Obedience is the Difference.

Obedience is the Difference. Exodus 12:35-41.

The death angel had come upon the land of Egypt and all who did not obey the message from God had their first born children die. Crying was heard throughout the land and the Pharaoh and most Egyptians wanted the Hebrew slaves gone.

The difference between the grieving and those leaving Egypt was obedience to God. Did you know that obeying God’s word and listening to the still small voice of the Lord can change your future?

Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.  Exodus 12:35-36(NKJV)

Even though they had no advantage in Egypt, the Hebrew slaves left Egypt with great riches. The silver and gold they obtained cut deep into the Egyptian economy; the word used in our text, “plundered,” means to strip away.

The Egyptians were ready to give up anything to have the Children of Israel leave their country. So they gave their most precious possession and sent them on their way.

We also are told that God granted the Hebrews favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. Is it not a wonderful find to see that God can change the intentions of those who oppose us?

At work, you can have the most terrible boss and God can change the bosses mind to grant you favor. Almost every situation that could occur, God can provide help to His own people. In this we should take counsel and build our faith as we watch God work miracles

Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds—a great deal of livestock.  And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they had brought out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared provisions for themselves.  Exodus 12:37-39(NKJV)

Traveling from Pharaohs treasure city of Rameses the Israelites were joined by many Egyptians who were fleeing their own country. Some feared staying behind and others believed that the Hebrews worshiped the true God and they wanted God to be their God.

The trail was long and hundreds of thousands of people and animals set out on foot stretching for miles.

Succoth was over 20 miles away and the journey would take them several days. It must have been an amazing picture to see so many traveling out of the city Ramses, over hills, and ascending from the plains of the Nile delta to the city of Succoth.

The Hebrew was a very rugged person all their hard work as slaves readied them for this trip and more. It was easy to walk away, when you are used to carrying heavy bricks and totting heavy loads. Here again, God turned the hardship they faced into opportunity for them.

Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years.  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. Exodus 12:40-41(NKJV)

Four hundred thirty years to the day; God kept His promise to Abraham. God is faithful and nothing will stop God’s plans from fulfillment. Even the devil himself cannot stop the plan of God for this world.

All God says will happen, will happen. The Children of Israel left on the very day they God intended.

The scriptures are full of time stamps. A studious person will see that God is never late and always caring for His people. The prophet Daniel was given a prophesy of when the Messiah, Jesus, would ride into Jerusalem and Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that very day.

All the scripture prophesies have come true, when they were supposed to. This leaves us to conclude that not a single prophesy will be left unfulfilled. Therefore, let us be faithful to the observance of God’s commands in the scriptures and be those who faithful follow Him out of the bondage of sin.

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. Exodus 12:42(NKJV)

This night, that began the journey out of Egypt, was a very special night for God and well it should be for every Jewish person. It is a story of God’s faithfulness and God’s ability to deliver on time, every time.

Yet the key is the reference God uses to explain who He wants to be in our lives. He wants to be our Lord. No longer do we serve the Pharaoh as Lord, but we serve the Lord, our God.

We do what God says to do and live life according to God’s plans, God’s timing, and God’s way. Obedience is the difference that makes us God’s people and as seen here not only Hebrews are God’s people, but those who join themselves to them are too, God’s people. May the Lord be praised forever.