PASTOR'S REFLECTION

Does the end justify the means?

“Is not this word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness”. (Ex. 14:12)
In this passage, Israel preferred to remain in Egypt as slaves than to go through the wilderness for freedom. Wilderness represents hardship, trials, afflictions, persecutions and sufferings, and everyone that would live godly in Christ will surely have plenty of it. (2 Tim 3:12; Ps 34:19; Matt 16:24; 1 Thess. 3:3)
The truth is that Israel did not want anything to do with wilderness, and this attitude is a true reflection of the actions of many people in the church today, who would rather be serving sin, the flesh and pleasures of the world (1 Jhn 2:16) than the light afflictions in Christ (2 Cor. 4:17). Why do we always choose Egypt when confronted with issues concerning our faith? It may be probably because of the short-term reliefs and solutions it offers one in the midst of challenges, as 'the end justifies the means'.
Does the end truly justify the means for anyone? The answer is NO! The short-term relief or solution may give you what you want but you may not like what you receive at the end. The cases of Judas (Matt 27:3-5), Naboth (1 Kg 21:18-19) and Abimelech (Judg 9:53-57) are clear proofs that the end does not justify the means.
Beloved, note this: No child of God has ever gone to Egypt for solutions without paying dearly for it. For instance, Jacob left the promised land with his entire family in Pharaoh's wagon (Gen 46:5-7) in search of short-term relief and economic respite but ended up putting his descendants into 430 years of bondage and slavery (Ex 12:40). Obviously, Jacob got the short-term relief from Egypt but his unborn generation ended up as slaves in return. That decision was taken without considering the spiritual consequences.
Child of God, if you choose to serve the Egyptians in your place of work, business or career, marriage, ministry, academics, etc instead of going through the godly way approved for you, at the end, like Jacob, you will discover that you had only taken two steps forward and twenty backwards.
The scriptures have shown us of people worthy of emulation, like Moses (Heb 11:24-27), Joseph (Gen 39:8-9), Daniel (Dan 1:8), Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17), and Paul (Phil 3: 7-9) – all in their lives esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the riches and treasures of Egypt. It is up to you today!

Pastor Kelechi Nzeh