“The Beginning Of Months”
Jarrod Jacobs
The day the Israelites left Egypt is described by God as “the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you” (Ex. 12:2). After the last plague swept through Egypt, the people were freed. After this plague, the Jews forever changed. They were driven from Egypt (Ex. 6:1, 12:31-32). They left their masters, and became free people. They left bondage, and began a life of self-rule, under the mighty hand of God. Yes, it was “the beginning of months” for them. The people who had been captives for so long, left Egypt and did not return.
After this event, the people traveled to Sinai and received the law of God (Ex. 19-20). They stayed there for a time, and then traveled north toward the Promised Land. You see, God’s intention was not for them to dwell in the Sinai peninsula, but to cross the Red Sea and travel there first “Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and return to Egypt” (Ex. 13:17). After Sinai, they turned northward and moved to their final destination in Canaan; the land God had promised to give them in the days of Abraham (Gen. 15:13-16).
We who have read the account in Numbers know that the Israelites did not get to go into Canaan as soon as they had planned, for sin abounded, and rebellion resulted in that generation losing the right to go into the Promised Land (Num. 14:32-34). The result was that the people wandered in the wilderness for forty years until that generation died!
Who could have known this would happen to that generation who had seen the plagues and crossed the Red Sea? Who could have predicted on that night of victory, when the people were driven out of Egypt, that these folks would not be allowed into the land their ancestors had dreamed of for so many years? Yet, it happened! All told, over 40 years had passed since that dark night in Egypt. A journey that should have taken 11 days lasted 40 years (Deut. 1:2), and cost the lives of every person 20 years old and older (except Joshua and Caleb, Num. 13:38).
Not only did the Israelites experience “the first month of the year” that night in Egypt and on into Sinai, but we also find several months passed as their lives continued on, and Moses led them toward the goal of Canaan. Finally, a generation was allowed to see this Promised Land. They saw it, lived there, and continued until they were finally taken away.
Yes, the outcome could have been different. They could have been in Canaan in eleven days after leaving Sinai (Deut. 1:2). They could have been faithful. They could have held on to their land (Deut. 4:40, 6:17-19). They didn’t, though. The days and months melted away into years, and the people who left Egypt were no longer faithful to God, and they lost their land (Deut. 8:7-20; II Kings 25; etc.).
What lesson can we learn from the Israelites? It is simple. Last Thursday, we started our “beginning of months” in the U. S. of A. Our annual trip around the sun has started once more, and we begin a new year, 2009. What will this year hold? Only the God of Heaven knows the answer! He inhabits eternity and we do not. What He tells us to do is remember that when we make plans for this year, “Ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (Jas. 4:15). God is in control of it all. Therefore, when we make plans, we need to remember things will be done according to the Lord’s will, and not our will!
However, what we can control is our attitudes and our actions. If the Israelites had been faithful to God and had not wandered from God’s way, they would have been a mighty power for many years longer than they were. However, they failed God and were punished. Let us hear the lesson of the Israelites and learn (Rom. 15:4). Satan continues to tempt us and tries to draw us away from God (I Pet. 5:8; I Jn. 2:15-17; Jas. 1:14-15). Whether we yield to temptation or resist, depends upon how closely we are walking with God. If you have not been walking as closely as you need to, then determine (“resolve”?) to make 2009 a year in which we walk closer to God. It is written, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (Jas. 4:8), and this is true! If a year of time seems overwhelming, then why not concentrate on the month? Make this “the beginning of months” for you and determine that by the end of this month you will be stronger and will have grown closer to God. Then, take February (if the Lord wills) and do the same thing. Then, add March, and so forth. Before you know it, you will have established a habit, a good habit, that will enrich and make you a better person. Truly, God will bless us spiritually in 2009.
Often, folks speak of, and make “resolutions” in the New Year, in which they make themselves promises to do better or be better in various ways. Can we think of any “better” way to improve ourselves than by growing closer to God? So long as the Israelites did this, they were blessed. What do we think will happen when we grow closer to God? The Bible tells Christians to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Pet. 3:18). If we have been negligent in this area, now is the time to change things (Heb. 5:12-14)! If we have been growing and increasing, then this is not the time to let-up, slow down, or give up! We need to continue in these efforts, and “not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).
If we have not started, and decided we will let this year pass as we have others, then get out of that “rut” today. It is already the 4th of January. What are we doing to grow closer to God and prepare for Heaven? What are we doing to better all aspects of our lives? “Boast not thyself of tomorrow ...” (Prov. 27:1). This is a true statement, and many felt the truth of this passage in 2008. Since this is true, why delay? Why put off serving God and living faithfully for Him? This is “the beginning of months.” What will you do with it?