PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 7:39-43
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.” (Acts 7:39)
Egypt represents bondage, misery, hopelessness, despair, death.
Why would anyone turn back to these?
Jesus represents freedom, joy, hope, life.
Why wouldn’t anyone turn towards him?
Apparently we have a predisposition towards that which is NOT GOOD for us.
What things do you keep ‘turning back to’ that are not good for you?
God personally comes to us through Jesus to show us the better life.
God wants the best for us, for us to know love, joy, peace, etc.
Yet we turn back, thinking that ‘Egypt’ has something better to offer.
“Therefore I will send you into exile.” (Acts 7:43)
God allows us to choose ‘Egypt’ so we come to our senses and choose Jesus!
As a Jesus follower, I need to beware of these dangers and distractions.
Satan is doing his best to tempt us down desirable yet deadly paths.
Jesus is speaking to me today, will I turn my heart to him?
PRAYER
Lord, my ‘Egypt’ is nothing compared to you, and what you give me. Yet I still feel its pull. Thank you for reminding me to turn back to you!
“they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.” Moses was rejected – and so now was Jesus. And now they are going to kill Stephen in order to stop him from saying these things! When do I reject Jesus.? I see rejection in my society – how do we reject Jesus even in church? Do we allow form and tradition get in the way of love and action? Lord, help me not to reject anyone – but to be open to your leading while standing up for the truth like Stephen did!
Who goes there before me? Who is my leader? Whose voice do I follow?
Jesus said, Do this and live. I need to rely upon the Lord for my daily bread. I need to put my trust in Him and not in myself or the things of today which try to lure me away. My heart needs to cling to the Lord and remind myself always in everything that God is my God and He leads me and guides me along the way every day.
I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.