ANTICIPATION |
| The 12th chapter of Exodus gives us one of the reasons God formed these Hebrews into the nation of Israel. They alone would be given God's word to mold them into a nation that would be a light to the world. Their story reveals how the Creator wants to relate with His children, and the revealed word through Moses, the prophets and the Psalms reveals mysteries from heaven itself. It was a good thing that the Hebrew people were not given a choice as to whether they would be used this way. Like most human beings, they wanted to manage their own lives, set their own standards for getting ahead. God knew what He was doing when He named them 'Israel' which means one who wrestles with God. Of course, this is typical of all human beings; it is just emphasized in the name they were given. Even if they were unwilling servants, they were the means for God to demonstrate how He provides for His children as He provided water for them in the wilderness and gave them manna. He even brought them quail so they could have the meat they crave. When enemies threatened them, He provided their deliverance. The best part is the way their Heavenly Father could comfort them when they were humble and obedient to His word. Verses 12:31-32 make the Almighty's intentions clear: “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.” The plans of God still do not appeal to the majority of people. Human nature does not want to be a servant, living for the glory of God. Our inclination is to call on God when it is convenient while we live for our own selfish purposes. Time and again Israel rejected the leadership of Moses, who was God's spokesman, only to discover there are consequences for spurning the Holy One. It never ceases to amaze me how this first generation rebelled right to the last because they were determined to run their own lives. First they refused to enter the Promised Land when God commanded them to do this. Then, after being warned not to attempt this now that God rejected them, they defiantly attempted to fight the residents of the land on their own only to be trounced. The ultimate price they paid: they never entered the promised land or God's rest. Faithful Israel shared God's word with other nations in a later generation. They even told people of God's word taking on flesh to become the Passover Lamb that would cover our sins. The sad story is that the majority of people, who are told of God's plan of redemption, reject it whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Prayer: Abba Father, Give me a heart that is open to your Word and a spirit that is humble. By your grace, give me a heart open to your revealed word. Amen. |
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