Identity: Perspective That Influences My Response to Crisis
perspective, which comes from the Latin word “perspicere,” meaning “to look through.” Our perspective shapes the way we see things.
A few weeks ago, we discussed perspective, which comes from the Latin word “perspicere,” meaning “to look through.” Our perspective shapes the way we see things. We concluded that our Eternal Father should influence our viewpoint. We discussed how Hagar returned to her mistress in Genesis 16, guided by God’s promises and clear instructions. Today, we will look at another story that can help us in our journey as children of God.
Exodus Verse 8-14 (NIV) Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” 11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites 13 and worked them ruthlessly. 14 They made their lives bitter with harsh labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly.
The Word of God equips us! 2 Timothy 3:6-7 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[ may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Every gathering season exposes us to the sound of God’s voice through His Word. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When two or three are gathered together, He is present to instruct, form, and shape us! We yield to the Spirit’s inner workings in the deep places of our hearts, areas that other voices have long influenced. We allow Him to guide us in our conduct and operations, both individually and as a household of God. This is all part of fulfilling His ordained will within the greater eternal plan for His body. We thank God’s Eternal and Infinite Spirit for His great love, which allowed Him to come into our darkness, seek us out, lead us, and reveal to us our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Savior we need, and that Spirit is at work to adjust our perspective this afternoon in the name of Jesus. I want to see everything through the lens of Christ, to have no opinions of my own, and to embrace only His. Let’s return to Exodus.
See that the oppression of Egypt is so that the people of God can remain as slaves – the enemy is afraid! Oh, we will know this during crisis – it is the enemy that is afraid, not the children of God. Interestingly enough, when oppression comes, those who should not be afraid react in fear! Do not fear, child of God; there is a God far above whatever Egypt represents in your life this day.
set your mind on things above, not on earthly things
The enemy wants you not to become aware of the realm above the current issues affecting you physically – remember what we have said often in Colossians 3: set your mind on things above, not on earthly things, they may put slave masters over you to oppress you with forced labor but know with certainty that there is a God above the crisis and an eternal purpose is taking shape, strive to see the intent of God in the situation and even where you cannot see it rest assured that God reigns over ALL. Please note that in Genesis 15, this situation in Exodus 15 had been told to Abraham concerning his descendants Genesis 15:12-16 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” GOD HAS A PLAN!
Almighty and Everlasting God, we ask that at this moment, You grant us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. Illuminate the eyes of our understanding so that we may know You, discern Your purpose for us, and understand the design of our individual lives and collective life as a household of faith.
We are talking about PERSPECTIVE and how it shapes our response to crisis!
We are talking about PERSPECTIVE and how it shapes our response to crisis!
When I reflect on the passage we read in Exodus, I feel excited about the possibilities for Lowell and Massachusetts in terms of sanctuary and ingathering. I am confident that the Ekklesia will grow, as God has promised. Harsh labor will not deter us from establishing a throne for the Father’s rule and a resting place for the rod of His authority here!
The knowledge of God’s will and intent prepares us for the days to come. Exodus 1 is an extraordinary account of people in the worst conditions, yet their numbers continue to increase.
This increase for us who are reading this account is not about numbers or money only; it is an increase in attitude, an increase in understanding, and interpreting situations we find ourselves in according to what the Word has shown to us. We know that Israel was able to exit Egypt despite the harshness of Pharaoh- the very thing Pharaoh was afraid of happened. The Bible also shows us through Genesis 15 that God wanted to reveal Himself as God to Egypt; He was intent on punishing the gods of Egypt, which He did through the plagues. At the end of this drama, Pharaoh calls Moses and Aaron and asks them and Israel to leave. An Eternal issue manifests as an earthly battle! May we understand the spiritual reality behind the fires in California, political elections, and economic and social situations. Daniel understood by the books and that eternal understanding shaped his actions here on earth. Beloved, there is an eternal purpose concerning you that demands an eternal perspective. It may look like it is just a situation between you and a boss, but beyond the surface, we want to see God. As far as Massachusetts is concerned, God has a people that must be let go from the world system, and we are the agents of that transformation!
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