Daily EncouragementSample

Or, as the Authorized Version has it, “Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward.” The direction which God has in mind for his people is always forward. It was true of Israel. Right here in this passage, as they face the waters, on one side and the Egyptians on the other, he urges them on. The same thing is also true of Christians today in their spiritual life and their service. “Let us go on to maturity” (Heb. 6:1); “Go into all the world and preach the good news” (Mark 16:15) - these are fundamental exhortations, and they are forward-looking.

The whole emphasis of God’s word is on advance. Its characteristic pictures of the godly life emphasize this forward movement: it is a pilgrim journey leading to the eternal city (Heb. 11:16); it is a gruelling race to win a glorious prize (Phil. 3:13-14); it is a constant warfare culminating in a triumphant victory (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

“Forward!” should be our attitude toward the opportunities of the hour. “God is always advancing,” said Hudson Taylor. We are at fault if we do not follow Him.