God Saved the Israelites from Egypt...so why keep going back?
In the Bible, the book of Exodus tells us the story of how God's people, the Israelites, found themselves enslaved in Egypt. Years earlier the tribe of Israel arrived in Egypt under God's guidance and the leadership of Joseph, protecting them and saving them from a terrible drought that plagued the land. Egypt, in their eyes was a safe haven. But soon enough, as I already mentioned, their safe haven turned into a prison. They were forced to work for Pharaoh, and eventually, they were not even allowed to have children. But then, many years later God sent another leader named Moses through whom God performed many miracles and brought the people out of the land that oppressed them. One would think this was a good news for God's people. The Israelites didn't get far before they started complaining, saying they would be better off back in Egypt. When they had no food, no water, when they faced their adversaries, over and over again they said, we'd be better of back in Egypt.
Well, the story continues, Israel built their Kingdom and were living in the land that God had promised them, but we continue to read stories of how the people fled to Egypt for protection from the King of Israel, or from someone in Israel. Now, is it healthy to run back to your oppressor and ask them to take care of you? I know there was a new leader from the time that they were held as slaves, but it still doesn't seem like a great idea.
Today there are many things that we have been "saved" from, like addictions we have overcome, bad relationships we've gotten out of etc. Think of this, if you were in a bad relationship, how healthy would it be to keep going back to that same person with all your problems? Instead of being loved and taken care of, you would continue to receive the opposite, right? In theory at least.
This is the way God feels with us. He saved us, He set us free through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. God wants to be the one to take care of us, He wants to be the one we run to with all our problems, our pains, and even our joys. God loves us so much that He doesn't want to see us get hurt over and over again. Instead He wants to love on you. So next time, when something goes wrong, or even goes awesome and we start to run to our favorite comfort food or movie, remember that God loves you and is waiting for you to run to Him.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock.If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20 English Standard Version