But I will harden his heart so he will refuse to let the people go. 22Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. 23I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’”

When they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

But Pharaoh shouted, “You’re just lazy! Lazy! That’s why you’re saying, ‘Let us go and offer sacrifices to the Lord.’ 18Now get back to work! No straw will be given to you, but you must still produce the full quota of bricks.”

The foremen said to them, “May the Lord judge and punish you for making us stink before Pharaoh and his officials. You have put a sword into their hands, an excuse to kill us!”

Then the Lord told Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh. When he feels the force of my strong hand, he will let the people go. In fact, he will force them to leave his land!”

Lord God my Father,

Keep my heart from being hard, keep me open to your desire and obedient to your will. Give me courage to stand firm for you and not back down no matter what attack I am under. Give me faith to wait for your Glory to be released.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen