Monday, January 14, 2008

Into the sea

(1) Crossing the Red Sea, was quite a moment, for the people of God.

"The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left" (Exodus 14:22).

Have you entered "the sea", the chaos, the impossible place to be?
Do you have faith? Do you trust God? Are you led by His Word, and Spirit?

Those who are called, and are resolved to follow the Lord, and to find in him, saving grace, know that the only place to be, is "into the sea", when this is the will of the Lord. His will is to reveal his saving power, to the nations - that all might put their trust in him.

To die, to enter "the sea", is a once only event for us all.
Facing death, as a person, who has already trusted the Lord, is a good place to be.
It is dry land. It is secure. It is leading into the promised land.

Baptism, rightly understood is the entry into 'the sea'. Baptism, is at once the funeral day, and the day of salvation.
Enter the waters of death, with in, and by the work of Christ, and you will know the security of venturing forth, on dry land.

"All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea" (1 Corinthians 10:2).

(2) Living beyond the Red Sea is also quite 'a moment'; a calling - a holy calling, and a place of grace, and of judgments, within the salvation which has come. For, the new life comes with warnings, not to become idolaters - do 'not put Christ to the test'. 23,000 Israelites fell in a single day, for their sexual immorality. God was not pleased with most of them. "Dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.I speak as to sensible people. Judge for yourselves what I say" (1 Corinthians 10:15)

Much is to be learned from Israel, and her failings. Much. Cheers!

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