Going Out

The book of Exodus means going out and rightly so when describing the Israelites exit from Egypt. Some four hundred years earlier they entered Egypt as free men and women but now were departing a place that cruelly enslaved them. Later, God brought about a great victory when the Egyptian army was drowned in the Red Sea.

Now Egypt and all it represented was far behind them.

Except for one thing.

There was something that the waters didn't drown and even entering into the Promised Land they still hadn't let go. Joshua said, "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD." (24:14 NIV).

Imagine all the victories and blessings they experienced yet still there was something in their hearts that clung to idolatry!

Some of us are like Rachel who left her father's house and country but stole the household idol (Genesis 31:34). The idol may be a representation of something familiar to touch and handle when living in a new and unfamiliar place.

Think of how many of us were brought out of bondage and slavery only to cling to something - a memory, an imagination or thought - that we revisit when we find ourselves in an unfamiliar place? Or when life becomes stressful and we grow weary of eating the daily manna God provides - and we complain like those circling the wilderness.

That is why greater faith in Christ will always demand grace for the hour we live in so that we don't become faithless. We live in a culture so steeped in idolatry that it has misshapen the reality of Christ. What we see, feel or think is much more real than perceiving the things of God through faith. Recall in Hebrews 11:1 that substance of faith rooted in His promises is not always seen or evident (Hebrews 11:1).

Beloved, we are given this promise that if come out we will go into a relationship with God as our Father. No idol perceived or real can do such a thing. Idolatry will always strengthen bondage never liberate.

Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." (2 Corinthians 2: 6-17-18).