Exodus, The Journey Begins!

It is time for a fresh take on the old way of life. There is so much going on, so many obstacles, setbacks and mundane details that we often get lost in the routine and forget the purpose of the journey. As Christians we are saved, not just to be kept from hell, but to be conformed to the image of Christ. The questions we need to ask are; Is God in it, is He faithful, does He care when we are caught in the rugged, day to day issues of life? This is where faith becomes most evident.

The Journey Begins – SERMON AUDIO

But before we run off to Egypt and discover all of the lessons we can gain from the Nation of Israel and their journey, lets put things in a bit of perspective. After all, how can I relate to a four thousand year old story of slaves being liberated from the tyranny of oppression? The New Testament actually speaks to that very issue and gives us a strong correlation;

1 Corinthians 10:1-6  Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,  2  all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,  3  all ate the same spiritual food,  4  and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.  5  But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.  6  Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians Christians that we are really not that different from those ancient Israelites.  They were redeemed, we are redeemed. They were baptized and took communion too! But Paul also says that many who were among them, were not true believers. Yet, this nation is “our example.” The Greek word for example here actually tupos or a type. They are a picture of how God deals with those in His covenant community and a demonstration that all who are in that community are not true believers. Jude says it this way in his epistle, “But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.” (Jude 1:5)
Before we begin the journey, we need to ask whether we are really trusting in God? Do we believe that in spite of the difficulties of life and things going contrary to our expectations that God is in charge and will complete what He has begun? The evidence is really shown in our obedience and our attitudes;

1 Corinthians 10:6-11  Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.  7  And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND ROSE UP TO PLAY.”  8  Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;  9  nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;  10  nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  11  Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

See, the unbelievers among the Nation of Israel were more concerned about creature comforts than faithfulness (READ NUMBERS 11) (Vs. 6). They were willing to change the way they saw God and try to make Him over so that they could be comfortable in their sin and rebellion (READ EXODUS 32) (Vs. 7).  They were carried away by the culture into sexual immorality (READ NUMBERS 25) (Vs.8). They were persistent in their sin (READ NUMBERS 21) (Vs. 9). and never ceased to complain (READ NUMBERS 16) (Vs. 10).  Again, these events were recorded for our admonition, the Church of Jesus Christ. Everyone who professes faith and hangs out with Christians is not really a Believer. Unbelief here is demonstrated by mistrust of God, disobedience to His commands and complaints about our own situation. But, it does not have to end here!
This is what it looks like when we focus too much on the journey and not on the destination.  We need to change our focus. We need to remember who God is and what He has promised. He did not promise our best life now! He did promise to bring us through the difficulties of life and form in us the image of His Son. It is when we focus on the right things that we are able to walk in true faith.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.  13  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The journey is not about us gaining worldly possessions or accolades. We do not stand on our abilities or successes but on the faithfulness of God! The journey is a success when we realize this and count on Him rather than ourselves or our circumstances. He will bring you through the difficulty, but don’t expect Him to reward you with temporal blessings, expect Him to accomplish His purpose in your life! The journey is easier, more exciting and you will find more joy in it.
Check out the audio from the sermon preached on Sunday, January 1, 2012 for more.

The Journey Begins – SERMON AUDIO
In Christ!
Kevin