In the Old Testament book of Exodus, we are given the account of Moses -- a Hebrew raised as an Egyptian prince who commits murder and subsequently finds himself tending sheep on the back side of the desert. While there, in an amazing "burning bush" encounter, Moses is reminded of his heritage and commissioned for service. The Lord is about to deliver his people from their Egyptian slavery, and Moses is to appear before Pharaoh and intervene on their behalf.
Roughly 600 years would pass before God would once again enlist a mediator -- this time, in the form of his own Son -- to serve on behalf of an enslaved race. By way of the cross, Jesus Christ provided for our freedom from sin's bondage, while willingly placing himself between us and impending judgment. What's more, his resurrection secured our ultimate victory over death and the grave.
Now 2,000 years later, God still seeks men, women and young people who will "stand in the gap" and represent his love and deliverance to a dying world. As Christians, we have been commissioned to proclaim the power of an empty tomb; however, it will only be through the prominent presence of the risen Savior at work in us that Easter's message will become truly evident!
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Editor's note: Warren Foxworthy is the pastor of Pea Ridge Nazarene Church.
Religion on 03/23/2016