25/03/08

Do not build bridges over the Red Sea

Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

I have a precious sister of mine in the Lord who's good heart to change people from doing evil, started finding ways solutions of bring step by step changes in them. She tried to bring good meaning to the bad nonsense called tradition. For this I had to rebuke her. (Not all traditions are bad but those which take you away from God are, therefore all traditions should be questioned and probed. If not helpful to build you in Spirit should be kept at arms length.)

I had to rebuke her not for what she wanted to do but the way she wanted to do it. Like her, we too have the tendency to create bridges over the Red Sea. When God delivered Israel from slavery, He did not build a bridge over the Red Sea, but tore the sea apart for them to cross.

The Red Sea (as called by the Romans) was during the time of Moses called the Reed Sea - because of the high reed vegetations in and around the sea. Reeds are like weeds non profitable plants that eat away the richness of the soil. Traditions too like weeds take away the good relationship we can have with the Lord. Like no plantation can be 100% free from weeds, so also life from traditions. The lesser - the better.

Like Moses was led to lead the Israelites across the Red Sea by parting it, with the power of God, so also should we. Please do not try building bridges, you will not deliver them, you will not see any change in heart, you will only keep them entertained for some time until Pharaoh's (Satan's) army will destroy them.


[ Prayer Starter ]

Lord, Your Word is life. It is like a double edged sword splitting bone from marrow; flesh from spirit. This process may hurt but it is necessary for change. You have given us a Comforter to comfort us during this process. Give me the courage to use Your Word like the staff Moses used over the sea to part it and deliver your people. I ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scripture ]

Exodus 14: 15-16, 21-27
15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)