27/08/2017 - LEAVE NOTHING BEHIND

• 
• 
• 
• 

So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. Genesis 46:6

At Beersheba, Jacob offered up sacrifices to the God of Isaac, his father. The Lord had not yet revealed his name to anyone.  There, He spoke to Jacob in visions and dreams and called him twice by his name.  On answering that he was there, the Lord spoke to the patriarch, and showed Jacob he need not fear going down to Egypt, as God would make a great nation of him.  So Jacob left with all his descendants to the land of the Pharaoh in faith that he would not be abandoned by Him.

His sons took him, as well as their women and children in the wagons that had been sent by the Egyptian government.  A radical move was beginning to take place in their lives.  Although they were a small group of a few dozen people they would soon multiply and grow to where the Egyptians would be afraid of them.  With the death of the Pharaoh who had received them well, the Hebrews were now turned into slaves and suffered greatly.

As the years went by, the faith that Abraham had in God was no longer practiced by his descendants. Now the devil could oppress them and the wonders and miracles that the Almighty had practiced in favor of their patriarch – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – were practically left aside. Consequently the Hebrews fell into the hands of the ruler Egypt who did not remember the good that Joseph had done to his ancestor, when he interpreted his dreams.

Israel’s departure to Egypt is a good example of what we must do when God reveals to us His plan.  In the same way and manner of what they did, do not go empty handed to do His will, and leave nothing behind.  This way you won’t think you have to return. When this happens some things can occur and make you disobey the Lord.

Jacob and his descendants went to Egypt with everything that they had; even their cattle and all their possessions acquired in Canaan were all carried down with them.  They understood they would have to stay there until the Most High would summon them back in His due time.  Likewise, if God sends you to a mission in another land, take everything you own with you.  By leaving anything behind, this will tax your memory and you will   be tempted to return to get it.  However, if all that you own is with you in your power, you will be free to occupy your mind only with what God has for you.

Even being advanced in years, Israel and his family went in obedience to the Lord.  Their aim was to join God in His efforts and purpose for them.  They were well received in Egypt which confirms God’s purpose and intent.  The Lord had promised Abraham to call his descendant from there after 430 years.  We must heed and carry out all His determinations and commands.

Everyone went to Egypt, even the patriarch and all his seed.  The entire unity of everyone in that project which began many years before, even when Jacob was not yet born, made it possible for God’s army to enter that land and when they left, the divine power left with them, showing that the Almighty is always faithful everywhere.  Halleluiah!

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares