The Exodus of the Israelites is one of the most prominent themes of the Bible. The Exodus journey of Moses and the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, to life in the "Promised Land" was a physical journey, but also a spiritual pilgrimage. Obviously, there was a physical relocation - the movement of thousands of people from one location to another.
But, how was the walk from Egypt to Canaan a "Spiritual Journey"? First, it was a journey of faith. People had to trust Moses, and also trust God, or they would not have undertaken the expedition. The Exodus was also a journey in which they had give up. It was a journey of leaving behind.
I believe every spiritual journey has inherent dangers and rewards. A spiritual voyage may be sudden, risky, and uncomfortable. God tends to test and prove us, during these times of trust and change and uncertainty. There are often points of danger, which include the facing of enemies, and fearful surroundings, and uncertain futures.
There are rewards which come from spiritual expeditions. Freedom is one. The "rush" of fully relying on God comes from a sense of freedom, and letting go and of trusting. Another benefit is the ability to see God doing amazing things.
There are times in every person's life when a spiritual journey must be taken or rejected. There will be times when God calls you to leave behind that which is safe and familiar - and move in a new direction.
Sometimes people refuse the spiritual journey to which God calls them. Many folks are so enslaved that when invited to church, or to a relationship with Christ they say, "I don't want to give up my friends, or my lifestyle." They say, "I don't have time for a spiritual journey" my life is too full. In reality they are also saying, "I'm afraid to take the risk." "There is too much to lose."
I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO MAKE THE YEAR AHEAD A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY! In the year to come, there will be risks and rewards. There will be opportunities, and struggles. There will be disappointments and there will be wonderful blessings. The question is - will these be just coincidences, or will these experiences be "God moments". And, will you enjoy them as occasions when your walk with the Lord grows closer?
You may not have much choice about moving on to the year ahead. But, you do have a choice about how you will go through it. My wife often comments as I drive that I need to keep my eyes on the road. I tend to "look around". That's part of my nature - to look around. After all, there are sunsets, and scenery, and people, and clouds, and lots of life to enjoy.
I want to encourage you as you move into 2009 - to "look around" and enjoy. Especially look for "God sightings". Notice when prayers are answered. Be grateful when someone "lost" finds their way. Give God the credit when that impossible thing happens. Also, look for opportunities to trust God - to stretch and grow.
There may have been some Israelites who refused to leave Egypt. The Bible doesn't tell us this, but perhaps? There may have been some who would not take the risk, and would not trust. Likewise, there are people today who are unwilling to move, or change, or trust the Lord to do something unusual in them.
I challenge you to TAKE THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. Discover Christ at work in your life and world, in the year to come. Notice Him amongst the events - smiling, encouraging, and cheering you on. As you journey through this year - stop and notice the spiritual things happening. Stop and notice, that 2009 may indeed be a spiritual journey.
In His Love -
Pastor Mark