Can’t or Won’t?

“Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” (Ex 13:17)

Just like God knew the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart, He knew the weakness of the Israelites.  He knew what they could handle and what they could not.

400 years and countless generations of slaves were not yet ready to face the difficulties of war and He wasn’t going to put them through something they couldn’t handle.  This is the same God who later destroyed this generation in the wilderness because they wouldn’t fight.

There is a difference between “not able to” and “don’t want to”

In the beginning, God showed patience because they were not yet able to handle the rigors of war.  Later on, He condemned them for shrinking from their duty to do what was hard.

So, take comfort as babes in Christ – He does not expect any more than what you can do.  Just do what you can and that is enough (Mk 14:8)

And take heed seasoned Christians – He expects no less than what you are capable of.

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.” (Heb 5:12)

#Biblebites Matt. 4:4

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