“BAPTISM IN THE SEA: A FORESHADOWING”

 

There are many lessons to be learned from the Red Sea crossing. While encamped at the Red Sea, Pharaoh again hardened his heart and pursued “with a high hand” (Exod. 14:8). Israel was hemmed in. Jehovah commanded Israel, “Go forward” (Exod. 14:15). Two words, small in content, yet great in power. The greatness was attributed to the source—Jehovah. Moses lifted his rod, stretched out his hand over the sea, parting it, and the Israelites crossed on dry land. When the Egyptians followed, Jehovah received honor upon Pharaoh (Exod. 14:15-18). The results were exactly as Jehovah foretold.

God’s ways are always aligned with His eternal purpose (Heb. 1:1-2). Pharaoh’s rise to power was with purpose (Rom. 9:17). God purposed to baptize both nations, yet God’s purpose for both baptisms differed. Israel humbled their heart and entered in faith (1 Cor. 10:3-4). Egypt hardened their heart and entered in rebellion. When God’s word is despised, “iniquity shall break suddenly” (Isa. 30:13). Their purposes for baptism mattered.

In Rom. 9:21-23 we read about vessels of wrath and of mercy. Both vessels carry out God’s will. Pharaoh prospered for a reason but only for a season. Israel suffered for a reason but for a season. Faith must be exercised in submission, not in rebellion. (2 Peter. 1:5-11). Which vessel will you be in God’s plan?

This story foreshadows the baptism Christ commanded in the gospel. Let us never assume that Christ’s command for baptism is without purpose (Rom. 6:3-5).  Neither Israel nor Egypt was saved before their baptism; only one was baptized in faith and emerged saved. Going forward in faith will always produce the same two results: rejoicing for those whom God saves; and honor for God (read Psalm 66).

“GOING FORWARD”

The scene from Exodus 13-14 is both traumatic and chaotic. The joy because slavery is now behind them is mixed with fear of what lies ahead. They witnessed the justice of Jehovah as judgments were executed on their enemies (Num. 33:3). They left the Egyptians by a strong and mighty arm and are encamped at the sea (Exod. 14:9; Acts 13:17). Seeing Pharaoh and his army again was the last thing they expected. After all, doesn’t freedom mean never having to experience slavery again? Has Jehovah deceived them? They cried out; they blamed Moses and Aaron (Exod. 14:10-12). Their faith quickly went out the window, and with it, their hopes. Not long before, they had believed, obeyed, and worshiped Jehovah (Exod. 12:28). Would it not be better to live in slavery than to die free (Exod. 14:12)?

This rationality continues today. Seemingly lost in their mind was a statement by Moses that identified Jehovah’s purpose for freeing them. “Let my son go, that he may serve me” (Exod. 4:23). This purpose is the same purpose Christ freed us from sin. We were freed to become servants of righteousness (Rom. 6:18). As Pharaoh returned to recapture them, Satan returns “after a season” to reconquer. As the Israelites’ faith wavered, their hope faded, and they cried out, blaming others. Do you? Would you prefer to live in sin rather than die in Christ?

They were told, “Go forward” (Exod. 14:15). The sea lay ahead; slavery lay behind. Which way was forward? (cf. 1 Cor. 10:2). Many Israelites desired slavery in their hearts (Acts 7:39); and followed their heart. You will follow your heart. Do you treasure living in slavery more than dying free? Remember Exod. 4:23. You were born to serve the Lord.  

“SERMON FROM AN OLD COUPLE”

Throughout the years, I have heard many wonderful sermons that I have forgotten, but one sermon I have seen, and it has remained in my heart unto this day. A new, deep snow had fallen during the night. I tried to decide whether I should go to services or stay home and just read my Bible.

I realized that the congregation would miss me, for I was the only song leader they had. I would have to walk half a block to catch the bus to church. I decided to go, but only because I had to lead singing. While riding the bus, I noticed two people trying hard to make their path through the deep snow. They were brother and sister Trollman, a faithful couple who attended every Sunday. Brother Trollman was a man in his eighties who had lost his eyesight. His only guidance was his 78-year-old wife, who was lame in one foot.

Because they could not afford to ride the bus to church, they walked the distance every Lord's Day. Here I was, unwilling to go, forced only by my duty as a song leader, and there, were two elderly people driven by their love for the Lord. I was ashamed of myself and the weak faith and love I had proven for my Lord.

This elderly couple, without their knowledge and without one word, had taught me a greater lesson than ever could be said in words: The only true motive for a Christian to attend services is his strong love for his Maker.

Determine this year, to serve the Lord with purpose of heart (Acts 11:23).

Author Unknown

“FEAR OR HOPE?”

 

The inseparability of hope and faith is clear from Heb. 11:1, “faith is assurance of things hoped for”. As our faith goes, so goes our hope. A steadfast faith ensures a steadfast hope. Faith is nurtured by God’s words.

Moses had to overcome his own weaknesses and fears that the children of Israel would believe or hearken to his words (Exod. 4:1, 10). God told him to speak HIS words to both them and Pharaoh. Whether or not God’s words were believed, God’s words would be fulfilled. Lack of belief by Pharaoh did not invalidate God’s words, to “Let My people go”. They would be freed. That was God’s will, and those words were to be proclaimed.

The gods of Egypt were powerless to prevent this. The miracles confirmed the words of God that the Israelites were ‘chosen’ by God in fulfillment of His oath to Abraham (Gen. 12:2-3). Little by little a distinction was made between the Israelites and the Egyptians as the plagues continued (Exod. 8:23).

God’s words always prove true (Pro. 18:30). As Isaiah would later declare, “For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa. 55:10-11). Those who ‘held fast’ to God’s words were blessed as God had promised Abraham. Fear or hope…which will it be with you? (Heb. 3:14).

“A HARD SINNER”

How would you describe your life in Christ in terms of the difficulty of living apart from sin? Do the words of Paul describe you (“For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” Rom. 7:19)? If so, consider this difficulty as evidence of the depths of sin you once were in. Have you ever heard it said that someone has “lived a hard life”? ‘Hard’ could be understood in two ways. ‘Hard’ could be a result of poor choices. Yet, ‘hard’ could simply refer to difficulties faced by things beyond our control. Hard times present two choices—become responsible, or irresponsible.

Were you a ‘hard’ sinner?  Sin is addictive. Sin enslaves. The apostle Peter wrote, “for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he also brought into bondage.” (2 Peter 2:19). Repentance is ‘hard’. The difficulty one faces in repentance depends upon how ‘hard’ of a sinner you were. Jesus urged us to “count the cost” of discipleship (Luke 14:25-33). 

Forsaking all is ‘hard’. It requires firm commitment and strength of faith. Both are developed from endurance of trials, afflictions, and persecutions. In this way, God will remold and reshape us into “fitness” for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:57-62). 

You are not alone in your struggle. Remember all of Jesus’ apostles vowed they would never deny Jesus, yet they did (Matt. 26:35). Likewise did John Mark (Acts 15:38); and Demas (2 Tim. 4:10). However, the apostles overcame their fears, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ to all the world (Col. 1:23). John Mark repented as did the Corinthians (Col. 4:10; 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 7:11). 

No matter how 'hard' your life as a sinner was, you too can change. Sin is your choice. You have another choice "...as ye presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness unto sanctification. For when ye were servants of sin, ye were free in regard of righteousness. What fruit then had ye at that time in the things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 6:19-23). 

A 'hard' sinner can become 'hard' in another way. It will ensure his hope of eternal life. That is by choosing to trust in the promises of Jesus. What Isaiah wrote of him will be true of you. "For the Lord Jehovah will help me; therefore have I not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." (Isa. 50:7). As the prophet Ezekiel was, through the power of God's Spirit, made stronger than the hardness of the Israelites (Ezek. 3:7-8), so will you, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit conquer Satan's 'wiles' and 'fiery darts' (Eph. 6:11, 16). 

Steadfastness of faith always ensures victory. The beloved apostle of Jesus boldly assured us: "For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith. And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4-5).  

“TRIALS DARK ON EVERY HAND…”

Stephen R. Bradd wrote:

If you never felt pain, how would you know I'm a healer?

If you never experienced difficulty, how would you know I’m a deliverer?

If you never endured a trial, how could you be one who overcomes?

If you never felt sadness, how would you know I’m a comforter?

If you never made a mistake, how would you know I’m forgiving?

If you never were in trouble, how would you know I came to your rescue?

If you never were broken, how would you know I can make you whole?

If you never had a problem, how would you know I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering, how would you know what I went through?

If you never went through the fire, how would you become pure?

If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them?

If I never corrected you, how would you know I love you?

If you had all power, how would you learn to depend on Me?

If your life was perfect, what would you need Me for?

 

Consider the above poem if written from the Lord’s perspective. Rom. 5:3-5 explains how hope is born. Knowing this, God’s children rejoice in their tribulations, whereas the world, being in tribulation, questions not only God’s love, but His very existence. Those who accept the Holy Spirit’s testimony understand how Christ is formed in them (Gal. 4:19); i.e., by tribulation and perseverance (Rom. 5:3-4). Their hope never disappoints, for it is backed by the word of God, sure and stedfast (Heb. 6:18-19). This gives them both reason and strength of will, to endure tribulations. 

“FAITH WITHOUT CONVICTION”

Below is an excerpt from a sermon preached by Benjamin Franklin in 1868. It addresses a much-needed topic: the shallowness of faith.

[Many of the fashionable and educated, in the highest circles of life, who go to and belong to church, could not tell what they believe if it were to save them from perdition. They do not believe anything. They are simply non-believers. A large number go into a church, commit themselves to the church, without ever reading, or hearing read, the creed, and utterly without knowing what is in the creed. It is useless for these to talk about faith, their creed, or any other creed. They know what church they have joined, but know not what is in the creed, or what is the belief of their church. Faith has nothing to do with the action of such people. All creeds are the same to them. They know nothing of what is in any of them. They have started out with the popular idea that ‘there is good and bad in all churches; that all ought to belong to some church, but it is no difference what church, “if the heart is right”. They simply know that they belong to a different church from some of their neighbors, but do not know what the difference is. They are deceived, thinking that they are believers, when they not only believe nothing themselves, but do not know what a man should believe to become a Christian.]

A spiritual inventory is always in season. Spiritual growth doesn’t occur without diligence (2 Peter 1:5-10). 

Do the words of Benjamin Franklin describe you? 

If so, what are your intentions?