12/18/13 Acts 13:17 When God Lifts His Arm, People Are Saved

 

  Acts 13:17 (NAS)

The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it.

 

                 Acts 13:17 (NIVUS)

The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country,

 
Adonai is the Great and Almighty God, who chose the nation of Israel for Himself. He separated them from the other nations around them, making them unique and peculiar. He wanted to show them His favor and watch over them in His grace. He became their Father, who picked them to be His heirs. He infused them with His Spirit and wanted to govern their minds. The Most High is the Creator, who guards, preserves, and protects His people.
 
Like the people of Israel, you also are chosen and hand-picked by your Heavenly Father.  Through His Son Jesus Christ, you have received salvation and have been adopted into the family of God.  You are now in a position to be lifted up and exalted. Opulence, prosperity, dignity, honor, and happiness is what you should expect.
 
For four hundred years, Israel lived in bondage and slavery in the land of Egypt, where they were in double straits. They were strangers and without citizenship. The Lord, therefore, lifted His mighty and powerful arm to lead them out of Egypt and into their promised land, where they were exalted and made eminent. God gave them influence and honor. These people who had no standing were given rank and a high station.
 
As the children of Israel, you were trapped and enslaved in the bondage of sin. You needed a Savior and Deliverer.  The Almighty lifted His arm and raised His Son from the grave.  When He did so, He saved and delivered you.  When He exalted Jesus, He raised you up as well.  You now have influence and honor, rank and a high station, for you are now a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, with all its rights and privileges.

 

 

 

(Originally written 7/12/06)