As we begin the Spring Holy Day season for 2015, we focus first on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and next on removing sin from our lives.  We talk about the symbols of the Passover and Unleavened bread and how they represent and depict the transformation going on in our lives.  Leavening represents sin and removing leaven from our lives represents removing sin from our lives.  As powerful as this lesson is, we also have the image of coming out of sin.  Just as Israel marched out of Egypt, we are to come out of sin to a different life. 

Both of these approaches to separating ourselves from sin are important if we are going to rid ourselves of sin’s hold on us.  We have to remove sin from around us when we have the opportunity but the lesson of the Exodus is that we have to leave sin and journey to a new destination.  Not one of our own choosing but a destination of God’s choosing.  The imagery of that first Exodus out of Sin is so vivid and helpful to us as we contemplate our own journey out of sin.

Today I am going to talk about that Journey and the pull of the flesh that tries to bring us back from where we came.  A journey that starts with a flawed physical being and leads to a perfected spiritual life with God if we allow Jesus Christ to live in us and if we resist the fear that would see us back in Egypt. 

The title of the sermon today is a question:

Are we still coming out of Egypt?

Ancient Israel had trouble letting go of their past when they were led out of Egypt.  They could not forget the past and focus on the future and hope of the Promised Land. 

We too can struggle in our own personal journey to the Kingdom of God and stop coming out of Egypt.  Each of us should have our hope and faith in Jesus Christ to lead us into that Kingdom.  And just like the ancient Promised Land, the Kingdom is not just a destination but the beginning of a whole new life.  As spirit beings we will bring nothing of our physical bodies with us and none of our physical problems either.  So returning to our old lives benefits us nothing.  But our success depends on our ability to let go of our former self while directing our energy to the new life we are building as we come out of our old life.

The Old Testament Passover was focused on that physical Salvation from Egypt and the passing over of the death Angel to a journey out of their old life to a new one full of promise and hope.  The New Testament Passover is built on those themes but looks forward to a better promised land and an even better life.  But to get to this land we must Pass through the Sea and let our old selves die in the wilderness taking nothing with us as me March toward the kingdom of God.

This journey is not possible on our own.  It is only possible if we submit to God, accept Jesus Christ as our personal savoir and follow Him into the Kingdom.  He is the door to that life.  There is no other path we can take to get us there and He requires that we leave all of this world behind.  In Matthew 11 Jesus talks about this special relationship we need to have with Him if we are going to succeed.

 

Matthew 11:27 - 12:1   27 "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.  28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

 

 

So we see this beautiful imagery of an older Ox helping a younger Ox by being Yoked together.   But this is only possible if we through off our existing yoke because we cannot have both.  This imagery is also helpful to keep in mind when we look at another metaphor Jesus gave of farming and our future in the book of Luke, chapter 9 and starting in verse 57 he talks to one person, then in verse 59 another. 

 

Luke 9:59-62   59 Then He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."  60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God."  61 And another also said, "Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house."  62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

 

Think about that yoke we are to put on to work side by side with our Lord and think about this passage in Luke 9.  How do we begin this work, How do we take us this cross, how do we labor in the fields, being yoked to Jesus Christ and then turn back again to our old life that we came out of; the yoke we cast off to take up the yoke of Christ.  To turn back again means throwing off that Yoke of Jesus Christ and leaving Him.  That is why we would not be fit for the Kingdom of God.

When we are baptized, we go under the water that represents the death of our old life.  When we come up out of the water it represents a new life.  What we leave behind is death and what is in front of us is life.  The same thing can be said of Ancient Israel when they came out of Egypt.  And while our Passover service focuses rightly on Jesus Christ, we do see the footprints of the Exodus in our own journey out of Egypt.

The Night to be much observed is dedicated to that night when the LORD brought His people out of Egypt and out of that life of death to start a new life of promise.  Over the years, I wondered about this tradition that we have participated in for so many decades.  What should we think about during this evening?  What should we talk about?  I understand having a nice meal but what to do to make it special.   Sometimes we meet in homes in small groups, sometimes we meet together and have a wonderful meal but beyond that what should that evening be about?

Lets look at the bible for some inspiration.  Turn over to Exodus 12.  The tradition we follow is based on this one place in our bibles but the themes spoken of here have threads all through scripture.  Exodus 12 and verses 40-42.

 

Exodus 12:40-42   40 Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years.  41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years -- on that very same day -- it came to pass that all the armies of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.  42 It is a night of solemn observance to the LORD for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

 

So, first of all, we see this evening as a fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham 430 years before.  But second, we see that twice the words solemn observance to the LORD is mentioned.  What are we to make of this?  This is the event that begins the path to reconciliation for mankind.

Just as they can never forget that God delivered them from bondage.  We can never forget that we too have been freed from the penalty of death under the Law.  We too should never forget nor forsake this new life we have with the Holy Spirit that allows us to be one with God.

We see the themes of this story woven through the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 10 where Paul is talking about the comparison of New Covenant Christians and the Exodus from Egypt.

 

1 Corinthians 10:1-12  NKJ Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,  2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,  3 all ate the same spiritual food,  4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.  5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.  6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.  7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."  8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;  9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;  10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

 

And we recently went through a whole sermon series on the spiritual lessons we can take from the Exodus to prevent ourselves from falling as we just read in verse 12.

This year, when we met for the night to be much observed we asked everyone to talk about their own stories of their personal journey out of Egypt.It’s good to reflect back one how far we have come and shared that with one another.

What changes have each of us made over time as we began this life with Jesus Christ focused on God and His Kingdom?What Lessons can we share with one another to help them along their way?What about those that grew up in the church?Their experiences are different from those that did not.They too have a path of overcoming but from a different perspective.Each of us can learn from one another and draw strength from one another and this evening is a wonderful venue to facilitate this exchange.It was a great time of sharing and getting to know one another better.

So why is it important to look back on who we were?

What can we learn when we reflect on our former self? Hopefully, we will see a stark contrast when compared to the person we are becoming. When we look at Ancient Israel, whose example we are following, we don’t see that same progress. Just like in our trip out of Egypt, Israel’s Exodus was a journey from one life to another. They left Egypt feeling elated and eager with anticipation but after only a month they started to murmur and some started to want to return.After a number of months and a number of hardships, lots of them wanted to return to that old way of life.Now it might not seem relevant today that many of them turned back but when you look around and see that we no longer have the numbers we once did compared to 30 years ago, we do have a lot in common.All those people gone; but where did they go?

Many of them went back

So many people that started this journey have returned to their old life.Have you ever asked yourself why?Although before the end, you still have to ask yourself why? that many people have given up? I don’t think so.

Once upon a time, we would fill stadiums for Holy Days and the atmosphere was one of joy, not dread.The annual Feast Days are looked forward to so it’s not that.

Is it the and don’t eat?What is it about this way of life that has proven so difficult for so many?Understanding this is critical for our success brethren.

Fear of the Unknown

Ancient Israel definitely had a fear of the unknown.  When they were in slavery they knew what to expect.  Each day was predictable but now, anything could happen.  It seems hard to believe when you look at all of the miracles God performed to show them He was there to protect them.

• God had delivered them from each of the plagues.  The Egyptians suffered but not the Israelites
• God delivered them from slavery.  They were once under harsh rigor, but now they were free
• God delivered them from Pharaoh and his army at the Red Sea.  Their enemy was killed never to be seen or worried about again
• God delivered them from hunger and thirst.
• God never left them.  His Presence was always nearby. 

Even with all of these advantages.  They would panic and want to go back to Egypt where they felt in control.  In this new life, they had to learn to trust that God would protect them and not let fear of the unknown overtake them. 

So can this happen to us?

Is there a chance that we could suffer the same fate as ancient Israel?  Is there cause for concern?  Ask yourself when was the last time you got really worried something bad was going to happen?

Have you ever been delivered from a trial?  Most people can say yes to this one.  You have been healed, you have been blessed with a job, or spared some punishment or penalty.  Has God ever provided a way of escape for you?  There are so many ways that God intervenes in our lives to show us His love and concern for us.

But even though this has happened time and time again, do you ever worry or get stressed out when a new trial comes along.  You immediately worry about the worst possible outcome.  How is that any different than Israel walking through the sea and then fear of dying of thirst a month later? 

 

Matthew 6:26-34  26 "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?  28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;  29 "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 

 

So these are scriptures we know and yet, when new trials arrive, we fear again, just like ancient Israel.  But here too is the recipe for success. Let’s continue on in verse 33

 

33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

 

If our chief concern in life is overcoming this world.  If our biggest wish in life is to enter the Kingdom of God.  If we constantly work on becoming more like God, then what should we fear of trials?  If there is something we lack and a trial is given to teach us then we need to embrace the trial.  If we need to learn humility then let's learn humility, if its compassion, then let's learn to be more compassionate.  If we want the Kingdom of God more than anything then the other lessons we need to learn are simple enough. 

The Exodus was a very long journey  [SHOW MAP]

From the beginning of this message, I have used the term journey to describe our exodus to the Kingdom.  Remember that the first exodus was much longer than any of them dreamed.  The shortest route would be the one called the “Way of the Philistines”  That would have only taken a few days to travel to the Promised land.  But God did not take them that way.  This was before they rebelled against God.  This was right out of the gate.  Turn over to Exodus 13.

Since their journey was an example for those that followed, we can find much to think about when we look at our own exodus out of sin.  It would be great to accept Jesus Christ, and the Kingdom immediately starts.

 

Exodus 13:17-18   17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt."  18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.

 

God knew they would not be ready to enter the Promised Land because they were going to have to stand up to their adversaries without fear and God knew that was going to take some growth.  Likewise, we need growth if we are going to be ready for the Kingdom.  Each of the trials in this life prepares us for the future.  Every lesson is learned in adversity.  Without the long journey, there would be no time to grow.

So what should we thinking about as we make this long journey?

What should we be filling our minds with instead of fatigue?

 

Luke 12:31-43   31 "But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.  32 "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  33 "Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.  34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

Don’t worry about getting lost in the wilderness

Do you ever feel like you are lost in the wilderness?  Does it ever feel like we will never get there?  Don’t despair.  We are being tested to see that our hearts are really in it for the long haul. 

Of course, the parable goes on to say what happens to those who weary of waiting and start getting off track. 

 

 35 " Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning;  36 "and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.  37 "Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.  38 "And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.  39 "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.  40 "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."  41 Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"  42 And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?  43 "Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

 

Another thing that happens when the journey is long is just not having the stamina to keep going.  I have witnessed people leaving because the wait was too long.  Their patience was never long enough to endure to the end.  As long as the end time seemed to be right around the corner these people stayed strong, but when we were clearly in that time where we read the Lord’s return is delayed, then they started to turn back. 

Remember the parable of the Bridesmaids in Matthew 25?

 

Matthew 25:1-6  NKJ "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  2 "Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  3 "Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,  4 "but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  5 "But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.  6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'

 

Think about the analogy here.  This takes place in one evening.  Everyone thought the bridegroom was going to be there at any time.  He shows up at midnight.  In the course of an evening, you really can’t get any later than that.  How long brethren?

How long will we have to wait, how long will we have to journey?  What scripture tells us is He is delayed.  And the reason is for the bride's sake. 

Revelation 19:7-8   7 "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready."  8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

It takes time to make the bride ready.  It takes time to come out of Egypt.  We don’t want to be like Lot’s wife who could not let go of her home as she left all she knew for the unknown only to look back longingly for the past.

What we leave behind

What we leave behind is a dead life.  A life without hope or promise.  What we have in front of us is life and hope and it is full of promise.  But it is also full of the unknown.  It takes trust in God to not worry about tomorrow.  It takes resolve to never want to go back.

We also have to wait until the end of the journey to see the finish line.  And in that time we need to make the most of the time we have to ready ourselves and do the work that is all around us.  We know only that we need to keep on walking and never let ourselves weary or quit.  What we leave behind might seem more familiar than what’s ahead of us but that does not make it good.  So let’s keep looking forward and continue to come out of Egypt.