Today’s Daily Bread ~ Unchartered Territory

Exodus 3:10 – “Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh.  You will lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

I didn’t say it would be easy.  I said, “GO!”

Words whispered to me this morning by the Holy Spirit, as I thought about some of the adjustments Mike and I are making in our new, single income life.  Instead of plucking items off store shelves without glancing at the price tag, I’m coupon clipping and bargain shopping.  Instead of racing to the movies on opening weekend, we’re waiting for them to hit the dollar theatre (with the exception of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never – I’d been cooped up with the kids for days and mama needed a break).  Instead of McDonalds once or twice a week, the kids and I are having picnics at the park, or in our living room.  We’re carefully weighing our luxuries, and in many cases forgoing them to save for emergencies.

I am learning that blessings follow sacrifice.

I spent nearly ten years with the Dorsey Gang on 96.3 KSCS.  The money was certainly a blessing.  The hours were a tremendous sacrifice.  As mothers, we sacrifice during pregnancy for the blessing of a healthy baby.  As parents, we sacrifice many of our wants to meet the demanding needs of our children.  Moses sacrificed comfort and security to lead his people out of Egypt.  Jesus sacrificed His life that we might find ours in Him.  Blessings follow sacrifice.

The Bible I use for study is the New Living Translation.  The most popular is the New International version.  Both of those translate Exodus 3:10 with a command to “go.”  Most scholars agree that the English Standard Version and the New American Standard Bible are the most accurate, word for word translations.  They phrase God’s command this way: “Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” 

There are three things about this passage that fill me with absolute confidence and joy.  The first is the Hebrew word for come now.  Halak (haw-lak’) also means to accompany, to follow, follows and following.  It insinuates growth, or to grow steadily.  As I read these words, I can feel the Presence of the Holy Spirit, and I’m comforted by the knowledge of this: God does not send us off alone.  He beckons us to follow, and when we do, spiritual growth is guaranteed.

The word for will send is shalach (shaw-lakh’).  This is also translated to bring or accompany.  God was merely inviting Moses along as an active participant.  Moses’ role was to obey.  The fight would be fought by YAHWEH Himself.

The word that ministers to me the most in this passage is yatsa  (yaw-tsaw’) – translated to “so that you may bring.”  This is so packed with meaning: in many instances it’s used in the past tense – as though God is saying, “This battle is already won, my child.  Now let’s go make it official.”  However, it also indicates effort; break, escape, escaped, extract, exported, flee or flew away, pursuit, spring out.

God is always seeking to strengthen and sharpen us.  The more time I spend with Him, the more I follow Him, the more I realize that He is far more interested in my eternal salvation and the salvation of His people than my immediate comfort.  He will surely call me and Mike to sacrifice a second salary and the security that come with it if it benefits my marriage and my children.  He will surely ask us to let go of luxuries to further His Kingdom.  He will nudge us to strike up conversations with others in order to witness to His glory.  The Creator of the Universe is a demanding coach – He is not looking for fans and spectators, He’s looking for players.  He does not allow His team to stay in their comfort zone.  But consider this – a football team that never pushes itself will never feel the weight of a Super Bowl ring.  A runner that steadily jogs without speeding up will never win a race.  A Christian who ignores the whisper of the Holy Spirit will miss the adventure, the thrill of sharing the Good News, and the countless blessings that follow obedience.

God has called us into unchartered territory.  He has called and is continuing to call us to make sacrifices. But the blessings that follow are immeasurable.  My marriage has never been stronger.  In taking on the responsibility of providing for the family, Mike has grown exponentially in his faith, his confidence and his strength.  I watch God work through him every day.   He and I feel the Presence of the Holy Spirit all around us.  Nothing compares to the thrill of watching God come through over and over again.  What if Moses had said no to God?  He would’ve stayed in a pasture, tending someone else’s sheep, while someone else parted the Red Sea, called down manna from Heaven, and met God on the mountain.

Is God beckoning you? 

Dear Heavenly Father, we love You so much.  Thank You for speaking to us through Your Word, through Your Holy Spirit, and through others.  We ask that You would make Your will clear to us.  You do not call all of us to sacrifice the same way, and you are certainly not calling all families to go to one salary.  However, we do know that You are calling each of us to a greater purpose and a deeper relationship with You.  As the Psalmist wrote: “You will show me the path of life.  In Your Presence is fullness of joy.  At Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”  Lead us down that path, Lord.  We want to know the fullness of joy!  Give us the strength and courage to follow to You.  Forgive us for our doubt and unbelief.  Multiply our faith exponentially.  Bless us to be a blessing to others.  Help us to hear the whispers of the Holy Spirit.  Convict us when we ignore them or try to justify going our own way.  Give us compassionate, generous hearts that are quick to forgive.  We thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, and the work on the cross that allows us to boldly and confidently approach Your throne.  It is in the beautiful name of Jesus that we pray.  Amen.