Following God Into the Wilderness

Chapter One – God Prepares a Deliverer

There have been many outstanding men (none like them in all the earth) whose lives God has detailed in His Word as examples for us to follow culminating with His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. These men were righteous in their generations due to their hearts of love, obedience and devotion (faith) in seeking God and performing the Lord’s will. A perfect man is one that feareth God and escheweth (to flee from, shun or avoid) evil (Job 1:8, 2:3). These men were not talkers, but doers. They faced great resistance from their fellow man who sought their own will, but stood mighty among all men in God’s eyes. Moses was just such a man. In many ways Moses was a foreshadowing of Christ. Moses was a man and no god, but the Lord exalted him as a god among his fellow men due to his heart of obedience toward the Lord (Ex 7:1). All the while Moses was the meekest of men and a servant to all with such a heart of love that he offered up his own salvation in bearing the iniquity of the people before God (Num 12:3, Ex 32:32). This study examines God’s expectations for man and how Jesus Christ absolutely fulfilled those requirements and led the way back to God. This book follows God’s dealings with Moses and the children of Israel with scriptural commentary throughout to gain additional perspective of God’s purposes and how they are equally applicable today (see the Outline at the end of the Conclusion of this book). This book will also consider the amazing parallels between Moses and Christ.

Man has been corrupted since the fall in Eden . The wickedness had become so great upon the face of the earth that God was grieved that He had even created man (Gen 6:5-6, 11-12, 17). God decided to destroy His creation with a flood due to the complete rebellion and wickedness (2 Pt 3:6). Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord such that he and his family were preserved. The Lord made a covenant (agreement) with them such that Noah would construct an ark to preserve his family and representative animals of the world (Gen 6:8-9, 13, 18). God’s creation of man was saved through the faithfulness of this one man. 2 Peter 2:5, “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.” By faith, the wicked were condemned and the righteous were saved (precursor to Judgment Day, Heb 11:7). Those who seek God with a perfect heart, by nature of their obedience, will always condemn those who do not. Noah obeyed God and built the ark and thereby sealed the fate of the ungodly. After the flood, men began to again multiply upon the face of the earth and their hearts were again turned to wickedness. The people were of one language and one heart and decided to exalt themselves (pride, self seeking) by building a tower that would reach the very throne of God (Gen 11:1-4). This violated the covenant (agreement) that God had made with Noah and all the living upon the earth (Gen 9:8-17). Man was exalting his will before God. The Lord confounded their language and the different groups went their ways and formed nations (Gen 11:5-9). These nations (distinctions) provided a separation to prevent man from unifying as one in wickedness again (as before the flood which necessitated the flood). God’s plan was to create a nation that would be surrendered and obedient to Him to be the example for all nations (and thus all men). For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him (2 Chr 16:9). Sometimes, there is no man to stand in the gap (Ez 22:30 -31). However, the Lord found such a man in Abram. This man would be the foundation upon which God would build a nation. Nehemiah 9:7-8, “Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous.” Abram found favor in the eyes of the Lord God – he was called a friend of God (Js 2:23 ). The Lord purposed to multiply his descendants into a nation (giving them the land of Canaan ) from which He would bless all nations (Gen 18:18 ). Galatians 3:8, “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” Genesis 12:2-3, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” The reason that God was going to bless all the nations of the earth through Abraham was because of his obedience (Gen 22:18 ); for Abraham obeyed the voice of the Lord, and kept His charge, His commandments, His statutes, and His laws (Gen 26:4-5). Abraham was faithful to God with a complete heart of love, devotion, trust and obedience known as faith. God said of Abraham: Genesis 18:19, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” This is what the Lord expects of all men. God began His nation from seemingly impossible circumstances. Abram (later to be called Abraham, Gen 17:5) was a hundred years old and his wife was ninety when they had their only son, Isaac (offspring of the two, Gen 17:17 , 21:5). God’s nation began on the foundation of faith. Faith reaches beyond the flesh (the ability of) to accomplish God’s purposes. Hebrews 11:11-12, “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.” Human reasoning and ability could not have produced the offspring that God did through the faith of Abraham (ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women, Gen 18:11 ). From this one son a people would come forth numbered as the sand of the seashore and the stars in the heavens. Genesis 13:14-16, “And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.” This land was the “Promised Land.” Similarly, God also promised Abraham’s son Isaac and his son Jacob, that all nations of the earth would be blessed through them by nature of the faith and obedience of Abraham (Gen 26:4-5, 28:14). Galatians 3:6-9, 14, 29, “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Jesus is the son of David, the son of Abraham (Mt 1:1). Our faith is made perfect in Christ as we are led of His Spirit in following Jesus to the Promised Land to dwell with God eternally (Rev 21:1-8).

Genesis 15:12-16, “And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he (God) said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full (see below).” A righteous God judges nothing before the time. The inhabitants of the land which God had promised Abraham had not yet reached the point of judgment in their wickedness (Lev 18:24 -29). God had a purpose in preparing His people for future promises. Thus begins our journey…

Understanding God’s Plan

When the Lord selected Abram to become a holy nation (peculiar people, Ex 19:5, Ps 135:4) he brought him into the land of Canaan . God promised to give Abraham this land (Gen 12:7, 13:14 -17, 15:18 -21). However, the land of Canaan was populated. The land belonged to nations such as the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaims, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and the Jebusites (descendants of Ham, Gen 15:18 -21, also Ex 3:8). The Lord God is a righteous and merciful God and will not destroy the righteous with the wicked (Gen 18:23 , 25, Ps 116:5). Consider God’s character: Exodus 34:6-7, “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation (also Ps 86:15).” When God flooded the earth, everyone was wicked and corrupted in their way except Noah (Gen 6:5, 8, 12). God preserved Noah due to his righteousness (Heb 11:7). When God judged Sodom and Gomorrah he told Abraham that he would not destroy the righteous with the wicked (Gen 18:23 , 25). The Lord agreed to spare the cities if just ten righteous people could be found (Gen 18:32 , 2 Pt 2:6). Turns out that the cities were wholly (completely, entirely, utterly) given over to wickedness, but God preserved righteous Lot (2 Pt 2:7-9). Therefore, the Lord could not destroy the inhabitants out of the Promised Land (in keeping with His righteous character) as long as there were righteous people living in it. This is why the Lord made the statement: “the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full (Gen 15:16 ).” The Lord was going to allow things to progress in there own way (men seeking self rather than God) until the wickedness came to its evil and full conclusion (the leaven working its way through the whole lump, 1 Cor 5:6, Gal 5:9) – till the transgressors were come to the full (Dan 8:23). God knows the end of a matter (foresees what will happen, omniscient). God is longsuffering that all men would repent, but He does not force you (Ez 33:9-11, 2 Pt 3:9). In time, there would be no more righteous in the land and then God would bring judgment upon the land – for everything a time and a season (Eccl 3:1). Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, “And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” The land eventually (in the course of time) became defiled (because of their wickedness) and the Lord said: Leviticus 18:25 , “And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.” They did great abominations and defiled the land and thus it would spue out the nations and inhabitants before (in advance of) Israel (Lev 18:27 -28). Thus, God made the following statement: Deuteronomy 9:5, “Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (also Deut 9:4).” God would judge these nations due to their own wickedness and thus destroy the existing population from the land – drive out nations greater and mightier and give thee the land (Deut 4:38 , Josh 24:11-12). The condemnation and destruction would be just and thus not impugn God’s righteous character - true and righteous are thy judgments Lord God Almighty (Rev 14:7, 16:7, 19:2). However, the Lord could not allow Israel (Jacob), his sons, and their families to remain in the land of Canaan or they would have become corrupted just like all the other nations in the land. God was going to send them to Egypt to sojourn for a time and then bring them back and Israel would be the mechanism of God’s judgment of the wicked (Deut 7:2, 16, 12:2, 20:17 , Josh 6:21 , 20:11 ). Similarly, those who follow Christ will have a role in God’s judgment of the world. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” In order for the Lord’s will to happen (come about, occur, take place), preparations had to be made in advance. The Lord first sent Joseph ahead of the others into the land of Egypt to prepare place (Gen 45:5-7). Joseph went under great suffering and tribulation, yet God kept him in the midst (Gen 39:1-5, 20-23). He was first sold as a slave (Gen 37:28, 36), then falsely accused (Gen 39:19-20) and put into prison for over two years (Gen 39:20-23, 41:1). The Lord then worked a truly astounding (unbelievable, incredible, astonishing) miracle and exalted (vaulted, promoted, Genesis Chap Forty One) Joseph from prison to ruler over Egypt , answerable only to Pharaoh (Gen 41:39-44). Psalms 105:16-21, “Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread. He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance.” The Lord God arranged the mechanism (means, method) for Israel to leave Canaan and to have land (place) in Egypt . This was accomplished by the seven years of plenty and the seven years of great famine (dearth, Genesis Chap Forty One). When the great famine came, all the Egyptians came to Joseph for food (Gen 41:57). When their money was exhausted, they gave him their cattle (and livestock) and then their land. Joseph gathered up all the land in Egypt (with the exception of the priest’s land, Gen 47:14, 17, 20-23). At this same time Israel sent his sons to buy food and Joseph recognized them (Gen 42:1-3, 6-8). After some maneuvering, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and brought his father (Jacob) and all of Israel to Egypt (Gen 45:1-4, 8-10). Psalms 105:23, “ Israel also came into Egypt ; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham .” Joseph then gave Israel and his descendants the best of the land ( Goshen , with Pharaoh’s concurrence, Gen 47:5-6) – for he controlled all the land. Genesis 47:11, “And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded (also Gen 50:20).” After Joseph and his generation died, another Pharaoh rose up and placed Israel into great bondage (Ex 1:6, 8-14). Israel became Pharaoh’s bondmen (Ps 107:11-12). This was also part of God’s wisdom. Israel would have become assimilated (incorporated, absorbed) into Egypt and would have lost their identity as a people had God not purposefully put enmity between the Egyptians and the Israelis (Hebrews). Israel would have also become totally corrupted as the Egyptians were, had the Lord not put a separation in place. Psalms 105:24-25, “And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies. He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.” At the appropriate time, God would redeem (deliver) Israel from the land of Egypt by His strong arm and judge Egypt for their wickedness (Gen 15:14, Ps 107:13-14). Egypt ’s wickedness toward and bondage of Israel would provide God the means to later extract His people and again not impugn the Lord’s righteous and merciful nature. God would also receive glory and great honor in all of this (Ex 14:8). Having delivered Israel from Egypt , God would then judge the seven nations of the Promised Land and drive these wicked people out. Thus, Israel would inherit the land promised to Abraham. The Lord would thus fulfill His promise given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Numbers 24:8, “God brought him forth out of Egypt ; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.” Deuteronomy 7:1-10, “When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face (also Ex 23:23, 34:11, Josh 24:8, 11-12, 18).” The Lord further stated: Numbers 33:52-53, “Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places: And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it.” To dispossess is to put out of possession by God’s means.

Similarly, God has made those who follow Christ sojourners in the world and has put a separation (enmity) between the righteous and the wicked (Ps 37:12-13, 44:8-13, 1 Jn 3:1). Proverbs 29:27, “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.” God delivers His people from Satan’s bondage and redeems them (Ti 2:14 , Rm 8:21 , Gal 5:1, Heb 2:15 -16, 1 Jn 3:8). Galatians 1:4, “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” The Lord preserves the righteous through His Holy Spirit as they yield, follow and obey. Those who follow the ways of the world are just that – one with the world (absorbed, assimilated, merged, worldlings). God has not judged the world yet because the transgressors are not yet come to the full (Dan 8:23 , Mt 5:45 ). At the end of the age Christ will come and destroy the wicked, and then the righteous will inherit the earth (Promised Land, Ps 37:11, 22, Mt 5:5). Psalms 37:9, “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.” The righteous are “called out” of this wicked world (i.e. Egypt , 2 Cor 6:17 , Rev 18:4). These are the church: ekklesia – called out ones. We are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness (1 Jn 5:19 ). We are brought through the wilderness and into the Promised Land (new earth, new Jerusalem, 2 Cor 4:18 , Is 65:17, 66:22, Rev 3:12 , 21:1-2). 2 Peter 3:13, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (also Is 65:17-18).” Throughout this book, we will examine the allegory between God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and God’s ultimate deliverance of His people from a fallen world (reconciled back to Himself). An allegory is a figurative discourse (representing something else indirectly), in which the principal subject is described by another subject resembling it in its properties and circumstances. The principal subject is thus kept out of view, and we are left to collect the intentions of the writer or speaker, by the resemblance of the secondary to the primary subject. This allegory concerns two very real events. The principle subject is God’s reconciliation of fallen man back to himself and the overthrow of all rebellion (throughout creation). The rebellious are those who align with Satan’s rebellion (i.e. fallen angels, man) via “The Lie” which proposed that you could transgress the will of God and not die – “ye shall not surely die” (Gen 3:4). The “lie” further proposed that “ye shall be as gods” in determining your “own way” – rebellion against God’s authority (which is God’s control over His creation, Is 43:7, 44:24, 45:17). Satan taught rebellion against the Lord by enticing man to trust in a lie – his lie, which is to seek self (your will, your way, your path) rather than submit to the authority of God (i.e. Jer 28:15-16, 29:30-31). Anyone who teaches that which is contrary to God’s will (including many a religious man) teaches rebellion and a lie as per their father’s (the devil) nature. Man can no more exist independently of God than can a flower exist apart from the sun, rain and nutrients of the soil. God is the giver of life and there is no life apart from the Lord (second death). This is why transgressing the will of God brings death – separation from God is death. God is the giver of life! For now we live, if we stand fast in the Lord (1 Thess 3:8). Man’s independence and self-seeking ways are founded on ignorance and deception (blindness) from the father of all lies (Jn 8:44 ). Man’s fallen existence (life) subsists only on the mercy of God in making His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sending rain on the just and on the unjust (Mt 5:45). To think/live in a prideful (self exaltation), arrogant, haughty and self-sufficient way only reveals the true ignorance and corrupted nature of the knowledge/ways of man. This book will show that man has been corrupt in seeking his will above God’s since the fall in Eden . This corruption as never been greater than it is today in this most religious world.

Egypt

The children of Israel (Jacob’s sons) went down to sojourn in Egypt during a time of great drought and ended up in bondage for a period of four hundred and thirty years (Ex 12:40 -41). Egypt was the land of Ham (Ps 105:23, 27, 106:22). Ham was Noah’s son who was cursed by his father due to an act of wickedness shortly after the ark came to rest upon dry land (Gen 9:22-23). Noah cursed Ham’s descendants via Canaan (Gen 9:24 -27). They settled in this whole region including Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 10:19 ). Egypt was a land of idolatry (Ex 12:12 , Josh 24:14, Ps 96:4-5, Is 19:1, 3, Ez 20:7). Idolatry is the worship of idols, images or anything which is not the one true God. This is an attachment or veneration (worship, reverence, admiration, regard) which leads to adoration (devotion, exaltation, glorification). More simply put, idolatry is anything in your life that comes between or interferes with your devotion to God (takes your attention). Since we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength it doesn’t take much to become idolatrous (Mk 12:30 , Lk 10:27 ). In a spiritual sense, Egypt is that which hinders God’s purposes and is symbolic of “the world.” Egypt is the glory of the world, man’s wisdom and transgression against the will of God resulting in iniquity, rebellion, pride, arrogance, and self seeking. Pride is self exaltation which is the seeking of your own way (ye shall be as gods, Gen 3:5). This is self-adequacy (SELF-sufficiency, competence, capability) and not submission to and reliance upon God. Seeking your way is always an exaltation over God’s way. Pharaoh and Egypt are a very proud people. The land of Egypt lies in wickedness – as does the world (1 Jn 5:19 ). Egypt is that which refuses to yield to the authority of God and typifies (characterizes, epitomizes, exemplifies, personifies, illustrates) Satan and the fallen nature of man. Pharaoh is the ruler of Egypt and he greatly opposes God (via Moses and Aaron) and personifies the beast (Satan, antichrist, devil, serpent, dragon). Pharaoh (i.e. the devil) thinks he is a god (Ez 28:2, 6, 9). Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped (2 Thess 2:4). Rebellious man is proud and also thinks he is a god through the devil’s lie in Eden : “ye shall be as gods” (Gen 4:5). In both cases this desire to be a god is manifested by seeking your own will over the one true God’s will. This is the strong delusion that God sends to them that receive not the love of His truth – the lie that they believe (2 Thess 2:10 -11). To seek your will is to place it foremost over all other (disregard for God’s will). The Lord God Almighty rules in majesty (Ps 93:1-5, 95:3-4, 97:1-6, 9, 99:1-3, 113:4-5). God’s will is the Divine determination for the course of His creation and having the power (ability) to carry that purpose into effect (God said…and it was so, creation – Genesis Chap One, Ps 100:3, 104:29-30). The devil’s or man’s self-will is the creation’s rebellion (transgression, refusal to comply, frowardness) against God’s will in seeking or determining its own course with only presumed, but not substantive (actual, not imaginary) authority – this is more a desire with the inability in reality to obtain (delusion, cannot bring forth). Pharaoh exalts himself and rules with a mighty hand and refuses to let God’s people go (Ex 4:23 , 8:1, 20, 9:1, 17, 10:3). Pharaoh (the devil) through his subtly keeps God’s people in his prison house (Ps 105:23-25, Is 42:7, 61:1, Jn 8:34 , 36, 2 Tim 2:26 ). Egypt has poured out their whoredoms (idolatry, worship of idols) upon God’s people (Ez 23:3, 8). The children of Israel were influenced by the idolatrous and wicked practices of the Egyptians, but were shielded to some degree as bondmen, not having full rights and privileges. As mentioned, God purposefully put enmity between Israel and Egypt . Pharaoh and his people walk in hate, which is sacrifice of others (Hebrews and mixed multitude) for the benefit of self (opposite of love). The Lord would have us walk in love which is the sacrifice of self for the benefit of others (e.g. 1 Cor 10:33 ). The Lord’s people are not to do after the doings of Egypt or any wicked nation (Lev 18:3). God has come to deliver His people from the will of Pharaoh and the Lord intends to demonstrate that He has the power to effect His will (Ex 9:16 ). Pharaoh is mighty, but is powerless and helpless in the strong arm of God. Pharaoh says, “I will --,” but has no power to back up his boast (makes five prideful, arrogant, haughty boasts, but is cast down to hell - Is 14:13 -15, Ex 5:9). God says, “I AM” and demonstrates this with great power and deliverance (Ex 3:14 , Exodus Chap Fifteen). Isaiah 44:6, “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; “I AM” the first, and “I AM” the last; and beside me there is no God (also Is 45:22, 46:9).” Woe to the man who thinks in his heart, “I AM” as they go about in “their” way (path/self-will – to presume to be a god, Ez 28:2). God is in control of all things: Romans 9:17-18, “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” Perhaps the same can be said of Lucifer (being hardened)? Egypt is a place of bondage, worldly lusts, impurity, uncleanness, excess and great evil (Gal 4:3, 9, Ti 3:3, 1 Thess 4:7). Egypt is also a very “religious” place full of temples, ceremony, devotion and ritual and this is often the deception that has one believe they are serving God when actually they are not. This religion is ultimately led (orchestrated, devised) of the flesh and not the Spirit. The Spirit does not lead that which pertains to the flesh (Jn 3:6, Rm 8:1, Gal 3:3, 5:16 -17). Egypt is an attitude of the heart which expresses itself outwardly in one’s actions. Those in Egypt worship many gods for the benefit of self. No one in Egypt worships the one true God in denial of self. Many will endure the bondage if they consider the selfish benefit to outweigh the misery. For the “follower” of Christ (who has been delivered), Egypt was: Ephesians 2:2-3, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Pharaoh – the devil), the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation (lifestyle) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” The children of disobedience are those in rebellion to God’s will and purposes because they seek their own will (even religiously) and fleshly lusts. They always choose that which opposes God - the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:15 -17). The course of this world is a system that affects every part of your life (built upon the desires of the flesh) – work, leisure, celebrations, relationships, entertainment, social duties, politics, finance, and religion. This is a tangled woven web that men are quickly caught up in. This system demands that one “tow the line” and does tolerate some religiosity, but has little/no tolerance for one truly following Christ in sincere faith. God’s grace demands a complete recognition (surrender to) of His Lordship and total obedience in all areas of your life. Therefore, there is an immediate conflict in following the world’s system and following God. Egypt also has a fascination with death and life beyond – great tombs and elaborate embalming (preserving) techniques. The Lord says naked came ye into the world and naked shall ye leave (Job 1:21 ). God gave the spirit and the spirit will return to God (Gen 2:7, Eccl 12:7). The Egyptians are very materialistic and self centered and intend to take their possessions with them (to be used in the afterlife). Pharaoh (i.e. the devil) has the power of death and uses it against God’s people (over those not submitted to God, Heb 2:14 ).

Sojourners

Jacob ( Israel , Gen 35:10) and his sons went down to sojourn in the land of Egypt (Gen 47:4). To sojourn is to live in a place as a temporary resident, not considering the place to be a permanent habitation. Israel ’s temporary stay turned into a bondage and great vexation of spirit. Acts 7:6, “And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.” Similarly, those who follow Jesus are just sojourning in this present world (Ps 39:12). We are pilgrims and wayfaring men just passing through on our way to dwell with our Lord. A wayfarer is a traveler; and a pilgrim is one that has only a temporary residence on the earth as we know it. We are not of the world (Jn 17:16 )! Hebrews 11:16 , “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Followers of Christ are also vexed by the wickedness and bondages of this world and their hope is in the salvation of the Lord (2 Cor 4:18 ). As strangers and pilgrims in a fallen world, they abstain from the fleshly lusts all around them which war against the soul because they do not want to arrive in the better country (that is, an heavenly) before the King (Jesus) as corrupted and unfit for residence or citizenship (1 Pt 2:11). Those found in Jesus confess that they are merely strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Heb 11:13 ). Isaiah 35:8-10, “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness (A narrow way, Mt 7:13 -14); the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there (the devil is as a lion seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pt 5:8), nor any ravenous beast (false prophets which are wolves in sheep’s clothing, Mt 7:15) shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” The redeemed are those who are ransomed; they are delivered from the world’s (Satan’s) bondage, distress, penalty, and liability, by the atonement of Jesus Christ – they are called out by name (Is 43:1). Jesus redeems those who will follow Him, out of the world (i.e. Egypt ). These are the church, known as the Ekklesia, meaning “called out ones.” What have they been “called out” of? They have been called out of Egypt/the world, for the purpose of being reconciled with their God. They are not redeemed with corruptible things such as money (gold and silver), but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot (sinless, 1 Pt 1:18 -19). God comes to deliver the house of Satan’s prisoners (Is 14:17 ). Psalms 39:12, “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.” These are delivered from Egypt (i.e. the world)! God delivers and redeems those who trust in Him and leads them (they follow) to a better place (Promised Land, new earth - new Jerusalem). The redemption that God brought to the children of Israel who were in bondage to Egypt is a picture of the redemption that we now have through Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:14, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus also redeems us from bondage ( Egypt ) and brings us to God: Colossians 1:21-23, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven…” The Lord leads us into the wilderness to teach death to self and faith toward God (walking it out, living it). Faith is actually opposite of the flesh and men will live their lives in one or the other. The wilderness will bring about the separation of those in the flesh and those in the Spirit (faith). The wilderness equates to the trials, tribulations and testings the Lord sends into our lives (Ps 7:9, 11:5, Pv 17:3, 1 Thess 2:4, 1 Pt 1:7, 4:12 -13). One’s true character emerges under pressure (duress). The trials and testings tear down the things of the flesh and conform those sincerely seeking God to Christ’s image (through faith).

Idolatry

Idolatry is giving your heart and attentions to “something” other than wholly (fully, completely) to God. This is a worship of the creation rather than the Creator. Anything apart from God is the creation (including the devil). This could be the intentional (deliberate, purposeful) free will worship (bowing down before) of some physical representation of a god or other object of adornment (person, place, thing) other than the one true God of the Bible or the unintentional reverence for people, places or things. Whether you choose to call the object(s) of your desire (affections, attention) a god or not is immaterial (beside the point) and irrelevant – you may never see it that way (blindness of heart). Those who walk in darkness are always blind to the truth around them (Jn 12:35 , 40, 1 Jn 2:11 ); darkness = cannot see. When Jesus calls us out of the darkness into His light, He is also calling us out of the deception into seeing the truth (Jn 3:19 -21) – and living the truth. John 8:12 , “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness (iniquity, rebellion deceit, blindness), but shall have the light of life (truth, righteousness and judgment).” To exalt “things” is to diminish God. To “exalt” the creation is to lessen the Creator. These things will manifest as what you enjoy (where your heart is) and give time and attention to and make sacrifices for (time, place, resources, attention, devotion). These are the things you think upon and are influenced and motivated by (perhaps taught by) and become the essence of who you are. As previously mentioned, idolatry is anything that you are devoted to that comes before or interferes with your love and service to God – an object of admiration. This could be self, religion, money, career, loved ones, sports, pets (the Egyptians worshipped cats and gods with animal qualities), personalities, hobbies, music, country/patriotism, possessions, food, entertainments, addictions (vices), opinions, etc. These are all things the flesh desires, and the flesh is in rebellion to God. Man serves the flesh and the flesh places itself and its wants, desires (lusts) and needs before God (ahead of, in advance of). Scriptures define disobedience to God (rebellion and stubbornness; obstinacy) as iniquity and idolatry (1 Sam 15:23 ). This is because stubbornness to do God’s will exalts your will above His and this becomes a great idol. If you are not obeying God, then you are obeying self. Those who seek the lusts of the flesh always have a higher priority to self than God. Thus idolatry is a bondage on the spirit made strong through fleshly lusts. Those in bondage will actually defend the bondage due to the hold it has through the flesh (i.e. alcoholics, smokers, sexual perversion, drug addicts, gamblers, over-eating, excessive buying, etc.). The strongholds were placed upon (acquired by) oneself through desire (Js 1:13 -14). Those in bondage do not necessarily seek freedom. Some who break free only return to the bondages again to satisfy the lust of the flesh (Pv 26:11, Gal 2:18 ). 2 Peter 2:22 , “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” The dog returns to the vomit and the clean sow to the mud because it is their very nature to do such. Since Eden , man’s very nature has been to seek his will through the lusts of the flesh (the nature of the devil). Until this nature dies and a new nature is given there can be no change. Many attempt to rehabilitate the fallen nature or add a form of godliness to it (add God to their interests, to their idolatry or house of gods), but there will be no change until it completely dies. Man transgresses God’s will in seeking his will. Seeking your own will is nothing more than just placing your needs, wants, opinions, and desires first (foremost) in your daily life – just that simple. This is determining “your” own way. A less nice way to say this is “seeking after the imaginations of your own heart,” or “doing what is right in your own eyes” (Gen 6:5, Deut 29:19, Pv 6:18, Jer 3:17, 4:18, 7:24, 9:14, 11:8, 13:10, 16:12, 18:12, 23:17, Rm 1:21, Deut 12:8, Jdj 17:6, 21:25, Ps 36:2, Pv 3:7, 12:15, 16:2, 21:2, 30:12, Is 5:21). You are either submitted to and following God or you are charting your own course (perhaps with a form of godliness). When one sincerely submits to the Lord (Christ who sends the Holy Ghost), the Spirit will begin to tear down the idols you have placed in your heart – the high places. One by one they must fall and this is accomplished through your obedience to God’s Word in your life as the Spirit unfolds it to you – a walk of faith (practical application). The length of this process is relational to your obedience and extent of idolatry therein – perhaps a lifetime? The Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ through death to self resulting in submission and love (if you love me keep my commandments, Jn 14:15 - obedience) for God. Many will resist, quench or grieve the Spirit because of their love of darkness (Eph 4:30 , Acts 7:51 , 2 Tim 3:8, 1 Thess 5:19 ). The Spirit must have free reign in your life to accomplish God’s purposes if you want to be eternally reconciled – the Spirit seals (2 Cor 1:22 , 5:5, Eph 1:13 , 4:30 ). Now most religious folks will consider themselves exempt from such things due to a profession of Christ, however, they only prove that they do not "know" God. However, notice that religion was intentionally put in this less than comprehensive list of potential idols. Most religion in this world is seeking God by man’s way through the flesh rather than God’s Way through the Spirit (given by Jesus, Jn 14:7, 26, 15:26 , 16:7). Man likes to control and lead - to seek his will – even religiously (Php 2:21 ). Most reading that last statement will never understand it until you totally surrender to God and begin to know Him. The religious mind can easily be put into bondage through doctrines, traditions, rituals, holidays, ordinances, bylaws, images, celebrations, presumed authorities, peer pressure, protocol and such. Jesus said: Matthew 15:8-9, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (also Mk 7:7, Col 2:21 -22).” Laying aside the commandments of God, they hold to the traditions of men (Mk 7:8). These are an offence unto Christ because they savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men (have Satan’s nature, Mt 16:23 ). Romans 10:3, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” These actually exalt themselves (their flesh) through their own religious way. So those religious ones that are submitted to fleshly lusts must be strongly warned: Galatians 5:24 , “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” No flesh will glory in God’s presence (1 Cor 1:29 ). Those that mind earthly things are enemies of the cross (Php 3:18 -19). The cross meant death to the flesh, so to mind earthly things is to preserve the flesh and resist the cross. You can be very religious and not “know” God at all. The Jews certainly were extremely religious (to a greater level), but didn’t “know” God, and they even killed the prophets and God’s Son (Jn 5:42 , 7:17 , 28, 8:19 , 55). The Romish and Orthodox churches were very religious, but devastated Europe and Russia through their inquisitions and persecutions (seeking “their” religious way using fear of God in a twisted evil way). Man often approaches God (religiously) by what is right in his eyes (Pv 16:2, 21:2, Is 5:21 ). Man exalts his opinions, sentiments, thoughts, and emotions which are corrupted by his very nature (self centered) and displeasing to God. We must become totally God centered through the tearing down of the flesh (this is what the Spirit will do) and surrender of our will (our way, path). Until you die, God cannot manifest in you. There can only be one authority governing your actions. Man does not like to relinquish such control because “The Lie” (i.e fallen nature) says “ye shall be as gods” and “thou shalt not surely die” (Gen 3:4-5).

The Idol of the End Times

The author will offer only one example of idolatry to reveal that the majority of people in the world (religious or not) are idolaters. The television set is perhaps the greatest idol in the world today. This idol made its debut (first appearance, introduction) only very recently in human history (end of the age), but has become so significant that most cannot imagine life without it. Does anyone seek deliverance from it (or even see the need)? Most plan their whole lives by it and offer up enormous amounts of time and attention (cherish, dedicate a foremost place in their life). This idol’s influence over the day to day lives of its worshippers is immense (untold, vast). The flesh is filled to overflowing and the spirit is made weak and subservient (submissive, obedient, docile) to the flesh – the blindness is made strong. The programming spews out the glory of the world through the wisdom of man (that which opposes God). All the glory and glitter of the “broad way” and every sin imaginable is portrayed in an entertaining fun filled fleshly way and is paraded before very eager and attentive eyes and ears (Mt 7:13 ). Wicked abominations and idols are portrayed upon the television screen (Ez 8:9-10) and this is what most think about in their imaginations (Ez 8:12 ). Wicked abominations do not have to be vile acts, just the subtle things that encourage you to continue to seek self; not totally submit to God (remain in rebellion); and take away from God (dishonor, oppose, disregard). God is to be the focus (the center, foremost) of a believer’s life, yet the television programming disregards (ignores, discounts, does not acknowledge, Ps 10:4, Job 21:15 ) God or presents Him in a negative or false manner. Sin is glorified – whether subtly (difficult to detect, devious) or blatantly (unashamedly, deliberately, obviously, patently). To not understand; fail to see the seriousness; or have no concern for the things being said here is to not “KNOW” God (Jer 9:24). Many should immediately take great heed to what Christ said: Mark 9:47-48, “And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” You must guard your heart (1 Jn 5:18 ). Jesus said if the eye be evil, then the body will be full of darkness – and great is that darkness (Mt 6:23 ). Everything you could possibly covet (wish for, desire to obtain or possess, Lk 12:15 , Col 3:5) beckons and intensely appeals (allures, fascinates) to you through the magic/wizardry of advertising (trance, spell). Advertising is perhaps witchcraft at its best. Advertisers attempt to lure (tempt) you into a course of action, for their selfish benefit,  that you otherwise would not take.1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” These have an heart they have exercised with covetous practices (2 Pt 2:14 ). Man is in complete rebellion to God and everything shown on the television reinforces this rebellion. The programming opposes God and glorifies sin. Most take pleasure in the very sins that nailed Christ to the cross, but see no wrong or hypocrisy – they make a mock (parody, tease, laugh at, twist – perhaps through a sitcom) of sin (Pv 14:9). Those who fill their hearts with all that opposes God simply become one with it – they are joined (become worldlings, 1 Cor 6:15 -16). For as a man thinketh in his heart so he is (Pv 23:7). Most take pleasure in wickedness and sin (through thoughts, actions and deeds) – they love their darkness (Jn 3:19 ). Jesus said that those who believe on Him will not abide in darkness – they will freely forsake the darkness as led by His Spirit in righteousness. Iniquity is the fruit of the wicked (Pv 10:16 ). 2 Thessalonians 2:12 , “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth (live by the truth), but had pleasure in unrighteousness (enjoyed those things which oppose God).” There is no doubt that enjoying (being entertained by) acts of sin AS SEEN ON TV (or anywhere else) is having “pleasure in unrighteousness.” Many say that much of what is on television is awful, yet they still sit in front of the tube taking it all in. James 4:8-9, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter (amusement and glee over worldly fleshly things) be turned to mourning (over your love of darkness and sin), and your joy (enjoyment and pleasure in the flesh) to heaviness (realizing your own wickedness).” Double mindedness is simultaneous belief in two opposing (contradictory) things. To be double minded is to say you love Christ, yet love the world – to be unstable and unsettled - confusion (Js 4:8). Confusion is the opposite of the “fear of God” (discussed in the Conclusion) and is in a general sense, the mixture of several things promiscuously (mingled and without order). Confusion is a blending or confounding (i.e. mixing God and the world, flesh – shameful blending of natures) – indistinct combination; confusion of ideas (things that do not go together). Confusion would be like saying, “I hate peanut butter,” yet I eat peanut butter on everything. Confusion would be saying, “I love Jesus,” yet I take great pleasure in things that oppose Him (things I watch and enjoy). Psalms 97:7, “Confounded (confused, mixed or blended in disorder, perplexed, abashed) be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.” God said that He will send such a strong delusion that they may believe a lie (2 Thess 2:11 ). The lie is that they can transgress the will of God (take pleasure in the unrighteousness, walk in darkness) and not die – that you do not have to take God’s Word all that seriously. The lie says that: “ye shall not surely die” (Gen 3:4). It’s all so innocent??? These will perish because they are deceived by unrighteousness and receive not the love of the truth that they may be saved (2 Thess 2:10 ). God’s Word is not read, meditated upon, taken to heart, or applied. Prayers are not offered. How are you redeeming the time in these evil days (Eph 5:16 )? Do you set wickedness before your eyes (Ps 101:3)? Do you really desire knowledge of God’s ways or to walk therein (Job 21:14 )? If so, how are you accomplishing this? Those who profess are not “following” Christ (1 Jn 3:18 ). Jesus said walk as I walked, and do as I said (Ps 119:3, 128:1, Hos 14:9, Mt 16:24, Mk 8:34, 10:21, Lk 6:40, 46, 9:23, Jn 14:15-17, 20-21, 23, 15:10, 1 Jn 2:3-4, 3:24, 5:2-3, Rm 8:28-29, 2 Cor 3:18, 4:10-11, Gal 3:27, Eph 4:13, 15, 1 Thess 2:12, Col 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 1 Jn 2:6, 2 Jn 1:6, Heb 13:21). Many profess Christ, but serve at their convenience. Perhaps you will get around to reading God’s Word after the movie, sitcom or sports event? More than likely not, but you will get around to it – right? God does not desire to be worked-in (allotted time) between television programs or during a commercial break! – nor does the Lord want to be at the end of the list of things to do in a given day. The television has all the attention (following), and is receiving all the glory and worship (adoration, reverence, respect, devotion) that should be offered to God. The creature worships the creation. This will be a great and tremendous shame to you one day (Is 42:17). God tells those with a false (froward) heart to depart, for He will not know a wicked person (Ps 101:4). A froward heart is one that is unwilling to yield or comply with what is required – disobedient and peevish (irritable, bad-tempered, crabby, spiteful, fretful, apt to mutter and criticize/protest/whine, hard to please). The froward heart is perverse (wicked, stubborn, stiff-necked, obstinate, pertinacious, headstrong, rebellious) because of one’s reluctance and aversion (dislike, loathing, repugnance) to turn from evil (Ps 18:26 , Pv 21:8, Ez 33:11, Js 4:17 ). It is an abomination to fools to depart from evil (Pv 13:19 ). Proverbs 11:20 , “They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight (also Pv 3:32 ).” There is no fear of God before their eyes (Rm 3:18 ). Followers of Christ are to cleanse themselves of all filthiness of flesh and spirit and perfect holiness (purity of heart, sanctity, freedom from sin) in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1, Pv 14:16 ). This will be a great burden to the froward of heart (i.e. forsaking the television idol). The Lord says we are to be holy as He is holy (Mt 5:48 , 1 Pt 1:15-16, 2 Pt 3:11-12). Blessed are they that obey and seek God with a whole heart and do no iniquity, but walk in His ways (Ps 119:1-2, Is 1:18 -20). A person with a whole heart to seek God is one who places no restrictions on their obedience and surrender of their will (Ps 119:10, 34). Those who sit in front of this idol day after day and profess to love God are deluded (deceived, misled, fooled, beguiled, duped) by the wickedness that they have filled the hearts with. These have eyes full of adultery (desiring the things of the world), and that cannot cease from sin (fill their hearts with that which opposes God, 2 Pt 2:14 ). Having forsaken the right way, are gone astray to the way of the world (2 Pt 2:15 ). The television is as if you are looking into the eyes of a serpent (the devil) – it seduces and mesmerizes wonderfully. This is how the devil overcomes man – he appeals to the desires of the flesh. Those who partake are constantly fixated on that which is contrary to God, by your own choice (desire). Purposeful exposure to temptation, through lusts, leading to sin and death (Js 1:13 -15). They are totally blinded to the truth of God and their own lives (2 Cor 13:5). If a man soweth to the flesh he shall reap corruption (death, Gal 6:8). Here is some wise advice: Romans 13:14, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Please re-read that last statement. Those who sit in front of the television make provision for the flesh and gloat (triumph, wallow, rejoice) in their lusts while making no provision for Christ – the opposite. That which is in rebellion to God is always opposite of God’s will. This is what Jesus was talking about when He said, “they received me not” (Jn 5:43 ). Those who do not retain God in their knowledge have a reprobate (degenerate, good-for-nothing-eternal, abandoned in sin, lost to virtue or grace, impure, rejected) mind and as such can enjoy such evil without grieving and thus take pleasure in the wickedness (Rm 1:28 -32) – they’ll defend it! These will call evil good and put darkness for light (Is 5:20 ). In other words, they will say that the television is not bad and there are many good things on it. They will put their love of such darkness (Jn 3:19 ) before the Lord, who is the true light. The Lord desires those with a contrite heart (Ps 34:18, 51:17, Is 57:17). A contrite heart is one that is broken hearted over sin; and is deeply affected with grief and sorrow for offending God – penitent. Those with contrite hearts are poor in spirit and tremble at God’s Word (Is 66:2). In other words, God’s Word convicts them not to do those things which oppose Him. If Jesus is your very life, then how can you do such things that oppose Him (Gal 2:20 , Col 3:3)? How can you possibly laugh with the world over programming rife with iniquity and wickedness and yet presume to have a contrite heart of grief over sin (which necessitated Christ’s death)? – this is double-mindedness. We are suppose to let the Word of God dwell in us richly in all wisdom ( Col 3:16 , Ps 111:10, Pv 1:7, 9:10 ). How is this accomplished in front of the television set? God says we are to put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him ( Col 3:10 ). What on the television contributes to this? The list of things on television that detract from godliness (righteousness, holiness) would be enormous and very revealing – perhaps a wise man will make such a list and consider it. We are to mortify (put to death) our selfish desires ( Col 3:5). To mortify is to subdue; to abase; to humble; to reduce; to restrain; as inordinate passions (lusts, self will, transgressions, carnal and evil propensities) – no more indulgence in wickedness. Our bodies are suppose to be the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 12:16 ). Will God’s precious Spirit enjoy the things you watch or will the Spirit vacate? What do the scriptures say? 1 Corinthians 3:17, “If any man defile the temple of God , him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” We are told to depart from evil (Pv 3:7, 16:17 ) – how much more will the Holy Spirit depart from evil (in adhering to God’s eternal Word)? Ephesians 4:30 , “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” 2 Corinthians 6:16 , “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols (i.e. television)? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Those who transgress the will of God fall under God’s original penalty: “thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17 , Ez 33:14) – these are still in rebellion and under their own authority seeking their own will (way, path). God says we are to teach our children of Him, but parents are allowing the television to teach their entire family of all that opposes God (such as covetousness, lusts, sensuality, foul language, violence, adultery, divorce, fornication, homosexuality, occult, greed, hatred, envy, lying, materialism, pride, course jesting, etc.). Do you wonder why your children and grandchildren are falling prey to these very things (lives being destroyed)? We are suppose to be: 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” The television compels one to do just the opposite. The programming takes the devoted and spellbound audience’s mind captive and glorifies those imaginations and high things that exalt themselves against God and casts down the things of Christ. Woe to them that continue therein. Professed Christian, do you make a mockery of Jesus through your enjoyment of all that opposes Him (2 Pt 2:20 )? Are you led of the flesh or the Spirit? Can you say? - Psalms 18:23 , “I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.” True knowledge of God seeks and performs His will (Ps 128:1). Some have no knowledge because their hearts are elsewhere (Hos 4:6). Their thoughts are captive to the obedience of the world and not Christ (Ps 119:97). 1 John 5:5, “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God (also Rm 12:2)?” To be overcome by the world is to exhibit no demonstrated (practical) belief in Christ (not actually living in obedience). Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things, are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Conversely, the thoughts of the wicked are an abomination as are their ways (Pv 15:9, 26). The television induces and nurtures wicked thoughts. The aforementioned list of virtues can only apply to surrendering to God and performing the Lord’s will. You cannot watch the television and yet love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. You are devoted to one or the other – The Lord or an idol. Here is some wise advice concerning the television set: Deuteronomy 7:26 , “Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.” That which comes between you and God is an accursed thing. Where is your fellowship? Ephesians 5:11 , 13, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” Take heed therefore (oh religious one) that the light which is in thee be not darkness (Lk 11:35 ). The author understands that this bright light (truth) concerning television (idolatry) hurts those eyes that are so accustom to darkness (Jn 12:35 , 40). The author serves the Lord God Almighty and points you to Him; and will not join the myriads of false prophets who placate (pacify, mollify, appease) you in your wickedness and idolatry. The prophet Jeremiah often confronted such men. For if I seek to please men then I should not be a servant of God (Gal 1:10 ). The world will surely hate those who testify of it that the works thereof are evil (Jn 7:7). Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way (Pv 15:10 ). No chastening seemeth joyous (Heb 12:11 ). 1 Corinthians 11:32 , “But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” How are blinded eyes ever to see if they never venture into the light (2 Cor 4:4)? How is one to come out of Egypt if one does not even see the need? How is one freed from bondage if one has accepted such and become content in it? John 8:12 , “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Brethren, “follow” Christ and walk in His light and come out of all darkness. For those who stubbornly cling to their idols (such as the television) know this: stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry (1 Sam 15:23 ). Stubbornness seeks “your way” and not God’s way and is an affront to the Lord. Many will defend and justify the wickedness, evil, rebellion, and iniquity of the programming, but may have a harder time defending and justifying their devotion to it. Either way, you are a loser in the eyes of God. Most will justify and defend the things that are the priorities in their lives (their gods). The author exalts his God above the television idol, will you in like manner exalt your god (television) above mine? Ephesians 5:5-7, “For this ye know, that no whoremonger (those who seek the world, idolatry, spiritual harlotry), nor unclean person (defiled, foul with sin, adultery of the heart, no virtue), nor covetous man (fleshly lusts), who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words (the false prophets that lead you away from God): for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience (those submitted to the flesh and in rebellion to God). Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” 2 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” We must depart from all evil (Ps 37:27, Pv 3:7, Rm 12:9). Let us reason together: Proverbs 8:32-36, “Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” Disobedience (frowardness, obstinacy) to God equates to hate which always produces death. Hate is the opposite of love. Love is the sacrifice of self for others (Rm 5:8). Therefore, hate is the sacrifice of others for self – disobedience so as not to incur personal loss (loss of fleshly entertainments). The Lord would say to you: He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth (to abstain from, omit, or avoid doing, refrain, restrain from), let him forbear (Ez 2:7, 3:11 , 27). AND Revelation 22:11 -12, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Every man shall give account of himself (Rm 14:12 ). 1 Corinthians 10:14, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” Consider your ways and turn unto the Lord (Ps 119:59). Walk away from Egypt by following Christ who comes to deliver. The television will be used as an example from time to time in this book to relate scripture to real life understandable circumstances in most people’s lives. Let us not be unwise, but understand what the will of God is (as it relates to your daily life, Eph 5:17 ). Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reproving them (Eph 5:10 -11). There are numerous examples that could have been used, but the belief is that this (television) is perhaps one of the most extensively used devices of Satan in these end times in which we live (God speaks this to my heart, scripture bears witness). The flesh wants to be constantly entertained and in doing so one will never see (perceive) the path that leads to God (and certainly have no use for traveling on it). The blindness in your life is a direct result of your own actions. The author begs you to come to the true light (Jesus Christ) – not the eerie glow of the world’s most profound idol. 1 Peter 2:11, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”

My son and I had a conversation one night in which he revealed how some kids at school were making fun of him because he doesn’t watch the television. The kids inquired “why?;” and my son answered by saying that he followed Christ. The kids responded that they “went to church.” My son said these same church kids usually discuss vile and wicked things at school. Is it really about “going to church” (doing religious things) or rather about having a heart toward God (living your faith in good conscious)? The kids making fun of my son said that they could not possibly imagine one day without the television. One said that the power went off for a short time one night at his home and he went out to their van and watched the television (built in). Folks, this is worship - adoration. This is idolatry at its worse. What these kids are saying is that the television is their life – what about the Christ they purport (claim, assert) to profess? Maybe they just profess “religion” or “church.” What these kids are saying is the television is a god to them (seated in the place of). They give it a cherished place in their lives and reverence it - devotion. Many people have asked the author about the “mark of the beast.” The beast seats himself in the place of God and proclaims to be God (Ez 28:2). Spiritually speaking, this seat is your heart – the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 6:19 ). When that which opposes God (i.e. the television) seats itself in the place of God (foremost – in the heart) then you have aligned with the beast – physical mark or not. You are thus marked and no man can force this mark on you – it is earned by your own actions. Dear reader, the watchman is crying aloud about this threat to your eternal well-being. The Lord has revealed that the television is the largest of idols in this end time – men bow down to their image (Lev 26:1). Perhaps you are deluded about your attachment to it, but look at your children. Cut the thing off for a day or two and consider their reaction. How many days will your children go without the Word of God without complaint? Do your children even have exposure to the Word of God outside your “church?” Perhaps “going to church” has not been the solution for most? The sad truth for most is: 2 Kings 17:41 , “So these nations (people) feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.” Perhaps the mindset of many of these religious institutions has become that of the world (have been overcome)? The “church” was never intended to be religious organizations and buildings (facilities). The church is the ekklesia, meaning “called out ones.” This is a gathering of Spirit-led individuals who have been called out of the world (i.e. Egypt ). These individuals are to encourage one another to die to the things of Egypt (world – i.e. idolatry, self) and be led by God’s Spirit – to draw near to God. You cannot separate idolatry (i.e. television) from your devotion to God and make place for both – this is double-mindedness; serving two masters (Mt 6:24 , Lk 16:13 ). Be warned: When you want to be as Egypt (i.e. the world), you and your children will also partake of its burdens – divorce, perversions, addictions, lying, materialism, selfishness, etc. and reap its wages which is misery and death (Rm 6:23). He that heareth (takes heed) Christ’s Words and doeth them builds his life on a firm foundation (Mt 7:24 ). …and they were judged every man according to their works ( Rev 20:13 , Mt 23:5) as they were required to give account of themselves (Rm 14:12 ).

Most will realize that forsaking the television will leave a big void in their lives, which only proves that it is an idol. What will you do with the time? Where will you get your worldly information? You must realize that you will either become blind to the things of the world or remain blind to the things of the Spirit – you must choose. You cannot have both! To fill your mind with the world (regardless of the source) brings blindness to the things of God (or keeps one blind). Walking in darkness always brings blindness – God has deemed it so (Lk 10:21 ). The wise (those seeking God with all their heart) will understand what has just been said, fools will not. The compromisers and justifiers will quickly cast it aside. Forsake the television and take that which was once offered up for evil and turn it to good. Start seeking God through His Word and in prayer. Meditate upon the things the Lord reveals to you. Spend more time with family (get to know your children) and others. Let the Lord do the leading and then follow. No doubt, the Lord has things for you to accomplish that bear eternal meaning (significance) and merit. Take what use to be self-centered and use it to perform Christ’s commands – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Sacrifice (denying self-centeredness) for the benefit of others.

Before we proceed further it is imperative (very important) that you understand this: A true follower of Christ is given the Holy Spirit who teaches, convicts and guides. We also have access to God’s Word (the Bible and by the Spirit). Therefore, a follower has access to truth. Living in the Spirit and Word produces judgment or knowing right from wrong – and walking in the right (i.e. the light). Walking in faith is righteousness (Rm 1:17, 3:22, 4:5, 9, 11, 13, 9:30, 10:6, Gal 5:5, Php 3:9, Heb 11:7, 2 Pt 1:1). So, a true follower walks in truth, judgment and righteousness. The Father must be worshipped in Spirit and truth (Jn 4:23 -24). We can live religiously, but if we walk not in truth, then we have missed God. This will be much more thoroughly discussed in Chapter Three. If you have a sincere contrite heart before God, then you will understand the evil and eschew (avoid, shun, abhor, abstain from) it from a willing heart. You will never justify or defend it! If you find yourself always defending your actions (darkness) when compared with God’s truth (light), then I strongly advise you to sincerely examine your heart and ask God to do the same, to see if you are even found in Christ Jesus (1 Jn 5:12). Those who are genuine will change to conform to the truth! Change (surrender to God) is very painful to the flesh (denies it what it wants) and thus most will not change (thus the crowded broad way to destruction). Many will modify their darkness (attempt to sanitize) rather than forsake it. He that doeth truth cometh to the light (Jn 3:21 ). He that is of God, heareth (doeth) God’s Words and these that liveth and believeth in Christ will not die (Jn 7:47 , 11:25 , 18:37 ). The deceived, compromisers, wicked, justifiers of evil, and rebellious will not conform to the truth (everything will be relative to them). We are known by our fruit and this is very evident in our actions (Mt 7:16 , 20, 12:33 , Lk 6:44 ). If you do not truly seek the truth, then you will most certainly remain in your blindness (Jn 9:39 , 12:39 -40). To be in the dark is to be blind to those things around you (1 Jn 2:11 ). Most people have issues in their lives that they know to be in violation of the Lord’s will. Rather than completely surrender these things to the Lord and walk in obedience, many will follow the inclinations (tendency, liking, preference, proclivity, partiality, appetite, will) of the flesh. They will believe (opinion, sentiment) that things are just going to work out and that it will not be required of them – that they are basically a good person. This may seem good to human reasoning, but realize that for it to happen God must become a liar and His eternal unchanging Word must become void (Jn 17:17). Is it possible that God will change everything just for you? God’s Word is very clear on these matters, but most place trust in their carnal (pertaining to the flesh, opposed to the Spirit, unregenerate) instincts. Whose Word will ultimately prevail? – an issue of eternal significance. We must have a heart to willingly and sincerely surrender every area of our lives to the Lord and then walk in obedience to His Spirit. Whether you ever achieve some moral perfection in this life is in the Lord’s hands as you yield to Him. God works through your faith to transform you into the image of Christ. If there is no obedience and denial of self/flesh, then there is no transformation taking place. If you are not yielding, then you are obstinate in your own will. Many are transforming God’s Word into their will (opinion, sentiment) and dying (denying) to the things of the Spirit to fulfill the flesh. Many would have God serving their flesh!

Let us dig a little deeper and understand some foundational truths. When man was put out of the Garden of Eden, after having transgressed the will of God, he set about to do what became natural for him – to seek his own will (way, path) – to be as a god. Man took on a fallen nature which is that of Satan (whom he had obeyed rather than God). This nature is that of pride (self exaltation), and self seeking (serving the desires of the flesh) – and this nature produces death (there is no life apart from God, Jn 1:4 = Jn 8:12 ). This was almost immediately realized when Cain rose up (in seeking self) and slew his brother Abel (selfish sacrifice of another, Gen 4:1-9). Man then began to multiply upon the earth and seek his way and establish a world (systems, ways of doing things) that was agreeable (consistent) with his fallen nature – one that catered to the desires of the flesh. Genesis 6:5-6, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” This was the result of man seeking his way. God was so grieved with man that He destroyed the whole world with a flood, except for righteous Noah and his family. Man again began to multiply and this world was once again established by man’s fallen nature in seeking the things of the flesh. This was demonstrated by the tower of Babel , Sodom and Gomorrah, many wicked nations (i.e. Egypt , Amorites, Moabites, Babylon , Rome , etc.) and the continual wickedness and idolatry of Israel/Judah. Religious man was no better in that they killed God’s prophets and God’s own Son (Jesus). The wickedness and evil have continued until this very day – and this is perhaps the most evil and depraved of all generations. Man has been evil and rebellious toward God throughout the ages and this is very evident in the scriptures. Man has established (built, devised) a world that is based upon the desires of the flesh. This is referring to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of this life (1 Jn 2:15-17, Mk 4:19, Lk 8:14). Most everything this flesh seeks after is opposed to God! This is just the honest truth. This will become clear in this book in considering God’s dealings with the children of Israel . This is your very nature (fallen) and it is no doubt very hard for you to find fault in it. Most everything you have learned or been taught is probably flesh based and in error. The fleshly man will even interpret God’s Word to suit his fancy. For this reason, many will read this book through eyes of flesh and probably not comprehend it. When the Bible says that we must “overcome,” this is what it is referring to – our fallen nature and this world. This is why you must go against the strong current of this world. This world is greatly opposed to God and you will either join it or fight against it – meaning not becoming a part of it. You must go against, not be like, and do the opposite of this world. The cares (necessary things), riches, pleasures, and lusts of this world compete with and oppose God’s will (His written Word). We are going to live in the flesh or in the Spirit, but not both. Galatians 5:17 , “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary (opposed, divergent) the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Overcoming the world is only achieved by living in God’s nature as led by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit conforms you to the image of Christ. To live as the world (through television or anything else) is to be conformed to the image of this very fallen and rebellious world. In standing against the things of this world, you will be hated by this world. The world hated the prophets; the world hated John the Baptist; and the world hated Christ, John 15:18 , “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me (Jesus) before it hated you (also Mt 24:9, Mk 13:13 , Lk 21:17 , 1 Jn 3:13 ).” Matthew 10:22 , “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Jesus said you will be hated because you are not of the world. John 17:14, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” This can only happen when you “come out” of the world and stand against the world and refuse to be as it is. The greek word for church is ekklesia, meaning “called out ones.” If you are conforming to the world then the world loves its own (Jn 15:19 ). Those who stand against the things of the world will be oddballs (just won't fit in): Hebrews 11:35-38, “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Because of the strong pressures of this world, most will conform to it. Why would you stand against this world (we all have to live in it)? Because you love the Lord your God more than life itself – more than the flesh or its desires. 1 John 2:17 , “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” Therefore, to prevail (overcome, endure) one must live in the nature of God and place God foremost in their life. This is a nature of love – sacrifice of self for God and then neighbor (Christ’s gospel, Mt 22:37 -38, Mk 12:29 -31, Lk 10:27 ). This is how Christ lived and we must conform. Lucifer was originally created perfect. Ezekiel 28:15, “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Heaven was in perfect harmony until Lucifer rose up in rebellion against God. Lucifer chose to rebel against God and was greatly corrupted and cast down (Is 14:15 , Ez 28:17, Rev 12:9). The angels were also created perfect. There was a great shaking in heaven and one third of the angels also fell in this rebellion (Rev 12:4, 7, 9). These angels chose to follow Lucifer in his rebellion against God and were also corrupted and cast down (2 Pt 2:4). Therefore, Lucifer and these fallen angels abode not in the truth and left their first estate (Jn 8:44 , Jude 1:6). An “estate” is a fixed condition or status (rank, condition of circumstances) – their order in creation. Lucifer and these angels exalted (pride) themselves above their created positions in seeking their own will. In doing so they left their habitation (state of dwelling, Jude 1:6). Man was created perfect and placed in the Garden of Eden. Lucifer then spread his rebellion to man. Satan (Lucifer) came to man in Eden in the form of a serpent and also convinced man to choose his own will in defying God’s commandment. Thus man joined Satan’s rebellion and became corrupted. Man also abode not in the truth (God’s command), but “received” the serpent’s “lie” (Gen 2:17 , 3:4-5). Man left his first (original) estate (created position) and is corrupted unto death (Gen 2:17 ). So, Satan, multitudes of angels and man all chose to leave their perfect created positions in order to seek their own will and they thus became corrupted (left the truth). Every man is now born into a fallen rebellious world with this same nature (that of the devil). The Lord God in His mercy and longsuffering has offered man reconciliation through Jesus Christ (by walking in faith). God has reversed things. In heaven everything was perfect and those who rebelled against God had to join that which opposed Him. On earth the world is imperfect (in rebellion) and we must now “opt out” (come out) to be reconciled (Gal 1:4). In other words, man was originally created perfect and chose corruption (the lie); Man is now born corrupted and must choose perfection (the truth). Romans 1:25, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie (rejected God’s truth in favor of Satan’s lie), and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator (anything exalted that is not God is the creation including self), who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Our very fallen nature desires to be accepted by and received by others. We want to “fit in” with this fallen world because it is uncomfortable to “stand out.” However, God has called us out of the rebellious world (i.e. Egypt , Gal 1:4). This means that we must now stand against the world (we do the opposite of the world and its ideals) and in doing so, you will not fit in and will be uncomfortable (hated). God is looking for those who will “come out” in faith (for no man has seen God) and suffer the uncomfortableness (reproach) in the midst of the majority who will not (Php 2:15 ). Only the genuine and true would ever do such a thing, and this is the indicator of heart that God is looking for. No one would ever choose to deny the strong will of the flesh and be rejected and despised by others (peer pressure) unless their love and devotion to God was stronger and truly sincere (genuine, for real, authentic, indisputable). These are the ones who will dwell eternally with God. These are the ones God can count on amidst all this rebellion. God is trying (testing) us to find those who really love Him. It is so easy to go along with the flow of a fallen world (even religiously), but what about those who do not? No phony would ever voluntarily suffer such denial of the flesh, such tribulation. Those that “come out” are the real and God has set circumstances such to determine just that. Those that profess love for God (Christ) and walk as the world are not walking in faith – they are deceived and phony (Rm 2:13 ). You cannot walk as the world and also be walking in faith – they are opposites. Faith is what will save us (Rm 1:17 , 3:22 , 5:1). 1 Peter 1:9, “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” Jesus absolutely led by example in demonstrating death to the things of the world and total surrender to the will of God. This brought life – resurrection life (eternal). Jesus has made the way – we must “follow.” Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (also Mk 8:34, 10:21, Lk 9:23).” Jesus turns us (reconciles) to God. Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” You must decide if you love your darkness (corruption, self seeking, Egypt , world, rebellion, Jn 3:19 ) or want to come to the light (come out of darkness/world, forsake, seek truth). John 3:20-21, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light (continues in the rebellion, abides not in the truth), neither cometh to the light (will not come out of darkness/world), lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light (comes out of the world/Egypt, abides in Christ/truth, Jn 15:1-8, 1 Jn 2:27 ), that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” We must follow Jesus out of this world: John 8:12 , “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness (Jesus leads out of the world/Egypt), but shall have the light of life (Jesus leads to God, the giver of life, Jn 1:4).”

However,

God Prepares a Deliverer

Moses was born in a time of great distress for the children of Israel . The Hebrews were in bondage in the land of Egypt (Ham’s wicked descendants, Gen 9:22 -27). The Egyptians feared the Hebrews, and were concerned that they were multiplying too fast, so Pharaoh exerted control by putting them under hard bondage and instituting the forced killing of all Hebrew male babies (Ex 1:7). Psalms 105:23-25, “ Israel also came into Egypt ; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham . And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies. He (God) turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.” God had a great purpose in all this that those living for the flesh may never comprehend, as this study will reveal. Exodus 1:11-14, 22, “Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel . And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.” They dealt subtilly (crafty) with the children of Israel and evil entreated them, so that they cast out their young children, to the end that they might not live (Acts 7:19 ). Pharaoh and his people were a self seeking nation to the extent that they exalted their will over all others to accomplish their self-centered desires. Any nation that would kill the innocent children of the land (i.e. abortion) to seek its own freedom (rights) or personal choice is an evil nation that seeks “self” (to be as gods, Gen 3:5) and not the justice (will) and rule of God. Also, any nation that would enslave an entire people to serve them is a wicked nation (life is cheapened). The Egyptian people observed Pharaoh’s immoral dictate (law of the land) to murder the Hebrew children because they sought to exert their will over others in seeking their comfort (way, lifestyle, benefit, Ex 1:22 ). The motivation was totally self centered and was justified as being noble and for the good of the land (Ex 1:8-10). Author’s note: perhaps you may want to consider the strong parallels between Egypt and the United States ? Those who seek “self” produce death rather than life. Life (true love) results from the sacrifice of self for the benefit of others (First God and then your neighbors – charity, Lk 10:27 , Jn 15:13 , 1 Cor 13:1, 13, 1 Jn 3:16 ). These two positions are in opposition to each other and an produce entirely different fruits. One unto death and the other unto life. Initially, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill the male children upon birth, but they refused (through their actions) to comply with this wicked command (Ex 1:15 -19). God blessed these midwives in their stand for righteousness (Ex 1:20 -21). God will always bless those who stand for His righteousness and thereby suffer personal reproach and persecution (Mt 5:10 -13). The Egyptians looked down upon the Hebrews as abominable (Gen 43:32, 46:34) and they made them their servants (Ex 1:12 -14). Egypt represents the world and all its idolatry. This nation was the cultural center and strength of the world at that time. Egypt had a multitude of gods that they worshipped and each one was for the benefit of some aspect of their lives (bless me - gods of sun, earth, weather, Nile , finance, agriculture, birth, etc.). Although a very religious nation, they did not “know” God, but rather sought to be as God. The bondage represents servitude to sin and the things of the world – those things that oppose God’s purposes and established truth (Gal 4:3). God desires to set us free, but first we must see our need and seek God’s deliverance (Lev 26:13). Notice that the Hebrews were in bondage to the world ( Egypt ) to build places to store the highly sought after things of the world (i.e. treasure cities). When Moses was born, his mother hid him as long as she could (Acts 7:20 ). Hebrews 11:23, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment (to kill all Hebrew male children).” Eventually his mother could not hide Moses any longer and put him in a basket and floated him on the Nile river, believing somehow he would be preserved (Ex 2:3). Exodus 2:5-6, “And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Acts 7:21 , “And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.” God arranged circumstances such that Pharaoh’s daughter paid Moses’ own mother to nurse him (Ex 2:7-9). The Hebrew male children were sought after for the purpose of being put to death. God delivered and preserved Moses from such a sure death for the Lord’s predetermined purposes (Moses’ mother exercised faith). Similarly, when Jesus was born, He was also sought after to be killed by order of King Herod and the religious ones (Mt 2:1-3). Psalms 2:2-3, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us (sought their own will and continued rebellion against God).” Herod would later slaughter all the male children two years old and under in the region in an attempt to kill Jesus – to kill God’s own Christ (Mt 2:16 ). Rebellious man will always set himself against the purposes of God, yet the Lord will always prevail. Could man possibly be so self seeking, so rebellious, and so arrogant as to kill the very Son of God? This is the nature of man – including religious man. Religious man persecuted and nailed Christ to the cross (Mt 14:14, 21:46, 22:34, 26:4, 27:1, 20, 22-27) and hung Him as accursed upon a tree (Deut 21:23, Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29, Gal 3:13, 1 Pt 2:24). Exodus 2:10 , “And the child (Moses) grew, and she (his natural mother, Jochebed, Ex 6:20 ) brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.” Water is life giving and God was going to use Moses in a mighty way to bring life to His people. Water is also symbolic of the Holy Spirit and Moses was filled with the Spirit (Is 63:11, Jn 7:38 -39, Rev 21:6). At God’s direction, Moses would later bring water from a rock for the survival of the people (Ex 17:6, Num 20:8, 11, Deut 8:15 , Neh 9:15 , Ps 114:8). That rock was Jesus Christ (1 Cor 10:4)! Jesus was also filled with the Holy Ghost (Lk 4:1). Christ was justified in the Spirit (1 Tim 3:16 ). Christ’s wisdom, understanding, knowledge and counsel were of the Spirit (Is 11:2, Jn 7:38 -39). The Spirit leads us to obey God. Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Now consider the provision of the Lord God Almighty: Moses is the man chosen of God to set free His people from the wickedness and bondage of the Egyptians. Moses (God’s deliverer) is raised in the very house of Pharaoh; the one who hates the Hebrews and intends to enslave them forever – right under Pharaoh’s very nose. Acts 7:22 , “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” God was preparing Moses for a major future role to bring about the Lord’s purposes. God put the desire in Moses’ heart to seek identity with his own people (he had become estranged living in Pharaoh’s house). Acts 7:23 , “And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel .” Moses had compassion for their suffering. Exodus 2:11-12, “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.” This zealousness did not bode well for Moses as his deed was discovered and the Pharaoh sought to slay him (Ex 2:15 ). Therefore, Moses had to flee from Egypt (Ex 2:13 -15). Egypt represented Moses’ old life of sin and rebellion to God’s purposes. God “called” Moses “out” of Egypt . Similarly, Christ calls His people “out” of the “world” (2 Cor 6:17 ). Ekklesia (church) - The Greek, to call out or call together, denotes an assembly or collection; a calling out (Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of American English and Strong’s Greek Dictionary). All things must become new in Christ (2 Cor 5:17 ). Acts 7:25 , “For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.” The men he tried to help said, “who made thee a ruler and judge over us (Acts 7:27 )?” Hebrews 11:24-27, “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt , not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” We all must approach God in faith: Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Moses had all the world had to offer (literally), but came to a fork in the road – which way to go? One path led to self satisfaction and the things of the world that the flesh so desires (broad path). This path was one of ease and glittered of fleshly contentment through pleasures, popularity, position/place and entertainment. The other path was less appealing for one with eyes of flesh (these are actually blinded to it), but leads to God (narrow path). This is a path that leads through the harsh waste howling wilderness and denies the flesh and puts it in its place – in the dust. Traveling this path would be arduous and one would suffer through the flesh – and be a great reproach. This path led into a inhospitable (bleak, forbidding, desolate) place were one must reach beyond the flesh and its self sufficiency and gratification (2 Cor 3:5). God brought about circumstances that forced a choice and a separation. Moses chose God over the things of the world. Moses forsook the palace for a sheepcote (a great step backward in the eyes of fleshly man). Moses forsook all the things of the flesh and stepped out in great faith (Is 55:7). This was a tremendous indicator of heart and character (and still is today). No one will serve God apart from walking this path. A true sincere man of God will always choose God over self and situation. Sacrifices must be made and self will be denied (killed) when one takes up their cross to follow (Mt 16:24 , Mk 8:34 , Lk 9:23 ). 2 Timothy 2:11-12, “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” Taking up the cross literally spells death to all that was you (no longer me, but thee, Rm 6:3-10, Gal 2:20 ). This choice will be manifested in your actions (not just words). The gate to enter this path is through Jesus Christ (in great humbleness and repentance, Mt 7:13 -14, Lk 13:24 , Jn 10:7). Moses put his faith in God even though his understanding was incomplete. In doing so, Moses became a reproach in the eyes of the rebellious world. When we sincerely “follow” Christ, we will always be a reproach in the eyes of a mostly rebellious (and religious) world. Jesus suffered many things from religious men and was set at nought (Mk 9:12 ). We are following Jesus and will be like our Lord (encounter the same things). God called Moses out of Egypt (Heb 11:27 ) for the purpose of going to the Promised Land. Similarly (as a strong parallel), Jesus was called out of Egypt by God for His purposes – “out of Egypt , I have called My Son” (Mt 2:15 ). Jesus came out of Egypt and went into the Promised Land ( Israel , Mt 2:19 -21). While rebellious Pharaoh continued to exalt himself in pride and arrogance, Moses became very humble (meek), died to self, and faced the wilderness (that place that tears down those very things of the flesh). In a very real sense Moses was going before the children of Israel and preparing a path to God through the wilderness (to bring them to Mount Horeb - Sinai). Jesus later came to this earth and lived a perfect and well pleasing life unto God and prepared (walked) “The Path” to God for those who will follow. When we take up our crosses, we are following in the way of Jesus (His nature, trials, sufferings, victories, works, encounters, etc.). Jesus said: John 14:12 , “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” We follow His path and enter into His fellowship! – for we shall be like Him (However, a servant will never be greater than His Master, Mt 10:24 ).

Moses fled from Pharaoh to the land of Midian and married Zipporah, the daughter of Reuel (Ex 2:15 -22). Moses spent the next forty years as a shepherd keeping the flocks of sheep (Ex 2:17 , 3:1). Keeping sheep is great training and an object lesson for the men of God (David was a shepherd, 2 Sam 7:8). The shepherd goes before and leads the sheep. The shepherd cares for the sheep – feeding, watering, providing security against the beasts of the earth and seeking the lost. Christ often liken Himself to a shepherd and those who would follow Him as sheep (Mt 9:36, 15:24, 18:12-13, 25:32-33, 26:31, Mk 14:27, Lk 15:4-6, Jn 10:1-16, 26:29). Moses may have been learned in the wisdom of the Egyptians, but his real training for leadership of God’s flock was learned in the sheepcotes (such was said of David, 1 Chr 17:7). Exodus 2:23-25, “And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel , and God had respect unto them (also Deut 26:7-8).” The Hebrews had come to a place of seeing their absolute need for the deliverance God brings. The children of Israel were helpless and down (lacking) in spirit with no ability to change their circumstances. There was no more self sufficiency or self centeredness – this had been broken through their sufferings in the flesh. They now recognized their inabilities and limitations and great need for God. They were like a beggar crying in need of help displayed as brokenness before God, and pleading for His mercy. Jesus said about such: Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (also Lk 6:20 ).” This is mourning over one’s condition and the realization that you are powerless to deliver yourself. You realize that “your way” (that of the flesh) will always come short of God, and that rather than bringing you closer to God, your flesh (through transgressions) is actually pulling you further away. The bondage and servitude represented the sin and rebellion against God that one must crave/desire deliverance from. To mourn is to see the shame of thy nakedness (sinfulness). This is to also realize that you have nothing to offer God except what He is due – your love, devotion and obedience. Jesus said: Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (also Lk 6:21 ).” The Hebrew’s condition also manifested itself as humbleness before God. Their pride and rebellion had been broken through years of suffering shame and reproach through hard servitude. They could not even stop the Egyptian’s from killing their precious children. Jesus said: Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Meekness (discussed in Chapter Five) is coming to the place of yielding and being submitted to God’s divine will – a dying to self. Many tend to be self centered, but the meek will be God centered. God will teach the meek His way (Ps 25:9, 116:6). The Egyptians hated the Hebrews; they were an abomination to them (Gen 43:32). Jesus said: Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (also Lk 6:22 ).” The children of Israel had reached the place of heart where God could now show Himself strong. The Lord was about to deliver His people in a very miraculous way and there would be no doubt as to the source of their liberation. Acts 7:30 -35, “And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight (Ex 3:1-3): and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob (Ex 3:6). Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground (Ex 3:4-5). I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt , and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them (Ex 3:7). And now come, I will send thee into Egypt (Ex 3:10 ). Acts 7:35 , “This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.” Through Israel ’s repentant heart, God had heard their cry. God patiently and with longsuffering brings us to the place where we must realize our need for Him. 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” We must realize that our “way” or “path” is wrong and leads to bondage and death. We must realize that there is no life apart from God. We must repent and forsake our wicked ways (Ez 18:21 , 28, 30-32). God must always be initially approached through being poor in spirit (humble) and mourning (over your transgressions and rebellion against God). God will never be approached in pride and contentment (Lk 6:24 -25). We must surrender totally to God’s “way.” Many will approach God their way, with desire to remain in their rebellion. This is because they love their darkness (Jn 3:19 ) – this self seeking must be broken. The Lord declared from the beginning the edict (decree, statute) to all who transgress His will in seeking their own, “thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17, Ez 33:14). Nothing has changed (God’s Word is true, enduring and forever settled in heaven, Ps 119:89, 160) and the rebellious will face the second death (regardless of religious profession). God’s plan for Moses’ life was now beginning to unfold. Sometimes we must be patient before the Lord; eighty years in the case of Moses (forty in the wilderness keeping sheep). When Jesus was born as a man, he grew and learned just like everyone else. Christ did not start His ministry (purpose) until the age of thirty (Lk 3:23 ), which was in God’s timing. Moses was given a direct commission from God to be used to deliver the Lord’s people from Egyptian bondage (detailed below). Many will assume (presume) divine calling and seek their way religiously in their own mind and strength, but the “real” are called of God.

The Lord told Moses at the burning bush that the time for the deliverance of His people was at hand. Exodus 3:10 -12, “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt . And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt ? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt , ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” Notice Moses’ humbleness; he does not exalt self or even consider his unique qualifications due to his past experience and position in the royal Egyptian household. Also notice that Moses went (traveled) before the children of Israel to Horeb and was going to now lead God’s people back to this same place (upon this mountain). Moses was going to shepherd the sheep to God. Jesus came to do the same thing: John 10:4, “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” Jesus went before all those who will follow and prepared “The Path” back to God. Christ’s life is our example (or path) to follow and conform to and His Spirit leads us back to God through our faith (Rm 8:14 , 29, 2 Cor 3:18 , Gal 3:14 ). Faith is love, submission, and obedience to God which allows the Lord to transform us through His grace (the divine influence in renewing one’s heart through righteousness, Rm 5:21 , Php 2:13 ). Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Therefore, through our obedience, God delivers us from Egypt (worldly lusts, iniquity, impurity, wickedness, ungodliness, and rebellion) by His grace that brings salvation. Salvation might be thought of as being restored back to your created position to spend eternity in service to God. God works in you through faith to accomplish this restoration which is a tearing down of self will for the purpose of submission to God’s will. This is God’s mercy, but most are looking for a way back that accommodates the flesh (self will). To reject God’s working in you is to reject the Lord’s offer of forgiveness and restoration and thus leads to separation as a result of your self-will (stubbornness, frowardness). Thus, the thing most seek (self-will, flesh, your path/way) is that which brings separation. Ephesians 4:22-24, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Exodus 3:13-15, “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel , I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel , The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” Jesus is the great “I AM:” John 8:58 , “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” Furthermore: John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Additionally: John 6:35 , “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst (also Jn 6:48 , 51).” Many a man will live their life as if they themselves are the great “I am,” always seeking their own way, going about being “as gods” (Gen 3:5). Until we die to self (flesh) and surrender to God as the great “I AM” then we shall never be reconciled (through Jesus) to Him ( Col 1:20 ). God set the terms of the reconciliation and the poor in spirit; those that mourn; and are humble will yield to God. These are pure in heart (sincere) and they hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6, 8). All others will seek God in a way that fulfills their terms (allows their flesh to rule). We must understand this: Man sought the flesh in disobeying (transgressing) Gods command. Man will not be reconciled through the flesh. God has deemed: 1 Corinthians 1:29, “That no flesh should glory in his presence.” Romans 8:8, “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” This means that all your fleshly derived “good works” are as filthy rags to God (Is 64:6). No one will earn place in heaven through self. Ephesians 2:9, “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation will only be obtained through faith as God works in us and we yield to Him. Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Grace is God working in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Php 2:13 ). This is accomplished through loving surrender and obedience on your part. If man could be reconciled to God through the flesh, then the will of the flesh would triumph over God. If the flesh could force its way back to God (will of), then there would be no reason for it to submit to the Lord. Those who are God’s are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (Jn 1:13 ). Many a religious man will live a form of godliness that allows the flesh to rule. 2 Timothy 3:5, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” The power is the cross and it means death to the flesh (Rm 6:5-13, 1 Cor 1:18 ). This is a great point of sifting and separation.

God desires to bless His people once they are submitted to Him. Exodus 3:16-17, “Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.” This is symbolic of the Lord delivering us from the devil’s lie that you can transgress the will of God and be as gods (determine your own way, Gen 3:4-5). The devil’s lie in Eden brought separation, bondage, affliction and death to all men – this is Egypt ! God desires to deliver us from this and reconcile us through Christ back under His authority and then provide for us in the Lord’s midst (God dwells among us). God delivers us from Egypt and brings us back to Himself. To be delivered from Egypt is to totally forsake Egypt . Exodus 3:19-22, “And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.” Pharaoh represents the devil in all his pride, arrogance and defiance toward God. The Egyptians are those submitted to the devil and they have his nature. The Lord intends to make an open show of Pharaoh and receive due glory from Egypt and all the surrounding nations ( Egypt is the cultural center of the world). This is representative of God putting down Satan’s rebellion and those submitted to it for all of creation to see. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28, “Then cometh the end, when he (Jesus) shall have delivered up the kingdom to God (Christ is the deliverer), even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (everything that has exalted itself above the most High; Satan and all those who seek self, Is 14:13 -15). For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet (those who are rebellious toward God). The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death (the result of rebellion against God, Gen 2:17 ). For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all (All things will be brought back under God’s authority).” God will arrange circumstances such that the people of Egypt will be gladly spoiled of their possessions that they love so much (all their glory). God will restore all that was taken through hard labor and servitude. The Lord also intends to judge all the gods of Egypt (idols) that they trust in. This will also be a lesson to the Hebrews concerning the vanity of such false gods. The Egyptians had many false gods such as one each for the sun, sky, Nile river, mothers, war, crops, etc. God was going to destroy trust in each of these gods one by one.

Moses considered his ability to do what God required. Exodus 4:10-12, “And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” Many want to serve God based upon their perceived talents. God is not looking for your abilities and self confidence. Quite the opposite; God is looking for your humbleness, brokenness, dependence upon Him and obedience to perform His will. So many serve God through their self sufficiency and miss Him altogether. Your reliance upon self is what must be destroyed in your life. The one consistent attribute of all the great men of God including Jesus (as a man) is that they spoke God’s Words and not their own. God put His Word in their heart and this is what they spoke (Is 59:21). The Lord is telling Moses to just obey (do His will) and He will do the rest. That is our job, to trust and obey. We can do nothing, but through God all things are possible. When Jesus walked the earth, He said: John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” AND John 12:49 -50, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” AND John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Notice the complete dependence upon and obedience to the Father. We cannot trust in the flesh (our thoughts, opinions, sentiments, direction, way, etc.) or we shall surely die (Gen 2:17 ). John 3:34 , “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” Exodus 4:1, “And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.” The next thing to consider is that whom God calls, God equips. The Lord was not going to send Moses to do a task that he was not first prepared to do. God puts His Spirit upon Moses and equipped him with the ability (beyond his own ability) to perform unquestionable miracles. Exodus 2-5, “And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.” Notice that the miracle came from God – Moses was shocked at the results (it wasn’t his doing). This miracle also showed Moses that he had power over the serpent (devil/Pharaoh). Exodus 2:6-9, “And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.” Jesus also came working the miracles of God (Acts 10:38 ). The miracles gave validity to the Words He spoke (Jn 10:37 -38, 14:11 , 16:24 -25). John 10:24-25, “Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.” John 6:2, “And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.” Jesus healed sickness, gave sight to the blind (physical and spiritual), restored hearing and speech, gave mobility to the lame. Jesus raised the dead, calmed the winds and sea and delivered people from demon possession. John 14:10-11, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” God always requires our obedience: Exodus 4:21-23, “And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.”

Jesus is God’s Deliverer

Jesus came to this earth to perform the Father’s will. The Father’s will is: Ephesians 1:10, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” The devil brought his rebellion against God to the earth (Job 1:7, 2:2). Luke 10:18 , “And he (Jesus) said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Revelation 12:9, 12, “Revelation 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time (short time - Rm 9:28 ).” Jesus came (was manifested) that He might destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8). Jesus came to destroy the rebellion against God that was manifested from the devil’s lie (Gen 3:4-5). Christ came to provide the necessary atonement and redeem those who would follow Him, out of the rebellion, back under God’s authority. The atonement is reconciliation after enmity whereby reparation is made by giving an equivalent for a wrong committed. Redemption is procuring the deliverance of persons or things from the possession and power of captors (i.e. the devil) by the payment of an equivalent. In order to provide for the atonement and redemption of man, Jesus had to first live a perfect life of obedience and submission to the Father. This is the life Adam was intended to live, but failed when he sought self and submitted to the authority (and bondage) of the devil via “The Lie.” Christ totally died to self and was led by the Spirit (Is 11:2-5, Lk 4:1, 1 Tim 3:16 ). It’s like this: Adam sought the flesh (self) and brought death into the world; Jesus gave-up the flesh (self on a cross – the flesh is accursed hanging on a tree, Deut 21:22 -23, Acts 5:30 , 10:39 , Gal 3:13 , 1 Pt 2:24 ) and brought life into the world (opposites, Jn 6:51 ). The devil tempted man in the garden of Eden and man sinned (Gen 3:11 -13). The devil tempted Christ in the wilderness and Jesus did not sin (Mt 4:1-11, Lk 4:1-13). Jesus, having lived the perfect life (no transgression, no iniquity, no rebellion, Jn 8:46 , Heb 4:15 , 1 Pt 2:22 ), then became the only qualified sacrifice to atone for man’s transgression (Rm 5:19 ). Jesus was obedient unto the death, even the death of the cross (Php 2:8). Galatians 1:4, “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Christ would restore that which was lost (Ps 69:4). Psalms 23:3, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace (between God and man) through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” So, Christ laid down the path back to God and then justified those who would freely, sincerely, lovingly and obediently (otherwise known as faith) “follow” Him. Jesus is the only “Way” or “Path” back to God (Jn 11:25 , 14:6, Acts 4:12 , 1 Jn 5:11 ). Therefore: John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (God’s only provision for reconciliation).” Jesus came to “deliver us” from the rebellion. In other words, you cannot “follow” Christ back to God unless you first forsake the rebellion, which is your transgressions against God (the iniquity). This is known as repentance (Is 55:7, Mt 4:17 ). Those who repent have forgiveness through the blood of Christ (Mk 14:24 , Lk 22:20 , Acts 20:28 , Rm 3:25 , Eph 1:7, 2:13 , Col 1:14 , Heb 13:12 , 1 Jn 1:7, Rev 5:9). If you do not forsake that which you are forgiven then forgiveness has no meaning. Therefore: Acts 3:26, “Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” 1 John 3:5, “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” Christ came to deliver you from the rebellion against God (2 Pt 1:4). Matthew 1:21 , “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Many desire Christ’s salvation, but not so much the deliverance. They are willfully ignorant (1 Cor 14:38 ) and prefer Jesus to justify them in their “own way” (to give license), which is seeking self, and as such is rebellion and sin against God (what Jesus came to destroy). These prefer their darkness and no freedom is necessarily desired (Jn 3:19 ). Jesus said: 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” To continue to seek self and rebel defeats the whole purpose of why Christ came. This is to reject the Deliverer – God’s offer of reconciliation. Jesus told a group of men who believed on Him, but didn’t want to be set free (Jn 8:31 -59): John 8:44, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” Those who do not desire Christ’s deliverance only want to continue in the nature of their father the devil. They want to remain under his bondage and seek their selfish lusts. The devil spoke a lie to man that you could transgress the will of God and seek your own will and not die (Gen 3:4-5). This lie kills (Gen 2:17 ) and the devil is thus a murderer. The devil was proved a liar by the death he brought into the world. Satan said you would not die, but you do. Christ delivers from the bondage of Satan (Eph 2:1-7). Hebrews 2:14-15, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Jesus came as a man (flesh and blood) and lived a perfect life. Because of Christ’s perfect life, He was not subject to the penalty of death – He never transgressed (Gen 2:17 ). Death had no hold on Jesus (Rm 6:9) and He rose again in the flesh (and blood, Lk 24:39-40, Jn 20:20 -27, 1 Jn 4:2-3, Acts 2:31 ). Jesus destoyed the power of the devil for those who will “follow” Him. There are only two paths. One leads to God through Christ; and the other leads away from God through the lie (and bondage) of Satan. Jesus now states: Revelation 1:18 , “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

What Does It Mean to be Delivered?

Ephesians 2:2-3, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (the devil, i.e. Pharaoh, as Egypt), the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation (general course of manners and behavior, deportment – manner of acting in relation to the duties of life such as conduct and demeanor) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” We were in bondage under the elements of the world until God sent His Son to redeem us and also the Spirit of His Son into our hearts (Gal 4:3-6). Most people equate the outcome of such deliverance to a new requirement to “go to church” and do religious things. This is really not the case at all and in so doing (what has become known as “church”) you may actually find yourself in a “religious” bondage and still serving the flesh. The Lord delivers us from iniquity, rebellion, idolatry, self seeking, man’s requirements and transgression for the intent to now follow Christ in the will of God (Gal 1:4, Jn 12:26). This means that you are reborn a new man (2 Cor 5:17 , Eph 4:24 ) with a heart toward God (His nature, Mt 5:8, 2 Cor 3:3, Heb 8:10 ) to walk in His will everyday (1 Jn 2:17 , Mk 3:35 , Lk 11:28 ). You keep Jesus’ commandments and walk in His love (Jn 14:15 , 21, 15:10 , 1 Jn 5:2-3, 2 Jn 1:6). This is accomplished by placing God foremost in your daily life (First Great Commandment, Mt 22:37 -38, Mk 12:30 , Lk 10:27 ) and in all your decisions. The things of the world that the flesh desires (bank accounts, possessions, career, lifestyle, personal desire, religious security, etc.) no longer guide and rule your daily decisions. You learn to surrender to God’s will and die to your “own will” in all situations (Mt 16:24-25, Mk 8:34-35, Lk 9:23 -24, 14:26 -27, 33, Gal 2:20 , 1 Pt 4:2). You have God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and teach you (Jn 14:26 , 2 Tim 3:16 , 1 Jn 2:27 , Acts 5:32 ). You assemble with like-minded believers who are also submitted to and following the Spirit. This is a fellowship to encourage, exhort, and admonish each other to go forward in the Lord – dying to the world – coming “out” of the world. Its not about building buildings and picking names and adhering to religious protocol (procedure, etiquette, set of rules, modus operandi). The spirit leads and God’s will is defined in His Word – we just “follow.” Salvation is accomplished through being “set apart” of God’s Spirit and belief (walking in) of the truth (2 Thess 2:13 ). You conform to Christ’s image as you walk as He walked in following (Jn 10:27 ) – in Jesus’ steps (Rm 8:29 , 2 Cor 3:18 , 1 Pt 2:21 , 1 Jn 2:6). The Spirit leads in paths of righteousness for Christ’s name’s sake (Ps 23:3). Romans 8:14 , “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (also Gal 5:18 ).” You no longer do the things which oppose God nor do you have pleasure in such unrighteousness (1 Thess 5:22 , 2 Thess 2:12 , Rm 12:9, 1 Pt 2:11 , 3:11 ). As you submit to God and conform to Christ you will have great love for others (Second Great Commandment, Mt 22:39 ). Doing these things is abiding in Christ and walking in faith (love, obedience, trust, sacrifice, and submission to God). The bottom line is that if your relationship with Christ does not tremendously impact your daily life, then you need to: 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” Haggai 1:5, “Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.” Jesus is not your religion, Jesus is your life ( Col 3:4, 1 Thess 3:8). Read the Gospels and pay particular attention to how Christ lived – you are to follow. Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

We must realize that throughout the centuries, man has always usurped the authority of the Holy Spirit within a religious context to continue to seek self. Man seeks to control and impose his will through his religiosity – doctrines, traditions, and fear. This has resulted in all manner of evil. There have been religious wars/crusades, inquisitions, reigns of terror, spiritual idolatry (worship of statues, paintings, crosses, icons, saints, mothers, exhalted leaders, worldliness, etc.), tremendous divisions and all manner of false doctrines and organizations. Consider: 1 Corinthians 3:2-4, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul (i.e. Baptist, Methodist, Catholics); and another, I am of Apollos (i.e. Pentecostals, Church of Christ , Assembly of God, Orthodox); are ye not carnal?” What this is saying is that all these divided groups can only receive milk, “the very basic simple things” of the Lord. They cannot receive meat and thus they are not mature to discern good and evil – easily led astray. Hebrews 5:14, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Because of their divisive nature they will not receive correction and thus they are easily overcome by the world. Is this not what we are seeing? The religious world is probably one of the most “confused” entities on earth. Confusion only results when man lives outside the will of God – His eternal “truth.” Where truth reigns, there is righteousness and judgment. Strongly consider: 1 Corinthians 6:17 , “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” To be one spirit is to be likeminded and unified. The Spirit of God is leading in one direction, there is no double mindedness or confusion with God. Those not surrendered to God are led of different spirits which always bear fruit that is opposed to God – division (1 Cor 3:2-4, 11:18 ), confusion, strife, etc. God’s precious Holy Spirit is leading; who is following?

God Sends Moses to Egypt

Exodus 4:18-20, 24-26, “And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt : for all the men are dead which sought thy life. And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt : and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.” Moses was required as part of the covenant with Abraham to circumcise the males of his household. Genesis 17:10-11, 14, “This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.” Moses had not fully complied with the terms of Abraham’s covenant (agreement) with God, most likely due to his wife’s resistance. The Lord rightfully expects that His covenants be obeyed fully. Obedience to God is what distinguishes those of faith from those of unbelief. There is ample reason to believe that Moses’ wife was less than enthusiastic about Abraham’s faith in his God. Zipporah’s father was a priest of Midian (Ex 2:16 , 3:1). She had not been raised under the covenant of Moses’ God and most likely did not consider it to apply to her or her sons. There is also good reason to believe that Zipporah and Moses parted for a time after this incident. Moses went to Egypt and she and his sons back to her father. Moses father in law later brings Zipporah and Moses’ sons to him (Ex 18:5). There was also a later contention between Moses and his siblings (Aaron and Miriam, Num 12:1) over this Ethiopian wife (discussed in Chapter Four). The point of this is that when God calls, sometimes family can be the biggest hindrance. Our families exert a tremendous influence upon us and the devil will use that to cause dissention to deter (hinder, obstruct, thwart) God’s purposes in our lives. Perhaps Moses did not insist on the circumcision of his son due to his wife’s protest, yet this became a stumblingstone in his relationship with God (Hos 14:9). Regardless of any potential family disagreements, Moses did proceed on to Egypt to perform the Lord’s direction. We must all consider that when we truly commit to serve the Lord that there will be resistance to our new found faith. Jesus said: Matthew 10:34-38, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” What the Lord is saying is within a given household there will be those who seek the Spirit and those who seek the flesh. Since the two are opposed to one another this will cause contention (argument, disagreement, conflict, strife, controversy). Others may not be so thrilled with your new found devotion to God and loved ones may become your foes (opponent, antagonist, rival). The Lord is telling us that we must always place Him foremost in our lives even if it causes us difficulties. Some have to leave homes, families and children in service to the Lord (Mk 10:29-30, Lk 18:29-30). Taking up the cross is dying to self and following is new life in Christ. We are required to walk in faith, placing our complete trust in God. When we seek the Lord first, all these other things are taken care of in God’s timing according to our faith. Moses’ wife and sons were later restored to him after he first went forth in obedience to the Lord. Our interaction with others must be based upon our relationship with God. These relationships cannot be based upon that which opposes God (seeking the lusts of the flesh). To capitulate (cede, relent, yield, surrender, give up) to family or others due to difficulties for the flesh is to deny Christ. This is placing the will of man over the will of God. Therefore, if you have recently surrendered your life to Christ, then expect some difficulties in the flesh. Be strong in your new found faith and place your trust and confidence in Jesus. Christ is where your hope is (and that of your family).

Summary

The children of Israel were chosen of God and they worshipped the Lord. They went down to Egypt to sojourn for a time and became enslaved in great bondage. Egypt represented the transgression of God’s will, pride (self exaltation), rebellion and the resulting wickedness, idolatry, iniquity (sin), stubbornness, worldliness, filthiness, and fleshly lusts. Man is in great bondage to these things with no way to free himself. Pharaoh is symbolic of Satan or the devil. Pharaoh enslaved the children of Israel through his subtilty (craftiness, slyness deviousness, deceitfulness). This is representative of the devil beguiling Eve (and thus all men) with his “lie” that proposed you could transgress the will of God and not die (eat the forbidden fruit – “ye shall not surely die,” and “ye as be as gods,” Gen 3:4-5). Through this lie man chose to submit to the devil rather than God and to seek self rather than surrender to God’s authority. Satan is a hard task master who rules through bondage, suffering and death. Man now serves the flesh (self, has the character and nature of the devil, Jn 8:44 ). The devil enslaved man into his confusion, bondage, rebellion and death. Man had no way to deliver himself. The children of Israel were poor in spirit and mourned greatly in their fallen condition, They realized their inability to save themselves and cried out to the Lord of their salvation. Psalms 86:5, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” The children of Israel looked to God for their hope. Psalms 130:7, “Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption (also Ps 103:8).” God sent Moses as a deliverer to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt (redeem) and back to Himself. Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee (Ps 81:7). Consider God’s purpose: Psalms 102:20, “To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death (also Ps 146:7).” We are all facing a death sentence for our transgressions: “thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17 ).” Man submitted to the devil’s lie and was taken captive. Our transgressions will produce death. God is merciful to those who return and surrender in love seeking His mercy and pardon (forgiveness, Ps 103:11). In order to redeem Israel , Moses had to face the strong will and strength of Pharaoh (representative of Satan). Psalms 106:10, “And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (also Ps 107:1-2).” Moses was weak, but through God he became as a god before Pharaoh. Moses was a foreshadowing of Christ. Jesus came as God’s deliverer to destroy the works of the devil (resultant from the lie) and lead those who will follow (whosoever will) Him back to God (1 Jn 3:8). Jesus became weak to the flesh, but mighty in Spirit. Moses came speaking God’s Words and performing God’s works (miracles). Similarly, Jesus came speaking God’s Words and performing God’s works. Moses and Jesus lived selfless lives with full devotion to God and His purposes. The path to God and His Promised Land leads through the wilderness where the things of Egypt (the flesh) must be destroyed and man must lovingly, humbly, and obediently submit to the will of God. Putting God first in your life is faith. Placing God foremost in everything and all the time is “walking in faith.” Jesus took the path of the cross which equates with the path through the wilderness. The cross is death to self (old way, leaving Egypt) and new life (resurrected, born again, new creature, Jn 3:3, Rm 6:4, 8:11, 1 Cor 15:52, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Eph 2:6) in Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:14 , “And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.” Those who identify with Christ will follow Him in denying themselves in love for another (sacrifice – to God and neighbor), taking up their crosses (death to self) and following (new life and going back to God, reconciliation) – Mt 16:24-25, Mk 8:34-35, 10:21 , Lk 9:23-24. God redeemed Christ from the grave and so it will be with those who follow. Psalms 49:15, “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.”

 [prev]   [next]

Back To Main Page