Out of This World
The personal process the Lord takes us through can follow the pattern of children of Israel’s departure from the land of their bondage. Of course the Exodus wasn’t the end of the story, just as our conversion experience is a beginning and not an end in our stories. The Exodus was appointed with miracles and a thorough deliverance, complete with Pharaoh’s demise. His claim on God’s people was shown for the ruse that it was in the Red Sea.
In the wilderness, the miracles continued in the forms of provision and guidance (and others), but the people grumbled. The wilderness experience can be compared to the dream that seems somewhat common; you are back in school and the bell rings to change classes so you go out in the hall, but you can’t find your locker, no matter how much you search. Ever had that one? It’s the impossible in-between.
A new generation arose with only a very rare few from the prior crossing the Jordan River forty years later. Even their illustrious leader didn’t make the crossing. We should shudder in our boots and realize that this too could be us. It could be. I suggest a close review of 1 Corinthians 10, and the Book of Hebrews for perspective.
The process was necessary, and important, then and now. Not everyone will complete it successfully. In fact there may be only a very few who do, and this too should sober us.
One thing that may help is the realization that from our salvation experience and forward, we are each one on an individual journey. We are learning to follow the Lamb, wherever He goes. We will get turned around, and sometimes go astray. He will seek us out and find us and we will reunite with the Lamb / Shepherd and in the process we will learn to cooperate and even complement Him, and finally to collaborate with Him.
We can leave this world, this age and its prevailing spiritual dominance, and step into Christ. At once we are new and free, and from that moment the learning begins. The rest of our time on Earth will be for the purpose of coming into more and more depth of union with Christ, becoming like Him. Being born of the Spirit starts the process. God will give us grace and mercy to complete our process, which will give Him glory and unveil something of His essence He has made us individually and specifically to reflect.
In this process we need to keep our eye on the horizon, knowing there is a long arch we are following, and at the same time on the things He has put before us in the moment. There is a balance of perspective to be gained and maintained. May God give us grace to be fully His.