Main verse: 2:16-3:20

Good morning!

            When Israel left Egypt, the Lord showed Israel His power and authority by credible signs and wonders (Psalms 106:21-22). Unfortunately, not every Israelite wanted to leave Egypt especially if he held a position of power over his peers which, I believe led to revolts and continual complaints (Exodus 14:10-11). When the first generation of Israelites refused to enter Canaan forty years earlier, the Lord would have destroyed Israel if Moses had not interceded. Instead, the Lord commanded Moses to lead the people in circles until the first generation passed away in the wilderness (Numbers 14:20-38). Because the new generation had not witnessed Israel’s journey from Egypt, Moses spent consider amount of time outlining the Lord’s commands (verse). Moses spent the remaining days of his life teaching Israel what “Thus says the Lord” and how important obedience and faithfulness would be.

            Israel was starting over with a blank slate, new leaders, new obstacles, and unfamiliar problems. While Israel’s rebirth was Good News, it would seem inconceivable that the Lord would destroy the nation and start a new nation after all, the previous nation witnessed all of the miracles and wonders, the destruction of Pharoah’s armies, the design and building of the Wilderness Temple. You must understand, the Lord God of the Universe is not concerned about items nor time; what He is concerned about you and me just as He was concerned for Israel (Exodus 19:3-7 and Hebrews 12:1-2). As we prepare to usher in a New Year in the next two weeks, I would like you to consider all that has happened to you in the past twelve calendar months, unrealized goals, pains, and sorrows; maybe, you have lost a loved one this year leaving a void in your life or maybe you watched as your dreams were crushed? Whatever the case, the Good News is, the Lord is still in the business of honoring promises (Malachai 3:6). I highly encourage you today to spend the next two weeks praying and seeking the Lord’s face for the New Year.

I.H.S.

MK