“Do not go to Egypt” (Jeremiah 42:19)
- Here is a Word from the Lord which is more than geographical
directions. It is a Word concerning our walk with God. In Scripture, “Egypt” is not simply a particular geographical location. “Egypt” is symbolic of a proud, unbelieving hardness of heart. “Do not go to Egypt” means “Do not harden your heart against the Lord.” “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith (1 Timothy 4:1).
We must not abandon the faith. In the face of much falling away, God
says to His servants, “Devote yourself to the public reading of
Scripture, to preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13). The Word is to be “aptly spoken ... like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:110. There is nothing more precious than the Word of the Lord.
There is to be prayer from “every one who lives in the land” (Joel 1:14). It is to be personal prayer - “O Lord, I cry to You for help!” (Joel 1:19). These two belong together - prayer for the nation and personal prayer. This is expressed so well in the words: “O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival. Start the work in me.” We hear the words, “Return to the Lord, your God” (Joel 2:13). They are followed by some wonderful words about the character of God - “He is merciful and compassionate, patient and always ready to forgive and to change His plans about disaster” (Joel 2:13). How do we know that God is like this? We look at what He has done for us - “Be glad and rejoice. The Lord has done great things!” (Joel 2:21). Looking at all that the Lord has done for us, we trust His promise: “Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). This salvation is more than forgiveness for past sins. It’s more than the future glory of being in God’s ev...
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