As I was reading Exodus 19 and 20 aloud to my kids a few days ago, I realized that these chapters sum up what New Year’s means to me. I’ve tried to explain to my family why I love this holiday so much, but have apparently missed the mark, because all I receive in return are blank stares. God’s Word explains it so much better, so let me stick with that. I must back up to preceding chapters to fully explain what God has been laying on my heart.
In chapter 12, God has revealed to the Israelites that He is about to free them from the hands of the Egyptians. They have just witnessed the power of God through nine plagues He has sent on the Egyptians, and now they are soon to witness the final plague. When those who have placed the blood on the doorposts have been passed over and the signal is given, they are to flee the land of Egypt.
I can just imagine the fear the Israelites must have faced, knowing all the times Pharaoh had changed his mind about letting them leave in the past. But they had just seen many miracles and their own firstborn sons spared, so they obeyed God, knowing good times were ahead. After all, there was the Promised Land waiting, to which the Lord vowed to take them. This was a new beginning. In fact, God told Moses and Aaron, “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year” (Exodus 12:2). Expectations must have soared.
As soon as the Israelites left the country of their bondage, however, the Egyptians were hot on their heels. “They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you, “Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians”? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!'” (Exodus 14:11-12) In their panic, the Israelites believed they could have orchestrated this whole thing better than God and were ready to turn back to their old way of life. God, in all His wisdom, placed them in a situation that didn’t allow for that. In fact, Exodus 13:17-18 specifically says God could have taken them a shorter route but that they would have had to face war and would have turned back. He states that the Israelites were not ready to be in a position to choose difficulty yet.
I am so awed by the intentionality and wisdom of God. The difficulties in our lives serve a very great purpose, though we cannot see or understand it. Exodus 14:4 states the purpose of the Red Sea. God said, “But I will gain glory for Myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” Ultimately, every event is to bring people to a knowledge of Himself. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 This act of power was to strengthen the faith of the Israelites while also showing other nations that He is the one, true God.
Sure enough, the Lord kept His promise, parting the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk through, while causing the waters to crash down over the Egyptians, killing every single one of them. (It feels weird to glide over this part of Scripture in one sentence, but I trust we are all awed by this miracle nonetheless.) Exodus 15 is a chapter filled with the praise and songs offered to God by His people. What a grand day! Surely, the worst was behind them. Now time for the Promised Land! But you know what chapter 15 also includes? Another difficulty. Immediately following this, they walked for three days unable to find water. When they finally found water, it was bitter. The people fussed, Moses cried to the Lord, and the Lord made the water sweet.
This story of the highs and lows of the Israelites goes on and on, but I’m left with realizing how much I follow this pattern in my own life. (In fact, see past blogs. This is a recurring issue in my life.) My expectations are for me to have generally easy days, free from hardships. But why do I even have expectations? This life has been given me from God. If not for Him, my very life would not exist. God even warns us to expect difficulties. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) This year of 2020- this new decade- might just be harder than 2019. And yet, I welcome it! I know the God who has purposed all things for my good and His glory, and I trust He will accomplish nothing less. I will try to follow Him as I look toward Heaven, knowing that is my Promised Land, and I will arrive in His perfect timing.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Dear Father, please make me aware of expectations I have for my life, allowing me to surrender every area to You. Show me how these things are affecting my emotions, behaviors, and daily choices. May I give up those rights that I believe I should have to be completely used by You for Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.