“Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” – (Exodus 8:1)
A visiting minister was very long-winded. To make matter worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon, a member of the congregation responded with “Amen” or “That’s right, preacher” and he would get wound up even more.
Finally, the host preacher started responding to every few sentences with “Amen, Pharaoh!” The guest minister wasn’t sure what that meant, but after several more “Amen, Pharaohs” he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.
After the service was over, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, “What exactly did you mean when you said “Amen, Pharaoh”?
He said, “I was telling you to let my people go!”
We’ve all been in situations where someone just didn’t know when to stop talking. Whether it’s a long-winded sermon, a never-ending meeting, or a conversation that circles the same point repeatedly, we sometimes wish we could say, “Amen, Pharaoh!” as a way of saying, “Can we move on now?”
In Exodus, God sent Moses to deliver a message to Pharaoh: “Let my people go.” The Israelites had been in bondage for generations, crying out for freedom, but Pharaoh stubbornly refused to release them. His pride and resistance not only prolonged their suffering but also brought hardship on his own people through the plagues. It took repeated warnings, devastation, and ultimately, the death of his firstborn before Pharaoh finally relented.
We sometimes act like Pharaoh in our own lives. We hold onto things way too long — grudges, anxieties, unhealthy habits, maybe even a need for control. We refuse to change even when we know we should. But just as Pharaoh’s stubbornness caused unnecessary hardship, our refusal to let go can also keep us from experiencing the blessings that God wants for us.
God calls us to release whatever is weighing us down. Maybe today he’s asking you to forgive someone, to step away from a toxic situation, or to trust him in an area you’ve been trying to control. Whatever it is, don’t wait for plague-level consequences before you obey. When God says, “Let it go,” it’s because he has something better in mind for you.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognize when it’s time to let go. I don’t want to be stubborn like Pharaoh, holding onto things that keep me from the blessings you offer. Give me the wisdom to release what is not mine to control and the faith to trust your plans. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Alan Smith
