| Privileged Dec. 10, 2008 |
to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 26 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” As children of the Most High God, we have been granted rights and privileges that the rest of the world will always envy. For instance, in the passage above, the Egyptians thought that the favor being shown to the Israelites would also be shown to them. Well, they were tragically mistaken in their assumption. They had no right to think that they could walk through the same door that God had opened for the Israelites. They were never given permission to walk on the same path as God's elect. Not that the Israelites were worthy of the grace bestowed upon them, but because they belonged to God, He was not going to let them perish and He was not going to allow them to be recaptured. The same holds true for us today, however, sometimes we forget how privileged we really are. Here's a reminder. 1 Jn. 5:14 Amp says, "And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. Ps. 37:27 Amp reads, "I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread." Rom. 8:28 Amp states, "We are assured and know that [ God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose." These promises are not for those who are in the world. They are for the righteous. They only apply to us. So that means that only we can achieve the intended outcome. This is why the world needs to follow us and not the other way around. We have a God who will move seas and mountains in order to get us to our destination but the world, where can they go? Until they bow to the King of kings and acknowledge Him as their savior they will be stuck and unable to claim any of the privileges that we so easily partake. So whose really privileged? The world, whose happiness and security waivers with the stock market? Or, the child of God who knows that he is prosperous in both life and death. So be encouraged because even though our tomorrow is not promised, our victory is and that is the privilege only granted to the believers of Jesus Christ. I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Minister Tommy and Sister Shatika Gray |