“Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and begged,
‘Plead with the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people…’
‘You set the time!’ Moses replied. ‘Tell me when you want me to pray for you, your officials,
and your people. Then you and your houses will be rid of the frogs…’
‘Do it tomorrow,’ Pharaoh said.”
Exodus 8:8-10
Because of Pharaoh’s stubborn heart, the Egyptian people continued to suffer. Frogs came swarming out of the Nile River and covered the entire land. Scripture tells us the frogs invaded every home, jumping on people, leaping into their ovens, crawling into their kneading bowls, and even hopping into their beds. I cannot even imagine living with smelly, slimy frogs, let alone sleeping with them!
If I were Pharaoh, I would want those critters removed immediately, before another minute passed. That’s why his response to Moses’ question is astonishing. When do you want the frogs to leave? “Tomorrow!” What? You must be crazy! You want to sleep another night with those smelly frogs? Why?
Then I am reminded…that is exactly what I am doing when I choose not to forgive someone who has offended me. I say, “I’m not ready yet,” but what I’m really saying is, “I want to wallow around in my bed of misery a little longer.” I would rather allow someone’s smelly words or slimy deeds to keep jumping around in my head, tormenting me day and night. But why not forgive now? Why spend another night with the frogs?
Tomorrow was not a wise choice for Pharaoh, and neither is it wise for me!
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