God's Got My Back

Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. (Exodus 14:19)

I cannot imagine a more frightening event, nor a more exciting one. One day you are a slave to Pharaoh and suddenly you are leaving Egypt as part of this gigantic caravan. You have been freed from the cruel Egyptian rule and are heading into a bright new future, albeit unknown. There are hundreds of thousands of you, all moving in the same direction...toward tomorrow. 

There must be some confusion, perhaps commotion too. But, now, it is apparent that Pharaoh didn't simply let you go, in fact he has changed his mind and now there are soldiers chasing after you. 

You have faith that the LORD has placed Moses in charge of you and is using him to bring you, the nation of Israel, out of bondage and into the Promised Land. But still there is an undercurrent of fear and panic.

Then, the angel of God...moved from in front of the people, to the rear. He took his place between God's people and their enemies. What a profound picture this gives me. This is a beautiful picture of God, having your back. And don't you know that He really does?

Knowing that I can turn to God in prayer, cry out for forgiveness and mercy, and understanding that He is there for me, takes my breath away. My journal is filled with instances like this. I imagine yours is too...or at least your memory is filled with such times.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:8)

Exodus 14:19-31

Indeed!

Matthew 28:2 (NIV)
 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 

The Miracle happened before the violent earthquake. Jesus came back to life, rose from the dead, before the earthquake. The quake merely opened the tomb so the followers could get in and look around not so Jesus could get out.  He had already risen and He stood outside the tomb!

Why is this important, what difference does it make? Perhaps not that much at first glance, but upon further consideration this is significant. The angel had nothing to do with Jesus' resurrection, the miracle took place before the angel's arrival.

The Heavenly Being was a messenger, an important part of the greatest and boldest announcement of all time.  "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:6 (NIV)  

This angel was the first to share the Good News. We have an empty cross and an empty tomb! He is Risen!  He is Risen indeed!

Matthew 28:1-10

God's Message Is For All

Acts 10: 34-38

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”

Peter received the vision for us all and was directed by God to share it. The Lord does not speak specifically to each one of us in a clear dream or visualization. If he did there would be no need for faith. He does however; whisper his will in quiet, gentle ways. Some of us hear but many of us miss out.

God calls us to be still.

He promises us that if we seek him we will find him.

He urges us to listen for his voice.

He encourages us to give our burdens to him.

He modeled the way we are to live upon this earth through Jesus.

He sent the gift of the Holy Spirit to be with us and support us.

God may not send an angel to each of us, but he does speak to us through the Bible and through others who strive to live as Christ did. He communicates his message through music, experiences, trials and joys.

As we live this life we have been graciously given, perhaps we need to slow down, look around, and listen. His great grace is there, and thank heaven, so is his mercy!

Like many Christian performers,Casting Crowns took a verse from the bible  and weaved it into a message through their song Courageous, regarding what the Lord requires of us; Micah 6:8 “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 

The courage to live as Jesus did starts in our hearts and homes. Then with God's help, we can take it beyond as we love and accept all others regardless of their religion or status. The message Jesus brought to this earth was not just for Jews. His chosen people are all who believe. 

Song & Video: Courageous

Read/Listen to: Acts 10:34-38

Acts 6:9-15

As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn't take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel! (Acts 6:15)

I find this to be a fascinating verse, actually the entire story of St. Stephen, the first martyr, is captivating.  His testimony to the Sanhedrin which is found in the next chapter is exciting to read, I can only imagine how riveting it was to hear in person.

When the Holy Spirit is filling us, when we allow ourselves to be used by the Holy Spirit to minister to others, there is a change in our hearts, and also in our appearance.  Think about it, is there someone you know who is close to God, a person you would trust your prayerful concerns with?  Does this person exude a look different from most?  Isn't there something shining and bright about their looks?

Stephen's heart was so close to God's heart; his spirit in tune with the Holy Spirit's, that he glowed.  Liars and evil people tried to bring Stephen down, but...As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn't take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel! (Acts 6:15)


Read the Acts 6:9-15 text here.