Day: July 17, 2013

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10 KJV).

Israel must stand still and do nothing in order to see her God work mightily on her behalf!

The Jews spent centuries in Egypt as slaves, so Egypt is known as “the house of bondage” in Scripture (Exodus 13:3,14; Exodus 20:2; Deuteronomy 5:6; Deuteronomy 6:12; Deuteronomy 8:14; Deuteronomy 13:5,10; Joshua 24:17; Judges 6:8). Nevertheless, God redeemed Israel through the Red Sea experience: He rescued her from great misery, He defeated her enemies, He gave her unspeakable joy, and He offered her the Promised Land to dwell in forever.

Now that the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea, they were dead to that old life of slavery. They now had a new life—a life of freedom! They now had a new identity—the nation of JEHOVAH! They now had a new land—the land of Palestine! In that land, they now could serve JEHOVAH, the God who had been so faithful in rescuing them. Unfortunately, Israel never made it to the point of fully enjoying JEHOVAH or His blessings and salvation for them. As with Adam, their sin spoiled the paradise God offered them. They fell into sin, and Satan captured God’s nation, Israel, thereby again thwarting God’s program for the earth.

As with the Red Sea experience, Israel is helpless (spiritually dead in her trespasses and sins). She needs the power of God Himself to be rescued from her sin. JEHOVAH must give her new (eternal) life in order for her to be equipped to serve Him forever in her earthly kingdom (the context of today’s Scripture). Israel’s sins must be dealt with, and JEHOVAH will do just that.

In type, Israel’s redemption at the Red Sea is a beautiful illustration of how God will deliver Israel from the dominion of sin and satanic captivity. Just as Israel was unable to deliver herself from Egyptian bondage, but had to rely on the LORD, so again she will have to depend on JEHOVAH to rescue her from her sin and satanic bondage….

NOTE: If you’re interested in “attending” a grace Bible conference via internet, the Grace School of the Bible Family Summer Bible Conference is underway through Thursday, July 18. You can find all the details (times, topics, and preachers) at www.graceimpact.org.