What steps can we take to remain under God's protection as seen here? God’s Shelter in Goshen “Only in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived, was there no hail.” — Exodus 9:26 God drew a clear boundary: judgment fell on Egypt, but not on His covenant people. That same pattern shows us how to stay beneath His covering today. Step 1: Stay Where God Places You • Goshen was the place God Himself assigned (Genesis 46:28–34). • Remaining in that appointed sphere parallels abiding in Christ (John 15:4). • Drifting from His placement—forsaking fellowship or biblical standards—exposes us to storms meant for a different domain (Hebrews 10:25). Step 2: Live in Active Obedience • Blessing “will overtake you if you obey the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 28:1–2). • Israel’s immunity came because they were walking under Moses’ God-given leadership. • Jesus ties protection to keeping His commands: “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love” (John 15:10). Step 3: Maintain Clear Separation from Worldly Compromise • Goshen lay inside Egypt yet was distinct from it. • Scripture repeats the call: “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Friendship with the world makes us “an enemy of God” (James 4:4), removing the shelter Psalm 91 promises to those who “dwell in the secret place.” Step 4: Trust the Blood Covering • God later told Israel, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). • The ultimate fulfillment is in Christ’s blood that “redeemed us” (1 Peter 1:18–19). • Continual faith in that sacrifice keeps every believer under divine protection from the judgment our sins deserve (Romans 5:9). Step 5: Respond Quickly to Divine Warnings • Even some Egyptians were spared when they heeded God’s warning and sheltered their livestock (Exodus 9:19–21). • Prompt responsiveness marks a heart that remains soft: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). • Delayed obedience risks stepping outside the perimeter of safety. Step 6: Cultivate Ongoing Worship and Gratitude • Israel was preserved so they could “serve” (literally “worship”) the Lord (Exodus 8:1). • Praise invites His presence, and His presence brings protection (Psalm 22:3; Psalm 16:11). • A worshipful life keeps our focus on the Protector rather than the plague. Bringing It All Together • Abide in the place God assigns. • Obey His Word without reservation. • Separate from sin and worldliness. • Rest in the saving power of Christ’s blood. • Act immediately on His warnings. • Keep worship at the center of daily life. These steps mirror Israel’s posture in Goshen and place us squarely beneath the same faithful shield of the Almighty. |
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