Three Strikes Doesn't Mean You Are Out

Three Strikes Doesn't Mean You Are Out

The Book of Exodus has always held a particular fascination for me. I am amazed at how God brought the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage and into their promised land. I am a particularly drawn to the first four miracles that Moses and Aaron performed in front of Pharaoh and his royal court. There are so many prophetic implications and practical applications for these miracles. I believe that by looking at them with a fresh anointing we can glean some wonderful revelation. Let's look at them in order.

The Rod Turns Into A Serpent

Moses' calling was that of a deliverer and a shepherd. Shepherding is probably one of the hardest assignments that anyone can ever have. This miracle was first revealed to Moses in the wilderness after his encounter with the burning bush. Moses was instructed to throw his rod or staff onto the ground. The significance of this event was life changing. For the last 40 years of his life Moses had lived as a shepherd. Throwing his rod upon the ground was like asking a police officer to throw down his badge, a Marine to throw down his M16, or a preacher to throw down his Bible. God was telling Moses to lay down his life. A lot of people want the miracles of God, but not many are willing to completely lay down their lives for God's purposes. Upon his obedience to God's command the miraculous was released. His shepherds staff had turned into a serpent. Moses did what most of us would have done in his position. He ran from the serpent. What do you do when serpents unexpectedly show up in your life? It appears that there are only two real responses,either you fight or you take flight. The Lord instructed Moses to take the serpent up by the tail. That tells me that the Lord will allow you and I to sneak up on our enemies instead of them sneaking up on us. The symbolism is so appropriate don't you think. I believe that the Lord is giving new strategy to the church this season so that we may startle our enemies and advance God's plans and purposes.

Strike One

Picture this with me. You are standing before the single most powerful man in the world. This man is not only the wealthiest individual on the planet, he is also the commander of the most advanced military in the world. He is a man that always gets his way. You have a message from him that you know he is not going to be happy to hear. In fact people have been executed for far less than what you are about to do and say to this man. You have just put yourself in Moses and Aaron's shoes. The moment of truth has come. Moses has gained victory over a serpent in the wilderness now he must face the serpent on the throne, the Egyptian Pharaoh. Thus saith the Lord "Let my people go that they may serve me." After this prophetic declaration the rod of God is cast down upon the ground and is transformed into a serpent. This is where things become even more interesting. Pharaoh's magicians are summoned and perform the same miracle as Moses. I have often tried to place myself in Moses shoes and imagine what it must have felt like to see the miracle reproduced by the enemy. This is strike number 1. However the temptation to become hopeless is quickly dispelled as Moses' serpent swallows up the other two serpents. God will not only defend his message he will also defend his messengers. Let's see what happens next.

Strike Two

Pharaoh isn't phased by the serpent encounter with Moses so the Lord sends Moses and Aaron out to meet him at the Nile River. Many scholars believe that the miracles of Moses were a direct judgment against the numerous so called "gods" of Egypt. As Pharaoh is offering homage to the water spirits of the Nile, God is about to release another judgment upon Pharaoh and his kingdom. The Nile River was the symbol of life, vitality, and tranquility for the whole nation. The rod of God is raised and the Nile is turned into blood to illustrate that God is the source of all life and nothing else. Once again the magicians of Egypt repeat the process and change the water into blood as well. Strike two for Moses & Aaron. I have discovered an interesting truth when it comes to God. Sometimes he has to diminish you before he delivers you. I believe this is to protect us from pride and self righteousness. There is no doubt in Moses mind that without God there is way he is going to win this battle with Pharaoh.

Strike Three

The result of judgment number three is frogs, frogs, and more frogs. The scriptures inform us that the magicians repeat this miracle only to add to their misery. This is strike three. Did you know that there are people today that are trying to mimic God's power,just like the magicians tried to, only to their own doom. Real power comes from being humble and submissive to God's will. There is no bypassing this. At this point Moses has come before Pharaoh three times and each time he isn't taken seriously because the Egyptians are able to copycat the miracles that he has performed. I've got good news for you. Three strikes and you are not out when it comes to fulfilling God's will for you life.

The Line in the Sand

Miracle number four is where things get very interesting. Moses stretches the rod over the sands of Egypt and the sand becomes lice. The magicians try to repeat this miracle and fail to do so. They approach Pharaoh and inform him to let the people of God go because this miracle is obviously the "finger of God" since they are unable to mimic it. The Lord once told me something very powerful about this. He said "As long as the world can duplicate what you've got, it won't be interested in what you have to say or take you seriously what you have come to do." I have a newsflash for you. The church has great singers, so does the world. The church was great speakers, so does the world. The church has great facilities, so does the world. What is going to be the line in the sand? I believe it will be the supernatural miracles of God being poured out from heaven above. God is looking for the Moses and Aarons of today. Men and women of God who have laid down their life for the cause of Christ. May this be a season of God's supernatural power being poured out in your life. May you sneak up on the enemy this season and defeat him decisively. May every counterfeit, fake, fraud, and false prophet be exposed and truly be converted to the One True Living God. Remember that three strikes doesn't mean that you are out. Get back in there and tell that serpent that this is where it stops. God will be exalted in the earth and the line in the sand has been drawn. May God bless and keep in you.

In Christ,
Apostle James Willis

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