Forward Theology

The children of Israel feel trapped. Behind them is 400 years of bondage in Egypt and Pharaoh’s army threatening to drag them back into slavery. In front of them is the Red Sea. With no way to cross it before the enemy catches up to them, they have come to a paralyzing stop. It was at this time God instructed Moses to tell the children of Israel to “go forward.” (Ex. 14:15).

The COVID crisis in 2020 created challenges and stress in ways we have never experienced before. We are all glad to be in 2021 and have hopes for better days ahead. We certainly want to move forward in a constructive way. The story of how Israel moved forward 3500 years ago provides some valuable insights for us as we navigate the future.

Going back is not an option. Israel couldn’t go back to Egypt. We can’t just “get back to normal.” Doctrine doesn’t change. Spiritual disciplines remain vital. But our delivery systems for ministry have changed. Online ministry and giving is here to stay. The Angel of God and the pillar of cloud stood behind the Israelites at the Red Sea not just to protect them from the Egyptians, but to challenge them to move forward in faith (Ex. 14:19-20). Forward is not just the best option. It is our only option.

Expect more challenges and additional miracles in the future. The next 40 years in the wilderness was a mixture of the miserable and the miraculous. Extreme thirst and hunger were met with divine provision flowing out of rocks and food falling from the sky. Challenges to leadership were met by God’s affirmation of his chosen leaders. The same will be true for us moving forward.

Listening and following God’s instructions is the way we get to the land of promise. When Israel listened and put into practice God’s instruction they moved more and more into realization of His promises to them. But when they ignored His instructions, they were doomed to spend almost four extra decades wandering in the wilderness. Let’s profit from their mistakes. Listen first, then speak. Stop when God says stop. Move forward as he instructs. As we do, may 2021 produce a season of hope and promise across the Church of God in the Bluegrass harvest!