MOVE ON FROM EGYPT
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
TEXT: Exodus 16:3
And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. (Exodus 16:3)
The Israelites were able to depart from Egypt by the miraculous hand of God. They had left there physically, but for a large part of their journey it was obvious that their souls were still there. This is because at the slightest difficulty or oppression, they would be quick to make reference to the land of Egypt and to when they were still there. This is quite funny and laughable because they were actually in deep bondage orchestrated by Pharaoh. In essence, they remembered the food and pleasure but not the chains and bonds. Many people are in this category. They left their bonds physically, but there was no change in mentality, thereby still creating a connection with their old life. Symbolically and figuratively speaking, Egypt is a place of hardship and slavery. It is more like going back to your vomit.
KEY FACTS ABOUT THE LIFE OF THE ISRAELITES IN THE WILDERNESS
- Tribulation and affliction can sometimes create selective thinking. One begins to fantasise about the past. In such an instance, one forgets that the previous life was unbearable while at that stage. The Israelites, because of hunger, remembered the numerous foods they had access to back then, but they forgot about the lack of liberty and freedom that also characterised their lives in Egypt. Many believers are interested in following God, but the moment they come across any tempest, they completely neglect God.
- Anything that represents Egypt in your life surely has provision for the present but has no futuristic agenda. In Egypt, there will be temporary succour and you will hardly know you are not in your destination. However, the promised land appears non-existent. It does not look real or captivating, but it is the ultimate goal. Patience is therefore a necessary virtue for all promised land hopefuls. Many today have taken on jobs that pay heavily but at the futuristic detriment of their soul. Egypt always offers temporary comfort with no long-term glory.
- The wilderness experience is a tool of preparation. It inculcates patience in a believer. When God eventually gave them manna after their murmuring, He gave them certain instructions on different occasions. For instance, He told them not to store extra manna till the next day during the week, and at the Sabbath He told them to gather extra. However, because of their bondage mentality, they doubted everything said by God in relation to manna provision.
SEARCHLIGHT: God is eager and desirous for every inner Egypt in you to die while He prepares to reveal to you your promised land.
PRAYER: O Lord, take away every Egypt from the journey of my life, in Jesus mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Zechariah 5 to 7, John 17
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
