Outstretched arm

I read a message for encouragement from Israel Bible Institute about Passover and the deliverance from Egypt after so many years of slavery. Because of His love, God promised to deliver Israel. “Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm (בִּזְרוֹעַ נְטוּיָה) and with great judgments (Ex 6:6).” This deliverance was not only a deliverance from slavery, but also a deliverance to better serve God. Many times we become mesmerized with this account because of the commanding revelation of who is really in control of nature [YHWH]. We often add to this the amazing physical benefits these slaves received, not only freedom, but great financial gain. When we do this, perhaps we overlook the greatest benefit was an exit from those in control, those who did not believe in [YHWH], Jehovah God. Because they did not patiently follow their deliverer, they not only squandered much of their wealth, but turned away from the one who delivered them to a human made calf [Exodus 32:21-24]. Some believers today, follow a similar pathway. They want God to bless them physically to magnificent levels. When they have freedom to worship God because of His grace and love, they turn away. As servant of such a great and powerful God, we need to realize what He has provided for us. Because of Jesus, He provided a gift we could not ever achieve on our own, the forgiveness of sins. While this gift provides the guarantee of a life with Him eternally, it also provides for guidance here on earth. We need to understand each Christian really does walk along their own unique individual spiritual journey. When we realize we have access to direct guidance by God, Himself, via the Holy Spirit, we are confident this help abides within us continually to direct our footsteps. God is close to us and will lead us with an outstretched arm along this journey. Our main goal is to realize what Jesus has already given us, depend on this, and look forward to what awaits us in the future with Him.