When I attended college, at Spring Arbor University in the 1980s, like the typical student, I changed my major a few times. Back then, I really didn’t know what to major in, so I studied what I both liked and knew that I could handle. I became a teacher certified in Secondary English and Music education. What I did know is that God guided my life.

Moses was a man of the Old Testament who was born a Hebrew, under an Egyptian death sentence for male babies. His mother made him a private little ark and cast it away upon the waters. Providence saved Moses when Pharaoh’s daughter, a princess of Egypt, had his the ark pulled from the Nile River. Moses grew up in the courts of the Pharaoh, with privilege, great wealth, and education. God’s providence kept him safe. (Exodus 1-2)

Jesus, the Son of God, was born to the tribe of Judah, in Bethlehem to a virgin. (Luke 1:26-37) Worried about his own power, King Herod implemented a death sentence for male babies. Then Joseph, Mary’s husband, had a dream in the night. An angel of the Lord warned him to get up and take Mary, the Lord’s mother, and baby Jesus, and flee to Egypt. They remained there five years until God called them out of Egypt and back to their original home in Nazareth. (Hosea 11:1) God saved His own Son, Joseph and Mary. Lord Jesus grew up to be the Messiah, the Sent One, in the home of a carpenter in an obscure town, under the care of an adoptive father. God’s providence had kept Him safe in humbleness. (Luke 2, Matthew 2)

Both men became what the Lord called them to be. Moses—a prince. Lord Jesus—a carpenter.

Both men became the leaders of their people. Moses—led his people out of physical bondage and Egypt. (Hosea 11:1)

Lord Jesus led those who followed Him out of spiritual bondage and slavery to the world.

Moses led his people around the wilderness, demonstrating God’s great miracles.

Lord Jesus led His people for three years, demonstrating God’s great miracles.

Moses died and God buried him. (Deuteronomy 34:1-8)

Lord Jesus died and God the Father had arranged for His burial through His providence. (Mark 15:42-47)

Moses lived on spiritually and was seen by Peter, James and John at the Lord’s transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-13)

Lord Jesus rose from the grave spiritually and physically in a glorified body and was seen by hundreds. (1Corinthians 15:6)

Moses is a type of Lord Jesus Who would come to earth. (Romans 5:14)

Why did God give these types long before Baby Jesus came?

To tell us to watch for Him. Some did. Simeon, Anna the prophetess, the three magi, prophets. .

Jesus’ first coming was that important. He altered the world, permanently.

There is so much turmoil happening in the world today. “Black lives matter (BLM). White lives matter. All people matter.” Even, “animal lives matter.”

But the only thing or person Who truly matters is Lord Jesus. All black, white, red, yellow and brown peoples are His. He is the Creator. (John 1:3-4; Genesis 1:1)

Nations rise and nations fall. Leaders die. Governments become corrupt. Governments are overrun.

But God still is. He does not change.

Before the Earth existed, He was.

Today He is still the great “I AM.” He oversees all things and is sovereign. It is a relief to know that He is in firm control.

No government nor organization will save us, the Church. No president nor elected official can be our savior. Look instead to Lord Jesus, Who sits upon the throne of Heaven.

For peace in this storm of many waves, look to The Lord. He saves. Ask Him to guide you through these trials. He is the only truth and peace that truly exists. Jesus matters first. May His will be done.

HOW THE CHURCH CAN HELP THE CHILDREN

One summer my son found work selling knives and kitchen tools for a well known U.S. company. He had to reach out to an adult contact list: people from church, neighbors, grandma, and friends of his parents. Not everyone wanted to purchase something. Many politely listened, giving him the opportunity to make a persuasive sales presentation; he even demonstrated the sharpness of a pair of scissors by cutting a penny in half, but in the end, most didn’t buy. Those who did bought out of love for my son, because they knew him as a friend.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew people became enslaved to the Egyptians. God sent Moses, one of their own, to lead them out of bondage. Through Moses God worked many miracles of judgment upon Egypt. In the wilderness, God performed many life-giving miracles to help the Israelites. Yet, as a people, they regretted having left Egypt and slavery and returned to idol worship. Only two adult men who came out of Egypt actually loved The Lord and entered the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb had followed The Lord fully. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12; Numbers 32:11-12)

In the New Testament, God sent His only Son, as one of their own to the Jewish people, that those who believed in Him would have everlasting life. Lord Jesus proved Who He was by the demonstrations of His authority. He healed the sick, cast out demons, opened the eyes of the blind, and raised the dead. Many believed. Yet after His death and resurrection, during a time of Roman occupation and persecution, only about 120 true disciples remained as followers. (Acts 1:15) They knew the Lord, had seen His resurrection, and loved Him. They would be the recipients of Holy Spirit baptism. (Acts 2)

Persuasive words may be spoken. Demonstrations of divine authority might be displayed. But true friends of God, and His Son, Lord Jesus, will remain even through dark times, fully obeying Him.

The covenant we have with Lord Jesus is as that of the marriage covenant, “in sickness and in health, for better for worse, for richer for poorer.” Commitment in the mind. Love in the heart.

Without commitment and love, we are not fully following God.

Lord Jesus stated, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

Those who love Him and keep His commands will move into the abundant life. They will live full lives filled with Holy Spirit. They will walk in God’s power. They will fulfill their lives’ purposes.

The marriage covenant is about responsibility. We must uphold our side of the commitment, even in times of difficulty—the wilderness, even in times of political turmoil and occupation. He will keep His side of the covenant as well: “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” is the promise God gave to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

The promise made by Lord Jesus to His disciples, His last Words before ascending to the throne, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)

Are you keeping your half of the marriage covenant with Lord Jesus?

LOOK UP!

HOW THE CHURCH CAN HELP THE CHILDREN