Numbers Chapter 14 verses 4, 7-9:
So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”
…
7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land which flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.”
“Let’s go back to Egypt” – what depressing words to the ears of a believer!
Heading back to a life of sin, bondage, debauchery, enslaved living; that is what it means for a Christian to return to Egypt.
Why would anyone even consider doing that? Comfort, familiarity, the temptation of viewing the old life through rose coloured glasses.
But there is so much more at stake here. What has God said?
God’s promise is for a new land. A land that is “exceedingly good”. A land flowing with milk and honey. A new land of promise.
God wanted the Israelites to trust Him and on the basis of that trust go FORWARDS into this new land of promise. Instead the Israelites, looked for a way out and sought to go back into bondage and slavery.
Why was this? Unbelief. It was unbelief in the promises of God and the goodness of God making those promises that stole away their place of inheritance and instead was wooing them back into a place of bondage; Egypt.
God has “a promised land” for you and I too. It is a place where we dwell in the fullness of the Spirit, unencumbered by bondage to sin and the slavery of “Egypt”. The promised land is full of giants we need to fight. The promised land is unfamiliar, it requires change, it can be unsettling, it requires faith.
But to reject the call to the promised land is not only unbelief, lead to bondage again, but we are told is outright rebellion towards God.
“9 Only do not rebel against the Lord”
The promises of God are not optional extras for special believers. It is your birthright and the place God calls you to. Take the call of God seriously and prepare to inhabit the place He has set aside for you!
PRAYER: Father, forgive my unbelief. When times have not been favourable, forgive me. I ask you to strengthen me with faith to follow your leading into my promised land! In Jesus name, Amen
Recognizing unbelief is vital as it comes in many disguises and seems so logical.
Very true Cerise. Unbelief can come across as so rational, so reasonable, even dare I say it ‘wise’! Of course true wisdom comes from above and is never resistant to God. But it is amazing how things can ‘appear’ to us when we are in unbelief. 🙂
Thanks for your comment!
Good Word!
Thanks LaDell