Have you ever looked forward to something so much that, when it was within your grasp, and it looked like you might not get it, you said something like, “I knew that would happen, it was too good to be true!”? 

As we read about the Israelites in Exodus and Leviticus, and of all the laws the Lord gave them, it’s easy to forget who these people were. For hundreds of years, the Israelites had been in bondage in Egypt. As slaves, the Israelites wouldn’t have owned much of anything. Certainly not homes or fields. This is why verses like this one from Leviticus should stand out as extraordinary.

“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest” (emphasis added).

Leviticus 23:10 (NIV)

Imagine, then, that your family has had nothing. You’ve been in bondage for hundreds of years, and then suddenly, a man shows up, someone who was raised in Pharaoh’s house, and tells you that God sent him to free you from bondage. Instead of getting released right away, things get worse. Your job gets more demanding, and then there are some plagues. Thankfully, most of the plagues leave you alone, but the world has been turned upside down. Then, miraculously, you are set free. 

However, being free isn’t all it’s cut out to be. You’re chased by those who kept you in bondage, and then it looks like you’re done for. However, another miracle happens, and you cross through a sea of water. As you’re going along, there’s a dark cloud with you during the day and a cloud of fire at night. It’s very frightening, but the cloud is with you. Yet, even though the cloud is with you, and you know it means God is with you, there are times when there’s no food or water. 

One day, something strange litters the ground, and it’s what you’re supposed to eat. Then, you meet with God, and he speaks to you and the people; it’s scary. Then Moses takes off, and you think he’s dead. All sorts of things happen, and then you start getting rules handed down to you that talk about the place you’re going to. Finally, when you get to the Promised Land, most of the men give a bad report. 

Often we think of those earlier Israelites as having little faith. Yet, I expect most of us to be no different. We say we believe God’s promises, but deep within, we think, “It’s too good to be true, ” so we’re easily dissuaded when times get more challenging. It seems easier to give up than take hold of what God has for us. I encourage you to keep going and remember what the apostle Paul said in Romans.

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light (emphasis added).

Romans 13:11-12 (NIV)

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.