A Far Better Country?

• Exodus 1:1 (MSG)

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Just about the time I think the Israelites are a fickle people in this story, I realize: I'm not much better. Moses leads them out of slavery and bondage. They see the powerful demonstration of God's power through miracle after miracle. They see their former oppressors defeated in the Red Sea. Yet, when there is a slight delay on the journey to the Promised Land, they cry out: let's go back!

They cannot abide uncertainty; their faith is so small. They are willing to exchange the adventure of faith in their God for the mundane routine of slavery under the Egyptians. Why? Because it is familiar, certain, routine.

My life has required more faith recently. And, in all honesty I must confess: at times I crave the familiar, the certain, the known. I'm just like a Hebrew in this text. The promised land sounds distant, fragile, hypothetical sometimes. My faith seems so small.

Still, I'm not melting down my gold jewelry yet. I am clinging to the promise with my eyes fixed ahead. I'm pressing forward in spite of doubt and fear. The compass of my soul points to a far better country.

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