Bibledoorajar: No Wishing For Elsewhere

     When the Israelites faced the wilderness, the Sea and Pharoah and his chariots, many of them wished to be elsewhere. Specifically, they wanted to return to what they knew: Egypt. This was further complicated by the fact that a mixed multitude had left Egypt with them. They were a problem then and we will see that they were a problem for Israel later. It was really hard to look at that Sea and, one) believe God could somehow get them through it and, two) that what was on the other side was really going to be better. But after Moses told them to be still and see the miracle that God could work they really got a Wow! can you believe that! moment. No God person would want to be elsewhere and miss that. God caused a strong wind to come from the East and the waters were divided. Within was dry land with a wall of water on the left and right. The armies of Pharoah pursued. You have to admire the courage all around. But Pharoah underestimated God. In the last watch of the night (early morning), God looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud and threw the armies into confusion. The wheels of the chariots came off and the driving capabilities of the armies ceased. They declared that God was fighting for the Israelites and they had better get away. But about that time God told Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea. And well, we all know the Sunday School story. The last Egyptian stronghold ceased in the Red Sea.
     The time will come when God will tell Jesus to return to bring his children home. The last strongholds will cease and we will no longer have thoughts of elsewhere being better for us. 

"We read of place that's called heaven, It's made for the pure and the free;

How beautiful heaven must be."

Mrs. A.S. Bridgewater

     Heaven is on the other side. Stay free. When the last strongholds cease we will be safely at home.

"Eternal Father strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep It own appointed time to keep."

William Whiting

     When Christians were wanting to be somewhere other than oppressive Jerusalem, Paul encouraged them to focus on the eternal. They were not redeemed with silver and gold but by the Eternal. Neither are we.