And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou
unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward: (Exodus
14:15)
Personally
as Christian believers and collectedly as FEM we desire to go forward in the
Lord and for the Lord. Certainly to go forward is a reoccurring theme in
Scripture, throughout the Word of God; we are constantly encouraged to go
forward together in love and in believing faith.
HOW
CAN WE DO THAT?
Let
us start with God’s Word rather than with the word of any man! ‘Moses'
silent prayers of faith prevailed more with God than Israel's loud outcries of
fear. The pillar of cloud and fire came behind them, where they needed a guard,
and it was a wall between them and their enemies. The word and providence of God
have a black and dark side toward sin and sinners, but a bright and pleasant
side toward the people of the Lord. He, who divided between light and darkness,
allotted darkness to the Egyptians, and light to the Israelites.
We
read not of one word he said in prayer, but he lifted up his heart to God, and
God well understood, and took notice.
His silent prayer prevailed more with God, than Israel's loud outcries. But is
God displeased with Moses for praying? No, he asks this question, wherefore
criest (pray) thou
unto me?
Wherefore should thou press thy petition any further, when it
is already granted? Moses has something else to do besides praying, he is to
command the hosts of Israel. Speak to them that they go forward.
Stop
asking and praying Moses was the totally unexpected reply from the Lord who had
and was delivering His people. His
plan was in place, the people had to move forward and not remain standing still,
even if they were crying out in prayer. Moses himself had to stop crying out in
prayer it was time for him too to tell the people and together go forward in
the certain knowledge God was with them.
DOING AND GOING FORWARD
Past
members of FEM have desired to see the work be really effective and to develop.
Of course in our history there have been lean and difficult periods. It will not
get any easier for us than it was for Moses and the people of Israel.
Yet
God has way mapped out for The Fellowship of Evangelistic Ministries and that
way is ’Forward’ in Him alone.
May
I share a wonderful Scripture with members and friends of FEM.
'And
Jesus went forward a little, and fell
on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from
him’. (Mark 14:35)
Jesus went forward in prayer and then He went forward and walked to Calvary. It was a difficult hour yet it was the perfect time for Jesus to go forward to the shame of the Cross. He went forward in grace and in love to fulfil His sole Mission in life—His death! Forward to sacrificial atonement, to victory and triumph over sin hell. He laid down a blood red line, which if followed will lead us forward eventually to heaven and home.