Come Home for Christmas
Thursday, November 30, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Sometimes it seems like Your plan for our journey home has failed to take into account the strength of our enemies. Today’s Scripture makes it clear that You know all things, and that in Your great plan for bringing Your people home that nothing has been overlooked. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit right now that I may trust You regardless of my circumstance, and that I may not be afraid when it seems that my circumstances will result in pain and difficulty—or worse! Thank You in advance for providing my protection today, and for using me as an instrument of Your Good News. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Word Today
Focus Scripture: Exodus 13:17-18
17When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18So God led them along a route through the wilderness toward the Red Sea, and the Israelites left Egypt like a marching army.
Supplemental Scripture: Exodus 14:10-14
10As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and they cried out to the LORD for help.
11Then they turned against Moses and complained, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? 12Didn’t we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness!”
13But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. 14The LORD himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense!”
Reflecting on God’s Word
When have you been in a situation that seemed as if God had abandoned you? How did He help you through it?
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
According to the supplemental Scripture from Exodus 14:10-14, what was the Israelites’ initial response when they saw the army of Egypt marching toward them? (vs. 10)
What did the Israelites do next? (vss. 11-12)
What was Moses response? (vss. 13-14)
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
According to Exodus 14:10-14 what is God’s purpose for our lives? How did the Israelites fail to see that purpose, and what was their response?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
Sometimes God’s plan for leading us home takes us through trials and difficulties that seem insurmountable. For the Israelites the challenge was the Egyptian army—no small challenge! What do we learn from their response to the challenge? (Remember, sometimes we learn best from negative examples!) What challenges are you going through right now and how does today’s Scripture help You to rely on God to get you through it? List some specific ways below:
Thoughts—The Lord Himself Will Fight For You!
The Israelites faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge—the Egyptian army. They didn’t believe that God would provide a way out, as they journeyed home. First, they panicked. Then they cried out to the Lord for help—GOOD MOVE! But before they gave the Lord time to help they did something quite natural—natural for anyone who doesn’t really believe that God is in control—they turned against Moses. Remember, the Israelites had only been out of Egypt for a matter of hours, and yet they already turned against Moses. Thankfully, Moses had been given the vision of taking the people home. That vision came from God, so Moses didn’t panic, and He didn’t succumb to the murmurings of the people. He reminded them that God was in charge and that God Himself would fight for them. Sometimes in the midst of challenge and difficulty we panic. Sometimes we turn against our leaders—whether that be our parents, or teachers, or pastors. In the end, though, we need to remember that the journey home is not always easy. Sometimes God takes us the long way, and He always leads us through trials. He does that for our good, It may not seem like it at the time, but God’s plan is always best. Let’s remember that – God is fighting for us, so the victory is sure!