God Brings Us Out to Bring Us In
The Bible is full of paradoxes.. a statement or event that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is true.
Before the cross, most people did not have direct access to God; only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies. Jesus’ death on the cross has made a path for us into the Father’s presence. God tore right through the veil that had always separated us from him. He can come out and embrace mankind, including prodigals and sinners, with no interference.
Consider Israel’s miraculous deliverance. As God’s people crossed over the Red Sea onto dry land, they saw the waves crash down on their enemy behind them. It was a glorious moment, and they held a mighty praise meeting with dancing, singing and thanksgiving. “We’re free! God has delivered us from the hand of oppression.”
Their first test came just a few days later, but they ended up murmuring and complaining, totally dissatisfied with the outcome. Yes, they had known God’s deliverance, but they didn’t yet understand his great love for them and their ultimate destination.
Israel’s story represents our own deliverance from the bondage and guilt of sin. We know that Satan was defeated at the cross and that we were set free from his iron grip. Yet God had something even greater in mind. You see, He never meant for Christians to just camp on the victory side of the Red Sea. His ultimate purpose for bringing us out of the bondage of sin is to bring us into the promised Kingdom of God. He brings us out to bring us into his love and embrace in the home He has prepared for us.
Here is the key: You cannot serve the Lord in peace and freedom until you see His delight in your deliverance… until you realize that every wall has been removed at the cross… until you know that your sinful past has been wiped away. God says, “I want you to move on! Come now into the fullness that awaits you in my presence!”
As God’s children, we rejoice in the wonderful benefits of the cross. We have moved out of bondage and are standing on the “victory side” of our Red Sea trial. We thank God continually for casting our oppressor into the sea. Now let us make sure that we don’t miss God’s ultimate purpose for us: to bring us into His Kingdom.
Bringing Many Sons to Glory
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.~ Hebrews 2:9-11
As it is written in 1 Corinthians 15:50 "flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom" To accomplish His purpose, God makes it possible to be born a second time... a paradox. Our first birth is earthly and we receive God's salvation (deliverance) through Christ. Salvation only gets us to a safe place until we die a physical death and are resurrected with our incorruptable spirit bodies. God's glorious Kingdom is our final destination.
Organized religion is our "wilderness experience"... we are fed manna every week, but we are only in a holding pattern. Don't wander around in the desert of organized religion your whole life. Start seeking God's Kingdom with all your heart. God's plan is greater than anything our preachers have ever told us.
Another paradox... the Apostle Paul had to be struck blind to "see" the Truth. As much as we love the comfort of our Church, and the brethren, they cannot bring us into the Kingdom. There comes a time when we must take that step of faith and cross over our Jordan river.
