MAN’S FIERCE BATTLE: THE WRESTLING PRINCE AND THE REDEEMED NATION!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the rich biblical narrative of Jacob and his descendants, exploring the themes of redemption, deliverance, faith, and obedience. It examines the significance of the name “Israel,” the Israelites’ journey from bondage to freedom, and the lessons we can glean from their experiences. Through an in-depth analysis of key biblical passages and insights from Ellen G. White’s writings, this article seeks to illuminate God’s unwavering love and faithfulness, His power to deliver, and His call to live as witnesses of His grace.

REDEMPTION’S EPIC QUEST!

Jacob wrestled through the night, his strength faltering, his past sins looming over him like shadows stretching long at dawn. He had lived up to his name—Jacob, the supplanter—but now, in that lonely moment by the Jabbok River, he was desperate for transformation. “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Genesis 32:28, KJV). The night was a crucible, forging a new identity through sheer, desperate prayer. And further, “And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there” (Genesis 32:29, KJV). This encounter with the Angel reveals the depth of Jacob’s yearning for a change, a yearning mirrored in our own hearts as we seek to overcome our past mistakes. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how Jacob’s struggle showcases the power of faith to transform a life marred by deceit into one of divine purpose. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV): “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” and Romans 12:2 (KJV): “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Ellen G. White explains this transformation: “The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 141, 1896). She further elaborates, “The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness” (Steps to Christ, p. 43, 1892). As Hosea writes, “He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God” (Hosea 12:3, KJV), highlighting the tenacity and determination that marked Jacob’s character. This same tenacity, when directed towards God, becomes a source of spiritual strength. Sr. White captures this poignant turning point: “Jacob ‘had power over the Angel, and prevailed.’ Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 197). She further explains, “Jacob’s victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we must learn to pray. Angels are waiting to co-operate with us in the work of saving souls.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 20). This highlights the connection between Jacob’s struggle and our own need for persistent prayer in overcoming sin and working for the salvation of others. Jacob’s victory was not one of physical might but of surrender, a testimony to the transformative power of grace; it was a victory won not by the arm of flesh, but by the broken spirit. A man who clung to God, broken and repentant, was re-named, and became a prince, a symbol of the power of true repentance. Just as Jacob’s name was changed, so too does God promise to give us “a new name that no one knows except him who receives it” (Revelation 2:17, KJV) when we surrender our lives to Him. Sr. White emphasizes this transformation: “The history of Jacob is an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. He will receive and forgive even the chief of sinners.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 208). What path does God call us to take when our past burdens us with regret?

NATION’S DARK BONDAGE!

The descendants of this transformed man—now bearing his new name, Israel—flourished in a foreign land. “And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them” (Exodus 1:6-7, KJV). But as generations passed, the Egyptians turned against them, oppressing them with cruel bondage. The prophetic words given to Abraham long before rang true: “And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years” (Genesis 15:13, KJV). And further, “And Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph” (Acts 7:15-18, KJV). This forgetfulness of Joseph, the one who had saved Egypt in a time of famine, mirrors how quickly the world can forget the good done by God’s people. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how the Israelites’ faithfulness to God’s promises sustained them through trials, transforming their bondage into a pathway for deliverance. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like Psalm 34:17 (KJV): “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles,” and Romans 8:28 (KJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Ellen G. White explains this period: “During their servitude the people had, to a great extent, lost the knowledge of God and of the principles of the Abrahamic covenant. In delivering them from Egypt, God sought to reveal to them His power and His mercy, that they might be led to love and trust Him” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 334, 1890). She further elaborates, “The principles that should govern our actions toward our fellow men are plainly specified in the law of God” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 25, 1905). Yet, even in this harsh reality, God’s promise remained: “And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever” (Genesis 13:14-15, KJV). The prosperity that had once been a blessing became a curse, and the nation, born of promise, found itself chained in servitude. Israel, once a family, was now a nation—but a nation enslaved, awaiting deliverance, like a seed buried in the cold earth, waiting for the spring. This transition from promise to captivity serves as a stark reminder that even in times of seeming prosperity, the seeds of future trials may be sown. Just as Israel experienced a change in fortune, we too may face unexpected hardships, but God’s promises remain steadfast. As Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (KJV). Sr. White reflects on this period of Israel’s history: “The condition of the children of Israel in Egypt was similar to that in which the people of God will be placed just before the close of probation. Those who honor the law of God will be denounced as the worst of criminals. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment; many will be driven from their homes.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 213). This parallel reminds us that we may face similar persecution for our faith in the last days, but God will be with us, just as He was with Israel. Furthermore, she writes, “The Egyptians had come to look upon the Israelites with abhorrence, and they were only too ready to make their lives bitter with cruel bondage.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 246). This highlights the danger of prejudice and discrimination, which can lead to oppression and injustice. How can we hold fast to God’s promises when the chains of adversity bind us tightly?

MOSES’ DIVINE SUMMONS!

God’s ear was never deaf to their cries. “And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob” (Exodus 2:24, KJV). And, “And the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them” (Exodus 2:23-25, KJV). The chosen deliverer, Moses, once a prince of Egypt, had become a shepherd in the wilderness. This transition from palace to pasture prepared Moses for the task ahead, teaching him humility and reliance on God. As Numbers 12:3 states, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (KJV). At Horeb, the burning bush blazed without consuming, a symbol of God’s unyielding purpose. “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10, KJV). Further, “And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:7-10 KJV). This call to deliver Israel was not merely a physical liberation, but a spiritual one, leading them to a land where they could worship God freely. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how God’s call to Moses exemplifies a divine purpose that transcends human limitations, transforming a reluctant shepherd into a leader of deliverance. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like Isaiah 6:8 (KJV): “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me,” and Jeremiah 1:7-8 (KJV): “But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.” Ellen G. White explains this call: “The time had come for the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. God had chosen Moses as the instrument to effect this work. Moses had been educated in the court of Pharaoh, but he had fled from Egypt and become a shepherd in the wilderness” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 245, 1890). She further elaborates, “Moses was little aware of the important work that God was preparing him to do. His life in the desert had fitted him to become the leader of Israel; for it had taught him to endure hardship, to sympathize with the oppressed, and to trust God in the darkest night of adversity” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 243, 1876). Sr. White adds depth to this moment: “God designed to make him an instrument for accomplishing the deliverance of Israel” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 245). She further explains, “Moses was little aware of the important work that God was preparing him to do. His life in the desert had fitted him to become the leader of Israel; for it had taught him to endure hardship, to sympathize with the oppressed, and to trust God in the darkest night of adversity.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 243). This highlights the importance of preparation and character development in fulfilling God’s calling. A reluctant leader was called, and the stage for a divine confrontation was set, like a spark igniting a wildfire. Moses, the man who fled, was now called to face the very power he had once abandoned. This call reveals that God often uses the most unlikely individuals to fulfill His grand designs. Just as Moses was called to lead Israel, so too are we called to be “ministers of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18, KJV), sharing the message of salvation with those around us. Sr. White encourages us: “Every one who has entered into covenant relationship with God is under bonds to be a laborer together with God in the salvation of souls.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 117). What challenges arise when we confront the forces that seek to hinder our path to freedom?

REDEMPTION’S FIERCE CLASH!

Moses stood before Pharaoh, declaring the Lord’s command: “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness” (Exodus 5:1, KJV). But Pharaoh’s heart was hard. Instead of relenting, he increased their burdens. And further, “And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens” (Exodus 5:2-5, KJV). Pharaoh’s defiance represents the opposition that often arises when God’s people seek to follow His will. Yet, as Exodus 9:16 declares, “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth” (KJV). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how Pharaoh’s resistance to God’s call for redemption ultimately leads to greater revelations of divine power. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like Proverbs 21:1 (KJV): “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will,” and Romans 8:31 (KJV): “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Ellen G. White explains, “Moses and Aaron made the people ‘rest from their burdens.’ From these facts we may conclude that the Sabbath was one of the things in which they could not serve the Lord in Egypt; and when Moses and Aaron came with the message of God, they attempted a reform, which only increased the oppression” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 758, Appendix, Note 4). She further elaborates, “Satan was working through the king of Egypt to increase the burdens of the Israelites, that they might be led to murmur against God, and lose their faith in Him. But the very means that the enemy employed to defeat God’s purpose were turned by Him to the accomplishment of His will.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 264). This illustrates how God can use even the opposition of the enemy to further His plans and strengthen the faith of His people. Redemption often meets resistance, but God’s purposes are never thwarted, like a river that pushes through the rocks. The Sabbath, a sign of rest and communion with God, was precisely what Pharaoh sought to deny. This highlights the ongoing struggle between true worship and worldly oppression, a struggle that echoes throughout history. Even today, we may face opposition when we choose to honor God’s commandments, but we must remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13, KJV). Sr. White reminds us, “We are in a world of sin, surrounded by temptations on every hand; and it is only by steadfast resistance that we can preserve our purity and integrity.” (The Adventist Home, p. 315). How does God’s mercy shine through when judgment falls upon those who oppose His will?

MERCY’S MIGHTY VERDICT!

Ten plagues ravaged Egypt, each one a blow to their false gods, each one an appeal to Pharaoh’s hardened heart. “And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them” (Exodus 7:5, KJV). The final plague—the death of the firstborn—drew a line of distinction. The Israelites were given explicit instructions: “They shall take to them every man a lamb…and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening” (Exodus 12:3, 6, KJV). Then, “And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtubs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders” (Exodus 12:31-34, KJV). These plagues revealed not only God’s power, but also His patience, as He gave Pharaoh multiple opportunities to repent. As Romans 2:4 states, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (KJV). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how the plagues exemplify God’s judgment on sin while offering mercy through obedience and faith. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like Psalm 103:8 (KJV): “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy,” and James 2:13 (KJV): “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” Ellen G. White emphasizes, “Had the Israelites disregarded in any particular the directions given them, had they neglected to separate their children from the Egyptians, had they slain the lamb, but failed to strike the door-post with blood, or had any gone out of their houses, they would not have been secure” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 278). She further explains, “The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to the greater deliverance which Christ was to accomplish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 277). This connection between the Passover and Christ’s sacrifice deepens our understanding of God’s plan of salvation. Salvation requires faith in action, a tangible demonstration of trust, like a shield raised against the storm. The blood on the doorpost was not a mere symbol, but a life-saving act of obedience, a powerful reminder that true faith is always accompanied by action. Just as the Israelites were protected by the blood, so too are we covered by the blood of Christ, “in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes this point: “The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on the record in the sanctuary until the final atonement.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357). What wonders unfold when we step forward in faith amidst overwhelming odds?

SEA’S GRAND OPENING!

At the Red Sea, the final act of deliverance unfolded. Pharaoh pursued, but the waters that parted for Israel became a tomb for Egypt’s army. “And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses” (Exodus 14:31, KJV). The Israelites broke into song, their voices lifting in triumph: “The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him” (Exodus 15:2, KJV). A journey had ended; another had begun—the road to Sinai, the covenant, and the Promised Land, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. The Red Sea miracle was a watershed moment, a visible demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness. This experience instilled in Israel a profound sense of awe and reverence, a foundational element of their relationship with God. And further, “And it came to pass, that when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people” (Exodus 13:17-22, KJV). This divine guidance, manifested in the pillar of cloud and fire, reminds us that God is always present with His people, leading and protecting them. As Isaiah 41:10 assures us, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (KJV). And, “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-4, KJV). This passage highlights the spiritual significance of Israel’s journey, drawing a parallel between their experience and our own journey of faith in Christ. And, “By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” (Hebrews 11:29, KJV). This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in God’s deliverance, a faith that empowers us to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Just as Israel’s faith led them through the Red Sea, our faith in Christ can lead us through the challenges of life. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how the Red Sea crossing demonstrates that faith in God’s guidance leads to miraculous deliverance. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like Psalm 34:19 (KJV): “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all,” and Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Ellen G. White reflects on this event: “The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, ‘Go forward.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 290). This encourages us to trust God’s leading even when faced with seemingly impossible situations. She further emphasizes, “As the Hebrews were led through the Red Sea, so God’s people at the present time are to make their exodus from the world. In obedience to His word they are to separate themselves from the world, that they may escape its perils.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 214). What truths emerge when we recognize God’s unwavering love amidst trials?

GOD’S HEARING HEART!

It is the love of a Father who never forgets His children, even in the depths of their affliction. “God’s love is a golden chain that binds our souls to Him” (Steps to Christ, p. 27). It is a love that calls, redeems, and sanctifies. God’s love is not a passive sentiment, but an active, intervening force. As Israel suffered, God heard their cries and acted decisively to liberate them. This love is demonstrated in the meticulous detail of the Passover instructions, the provision of manna and quail, and the guiding pillar of cloud and fire. It is a love that provides both physical and spiritual sustenance, a love that seeks to restore and transform. And, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4, KJV). This overcoming faith is a gift from God, enabling us to resist temptation and live victoriously in Christ. As 1 John 4:4 reminds us, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (KJV). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how God’s unwavering love transforms despair into hope and bondage into freedom. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” and Romans 5:8 (KJV): “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Ellen G. White eloquently describes this love: “God’s love has been expressed in the gift of His only-begotten Son to die for the sins of the world. This was the greatest expression of love ever made. It is infinite, and it opens to us the treasures of heaven.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 740). She further emphasizes, “The love of God is a theme upon which we can never dwell too much. It is as broad as the universe, as high as heaven, and as deep as the grave. It is beyond the power of human language to express. Angels desire to look into its depths, but they cannot fathom it.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 132). What responsibilities do we bear when we embrace God’s call to obedience?

TRUST’S BOLD PATH!

To trust and obey, just as Israel was called to do. “The path to freedom is obedience to God’s commands” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 279). God calls us to faith that acts, just as Israel had to mark their doors with the blood of the lamb. Our responsibility is to respond to God’s love with unwavering faith and obedience, like a servant who honors their master. This includes adhering to His commandments, seeking His will, and living a life that reflects His character. Just as Israel’s deliverance was contingent upon their obedience, our spiritual journey requires a consistent commitment to God’s ways. As Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). This obedience is not a burden, but a joyful response to God’s love, a way of expressing our gratitude for His grace. Furthermore, Micah 6:8 challenges us: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (KJV). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how obedience to God’s commands unlocks the path to true freedom and spiritual fulfillment. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like Deuteronomy 28:1 (KJV): “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth,” and James 1:22 (KJV): “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Sr. White clarifies our duty: “Our first duty toward God is to obey Him. ‘This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.’ 1 John 5:3. Love is the foundation of obedience. ‘He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.’ 1 John 2:4.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 603). She further emphasizes, “We should not only give ourselves to God, but we should do all in our power to bring others to Him. We should be His colaborers, working for the salvation of souls.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 117). How can we extend God’s mercy to those around us in our daily lives?

LIGHT’S COMPASSIONATE GLOW!

To be a light, a testimony of the same grace that redeemed Israel. “God calls us to be witnesses of His mercy” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 415). Just as Israel’s deliverance testified to Egypt, our lives must point to the redeeming power of Christ. We are called to extend the same mercy and compassion that God has shown us, like a beacon in the darkness. This involves sharing the good news of salvation, offering practical help to those in need, and advocating for justice and righteousness. Our actions should reflect the character of Christ, demonstrating love and kindness to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are called to mirror God’s own heart, and to be a living testament to His redeeming power. As Proverbs 3:27 instructs, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (KJV). Our responsibility towards our neighbor is an extension of our love for God, a practical demonstration of our faith. Moreover, Galatians 6:10 encourages us: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (KJV). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how showing mercy to others embodies the grace we have received, transforming lives through compassionate witness. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like Matthew 5:16 (KJV): “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” and Micah 6:8 (KJV): “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Sr. White provides further guidance: “Christ’s followers are to be the light of the world. They are to reflect to others the light that has shone upon them from Christ. Their life is to be bound up with His life. They are to reveal His grace, His love, His mercy.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 511). She also emphasizes the importance of practical service: “True godliness is measured by the works of love and mercy done to the suffering and the needy. This is the true fruit of the Christian life.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 25). What reflections arise as we contemplate the ongoing journey of faith?

JOURNEY’S ENDURING LESSONS!

Israel’s journey from bondage to freedom is our journey too. Like Jacob, we must wrestle, surrender, and be transformed. Like Moses, we must heed God’s call. Like Israel, we must trust the God who parts seas and leads through the wilderness. The story of Israel is our story—a story of grace, obedience, and ultimate victory in Christ. We are all, in a sense, wrestling with our own Jabbok Rivers, grappling with our past sins and seeking a deeper connection with God. The call to be a Moses echoes in our hearts, urging us to step out in faith and serve God’s purpose in our generation. The Red Sea moments in our lives, where God’s power is unmistakably revealed, should strengthen our faith and inspire us to sing His praises. This is not a static story, but a living narrative that unfolds in our lives today. As Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (KJV). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how the journey of faith demands perseverance and trust in God’s promises amidst trials. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like James 1:12 (KJV): “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him,” and 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV): “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Sr. White encourages us in our journey: “We are pilgrims and strangers on the earth, seeking a better country, even a heavenly. We are not to conform to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 464). She further reminds us, “The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love.” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 141). What significance lies in the name that embodies our identity as overcomers?

ISRAEL’S TRIUMPHANT LEGACY!

The name “Israel” signifies one who prevails with God and men, a testament to the transformative power of divine grace. This name, first given to Jacob, represents a journey from supplanting to surrendering, from weakness to strength. The Israelites’ sojourn in Egypt, a period of 400 years, underscored the reality of God’s promises and the trials that precede deliverance. Moses, chosen by God, confronted Pharaoh with a message of freedom, a message met with resistance and increased oppression. The plagues, culminating in the Passover, demonstrated God’s judgment and mercy, requiring faith and obedience for salvation. The parting of the Red Sea, a miraculous act of deliverance, solidified Israel’s faith and led to a song of praise. Our own deliverance, like Israel’s, is accomplished through faith and obedience, a separation from the world’s ways. The invisible leader of Israel, the pillar of cloud and fire, represents Christ’s constant presence and guidance in our lives. We are called to trust in His power, to obey His commands, and to witness to His mercy, just as Israel did. The lessons of Israel’s journey are timeless, reminding us of God’s faithfulness, His power to deliver, and His call to live as witnesses of His grace. May we, like Israel, embrace our identity as those who have prevailed with God, and walk in the light of His redeeming love. As Revelation 21:7 promises, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (KJV). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence is in how prevailing with God through faith leads to ultimate victory and eternal inheritance. Scriptures further support this idea with verses like Revelation 3:21 (KJV): “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne,” and 1 John 5:4 (KJV): “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Sr. White leaves us with this inspiring thought: “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the overcomers. Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us look to the opening heavens, and by faith behold the crown that awaits the overcomer.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 174).

Ephesians 1:7 (KJV) – In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

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