Chains

I must say, the author really knows how to weave a story. I wish I could write more vividly. :)

As I see it, though, a detriment that can (sometimes) arise from such picturesque writing is that it leans toward being euphemistic. Example: "Compromise, unbelief and idolatry swayed their hearts. They left the land of slavery, but they took their chains along. A shadow had ensnared their souls." (and there are more examples) Descriptive language, to be sure. But, I think we need to remember that these chosen people of God were downright disobedient. Disobedient because they possessed a sin nature from birth. Ergo, they had a natural bent toward sin. As do we.

Genesis 6:5 - Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

And again in Genesis 8:21 - The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth

Yeah, people, the Israelites were evil. We're evil. I'M evil. Makes me shudder, actually, because that's a REAL harsh word and a real hard truth. Thank God for His Holy Sprit who lives within me, so that at least I'm able to be inclined to holiness. The Bible says (Romans 8) we're not able to choose Him, or be inclined toward God unless He regenerates our hearts. So the good news is, as Believers, we don't have to be slaves to sin.

No doubt there are some very difficult truths in Scripture, and they must be taught. Sin is sin, and not only does it separate us from the Holy God, it is an offense to Him. As God grants us His grace, we (I) must be willing to come before Him with a contrite heart, broken over my sin. (Psalm 51:17)

Living in chains of grace...

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Addendum: I was going to write this as a comment, but then thought I'd better go ahead and put it in my own post. I am very concerned about pointing our readers to Jesus, who is THE Way, the Truth and the Life - His is the world's only Savior. The truth lies within the Scriptures, nowhere else. That certainly applies to Christians, and it also applies to non-Christians, whether they believe it or not. One day, EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Phil 2:9-11).

That said, here is my concern: It bothered me the other day when I read about all this 'mystery' to God. I didn't comment on that entry, but it's been brought up again so I think I will address it.
Everything about God is NOT wrapped up in mystery, and I think we must be very careful when we say that it is. I'm not saying there is no mystery, because He is supernatural and there most definitely IS mystery to Him. There are many things we cannot understand. (Deut 29:29 - The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.)

BUT...

In assigning too much to the mysterious, the 'unknowable,' is to then absolve ourselves of any responsibility. (It can also lead to mysticism, contemplative prayer, Eastern religious practices - all not scriptural.) It is abundantly clear in the Scriptures exactly who God is. That's what the Bible is - God's self-revelation to us.

It is also very clear in the Word, that it's not at all about 'our choice' to 'choose' God. We don't make an intellectual decision to 'choose' Him based on the very unscriptural practice known as 'the sinner's prayer.' HE calls us to Him. (please, please read and study Romans 8 and Ephesians 1)

I cannot, in good faith, let go some of the things said without pointing to the Truth of God's word. We are admonished to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3) and be unashamed of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 1:16)