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Compromise (continued) 12/17/00 Past/Future Articles |
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Compromise (continued) 12/17/00 Past/Future Articles |
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Last time we wrote about one of Pharaoh's compromises. It was the second proposal made by the Egyptian leader during the plagues God was sending on Egypt. Pharaoh told Moses to go sacrifice to your God, "JUST DON'T GO FAR." Now let us consider the first compromise. In Exodus 8:25 Pharaoh told Moses and Aaron to go sacrifice to your God, "IN THE LAND." This proposal is very similar to the second consideration offered by the ruler.
What conclusions can we draw from this compromise? Pharaoh was becoming increasingly concerned because of the might the Israelites were gaining. They were growing in number and strength and the ruler feared for his throne lest God's people should overpower him, therefore he sought ways to weaken them. Pharaoh was willing to let them worship their God with sacrifice, but let it be on his terms. He knew he would have more power over them if they stayed in the land.
In Egypt they were surrounded by the idolatry of the Egyptians. What influence would this evil have on God's people? Pharaoh realized the affect it would have in destroying their faith in God. It is generally thought that God moved Abraham out of his native land to get him away from the idolatrous influence of the people around him. Many seem to be in oblivion to these evil influences today as we not only allow our children to dabble in the world, but we who are supposed to be the example, rooted and grounded in the faith, sometimes accept much of the world's practices in our lives. What example are we for God? Are we a peculiar people as God wants us to be? (Titus 2:14). Will we be able to draw the world to Christ when they can not tell us from themselves?
Yes, Pharaoh knew exactly what he was offering when he told Moses to sacrifice to your God, "JUST STAY IN THE LAND." We must separate ourselves from the world. We are commanded to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, shun the very appearance of evil, flee youthful lust, etc... Many want to go as close to the cliff as possible without falling over, NOT SO!! We are to distance our lives from sin. Live for God, keep your space lest at anytime we should slip and be drawn into the snares and deceptive ways of Satan. Always remember we CAN NOT COMPROMISE with the devil for he will win every time.
(to be continued)
Walter Bishop, Elder