GOSHEN BLESSINGS (2)

“And in that day I will set apart the LAND of GOSHEN, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there…” – Exodus 8:22a

God distinguished His people from Pharaoh’s Egyptians by means of GOSHEN BLESSINGS: “And in that day I will set apart the land of GOSHEN, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the land. I will make a difference between My people and your people…” (Exo.8: 22-23a). The first plague was the waters becoming blood (Exo.7: 14-25). The second, the flood of frogs (Exo.8: 1-14). The third was the plague of dust turning to lice, for which Pharaoh’s magicians recognised the “Finger of God” at work (vv.16-19). God then affirmed that the unleashing of the fourth plague – swarms of flies – would exempt His people who dwelt in “the land of Goshen” (v.22).

In the land of Goshen, God’s people were protected from all of the ten plagues that besieged the land of Egypt. At the ninth plague, a thick, paralyzing darkness covered Egypt for three whole days, yet “all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exo.10:23b). A supernatural darkness covered Egypt, that natural resources of light couldn’t dispel. By the same token, the Israelites enjoyed a supernatural light in Goshen, that the darkness couldn’t smother. Goshen is a reminder that God will never leave or forsake His people (Heb.13:5b). He will always give encouragement for our Goshen journeys. When we go through tough times, it’s easy to focus on the negative and forget all the good things God has done for us. But if we can keep our eyes on Jesus, we’ll see that He is always with us, even in the midst of a crisis (Heb.12:2).

We live in days of gross darkness covering the earth (Isa.60: 1-2). Yet, Scriptures assure that even when there’s thick and deep darkness all around, Believers in Christ can experience God’s supernatural light in their dwellings (Jh.8:12; 16:33). We, who have been drawn near to Him through the work of His Son, can have intimacy with God and enjoy His protective covering to live fear-free and victoriously in these dark times. The reality of Goshen means that we can take comfort in knowing that no matter what happens in this world, we have a permanent dwelling place in nearness to Christ. Goshen could represent for each of God’s children, a home, job, business, career, or ministry.

In this place of nearness, God distinguishes between His people and the worldlings. We are in this world, but not of this world (Jh.17:14). We are His. He desires for us to be close to Him so that He can hide us under the shadow of His wings. He paid the price so that we can be called His children: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 Jh.3:1a). Whatever may be happening in the world today, we can be bold and fearless because nothing can ever separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus (Rom.8: 35-39). However, the Goshen Blessing is not just about a physical place but also a spiritual principle.

The Goshen principle can be applied to any situation. In its spiritual significance, Goshen represents a place of supernatural security, safety, plenty, nourishment, refreshment, and divine defence. In Goshen, we can rest assured in God’s provision, prosperity, and protection, no matter what the enemy throws our way. In Goshen, God’s people can prosper amidst crisis. The Lord promised to be with His people in Goshen, and to give them favour in the eyes of the Egyptians. So, even in an economic or personal crisis, we can be in a Goshen season where we receive abundant blessings. In the world’s economy, things work according to times of boom and bust, but with God, Goshen operates in a different clock, according to God-appointed seasons!

Goshen is an imperfect picture of heaven – our eternal Home; a place of richness and rest, where there shall be more sorrow, pain, or tears.