Not Too Far

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

The counting of Pharaoh’s compromises is slightly askew because remember his ‘first’ compromise was really no compromise at all – I will not even consider it. His ‘second’ compromise then becomes only his first real compromise... be Hebrew, but stay in the land – be Christian, but stay in the world.

Now we come to the third, or oddly it is the second-half of the first real compromise. It follows during a continuation of the plague of flies. Remember also that God specifically desired a people who were holy and set apart from all other nations. Pharaoh contested the complete separation of the Hebrews to the bitter end.

Exodus 8:26-28 (NIV) But Moses said, “That [i.e., to stay in the land] would not be right. The sacrifices we offer the LORD our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, will they not stone us? We must take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, as he commands us.” Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far.”

At first glance, for the Hebrews being allowed to finally go into the wilderness sounds like a fair compromise, but is it? No! It is attached to a very long chain... you must not go very far. And after all, a chain is a chain no matter how long it is!

How might this translate to modern-day temptations for Christians. Today’s world offers a chain of guilty feelings to Christians – you will be conspicuous if you overdo your religion. The message to Christians is to avoid dogmatic or extreme positions of faith – give a little, take a little. There is no need to let Christianity spoil your life! The false admonitions of the world ask, ‘How will you attract them if you don’t live like them?’ ‘Can’t we all just get along?’ ‘We don’t want to offend anyone.’ ‘Let’s not get too carried away; let’s not go too far.’

Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Almighty and Gracious God,

Forgive our lukewarmness. Forgive our desire to ‘blend in’ with the world, to not ‘go too far’. You have called us to be living examples of faithful witnesses for Christ. Strengthen our courage and boldness to speak the gospel message.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Not Too Far appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.