Exodus-The Cry for Deliverance and the Ark of Salvation

Exodus 1 ended with the defiance of the two Hebrew midwives who refused to kill the Hebrew boys at birth. Pharoah, enraged by their defiance and the continuing strength of the Israelite nation despite his best efforts to subjugate them, ordered that all Hebrew boys should be cast into the Nile river.

During these troublous times, a young woman from the tribe of Levi gave birth to a son. Seeing that he was a handsome child, she hid him three months and when she could no longer hide him, she put him in an ark of bulrushes lined with pitch and left him in the bulrushes along the river. The young boy’s older sister watched protectively over him from afar off to see what would become of her beloved brother. (Ex 2:1-4)

It wasn’t long before Pharoah’s daughter came to bathe along the river Nile and on finding the young child, she had compassion on him. His sister seized the opportunity to ask if she see should find him a nurse and his mother was brought to him. Not knowing that the “nurse” was his own mother, Pharoah’s daughter offered her wages to care for him and he was adopted into the palace as her own son. She called him Moses, which means “to draw out.” (Ex 2:5-10)

During the time of great tribulation among the Israelites, God was working His Plan of deliverance. Just as He did with Noah, He used an “ark” in his plan. It is not coincidental that the little ark was dabbed with pitch, which in the Hebrew language means “atonement.”  You will remember that the Ark in the Genesis flood account was also dabbed with pitch! (Gen 6:14)

God made provision for Moses to be raised in the palace of Pharoah, in the very house of the man who sought to destroy Israel. He received the best international education of the times, as Egypt was the greatest superpower of the time. This education would stand him in good stead when he would be chosen by God to lead Israel out of Egypt.

However, it was not long before Moses was expelled from the palace after showing sympathy to the Israelite nation by killing an Egyptian who strove with an Israelite. He sought refuge by fleeing to the desert of Midian where he settled, marrying a priest’s daughter who gave birth to his first son. (Ex 2:11-22)

Moses did not know it, but God’s Plan was slowly coming to pass. Moses was an educated, intelligent man. Now God sought to teach this future leader humility by making him a shepherd in the desert. God first entrusted him to the keeping of his father-in-law’s flocks before He would entrust to him the keeping of His people, Israel. (Ex 2:23-Ex 3:1)

God heard the cry of the Israelites and raised up a deliverer to lead them out of slavery in Egypt. In like manner, He gave us Jesus Christ to lead us out of the slave-house of sin. The Ark of our salvation is  sealed not with pitch, but with the blood of Christ Himself. Our salvation is sure!

God's Grace in the Old Testament -Part 3

In Gen 15:9-21, God made a covenant with Abram while he slept, signifying that He alone would do everything to bring the covenant to pass. God alone passed between the slain animals, signifying the cost of the covenant. It would cost the life of His Son to ensure that our salvation was sealed.  Just as the pitch  (black tar-like substance) that God instructed Noah  to paint the Ark with prevented the vessel from sinking, so it would be Christ’s blood which would seal our atonement (Gen 6:14). All Abram and his descendants had to do was to bear the sign of the Covenant i.e. circumcision (Gen 17:1, 10-11).

In Gen 15:6, we read that Abram believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. His righteousness was by faith, and good works naturally followed. In fact, Abraham’s faith was so strong that not enough his love for his only son, Isaac, could surpass it! Did you know that Abraham believed God could raise the dead long before the Lord had raised anyone from the dead?

In Gen 22, we read the story of how God commanded Abraham (previously “Abram” until God changed his name) to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, on Mt Moriah. Isaac was the son given to Abraham and Sarah in their old age through the promise of God that Sarah, previously barren, would bear a child. God had promised that through Isaac, he would bless Abraham and make him the father of many nations yet now He asked him to sacrifice his only son! Abraham may have lied and doubted God on many occasions, but this time his faith did not waver. He clung to the Promise God had made to him, even as he walked with his young son to the foot of Mt Moriah. He told his servants in Gen 22: 5 to wait for them, that they would return after worshiping God. Abraham had faith that both he and his son would return home. God would provide the lamb for the sacrifice, and even if He didn’t and Isaac had to die, that God, by His Grace would raise him from the dead just to fufil the Promise that was made and confirmed so many times to Abraham.

We know the rest of the story. God did provide a lamb for Abraham’s sacrifice and Isaac’s life was spared. We see a picture of salvation in this story, salvation by God’s grace alone. Isaac was the son of promise, but he was not the promised Messiah (“seed of the woman”) of whom God spoke of in Gen 3:15. Through Isaac, Abraham would be a father of many nations, but through Jesus Christ would come the provision for every one of those nations to be saved from their sins.

In John 1:29-36, the Baptist upon seeing Christ cried: “Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world!” On Mount Calvary, a Father and a Son fulfilled what was only a picture at Moriah. Jesus carried the wood of the cross up Calvary as Isaac did at Moriah. He was and is the Lamb whom God provided through His Grace,  the Saviour of those who trust in Him. He died the death we deserve, so we could live a life honouring God for His marvelous Grace. (Jn 3:16)

A "Parable" on Law and Grace

The Apostle Paul wrote eloquently in the book of Romans on the theme of Law and Grace, and I think we are all enjoying studying this topic immensely. However, many still find it difficult to understand despite their best efforts and intentions.

I have often found that analogies, hypothetical examples and practical experience are the best ways to understand abstract concepts. Our Lord often spoke in parables, using the simple everyday things of this Earth to illustrate certain aspects or Kingdom principles. And so, here goes my attempt at trying to make this a bit easier to understand. (Rom 6-7, Jude 1:4, Heb 12:4)

The Law of God is like a trapeze artist who has the task of walking a tightrope, a difficult if not impossible task for most of us! Just like the Law is difficult to keep in our own strength, so it is with the trapeze artist who has not put in hours of dedicated practice – raw talent can only take you so far; the rest is dependent on the amount of effort you put in. In the same manner, keeping the Law without the aid of the Holy Spirit working within the recesses of our heart, is an impossible feat for the best of men. We often fall!

Just as the trapeze artist cannot afford to look to the right or the left, so we are encouraged to “meditate on His Law day and night,” for then we will have good success. We cannot afford to cruise through life unintentionally, without thinking of doing our best to keep God’s Royal Law in the strength of His Spirit and with the “mind of Christ.” (1 Cor 2:16, Jos 1:8)

How does grace fit in with the Law? Well, the trapeze artist feels a lot safer while swinging across the heights or walking the tightrope because she knows that if she falls, there is a net beneath that is strong enough to catch her. Secure in this knowledge, she is able to test the limits of her endurance. She hopes she will never need to use the safety net, but she is thankful that it is there when she does fall. In fact, the safety net gives her the mental stability and comfort she needs to soar higher and more gracefully than ever! So it is with us. The “safety net” of God’s Grace is not meant to be spurned or taken lightly. We should not spend most of our time there, but rather we should live in greater consecration and sanctification because we have experienced what it is like to fall and be caught by God’s Grace. Sin should never abound because Grace abounds! We should never give up the battle against sin because we have misinterpreted Grace to be a “comfort zone.”

God’s grace is meant to lead to greater obedience to His Law, because we love Him and desire to please Him. Love springs to obedience, which then springs to greater love! We can do nothing in and of ourselves; it’s faith in the righteousness of Christ that saves us, but on the same token this does not give us license to be indifferent and complacent regarding asking God for victory over our weaknesses and sins and living out our lives as a testimony of His Grace which enables us to soar!

You have not yet “resisted unto blood.” Christ did that for you; don’t take that lightly!

Scripture refs: Romans ch6-ch7, Jude 1:4, Heb 12:4, 1 Cor 2:16

The Finished Work of the Cross

Just before his death on the cross, Jesus uttered three significant words. These are recorded for us in John’s gospel (Jn 19:30) as: “It is finished.” The work of redemption had been completed, and the penalty had been paid. Salvation was freely available from that moment to anyone who would believe in the righteous Son of God.

However, the process was not an easy one. Jesus did not HAVE to leave the glories of Heaven to come to earth to be rejected and reviled by humankind, who He sought only to save. He could have left us to perish in paying the due penalty for our sins, through eternal death. However, He had made up His mind voluntarily that He would save us. He had the power to lay down His life and to take it up again; He chose of His accord to assert this power for our benefit (Jn 10:17-18).

 He could have decided to leave the work of atonement undone at any point in time prior to His crucifixion. At his arrest, He could have summoned ten thousand angels to rescue Him (Matt 26:63). However, our Saviour decided to go all the way for us. Even when His physical strength was all but exhausted, He hung on because He knew that it meant the difference between life and death for us.

In the same manner, we are called to be soldiers of the cross. Our mission is to spread the gospel to all nations preparatory to the return of our Lord in the clouds of glory. Sometimes, we feel that no one notices the work we do and conversions are few. However, we are not to give up in well-doing though we may be weary, for in due time we will receive the reward of a good and faithful servant if we do not lose heart (Gal 6:9).

Those who are involved in the work of teaching and church leadership are called to a higher responsibility and standard

(Jer 23:1-2). They must answer for leading astray those under their care, or for leaving the work concerning them unfinished. We should endeavour to leave no stone unturned in seeking the salvation of the lost, and in helping those privileged to be in His presence to remain there. We should work even harder, considering that there are many false teachers, who like ravenous wolves, disguise themselves as shepherds of the flock of God (Matt 7:15, Acts 20:29). Let not the blood of the uninformed be on our heads, but rather let us be faithful watchmen in warning others of the soon return of our Lord (Ezek 33:6, Ezek 3:20).

Let us finish the work we have been called to do, just as the Saviour’s meat and drink was to do His Father’s will and to finish His work (Jn 4:34). He finished the work He was called to accomplish on our behalf. Let us with like passion, finish the work that we have started! He has promised to be faithful to us in bringing the good work He has started in our lives to a grand completion. It is time for the great church of God to awake from our slumber and to work the works of Him who has commissioned us, for night will soon fall when no man may work (Jn 9:4).

Light up the world for Jesus!

Life is a celebration of our creation, salvation and redemption which Christ has accomplished for us. Life is not supposed to be a meaningless existence. God has given each of us a mission and a purpose which is clearly spelt out for us in Matt 28:20.

We are to go into all the world and preach the good news to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When we are given a task by our superiors at work, we hasten to complete it. Why is it that we cannot seem to employ the same principle in having some enthusiasm for doing the work of our ultimate Master, the Lord Jesus Christ?

God has poured out gifts upon every person in His Kingdom. These are to be employed in the earnest work of God that brings sinners to the Saviour. Some people have not yet discovered their gifts of service because they have chosen not to take a step of faith in trying new things. Every investment that yields a good return contains an inherent amount of risk therein. The best investment you can make in your lifetime is that of investing in the life of someone else. When we go all out for God, He multiplies our efforts. After all, it’s only our job to plant the seed. The Holy Spirit is the one who waters it, working conviction and repentance in the heart of the lost.

Some have gifts that seem greater than others; some people have the ability to preach eloquent sermons while many can only hope that others see the image of Christ in their daily conduct. God’s purpose is not to give you great wealth and riches but rather to impart the eternal riches of His grace and His Word in your life so that you may be a wellspring of life to a world that is thirsting after Him.

From every good relationship come life lessons. God tests us and brings us victorious through many trials to show us just how powerful He is and to give us a testimony. “Every person is born into the Kingdom of God to be a missionary”. You don’t have to go to a far-flung island to tell others about God’s saving grace. Your testimony can make a difference in your local community. No one on this earth has the exact same testimony as you, but someone may steal somebody else’s sermon or revelation.  Your testimony is like your fingerprint, as it stems from your unique relationship with God.

Your life is a living epistle to the world. We are called to be shining lights in a dark and perverse world, reflecting the glory of our eternal Father. I challenge you today: Don’t just exist. Live with meaning and purpose. Drink the cup of life to its dregs. And last but not least, remember that having fun is not a stereotype. Life is not about being part of the “in crowd” or partying away mindlessly as if there is no tomorrow. You can choose to have fun any way you choose, but the best way to have fun is to have fun God’s way-reaching out to the world one soul at a time and being part of Jesus’ plan to restore us to His image. Let’s leave a legacy that continues into eternity! Let’s go out there and light up the world for Jesus! 

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." -Matt 5:14

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."-Matt 5:16

Scripture refs: Matt 28:20; 2Cor 3:2-3; 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 2:15-16; John 4:14;  Prov 11:30; Matt 5:13-16

Jesus DIED so you could live!

Let’s just imagine that you did something wrong and the consequence for that action was to be beaten to within an inch of your life. Suddenly, a stranger (or a family member if it’s a stretch for you to believe a stranger would do this) stands up and randomly volunteers to take your punishment instead so that you would not have to suffer. How would you treat this person after it was all over? How careful would you be not to commit the same act again, knowing that it cost someone else needless pain? How much respect would you have for that person and how much would you pay him before you considered the debt repaid?

Well, while you’re pondering on these thoughts, here are the cold, hard facts. Barabbas, who deserved to die for his crimes, was released and Jesus took his place. What did he do with the second chance afforded him? The Bible is not clear on this, but we must remember that Barabbas represents us; what are we doing with the second chance at life that Jesus has afforded us by his atoning, redeeming death? We think of Barabbas as a vile man who was too easily pardoned because of Pilate’s cowardice and corruption, but who are we? Jesus died for the sins of the whole world! (1 John 2:2) We are not the heroes or the judges in this great conflict between Christ and satan! That title belongs to Christ alone.

If you could respect a person for life because they took some punishment for you that did not result in death, why then do we not respect Jesus Christ our Lord  who gave His sinless life and every last drop of blood in the quest for our redemption and salvation? Why do we trample underfoot and regard lightly the fact He carried a heavy cross up that hill after being scourged to within an inch of His life, had nails rammed through His hands and feet, a spear in His side and only vinegar to drink as He suffered and died in our stead? Why do we regard lightly the fact that He faced eternal separation from His Father so we could be adopted into the family of God?

The very thought of our Lord on the cross should be enough to keep us away from evil habits and practices. Heb 6:6 says that we crucify Jesus afresh and put Him to an open shame when we continue in our sins after having personally experienced knowing God and His grace. Every time we commit the same sin again, we basically say to Jesus,” I am sorry, but Your suffering and death was not enough, and still is not enough to save me. My instant gratification is more important at this point, than Your suffering.” Think about this the next time you are tempted to do something that is contrary to God’s Law. It is a strong motivator to live a life pleasing to God, because it’s the least we can do considering that He has done so much for us.

Scripture readings: Heb 6:6, John 15:13, 1 John 3:16