But if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’ and you thus disobey the voice of the LORD your God, and if you say, ‘No, but we will go to the land of Egypt and live there, where we will not see war or hear the sound of the ram’s horn or hunger for bread,’ then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah! This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: If you are determined to go to Egypt & reside there, then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow on your heels into Egypt, and you will die there. So all who resolve to go to Egypt to reside there will die by sword & famine & plague. Not one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring upon them. vs13-17

There is no hope in Egypt: our help is in the Lord! We must subject ourselves to His mercies. We cannot depend upon human strength. If we TRUST THE LORD, then we’ll be saved. If not, disaster!

First, do you believe the Son of God? If so, then it shall be well with you! It doesn’t matter how big a sinner you are or how you’ve fallen. He will restore you and lift you up. He sees faith and promises pardon and power. He is faithful to the unworthy, and He is strength to the needy!

Come as you are, and you’ll be saved. Trust Him now, if you’ve never have. Trust Him now, if you’ve played the hypocrite! Let nothing keep you away.

“Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away.” [John 6:37]

People say if you’ve come close, then you can’t be saved, because you’ve tasted the good things [Misinterpreting Heb 6:4-8]. Christ says whoever comes to Him will be received and not cast out! He says WHOEVER thirsts, let him drink and take the water of life freely.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. [Rev 22:17]

Secondly, are you trusting yourself? Do you think you’re strong? Then you are going into Egypt, and He’ll destroy you. You will see your powerlessness, and pride will be your ruin!

It is utter haughtiness to think you can stand. We will be Satan’s plaything, if we turn from faith. There’ll be no power, no Spirit, and we’ll go back into bondage, slaving under the law and carnal commandments [Col 2:20-23]!

Do not be self-deceived. Do not trust yourself and be proud!

Thirdly, faith will bring what you need. Johanan did the Lord’s will in rescuing the people [Jer 41:11-18]. He was scared, however, that the King of Babylon would blame him for insurrection, so he feared staying in Israel. God, however, promised that it would be well, if he only trusted Him, and this is what He tells us. Human reasoning may think, “Run,” but when God says stay and submit, then we have no other option. God knows how to control the king, so that His promise is fulfilled!

“The king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever He chooses.” [Prov 21:1]

Therefore, we can trust God’s counsel in everything. He knows what’s best for us, and it is to be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as He forgives us. It is to be merciful because we’ve obtained mercy and to love as we’ve been loved!

Do not look to YOUR WISDOM, but live according to God’s word. He is faithful, wise, and a Deliverer. He will provide peace. Love your enemy and do good to those who persecute you. Do not complain!

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” [Phil 4:6-7]