Walk Like an Egyptian

In December 1998, the story of Moses from the book of Exodus was turned into a grown-up animated movie (full of voice talent from many big name stars) entitled The Prince of Egypt. [i]

Two songs from this film really spoke to me. I am including an abridged set of lyrics for both songs below (along with my insights):

“Through Heaven's Eyes”

A single thread in a tapestry
Though its color brightly shine
Can never see its purpose
In the pattern of the grand design

And the stone that sits on the very top
Of the mountain's mighty face
Does it think it's more important
Than the stones that form the base?

So how can you see what your life is worth
Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life
Look at your life through heaven's eyes

A lake of gold in the desert sand
Is less than a cool fresh spring
And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy
Is greater than the richest king
If a man lose ev'rything he owns
Has he truly lost his worth?
Or is it the beginning
Of a new and brighter birth?

Sometimes all it takes to resolve a challenge in anyone’s life is a new perspective from a wise Counselor that knows each one of us intimately. From the verses below, do you know Who that might be? (You only get one guess.)

1.  ^“Look up to the skies. Who created all those stars? Who created all those ‘armies’ in the sky?  Who knows every star by name? He is very strong and powerful, not one of these stars is lost.”[ii]

2.  “But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much.  We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.) “[iii]

“When You Believe”

Many nights we prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hope for a song
We barely understood

Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill

Hope seems like the summer bird
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here
My hearts so full, I can't explain

Seeking faith and speakin' words
I never thought I'd say
There can be miracles
When you believe

They don't always happen when you ask
And it’s easy to give in to your fears
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see the way, get through the rain

A faith belief which highlights trust in the unseen is not an easy task (for some).[iv] Prayer (combined with faith) is an important component in the life of the believer.

The Almighty is never under any obligation to provide you with whatever you request of Him. (He is not your spiritual Genie in a bottle just waiting to grant your every wish.) Like any loving Parent, He always considers what will be best for you (in the end) when giving you what you need (instead of just your wants). 

v “We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say.”[v]

“…If love is really love, it doesn’t waffle when it’s not received the way you hope. If love can be told to quit loving, then it’s not really love. Love that is from God is unending, unstoppable. If the object of its affection doesn’t choose to receive it, love keeps giving anyway.”[vi]

“…When we are willing to listen, to share, and to consider others before ourselves we open up the avenues of peace, love, and blessing. Yes, it takes wisdom and maturity to always take the high road, but it’s a path that leads to benefits we all want for ourselves. These rewards await those who are resolved and willing, who don’t close off their hearts to [others].” [vii]

 

From left to right wife, Zipporah, brother, Aaron, Moses (Prince of Egypt), sister, Miriam

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[i] The title of this post is taken from the 1986 song by the Bangles of the same title.

[ii] Isaiah 40:26, ERV

[iii] Ephesians 2:4-5, ERV

[iv] “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.” Hebrews 11:1-2, MSG

[v] 1 John 5:14, ERV

[vi] The Love Dare Day by Day by the Kendrick brothers, “Day 357: Love never fails”

[vii] The Love Dare Day by Day by the Kendrick brothers, “Day 51: Love keeps an open mind”