The Promised Land

   The similarities in the Israelite's journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land and our journey from sinfulness to heaven always amaze me.  The journeys are alike in many ways and it’s interesting to explore those ways.

   I believe that Pharaoh and his armies can be a type of Satan and his army of demons.  The brutal physical slavery of the Jews in Egypt reminds me of our slavery to sin in our own life.  Just as Moses came to free the Israelites from slavery to Pharaoh Jesus came to free us from slavery to Satan and sin.

   As the Israelites left Egypt they had to cross the Red Sea in their escape.  God dried up the sea allowing them to walk across on the dry seabed.  When Pharaoh’s army came to capture them and return them to slavery the Lord closed the waters of the sea over them, destroying them.  The Israelites could then continue their journey to the Promised Land.

   In our escape from slavery to sin, we enter the waters of Baptism and our sins are washed away.  Satan and his demons will try to follow and drag us back into our slavery through their temptations just as Pharaoh’s army pursued the Israelites.  God has provided us a great protector from sin and Satan in the Holy Spirit.  If we place our trust in Him and follow the Spirit’s guidance we will have the strength to turn back Satan’s army.  We can then continue our journey to the homeland God has prepared for us in heaven.

   The Israelites faced many difficulties on their sojourn through the desert.  When they turned from God their trials worsened; when they returned to Him their way was eased.  In our life we too will face many temptations and trials.  If we turn from God Satan will surely capture us and return us to our slavery to sin.  Though we may falter and stumble along the way if we will turn to God He will ease our burdens and give us the strength to throw off Satan and continue our journey to Him.

   As Moses led the Israelites from Egypt across the dry bed of the Red Sea so Joshua led them across the dry bed of the Jordan River to their Promised Land.  Through Baptism we were led to freedom from the slavery to sin.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will continue to lead us on our journey, holding us as we finally cross our Jordan into the land God has promised to those who believe.

   “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24: 14)