DEPENDENCE ADVANTAGES
Exodus 3:1-22
Verse 19: “But I know that the king of Egypt won’t let you go unless I stretch out My hand and compel him.’”
Ten year old Jeremy read the return address on the envelope. “It’s from Brad, Mom!” Ripping open the envelope, he read the invitation in his hand. “It’s a free pass to Cinemaplex next Saturday—to see the last Harry Potter movie! Will you take me?”
“Of course I will! Is it Brad’s birthday?”
“So we’re OK, even after I stayed out too late riding my bike last night?”
Kids are dependent on parents, and that’s how things ought to be. God planned for parents to raise children, take care of them, and teach them correct behavior. Parents expect their kids to mess up. Love and forgiveness are like gloves covering hands in cold weather. Love covers exposed flesh—raw sin—and forgiveness soothes the ache.
Until kids grow up, dependence is something they don’t even think about. But when we learn to do stuff on our own, dependence becomes a bad word. Self-sufficient (suff-ISH-ant) is another word that means to be independent from need. Grown-ups are supposed to be independent, aren’t they?
One meaning of independence is the word, sovereign (SOV-ren means supreme, absolute). There is no one who is sovereign—except God! Self-sufficiency is how people get into trouble. Relying on self is ineffective, unproductive, and unsuccessful. Adults get very good at living, and earning their way in this world. But dependence on God is what every believer has in common—especially after learning the advantages—no matter their age.
Moses learned that independence brought him much hardship. (Murder, misunderstanding, and fright made him flee his home). It took him 40 years to learn the advantages of being dependent on God. He learned that cooperating with God, and surrendering to His way, brought him success in everything. But, first Moses had to become usable, humbled, broken of self-will.
Moses learned that dependence on God achieved: great things done in short time, successfully overcoming every obstacle, and ultimate victory. Moses freed 2 million people from Egypt, travelling on dry land across the Red Sea, and gathered them safely to their promised land.
Dependence on God also offers us second, third, and fourth chances as bonus advantages. How long will it take you to get this lesson?
Take Home Nugget
Brad confessed to Jeremy, “My Mom thought that the Harry Potter movie birthday party, over roller skating, would allow my wheel-chair buddy, Stephen, to have fun.” (See Radical Upside Down devotion).
Holy Father, I confess that I love being independent. But please teach me the advantages of being dependent on You. I’m asking You to teach me this lesson, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.bilestudyforkids.com/
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