Old Testament Faith, Read Exodus 12:26-31

Today’s reading concludes the account of Israel’s crossing the Red Sea.  It says that they, the people, believed (v31).  You may remember that Paul noted that the fathers … all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea (1 Cor. 10:1-2).  The Apostle goes on to say that they all drank of that spiritual Rock, and that Rock was Christ (10:4).  Further, we are reminded, But with most of them God was not well pleased (10:5).

Concerning this faith we also remember that Hebrews 11 gives us a great account of faith in Old Testament times.  The faith of those individuals was not perfect, that is, a faith without spiritual struggles.  I don’t say that to provide an excuse for failing Christians; I say it because it is true.  They were not always faithful, but they were ultimately faithful.  

Gesenius indicates it comes from the idea of propping something up or carrying something or someone.  Because of this support the thing or person is firm or unshaken.  You can see the idea of faith as confidence in the support and a willingness to lean or build on the support.  

Israel did this in crossing the Sea.  Consider this faith as you meditate on the following passages, keeping in mind the idea of Someone to lean on, and the act of faith as leaning on that Someone!

·        Gen. 15:6 is the first and defining use of the term.  Abraham believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.  Abraham leaned on the Lord to provide him with the impossible, the promised son/Son.

·        Num. 11:12: Moses asked God, Did I beget (these people) that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child.’  Moses knew that he could not be the one who carries, the Object of faith.

·        In Num. 12:7 God honored Moses when He said he is faithful in all My house.

·        At Kadesh Barnea, in Num. 14:11, God asks How long will (the people) not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them.

·        God told Moses in Num. 20:12 that he would not lead the people into the land because you did not believe me.

·        Psalm 93:5 says God’s testimonies are very sure, they can be leaned on.

·        Psalm 106 tells of Israel’s wilderness days and notes what we have seen: in 106:12 by the Sea they believed His words; but 106:24 says at Kadesh Barnea they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His word.

·        In the oft-quoted text of Isa. 28:16 God says, Behold I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily (be sent into a panic).  

Consider what the Spirit lays on your heart.  Note that to trust God is to trust His word.  Note also lack of faith will deprive of God’s blessing.  But even in those times the need is to again, lean on Him!