I visited Smithville Baptist church the Sunday they hosted Jesus in the Passover. Laura Barron, from Jews For Jesus, presented excellent visuals as she explained what goes on in the Jewish household for Passover and how it relates to what we have in Jesus.
This connection with Laura connected me with Karol Joseph, who is working with Laura on sharing Yeshua with Haredi women. [Strict version of Judaism].
Well, Karol offered a study she wrote: Counting The Omer Journey. This is the 50-day time between Passover and Pentecost, following the Israelites’ journey from Egypt toward the Promised Land. I get each week’s study in my email and print it off.
Karol takes me into the story, encouraging me to identify with the Israelites and how it relates to my own life story.
Exodus 13:17 When Pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them [the Israelites]by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said,”Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt. “
Three weeks into the journey, God has told Moses to have the people double back to encamp near the Red Sea. God said He was going to bring glory, but no one knows how yet.
In Exodus 14, the people went out boldly, buoyed by the miracles God had done to release them. Pharoah hardened his heart and gathered all his choicest military might to go and drag them back into slavery.
Exodus 149 The Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
When the Israelites see this great army, they turn on God and on Moses. Forgetting that God is stronger than the might of Pharaoh, they are sure they will die on the shore.
We all know the great miracle God did. I encourage you to read chapter 14 of Exodus to get into this miracle our Lord orchestrated to show His great glory.
What about us in this era? The enemy is rattling its sabers and the world seems to have gone crazy! Can we trust our monetary system? Our government? Our vote and advocacy make some difference, but ultimately, if God does not do a miracle, all is lost.
Will we be like our ancestors in the wilderness and despair? Will we look to the arm of flesh and worldly comfort? Will we choose to remember the LORD and in Him our confidence place?
We see from their example that we can not lean on ‘Egypt’ and go back to the leeks, onions, and flesh pots. Manna, the food of angels in heaven, is a perfect food. It’s just not as appealing to the senses as what they had in Egypt.
The slave mentality had its advantages because they were used to being told what to do and being provided for. But, complaining and unbelief kept them in the wilderness. How much have we been enslaved by our culture? Our schools, our media? Our outlook on life is a major thing. Our abundance and comfort lull us and can make us forget where these blessings come from.
This study I’m doing makes me wonder how God is going to save us by His mighty right arm this time. How much longer will the enemy rage? How much of it is our part? How much hangs on our faith, our prayers, our actions to walk, in the light and love, of Christ?
Let us recount the great miracles we have read about. Also, ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind the great things He’s done in your own life. It is our obligation to share our testimony and encourage others in faith.