Don't Go Back to Egypt

"All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, 'Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness!  Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?' So they said to one another, 'Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.'” Numbers 14:2-4

It was on the receipt of a partially negative report about the land that God promised His chosen people that they rebelled.  Just about 18-24 months had passed since they were delivered from 430 years of slavery, brought miraculously through the Red Sea, fed with bread from heaven and literally introduced to the God of their fathers.  Yet because of the faithlessness of the representatives chosen to survey the land and their own fear and lack of trust, they expressed a desire to return to their slave masters and the condition under which they suffered for generations.  They were even willing to stone the men through whom God effected their freedom, to go backward.

As we read and study these events some 3500 years later, we shake our heads and wonder why they could not see how immensely blessed they were.  We are nearly exasperated at the shortness of their sight and the shallowness of their faith.  We are amazed that they would willingly go back into certain death and be eternally lost over what we would consider a complete lack of perspective at minimum and relatively minor inconveniences at most.  What could possibly have been wrong with those people?  After all, they had seen the immense power of God first hand!

It is suggested beloved, that we not be quick to judge.  How often do we long to visit the condition from which God brought us?  None of us actually desire to re-enter the unsaved state that is Egypt, but there are times we do long for its comforts, familiarities and pleasures.  Let's face it, if sin did not look good, feel good and taste good, few if any would be consumed by or interested in it.  If Christianity was a simple walk in the park, everyone would be one. As the children of God, we must adopt the mindset of their Moses: "He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.  He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.  By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible" Heb 11:25-27 (NIV).

In the face of doubt, fear and desire, Egypt can look attractive, but you are encouraged to never look back.  God will not open the sea again for you to return. Instead, keep your eyes and your hope on the Promised Land.  The way has already been made.  We just need to be faithful enough to accept the good report and to cross over at the appointed time.

Increasing in faith,

Lee