THE FORGOTTEN GOD

Memorial Drive 9/18/16 EXODUS: A Kind Leading Exodus 13:17 – 14:31 Intro – AS GOD LEADS HIS PEOPLE OUT … … HE LEADS HIS PEOPLE WITH CARE • His Care Is Demonstrated In His Awareness of Their Strengths, Fears, and Frailties “Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” (Ex. 13:17) Isaiah prophesied of Christ’s coming ministry: “… a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench …” (Isa. 42:3) Note the context of Matthew’s declaration of this truth (Matthew 12) I desire mercy … (Matthew 12:7) How much more value is a man than a sheep … (Matthew 12:12) Our Lord is fully aware of the condition of those He leads. As the “good shepherd” He knows the condition of every member of His flock. Therefore He knows when a “reed” is bruised and at its breaking point. He clearly understands when our “fire” is nearly extinguished and responds accordingly so that our circumstances need not “quench” the flame of our lives IF we but take advantage of His power and presence. If we are facing a life challenge, it has been approved BY God FOR us WHERE WE ARE in terms of our level of spiritual maturity and taking into account our weaknesses and fears. “As Pharaoh drew near (in pursuit) the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord.” (14:10) He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able … (I Cor. 10:13) We face no circumstance that God has not approved for our lives! • His Care Is Demonstrated In Revealing Enough of Himself To Inspire Confidence “Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt.” (Ex. 13:18) They leave not as those frantically escaping but rather in trusting and therefore confident movement! They were “going out boldly” … (Exodus 14:8) God has been willing to show Himself to them enough to instill trust in Him and therefore confidence in their going out! • His Care Is Demonstrated In Giving Israel A Powerful Example of Trust “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, ‘God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.’” (Ex. 13:19) God WILL complete what He has promised and Joseph’s confidence is based not upon how faithful ISRAEL is but how faithful GOD is! “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.” (Heb. 11:22) Tucking great stories of faith away in your mind will serve you well on your journey! • His Care Is Demonstrated In His Presence “The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” (Ex. 13:21-22) Did Israel have a “faith advantage? Christ promised His disciples that He would in fact be not only WITH but IN them! God often manifest His presence in smoke and fire in O.T. days On the Day of Pentecost (Coming of the Spirit) God’s presence is individually manifest with “tongues of fire” resting upon every single follower of Jesus Christ! What God has redeemed He owns! What God has redeemed He now indwells! God always leads His people, then and now, with care! • Being sensitive to our maturity level and our fears and frailties • Revealing enough of Himself to inspire confidence in His faithfulness • Leaving us powerful examples of others who have found Him faithful • Giving us evident examples of His presence in every circumstance Next: God also leads us with intentionality!