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There is a television programme I like to watch called ‘Deal or No Deal’. It shows the tenacity, courage and boldness that different people have. It shows how some people are scared and freak out and fail to continue or settle for different prizes.
And when one gets too much and seems about to hit the jackpot, the banker calls and offers them money to stop and leave the game. It is an interesting game because it shows how greedy people who already have something end up losing it too because they just want more and more. In every deal, there is a catch or risk involved!
The book of Exodus gives the following account: Jacob died and his sons moved to Egypt where their brother Joseph was in charge at Pharaoh’s Palace. After Joseph, his brothers and all that generation died; the Israelites were fruitful, increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty.
A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. He told his people that since the Israelites had grown more and mightier than them, they should deal shrewdly with them. That they may multiply and in case a war broke out, they join the enemy and fight against Egypt and so go out of the land.
Therefore, they set task-masters over them to rigorously afflict them with burdens and made their lives bitter with hard bondage - in mortar, brick and all manner of service in the field. And they served for 400 years before the time for their deliverance came through Moses.
It is the desire of God for people to be saved, separated and serve him. He saves you to make you alive, restore, quicken, preserve, protect, deliver and make you whole again.
The enemy is always unwilling to let you go. Pharaoh said he did not know their Lord God and increased the nature of their bondage and burden. Satan has no mercy and always adds more burdens to what you already have and will put up a fight before he lets you go.
There was a vain effort by the Israelites. The officers ignored Moses, Aaron and the God appointed intercessors and went to cry and plead with Pharaoh. Their intentions were genuine - deliverance of the people - but they sought help from the wrong person. Sometimes we ran and seek for help from the wrong person.
There was a heart piercing charge. The Israelites started blaming Moses and Aaron. People have a tendency to blame the church or man of God not knowing they have nothing to do with it. It has everything to do with God and his plan for us. Things sometimes have to get worse before they get better.
Pharaoh came up with various devices to make life difficult for them. If Satan does not succeed with pure scorn and oppression, he will try playing his ‘deal or no deal’ game with you.
Pharaoh told the Israelites to go sacrifice to their God in the land. He wanted them to remain on the land and under his rule.
He knew that if they go far off, he would lose control over them. He wanted them close to Egypt where they would be thinking of the ‘onions and garlic’ they ate there. They would be free to leave but their eyes, thoughts and talk would be on Egypt. Satan wants you to stay ‘nearby’ and remain fixated on your past sins and struggles.
Pharaoh told them that he will only allow the men to go serve the Lord as they desired. This was bait! He knew that if the men went to serve the Lord, no matter how far away they go, they would soon return to their wives and children. Satan makes sure that you leave behind something valuable behind so that you can go back for it.
Pharaoh told them to go but leave their flocks and herds. Moses answered him, “You must give us sacrifices and burnt offerings that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. Our livestock shall also go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. For we must take some of them to serve the Lord our God...” (Exodus 10:25-26).
To leave without their flocks and herds meant that their service to God would be without a sacrifice. Moses understood that one cannot worship or serve God without their possessions. When Satan is unable to stop you from leaving his kingdom he will mess up your worship by getting in between you and your sacrifice.
Bishop Muriithi is the founder & overseer of House of Grace International Ministries
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