it. Trust the character and work of God. He knows your name!