If you
know anything about the Old Testament you know that Israel spent time in the
wilderness – 40 years in fact. Most also know that Israel spent time in Egypt.
Do you know how long they were there? Four hundred and thirty years!
Israel’s
time in Egypt started on purpose. You may know the story. Joseph had been sold
into slavery by his brothers. He wound up in Egypt and became the second in
command to Pharaoh himself. God gave him a vision about a coming famine. The
famine is what brought Isaac (who’s name was changed to Israel) to Egypt. The
family was reunited with Joseph and they stayed there.
However,
their journey to paradise soon turned into forced servitude. After Israel
(Isaac) died and Joseph died and the Pharaoh was gone that knew Joseph, the new
leadership of Egypt felt threatened by Israel’s presence and forced them into
slavery. In essence they entered their first wilderness experience. It is not
known exactly how much of the four hundred and thirty years were spent in
slavery, but it was a long time.
Long
enough that most Israelites did not even see it as wilderness. They forgot
about Jehovah. They forgot about the promise made to Abraham. They forgot that
they did not belong in Egypt. They came to accept the wilderness as normal; separated
from everything they were supposed to possess.
The
reason I call this a wilderness is because Israel lost their wonder and began
to wander. In simple terms, I believe that defines the difference between a
journey and roaming in the wilderness: you lose your wonder and begin to
wander. Stay focused while you travel through life. Keep your wonder!
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