By Viv White
The whole Bible is written for our admonition. Let’s face it, we all need admonition sometimes, so Paul around Passover time, used the example of Israel coming out of Egypt to admonish the Church. It fits, because Israel coming out of Egypt is the perfect type of what we come up against as Christians in so many ways. For one thing, we can’t go backwards. When things get rough, we have to go forward….only forward. But never back to ‘the old man’.
Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 10:1-2, how Israel was baptized when they crossed the Red Sea, and we know, that as ‘baptised’ Christians (1 Corinthians 12:13), we begin to face various difficulties on the trip to the Promised Land that we never expected.
Well, after Israel, came though the Red Sea, they had plenty of hardships BUT, they didn’t have any faith in God, and, without faith, we cannot please God. Hebrews 11: 6 (a). “No one can please God without faith.”
How important is your faith to God? It is all-important. Anyone who makes it in the Kingdom of God will have to have it!
“You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called “today.” If you don’t, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. We were sure about Christ when we first became his people. So let’s hold tightly to our faith until the end.” (Hebrews 3:13-14)
“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him.” Hebrews 4:14
So let’s hold tightly to our faith until the end, and stay the course. God is leading us down a road to somewhere good, and no matter how many pot-holes and bumps lie ahead, this road is ultimately leading us to the real Promised Land…the Kingdom of God.
Whilst holding fast (expressing our faith), we still ought to play our part in our ‘Exodus’. With millions of people scattered all around the world, perhaps some of us will be involved in leading the ‘Israel of this age’ out of ‘Egypt’ and into the ‘real Kingdom of God’.
God says He will send shepherds to this remnant, to feed them and take care of them:
“I sent my sheep to other countries. But I will gather together my sheep that are left, and I will bring them back to their pasture. When my sheep are back in their pasture, they will have many children and grow in number. I will place new shepherds over my sheep. They will take care of my sheep, and my sheep will never again feel afraid. None of my sheep will be lost.” This message is from the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:3-4
As a spiritual priesthood, we may be with them (the lost) on their journey back home. Yes, you and I could be able to reach down, wipe away their tears and calm their trembling hearts. To these people we might say: “This is the way, walk in it” Isaiah:30:21.
Yes, God has offered us the privilege to be part of the incredible restoration. It begins with this awe-inspiring ‘second exodus’ and ends with the lost finally being born into the Kingdom of God!
Scriptures referenced:
1Cor 10:1
Friends, I want to remind you that all of our ancestors walked under the cloud and went through the sea.
1Cor 10:2
This was like being baptized and becoming followers of Moses.
1Cor 12:13
Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God’s Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit.
Hebrews 11:6
No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Isaiah 30:21
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.