Sermon on Exodus 11:1–3

 Prayer: Father! We thank You for being the One who delivers us from this world, from sin, and from Satan. O Supreme Father, who transforms the very temptations of the devil into stepping-stones for our spiritual maturity—we bow before You. On this day, we ask You to speak with us, so that every struggle we face in this world may become a spiritual ornament within our inner being. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Egypt, the people possessed silver and gold ornaments. The Israelites asked for these, and they were given to them. But it was the Lord who granted them favor in the eyes of the Egyptians and stirred their hearts with courage to ask boldly. Thus, the Israelites received not only silver and gold but also clothing and other items they needed. Though God had instructed them to ask for silver and gold, they requested additional items as well—this reflected a certain boldness, even audacity.

Earlier, the Israelites had cried out in great anguish, which brought about their eventual deliverance—but not before they had endured deep oppression. The favor of the Egyptians toward the Israelites came only after they had experienced trials, slavery, and suffering. This reminds us that through daily temptations, it is easy to fall into sin. During such times, we must pray with deep sincerity, saying, “Lord, this temptation from the devil is overwhelming. Please come quickly and take us to the New Jerusalem. Our life feels like slavery under Satan. Deliver us swiftly, O Lord!”

We should also pray, “Lord, rescue us from all our troubles. Come soon!” For our release from this bondage of sin, we long for the coming of the Lord. Without Him, we cannot be freed.

It is not easy for women to part with their ornaments, yet here, the Egyptian women gave them freely to the Israelites. Though the Egyptians knew that the Israelites would not return, they still gave generously out of a mysterious love. This was a divine work.

The Bride of Christ must adorn herself with spiritual ornaments while she is still on earth. Her preparation must take place here—before the Bridegroom comes. The Israelites did not rob the Egyptians. Rather, the Egyptians themselves willingly gave. Still, this event is described as a kind of plundering, not by force but by divine reversal—because the very people who were once oppressed now received from their oppressors. It was God who turned the tables and bestowed this favor upon His people.

Preparation for the Bride – Adornments for the New Jerusalem

1. Truly, if we are to be part of the Bride’s procession, the Lord will provide everything we need for that heavenly journey right here in this world. What is needed for the world to come will be granted here itself. The Israelites took silver and gold ornaments with them from Egypt, and later, in the wilderness, they used them for making utensils required in the Tabernacle, for the breastplate worn by the High Priest, and for various articles of worship inside the sanctuary.
2. David, after winning battles and defeating foreign kings, brought back silver and gold. He dedicated these treasures for building the holy temple and its sacred vessels. Though David did the fighting, Solomon completed the construction of the temple using these offerings.
3. Saul, though a Gentile and someone who persecuted God’s church, was taken hold of by God and used for the restoration of the church. He, too, became a vessel for God’s purpose.
4. There is sin in everyone—meaning that elements connected to the devil still linger in us. In such a state, we are not worthy of the New Jerusalem. Yet the Lord is able to cleanse us from all of this and take us into His holy city. Just as He used the people after they gave their ornaments, in the same way, He can only use us when we give our hearts to Him.

So we must pray: “Father! You used the gold of Gentiles; You used even the one who persecuted Your church. So, cleanse me too, though I am flawed, and use me for Your glory.”

Temptations and Their Cure

1. There are three kinds of temptations, and the only true remedy for them is the presence of God:
• The flesh
• The world
• Satan
  Among these, the temptation of the flesh is the greatest. Whenever we face such temptations, we must act against them with spiritual discipline:

• If there is dirt, it must be washed away with water.
• If there's trash, it must be swept away.
• If there's a hole, it must be patched.
• To overcome the temptation of the flesh, you need the body of the Lord.

Those who do not partake of the Lord's Supper cannot overcome the temptations of the flesh. Therefore, we must observe this regularly and reverently.

2. When temptations come through the world, we need fellowship with the saints in heaven. Associating with the holy ones strengthens us and keeps us from worldly deception.
3. To overcome temptations from Satan, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit.
4. Regarding sufferings—it is through enduring these that we receive victory. We must lay all our sufferings upon the cross of Christ. As James 1:12 says, those who endure trials and temptations will receive the crown of life. In fact, those who endure temptations and sufferings will become like jewels in the New Jerusalem.

Blessing: May the Lord grant you, through today’s meditation, the grace to become a precious adornment for the Bridegroom in the New Jerusalem. Amen.