Leaving the Treasures of Egypt (Part 2 of 3)

“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26 (NIV)

When the Israelites came out of Egypt, they were always complaining. But, in their complaining, they discussed with fondness their memories of Egypt. They wanted to go back.  Let’s take an example from the Bible:

Numbers 11:4-6

“The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, ‘If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!’”

They craved the things of Egypt, even though this was the place of their bondage. What does this show us? They came out of Egypt, but Egypt did not come out of them. Jesus said, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matthew 12:34b). Their hearts were full of yearning for Egypt, even after the great miracles they witnessed: the 10 plagues, the Red Sea parting, Manna falling from Heaven, and water coming from the rock.

In church, you see and will see miracles. God has done miracles for you, even in the small things. In light of these things, what is the content of your discussion? This is something we must all consider.

In Hebrew, Moses name means, “to draw out”. This is because they drew Moses out of the water in Exodus 2. It is interesting how God works through names. Moses was the one God chose to “draw out” Israel out from Egypt. The attitude of Moses is to draw Egypt out of us.

God drew the desire for Egypt out of Moses’ heart. This was God’s desire for the Israelites the entire time he led them out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land.  Over and over again, God desired that their hearts be turned over to him.

Deuteronomy 5:29

“Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!”

In examining your heart during this time of the year, consider your speech. It is a reflection of what we value most. God has always desired that His Word flow from our mouths. The things of God should dominate our conversation.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

We will finish this three part series next time by looking at how we get Egypt out of us.