“When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ then you shall say to your son; ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand; and the Lord showed signs and wonders before our eyes, great and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household. Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers.’” — Deuteronomy 6:20-23 (NKJV)

Little did Moses know that he was writing what would become a great illustration of Methodist theology. Verses 22-24 speak of the, as yet un-uttered words; Prevenient, Justifying, Sanctifying, and Perfecting grace. While they were still in bondage God began to work on their behalf to ultimately bring them out of that bondage; Prevenient grace. “Then He brought us out from there” (there=bondage) from bondage to sin, Justifying grace. “That He might bring us in, Sanctifying grace; to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers.” Perfecting grace.

“Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household.” Are synonymous with sin, Satan, and his demons.

The crux of this passage is to remind us that it has always been God’s desire to bring all of His children out of bondage to sin; that He might ultimately bring us to Himself in the Land Promised our forefathers. For us this “Land” is a relationship with Him that results in our being brought into the Kingdom of God here on Earth, and in His time, to Heaven.

The issue is that we are all to willing to be “brought out”, but not so willing to be “brought in” to a relationship with God through His Son Jesus. We want to be forgiven,(justified) but not sanctified, we want to escape Hell, but we aren’t willing to enter into the relationship that makes that a possibility. It is tragic, to say the least, that there are so many who want to come into God’s kitchen where blessings are served; and too few who will venture into His living room, where relationships are formed and nurtured, as He prepares us for eternity with Him. Which group represents us?

Rev. Bobby Thornhill is a retired pastor.