Middle Ground - 3

August 22, 2011 Monday Message:

Two weeks ago we posed the question: Why did the Israelites take such a convoluted route out of Egypt? Last week we saw the answer: Because “…they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” God knows best. Exodus 13:17b NLT

But there’s another reason they spent so much time in Middle Ground. God’s people needed to learn to trust God. When they were slaves in Egypt, God came to rescue them. God is in the rescue business. They came up against the Red Sea and once again God came to the rescue. When they needed water, when they needed food, when they needed meat, God was always there for them.

But the Hebrew people weren’t always there for God. Middle Ground was fertile soil for whining and complaining: "Why can't we have meat? We ate fish in Egypt—and got it free!—to say nothing of the cucumbers and melons, the leeks and onions and garlic.” Numbers 1:4b-5 The mutiny wasn’t against Moses as much as it was against God. “We were better off in Egypt; we were better off as slaves.” Numbers 11:18b

Even Moses needed reassurance. When they were promised meat, Moses didn’t believe it was possible. So God responded with a question of his own: “Is my arm too short? (Are you questioning my goodness or my competence? Is this a capability issue?) Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23

God always has the resources to take us from “here” to “there.” He’s Lord over economic hardship, disease and illness, employment disappointments, family systems and relationships, addictions and church splits. God can help, God has what you need, and God is in the rescue business.

If you trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, He will move you out of your middle ground and into your land of milk and honey.

Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14

Norton Lawellin