Looking Back to Bondage
Exodus 14:10-12: "When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, 'Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt; "Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians?" For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.'"
When one has lived in bondage for many years, it is hard to envision a life of freedom. This is the meaning of the idiom: "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't." Sadly, humans can grow comfortable in our misery. Remember, the people cried out for this deliverance from Egypt. They thought they wanted freedom from their taskmasters and slavery, but freedom proved to be dangerous and out of their control.
In their fear, the Israelites resorted to what they knew and did best – whining. We see Moses exhibit great faith and leadership as he assured the people: "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still" (Exodus 14:14). The Lord instructed Moses to raise his staff and stretch it over the Red Sea. The waters parted, the nation of Israel walked through as if on dry land, and then the army of Pharaoh was destroyed by the return of the sea.
The Lord fought for his people and led them to safe ground. The only new graves would be those in Egypt for Pharaoh and his army. The people only had to walk; God did the rest. Another miracle! The slave mentality does not lend itself well to trust and a sense of being valued. The Israelites would have to learn that God is not limited by natural constraints, the most powerful armies in the world, or their unbelief.
The Lord longed to do a great work for his people then, and he longs to do a great work for his people now. To experience the abundant plans of the Lord, we must be willing to look ahead and not behind us. We are called to live as his new and redeemed people and not to look back to our old and familiar places of bondage.
Freedom, though risky and unknown, is always better than bondage!
Reflection:
Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set you free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Are there times when you cling to what you know, even if it is hard and uncomfortable? Ask the Lord today to give you a new vision for freedom in him, then ask for the courage to faithfully walk that path with him, allowing him to fight for you.
When one has lived in bondage for many years, it is hard to envision a life of freedom. This is the meaning of the idiom: "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't." Sadly, humans can grow comfortable in our misery. Remember, the people cried out for this deliverance from Egypt. They thought they wanted freedom from their taskmasters and slavery, but freedom proved to be dangerous and out of their control.
In their fear, the Israelites resorted to what they knew and did best – whining. We see Moses exhibit great faith and leadership as he assured the people: "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still" (Exodus 14:14). The Lord instructed Moses to raise his staff and stretch it over the Red Sea. The waters parted, the nation of Israel walked through as if on dry land, and then the army of Pharaoh was destroyed by the return of the sea.
The Lord fought for his people and led them to safe ground. The only new graves would be those in Egypt for Pharaoh and his army. The people only had to walk; God did the rest. Another miracle! The slave mentality does not lend itself well to trust and a sense of being valued. The Israelites would have to learn that God is not limited by natural constraints, the most powerful armies in the world, or their unbelief.
The Lord longed to do a great work for his people then, and he longs to do a great work for his people now. To experience the abundant plans of the Lord, we must be willing to look ahead and not behind us. We are called to live as his new and redeemed people and not to look back to our old and familiar places of bondage.
Freedom, though risky and unknown, is always better than bondage!
Reflection:
Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set you free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Are there times when you cling to what you know, even if it is hard and uncomfortable? Ask the Lord today to give you a new vision for freedom in him, then ask for the courage to faithfully walk that path with him, allowing him to fight for you.
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