Chainsaw Pharaoh

As we work through the biblical account in the Book of Exodus--right now Exodus 4:18-7:7 [a smaller segment of Exodus 1:1-15:21], we encounter Pharaoh's unrelenting, unyielding, inflexible, adamant, resolute, rigid, determined decision not to let the Israelites go into the wilderness to worship Yahweh for three days, BUT to increase the hard labor of the Hebrew people. See especially Exodus 5:1-21--but there are several passages throughout Exodus 1:1-15:21 on this theme.

Throughout history, there are people like Pharaoh presented in this section of the Book of Exodus. They are all predictable. They are all the same. One thinks of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12:1-11, who would not lighten the burdens of the North Israelites, but increase them. One thinks of Herod who sought to kill all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or younger--Matthew 2:16. One thinks of Hitler in the years before the beginning of World War II, who slaughtered millions of Jews. The approach of all such people is the same. Here are some of the major characteristics:
1. I [Capital I] know what is right. I [Capital I] have made up my mind. Forget about ANY other suggestion or proposal. MY WAY is the ONLY WAY.
2. If anyone else gets in MY WAY, I will pull out my CHAINSAW and cut down immediately anyone and everyone that stands in my way. Pharaoh sought to "mow down" all Hebrews who got in his way. Rehoboam sought to "mow down" all North Israelites who got in his way. Adolf Hitler sought to "mow down" all Jews who got in his way.
3. One cannot accomplish this without "henchmen." Pharaoh had his "taskmasters." Rehoboam hired "Adoram" to force the North Israelites to do what Rehoboam decreed or else. Adolf Hitler had his "staff" who were forced to carry out Hitler's decrees.

Unfortunately, in each generation, a few self-designated religious leaders in the name of God or Jesus Christ assert themselves as "chainsaws." They appear as preachers or elders or influential leaders. They gather their "henchmen" around them tightly, and proceed to "mow down" anyone in their way. Religious movements have their representatives.

"Chainsaw" leaders have created movements among young people because they are not committed enough to God. It is hard to realize are were people like this. One would assume that a Christian would sit down and discuss through a difficult or disputed issue. Not a "chainsaw." Approach such a person and propose that we talk through this issue. Forget it!!! So, when Moses and Aaron kept coming to Pharaoh to ask him to let the Israelites go into the wilderness for three day, it was wasted time and effort.

But praise the Lord. Solid, faithful, stalwart, quiet, persistent, TRUE followers of God through Jesus Christ find ways to avoid "chainsaw" leaders and promoters and do great things in and for good people. We can always "work around" those who think they are the leaders. God prospers us in mysterious ways.

"Chainsaw" people do not last very long. Oh yes, they get their way. They pat themselves on their backs and say, We have done great things. But, like Pharaoh, guess what--God is still in control. And it was not very long until God overthrew Pharaoh and his henchmen, and set the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. Praise God for his steadfast love and faithfulness.

John Willis