Thoughts from the EXODUS

Israel’s journey to the Promised Land can often mirror our walk with Christ. God frees us from Egypt (our sinful lives), writes his law on our hearts, gives us a new identity (we are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness) is patient with us when we degenerate back to our old ways (the Israelites enjoying an orgy at Mount Sinai), guides and feeds us through the dry dessert, until we eventually reach the Promised Land. It is at this point that God requires the Israelites to take a leap of faith; to occupy the land. But the Israelites were having none of it. They grew fearful and fixed their eyes on their circumstances instead of their Mighty God saying: the Amorites are much bigger than we are! They have cities with high walls! And they have giants living in the land. Because of Israel’s disobedience God said ‘They will never enter My rest.’

Entering into God’s rest requires a leap of faith. This might be leaving your job, moving to a new town, trusting that God will provide for you in your old age. Etc.

How many Christians are stuck wondering in the Wilderness unable to enter the Promised Land afraid of the Amorites and their high walls.. The crazy thing is God still cared for the Israelites in the Wilderness - providing quail and manna to eat and making sure their sandals never wore out. But they never experienced God’s rest.

The late David Pawson said: your faith is shown in what you do - not what you say. Entering God’s rest requires a leap of faith. What leap of faith is God asking of you? Like the Israelites God promises to go ahead of you and fight for you.