Moses began to feel a tug on his heart about helping his fellow Israelites, “Now it came to pass in those days, Moses went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” (Exodus 2:11-12) Israel DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT GOD and NEITHER DID MOSES, he spent the last 40 years being taught by Pharaoh, the god’s of the Egyptians. The Egyptians worshiped thousands of gods, though only about 1,500 of their god’s are known by name.
It was the Egyptians’ belief in their many gods’ very existence that would be challenged by the plagues God would put on them. The fact that their gods could affect NO CHANGE in the course the plagues would demonstrate that they were NONEXISTENT gods and that God is the only One true to His word: “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD.” (Exo. 20:2) “By faith Moses, when he became of age, REFUSED TO BE CALLED the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin…” (Heb. 11:24-25)
So, how are we doing today with our knowledge of God. A new nationwide survey of America’s Christian pastors shows that a majority of pastors LACK a biblical worldview. In fact, just slightly more than a third (37%) possess a BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW, that the Bible has RELEVANCE TODAY. May 12, 2022, Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. Only 6% of U.S. adults—believe the Bible to be accurate and reliable, among other convictions. Institute for Family Studies 2022.
Jesus taught us that at the end, “…when you see ALL THESE THINGS (wars and rumors of wars, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes…), know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, THIS GENERATION will by no means pass away till ALL THESE THINGS take place.” (Matthew 24:33-34) How long is a generation? Moses, who wrote the 90th Psalm said, “The days of our lives are SEVENTY years; And if by reason of strength they are EIGHTY years…” as we know Israel became a nation, for the second time, on May 14th 1948. As was foretold, “For behold, in those days and at that time, When I (this is the Lord talking) BRING BACK the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of MY PEOPLE, MY HERITAGE ISRAEL, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also DIVIDED UP MY LAND.” (Joel 3:1-2)
No matter how naïve we may be or how bad we just want to stay here, it has been 74 years since Joel’s prophecy has been fulfilled. When Jesus said “ALL THESE THINGS” He means all the way THROUGH the great tribulation HERE and the Marriage Supper UP THERE! So, lift up your heads, “your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham