calling, miracles of understanding, blessings of healing, favor on the job, and countless more—daily! But like ancient Israel, even true Chris- tians sometimes forget. Israel soon found themselves trapped between the Red Sea, the mountains, and a rapidly approach- ing army. Exodus 14:10–12 records their fear and their complaints: ...when the Pharaoh drew near the children of Israel lifted their eyes and behold the Egyp - tians marched after them. They were very afraid, and the chil - dren of Israel cried out to the Lord. Then they said to Moses because there were no graves in Egypt. Have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt saying let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians, for it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.
of complaining continued in Exo- dus 15, 16, and 17, despite every-
thing God had done. Avoid the Pattern
Later, in Numbers 14, God brought Israel to the very edge of the Prom- ised Land. Joshua and Caleb urged the people to go forward in faith. But the other spies discouraged them, and the nation wept in fear. In Numbers 14:10: All the congregation lifted up their voices and cried. And the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation, and said to them, if only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness, why has the Lord brought us to this land, to fall by the sword that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt? So they said to one another. Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.
ple down, broadcasting his rotten attitudes—feelings of dissatisfac- tion, frustration, anger, or discour- agement. But God calls us to look to Him, His promises and to set our sights on the future. God’s people, of all people, should be the most hopeful and joyful, looking beyond the trials of this age to the Kingdom that lies ahead. Remain Focused God has not brought us this far to abandon us. He intends to finish the work He has begun with each of us. Philippians 1:6 records a great promise: being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will com - plete it until the day of Jesus Christ; We too should find great encourage - ment in this promise. That is why Paul urges Christians for all time in Philippians 2:14–16: Do all things without com - plaining and disputing… that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God… among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. Hold fast, walk forward in faith and leave Egypt—spiritual Egypt—be- hind forever.
God calls us to look to Him, His promises and to set our sights on the future
Despite all they had witnessed days before, they doubted and accused Moses of bringing them out only to die in the wilderness. Do we ever do the same? When we find ourselves caught between a rock and a hard place—pressed by Satan, society, and our own hu- man nature—do we slip into doubt, grumbling, or fear? Israel’s pattern
Israel forgot the miracles, even the opening of the Red Sea. They were ready to return to slavery. Hard to believe? This demonstrates how easy it is for Satan to influence hu - man nature! Do we ever long for the very things God has delivered us from? Can we fall into forgetfulness of His many miracles? Satan works hard to pull God’s peo-
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