“That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children. And they were all traveling on foot. Many people who were not Israelites went with them, along with the many flocks and herds” (Exodus 12:37-38 NLT).
Can you see the crowd of people? Their extra clothes on packs strapped to their backs? Their kneading bowls and dough carried on their heads? Their shoulders carrying the weight of the silver and gold given to them by their Egyptian neighbors?
Do you hear the oxen lowing? The bleating of the goats and the lambs?
Can you see the children? Rubbing their eyes, clinging to their mothers, wide-eyed with excitement—because they’ve overheard?
Can you see the many people who were not Israelites? The coworkers, the shopkeepers, the government officials, the friends? The ones dressed like Egyptians among the sea of Israelites?
They’re the ones who were influenced by the Hebrew nation. They’re the ones who have been watching this strange culture, this odd cult—and have been brought into a knowledge of Yahweh.
They’re the ones who have been listening to the slaves talk of a Redeemer. They’ve overheard conversations about and prayers for this man named Moses. They’ve watched as the plagues passed over those living in the land of Goshen.
Amazed. Convinced. Intrigued. They followed the strange customs, they copied the unusual rituals, they ate the strange meals. And when it was time to tell their Israelite friends goodbye—they packed up and followed them.
That brings me to you. What are you doing, what are you saying, who are you influencing while you’re waiting for the Deliverer? In your pit, enslaved, down and out, who are you reaching for Him?
Who will follow you out of the prison you’re currently in, because of the praise you did not stop lifting? Who will step out of the chains of bondage alongside you, because of your faith in Him? Who will leave a life of sin, after having watched you trust and obey?
Where you are is very important, but who you influence for Christ while you’re there is even more important. Watch your words.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Larry Powell, director of Free Will Baptist Home Missions.
