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BARE ROOTS |
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Vol. 8, No. 2 Bible Real Estate: Egypt, Water, Wilderness |
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In about 1710 B.C. the Israelites, the sons and daughters of Abraham, moved to EGYPT to escape a famine in Canaan (Genesis 46-47). During the 430 years they stayed in Egypt (Exodus 12:40), Israel grew into a large nation -- so large that the Pharaohs killed the male children and enslaved the people to keep them under control (Exodus 1). When the Israelites prayed for deliverance, the Lord blasted Egypt with ten terrible plagues until Pharaoh agreed to let God's people go (Exodus 2-12). Then the Lord led Israel out of Egypt and through the WATERS of the Red Sea (Exodus 13-15). The glorious presence of God was with them, guiding them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). God led the Israelites into the WILDERNESS where, for 40 years, He tested whether they would "worship the LORD your God and serve Him only" (Deuteronomy 6:13; 8:2). He hoped that Israel would become "a light for the Gentiles" (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6), a "holy people" through whom He could reach out to the nations (Deuteronomy 28:9-10). But Israel failed the test. They disobeyed God and turned to idols (Exodus 32 and Numbers 14). As a result, that whole generation perished in the wilderness without reaching the promised land of Canaan (Numbers 32:13; Joshua 5:6). In 5 or 6 B.C. another Israelite, a "son of Abraham," was born in Bethlehem of Judea (Matthew 1:1; 2:1). When King Herod began killing male children, Mary and Joseph took the baby and fled to EGYPT (Matthew 2:13-16). When the child grew up, he was baptized by John in the WATERS of the Jordan River. The Spirit of the Lord descended on him publicly, so that the presence of God remained with him and in him (Matthew 3:13-16; compare 1:20). The Spirit then led this Israelite into the WILDERNESS, where he was tested for 40 days. But, unlike his forefathers, this Israelite passed the test. He refused to bow before false gods, insisting that everyone should "worship the Lord your God and serve Him only" (compare his words in Matthew 4:1-11 with God's words in Deuteronomy 6:13-16; 8:2-3). As a result, this Israelite became everything God hoped Israel would be as a nation. He became "a light for the Gentiles" -- "the Light of the World" who shows his people "the Way" to the Promised Land (Luke 2:32; John 9:5; 14:6). Of this Israelite God said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17, NIV).
... for Today EGYPT -- WATER -- WILDERNESS. The analogy holds true not just for Israel and the Christ, but also for us. Our story follows the same route. As Israel suffered in Egypt, isolated from God's plan and land, so we too know the futility and despair of slavery to sin (Romans 6). Our EGYPT is not geographical, but we are no less enslaved. However, God has brought us out of slavery and into a new life of freedom. As he "baptized" Israel in the Red Sea, so have we passed through the WATERS of baptism (1 Corinthians 10). We share that same liberation experience and hope. Then our journey inevitably includes the WILDERNESS, a time of testing on our way to the Promised Land (Hebrews 3-4). The wilderness clarifies the content of our faith and defines its depth. The wilderness prepares us for eternal Promised Land living. Meanwhile, will we serve the Lord and worship Him only? Will we follow His leading, or "put out the Spirit's fire" (1 Thessalonians 5:19)? Will we be a "holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9) and "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16), or will we leave others in darkness? Will we become everything God hoped Israel would become, and saw His Son become? Discuss...
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Chris Davis, PhD & David Timms, PhD Bare Roots is a regular publication, free of
charge, intended for small group discussion or | ||