Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

EVERY HOOF OUT A common question asked after someone has cancer surgery is "Did the doctors get it all?" We know that, unless the total diseased area is removed, cancer can spread again and the operation will have been in vain. Sin, the deepest infection known to man, has the same effect. Even a little sin left untouched will affect the whole soul. Moses knew this in dealing with wicked Pharaoh. After a series of plagues, Pharaoh knew he must make some concessions. Therefore, he encouraged Moses to take Israel into the desert a little way but to leave the herds behind. Pharaoh knew if he kept some strings attached the people would never really be free. Moses refused Pharaoh's offer saying: Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind (10:26). Exodus tells of the struggle between a people in bondage and their terrible taskmasters. In this book, Egypt is the prototype of sin, Moses the Savior, and God demands: Let my people go. The book of Exodus spans a period of 145 years and goes far beyond the story of Israel's release from Egypt. However, the book deals primarily with Israel's deliverance. When a man decides to turn to Christ, he faces "plea bargaining" from Satan. Promises are made; intimidation comes into play, and if all else fails, the enemy tries to talk us into getting just a little religion but still holding onto our darling sins. Only a fool accepts the premise of the evil one. If we are ever to really be free, we must totally sell out to Christ, and every hoof of every possession must leave the Egypt of sin with us. The message is clear; there is no middle ground. Either we serve God or we serve mammon.