No Negotiation! (part 2 of 4)

When God sent the fourth plague (the flies), we find the first of three concessions Pharaoh attempted to NEGOTIATE with Moses for allowing the Israelites to go into the wilderness to worship God. Note the terms Pharaoh offered and consider if they sound any different than what Satan advises today. Though it may be the world speaking, Satan is behind the NEGOTIATION regarding our submission to God.

"(28) So Pharaoh said, 'I will let you go to sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; ONLY YOU MUST NOT GO VERY FAR AWAY. Plead for me.'" ( Exodus 8:28 ESV)

Satan desires to have us rationalize and advises similar negotiations. His advice is that if we must become "religious" -- DON'T GO VERY FAR. The manner in which this advice of Satan is spoken through the world is in statements such as: "It's okay to be a little religious, but don't get carried away." "Don't get too involved with God. Go ahead and believe He exists, but let it go at that." "It is fine for you to be involved in good works, but don't worry about changing your life -- have some fun!" "Go ahead and worship God, but you only need to do it once in a while. Just pick two days a year."

Are we merely nominal Christians? Are we willing to do only what we think we "have" to do? Jesus went the distance for us. He endured and went ALL THE WAY to the cross to pay the price for our sins and secure our redemption. HOW FAR are we willing to go to show our appreciation for His gift of salvation? Have we attempted to just step inside the gate of the kingdom so we can slip back out again when "religion" is not convenient? Or have we entered the realm of His eternal kingdom to live and serve as a faithful citizen under the King of kings and Lord of lords?

God had the "Promised Land" in mind for the nation of Israel. An eternal "Promised Land" is where He desires to lead us. May our life be compelled by a great and wholehearted love in response to all God has provided for our life. Let our daily walk reveal a willingness to go ALL THE WAY through life with Him.
Have a great day WILLING TO GO THE DISTANCE FOR GOD!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 01/24/2001 (edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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