There are literally thousands of various fishing lures in the world these days, but there’s nothing quite like the natural appeal of live bait. Any decent fisherman knows that sometimes you must bait your hook with a tasty little fish to catch the bigger, more desirable fish. Or maybe you’ve heard this little fish, big fish talk from the world of criminal law and order. Sometimes criminal investigators or drug enforcement agents catch a small-time drug peddler, strike a sweet deal, and convert them into informants used to hook the bigger fish.
Did you know God is like that?
Moses journaled about a peculiar season in his life when God used him and the other children of Israel as live bait in order to destroy the work of the enemy.
Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you shall camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it, by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, ‘They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ Thus I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.’ And they did so. (Exodus 14:1-4)
The book of Exodus begins with the children of Israel having multiplied to incredible numbers during their 430 years of slavery under Egyptian oppressors. But God hears their cries of horror as they suffered under the oppression of very cruel taskmasters. So, God raises up a Hebrew man named Moses through whom He delivers His people out of Egyptian bondage, having compelled Pharaoh’s release following severe divine plagues of judgment.
But no sooner than Israel had stepped foot off Egyptian territory, God does something unheard of. He lures Pharaoh and his army out into the wilderness by using His very own children as bait. But the story doesn’t end there. As Pharaoh and his army are in hot pursuit of Moses, God fights for the Israelites and completely wipes the Egyptians off the map.
Would you be surprised to discover that God would use a man to bait the enemy? He did it with Jesus.
Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst...this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. (Acts 2:22-24)
Is this a strange thought for you?
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Following Christ means following Him to the cross. Because of our union with Christ, we participate in the sufferings of Christ. But because of the sufferings of Christ, we share in the glory of Christ.
Whatever is afflicting you today, thank God that He has chosen a part for you in His plan to destroy the works of the enemy and making all things new.
If you are facing affliction and need someone to talk with, please contact us. We would love to talk with you!