“And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of” (Genesis 26:2).
TEXT — Genesis 26:1-5
Message
Egypt has a very amazing history. The Ancient Egyptians started a civilization that lasted for more than 3000 years. They laid the foundation of what we have today as modern civilization. They contributed significantly to the development of Medicine, Engineering, Astronomy and Mathematics. The division of day and night into 24 hours and use of clock started with them. They also formulated our 365 days calendar.
The prosperity and great influence of Egypt must have been in place even in the time of Abraham. When famine broke out in the days of Abraham, he took refuge in Egypt. God also allowed Jacob to move his family to Egypt when there was acute global famine. In today’s text, we find Isaac in a similar circumstance – caught up in a severe famine while in the land of Canaan, but God instructed him not to go to Egypt. Egypt, with all its glamour and idolatrous culture, was a tough place for a gentle and godly-minded person like Isaac. And God, knowing his frame, did not allow him to go there.
“Go not down into Egypt” has a deeper connotation and relevance to today’s Christian. Ancient Egypt, because of its ungodly influence and vain affluence, came to symbolize the evil worldly system. God said, “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help…” (Isaiah 31:1). Going down to Egypt means backsliding and going back to bondage. Similarly, we are repeatedly warned not to love or conform to the world and the pride and fleshly lusts that characterise it.
God’s instruction to Isaac not to go down into Egypt came with a promise of His presence and blessings. If you abide at the centre of God’s will, even if it means putting up with temporary adversity, you are assured of God’s presence and blessing beyond your imagination. As you travel through life, it is enough to place your trust in God and He will direct your steps through His word, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Thought for the day
Romance with the world always ends on a bitter note.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Great
God bless me
A wonderful message! Thanks always and God bless you.