The Daily Word: Saturday, October 23rd, 2021
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Proverbs 26:3-5
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“Then hear now the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah! Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘If you wholly set your faces to enter Egypt, and go to dwell there, then it shall be that the sword which you feared shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt; the famine of which you were afraid shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there you shall die.’” – Jer. 42:15-16
Babylon was coming. Israel was afraid! But God’s instructions were very specific. The people of Israel were to remain in their own land and trust that God would protect them. If they stayed, they would prosper; but if they left, disaster would come upon them.
Why was God so adamant about His people staying out of Egypt? Because He had already delivered them from Egypt! His people had been captive there for 400 years. But as soon as they left, they started wanting to go back.[1] We have an all-too-human tendency to want to return to captivity because it’s familiar. But God wants you free!
If you return to your addiction, an abusive relationship, or a job that is not honoring your dignity after God has already delivered you, He can’t protect you when you go back. Why? Because even though He already delivered you, you are making a personal choice that overrides His will! You will be outside the umbrella of His protective covering by operating in your will instead of under His grace. But if you trust Him, listen to His voice, and follow the leading of His word, everything you do will prosper.
Trust God. He will make another way! But do not go back the way you came. He will protect you where He tells you to go, and cause you to flourish in that place, in Jesus’ name.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for always making a way for me. I refuse to go back the way I came. I will continue the way You are leading and guiding me! I am only secure when I go with You, and that is where I’m staying, in Jesus’ name!
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.
[1] “Then they said to Moses, ‘Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?’” – Ex. 14:11