"EGYPT AND THE WORLD SYSTEM PART ONE"
 
In verse 8 of Genesis Chapter 12 Abram is pictured going to Beth-el to worship the Lord. Things were going well for Abram and God was working in him so as a result it was only natural for him to go to Beth-el and give the Lord adoration. When Peter and John witnessed the mount of transfiguration (Jesus,Moses,and Elijah) Peter desired to make his home there and even gave Jesus suggestions.Another words it was so compelling that it was only logical to do this,to think this way, to desire this on earth for the rest of his life. The only problem with that is this did not fit the model of Abram's life nor did it fit the model of Peter's life because it was not God's will for either of their lives.They both had to go south as it were and that is what I would like to explain from the backdrop of Abram.
 
In verse 9 the account says "Abram journeyed,going on still toward the south." Not everyone reading this knows the expression "it's gone south" but it is used to describe something bad. No offense if you are traveling south or live there but I find it very interesting that in verse 9 Abram's steps were prophetic. The story goes much deeper than primarily interpretation and practical application. I am thoroughly convinced it has prophetic implications. One of the meanings of the number 9 is finality of judgment. The prophetic implication of this verse and this interpretation introduces the story.When Abram went south to Negev he may have experienced one of the worst times in his life and remember it happened right after a supernatural divine blessing in his life.Don't be surprised if you are doing something for the Lord and something bad happens in your life. Believe it or not this seems to be the pattern so if it is happening to you your probably doing something right for the Kingdom of God. Verse 10 talks about a famine that took place in the land of Negev.The practical application of this is I think Abram and his clan may have gone hungry so at one point he had everything including a strong fellowship with God. Now he is hungry and in need and experiencing the grievous part of life..."for the famine is grievous in the land." Notice this is in Chapter 12 (governmental perfection) and verse 10 (ordinal perfection). God's government is perfect and He is in control of all the' chaos;however, the fact that this hardship happened in verse 10 speaks of man not being able to follow the law(ordinal perfection) and as a result famines,needs,and grief take center stage. Prophetically the famine represents the sin of humanity so consequently there is a need, a crying urgency for a Divine Savior.We know His name is Jesus Christ. The grieving represents the way life really is because of sin. Once again the numbers seem to tell a story.
 
In verse 11 this verse actually describes Abram going even deeper south toward Egypt contemplating or worrying because he knew how brutal this country was. Almost every preacher or teacher regardless as to what their prophetic position is tends to speak of Egypt as being a type of the world system. It is almost unanimous in their opinion on this subject. Egypt is a type of the world system. You have to understand that Abram and his clan were in need because they were hungry so they had no other choice but to go to Egypt. When a Christian goes to Egypt (World System) they usually do it against their will because if we are in this position we eventually are at the mercy in all their brutality. This is truly a test of faith. It's interesting to me that in verse 11 (the number of confusion) Abram worries and acts upon it by confronting Sarai that she is a fair woman to look upon. This is a prophetic picture of man worrying about "deep Egypt" or the world system in all of its brutality. In 11 Timothy 1:7 the Bible says "For God hath not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power,and of love,and of a sound mind ." Even if we are facing the worlds' brutality God gives his Child this Spirit if we want it; however, God will not force His power, love, or a sound mind on his children.What is the one thing worry produces? Confusion and Fear.What verse is this in? Verse 11.
 
Verse 12 is actually an explanation of Egypt's world system of brutality from Abram to Sarai. Abram had to explain to his wife the reality of the heartless cruelty of Egypt (World System). You have to understand that this was actually a practice Egypt engaged in. Specifically they would literary kill the husband and seize the wife. Don't you find it interesting that Abram became a political science teacher to Sarai to explain governmental Egypt 101 to his wife in verse 12 which has a meaning of  governmental perfection. Of course this was the direct opposite of God's governmental perfection because it was Egypt (A type of the World System). Under the canopy of Chapter 12 (God's government in perfect control of good and bad times) verse 12 gives us a glimpse of the way the world system really is and unless we realize that God through His Son Jesus Christ is more powerful than the murder in this world which comes in various forms we will never get the victory.As we try and cope with an insane world remember we can not do it without God's help. Much prayer and Bible study is necessary because we are in the world but not of the world.
 
Verse 13 describes the plan. "Say,I pray thee,thou art my sister"...so you can see the fearful position Abram and Sarai were in.They were between Iraq and a hard place. Murder and brutality were everywhere. If he tells the truth he risks being killed. If he institutes a lie he breaks God's law but he might live. I have been in "deep Egypt" many times and believe me theory and reality are two different things. By the way our life does not have to be at stake for us to be in this place; however, the fear level is usually extremely high. When we are in a situation like this much prayer to God for sanctification is necessary because the Bible clearly states "Behold,I sent you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16. How do we do this? Only with God's direction and believe me there is no other way. I find it amazing that the lie was instituted in verse 13 which is the number of apostasy. Every apostate system has a lie in there somewhere so I do believe we can see a picture of the embryo of apostasy juxtapostioned in verse 13. Apostasy is obviously very rampant in Egypt or the world system and sometimes Christians start it.
 
This is just part one of "Egypt and the World System." In part 2, I am going to explain how and why this symbolizes our life and prophetically why it relates to the devil and the believer. This future description will involve life and eternity. It is amazing how precise and exact God's Word is. As we go through our up and down experiences in life wherever we are weather it be someplace in Canaan (Sichem;Beth-el) or Negev,Egypt remember one simple truth. We have Jesus Christ and He is interceding on our behalf to the Father.Our Savior is precious and so are you. We would do well to give Him first place in our life. Regardless as to what happens we are in His Hands. If you are an unbeliever this should be of great comfort to you. The real truth of the matter is you can be driven into "deep Egypt" and if something bad happens to you without the Savior of the World Jesus Christ you will die in your sins and spend eternity apart from God in a place where there is no hope-apart from his love forever.Accept Jesus Christ into your heart today so tomorrow will be secure in Him.
 
Love in Christ
  Bob D.