The Christian's Journal #11

Introduction: The last place Jacob resided was Egypt. Over 400 years passed before Israel would move to another location. By this time, Israel had grown from 70 to thousands. When the Lord provided the opportunity, Moses led Israel out of Egypt on toward the Promised Land. After leaving Goshen, their first stop was a place called Succoth.

Succoth

Text: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

1. The Account:
• Exodus 12:31-13:22
2. The Details:
• Succoth means tents, tabernacles.
• There are two locations called Succoth. This location was close to Egypt while the other location was in Canaan.
• Succoth was Israel's first encampment after leaving Egypt.
• Succoth and Etham were on the edge of the wilderness.
3. The Application:
• Israel was transitioning from living in Egypt to living each day in the wilderness dependent upon God.

Three thoughts about this time:

• preparation: take up what God has provided
• v32 flocks, herds, dough-sustenance
• v35 jewels of silver, jewels of gold, raiment-future
• remembrance: note what God does and remember (Ex 13:3-18)
• v9, 16 to remind yourself
• v8, 14 to testify to others
• security: let God be your security v 21-22
• God makes Himself known (cloud by day, fire by night)
• God will lead (not push)
• God will not leave

      4. The Recommendations:

• Some scripture for your time of transition . . .
• security: Job 11:16
• strength: Ex 13:3, 14-16, 15:13; Neh 8:10; Ps 18:2, 32, 39, 27:1, 46:1, 59:9, 71:16, 73:26, 84:5; Prov 10:29, 24:5, 10; 2 Cor 12:9
• steadfastness: Ps 89:28b, 118:8, 1 Cor 16:13; Gal 5:1; Phil 4:1; 2 Tim 1:13; Titus 1:9; Heb 3:6, 4:14; Rev 2:13, 3:3, 11

Conclusion: Life always comes with transition, taking us from one place to another. Transition can be difficult, especially if we feel like our security being taken away. We have heard and seen that when and where God leads, He will provide. Never let the blessings that the Lord has given us become our strength and security. God is the One who brought those blessings and kept us secure, and we need to look to Him as our pillar of cloud and pillar of fire, leading us from Egypt on to the Promised Land. He will keep us, He will provide the strength, and He will hold us fast.

GB Essie