For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Exo 14:3--5, 8-9, 13-14)
GOD knows the hearts of all men, and knew that Pharaoh would never leave off pursuing the Israelites unless he was overcome and no longer had the opportunity. GOD sent the Israelites to a particular place that Pharaoh would follow thinking he had them trapped. Though the people feared, and their hearts grew faint, GOD has a plan, and will save His people, but in His time and for His glory.
Many times we see terror, or destruction, ruin or calamity around us, and wonder where GOD is, but He has not moved, and is still on the Throne, in control of all things. Though many evil things in this world are a result of our sIn, and the fact that this world is broken and already judged, GOD either directs or allows these things to happen. Even when we ask why, we don't always know the answer. But GOD is glorified in all things.
Everything is allowed or directed to bring lost people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, or so GOD's people can grow in grace. Like a master artist, He uses events in our lives to shape us into what He wants us to be, and what He wants us to do for Him.
Along the way, His people are to minister to the hurting and those in need as He gives the increase. We are called to disciple one another in love and in the Word that we may be conformed to the image of His dear Son. We are commanded to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all we encounter. We are commissioned to, as we go, tell all who will hear the Gospel that they might believe, and believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. Just as He provided for Israel even in their worst hour, He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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