Leaving Egypt

Leaving Egypt
June 23, 2014
Exodus 3:10  "'So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.'"

The Isrealites were enslaved in Egypt and it's no secret it was a miserable life.  They were forced into labor and had no way of escape.  For 400 years they lived in the land of Egypt and it became the only life they knew.  They absolutely hated it and they absolutely wanted to leave.  While the situation was completely far from ideal, it was all they'd ever known for generations.  They desperately wanted something new, to get away from the pain and suffering, to be free to live the life God had intended for them to live.  So the Lord said to Moses it was time for him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  It was finally time.

While reading the account, the Lord used the word "now" in reference to the timing of the situation.  The Lord said their misery had reached the Heavens and "NOW" was the time to move them up out of Egypt.  When the Lord says it's time, it's time.  It was time for the Israelites to leave.  And while the Israelites thought it was a good idea, it still wasn't easy.  The exodus from Egypt should have been an exciting time, filled with anticipation and the feeling of freedom.  Instead, it was filled with pain and trepidation.  First there was the requirement from Pharaoh to make bricks without straw.  Then there were the plagues.  Then there was destruction and death.  Then there was the army of Pharaoh chasing them as they left.  Then they had to cross the Red Sea.  Then they had to face the unknown of the desert.  Then there was regret for even leaving.  Then there were the trials of the desert wilderness.

Leaving Egypt was not a perfect situation even though it was the right thing to do.  Leaving Egypt was not an easy task even though the Lord declared "now" was the time.  Leaving Egypt required hard work, trust, and a huge amount of the faith in the Lord (not necessarily in that order).  Leaving Egypt was for the purpose of fulfilling the Lord's calling on their lives even though it wasn't a walk in the park.

You may be facing a similar situation.  It might be time to leave Egypt, but it's harder than it looks.  Leaving Egypt will require hard work, trust, and a huge amount of faith in the Lord.  Leaving Egypt will require boldness and courage, especially in taking that first step.  Leaving Egypt is difficult, especially if you've been there for a long time, even though you know it to be the right decision.  It's time to leave Egypt.

When the Israelites left Egypt it was for the better and looking back on it, they were glad they made the move.  It was completely worth all the heartache in the end.  This next step will require a little extra fortitude, but it will be worth it in the end, especially if the Lord said "now" is the time to leave Egypt.  It's time to leave Egypt.  I know you've been there a while and the road will not be perfectly smooth, but it's time to leave Egypt.

Don't take my word for it; look it up:  Exodus 3 - Exodus 18, Exodus 12:31 - 42