The Christian's Journey #10

Introduction: Jacob went down into Egypt (a picture of the world) at the instruction of the Lord. There Israel remained for over 400 years, ending up as slaves to the Egyptians. From there the Lord brought them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

Goshen

Text: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord. . . " 2 Corinthians 6:17a

1. The Account:
• Genesis 46:1-6, 28-29, 47:1-6; Exodus 12:33-37
2. The Details:
• Goshen means approaching, drawing near.
• Goshen is located east of the Nile River and west of the Promised Land.
• Goshen is a pastoral land where cattle was kept.
• Goshen was considered the best of the land (Gen 46:6-7, 11)
• Goshen was inhabited by Egyptians as well as Israelites (Ex 3:22, 11:2, 12:35-36)
3. The Application:
• Israel settled here until it was time to head to the Promised Land.
• Israel grew from 70 souls to millions.
• Israel may have been near Egypt's royal residence, but this was never home to them.
• Egypt enslaved Israel.
• Egypt/Goshen did not destroy Israel.
4. The Recommendations:
• This world is our Goshen, not our home (John 15:19)
• This world's riches will never satisfy our soul; only God will (Eph 3:16-20)
• This world is only temporary until we reach our eternal destination, Heaven (John 17:15)
• Don't let this world cause you to conform, be blinded from seeing your Heavenly Father, or steal your affection (Rom 12:2, 1 John 2:15, Phil 1:21)
• We will never be able to "blend in" this world (1 John 3:13)
• While living "in this world," do not be "of this world."
• keep clean (James 1:27)
• live right (Titus 2:12)
• Let your life "spoil" this world (they have nothing on God!) Rom 9:23, 11:33; Eph 1:7

Conclusion: This world is not my home, I'm just a-passin' through; my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue! The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world anymore!.

GB Essie