Exodus 12:50, 51 All the Israelites did just what the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron. And on that very day the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions. (NIV)

Exodus 12:51  And on this very day the Lord brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their regiments. (NET)

Exodus 12:50, 51 All the Israelites did exactly as God commanded Moses and Aaron. That very day God brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt, tribe by tribe. (MSG)

Exodus 12:51 On that very day the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt like an army. (NLT)

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Division is a word frequently applied to Christians. Unfortunately, it more often indicates one group at odds with another within the worldwide Christian family than one group moving together with other groups toward a common purpose. 

Here at the beginning of the forty-year journey through the wilderness we know as the Exodus, every group obediently moved out by their tribal groupings. What happens when God’s people hear and obey his instructions together? 

1. People are favorably disposed toward them. (See 12:35, 36.)
2. Those on the outside choose to join. (See 12:38.)
3. God’s people see God’s ancient promises fulfilled. (See 12:40, 41.)

There is more, so much more to come on the Exodus journey. God’s presence is demonstrated constantly. God’s power is recognized regularly. God’s provision is experienced daily. 

We get out of our own way when we seek God together, obey him conscientiously, and trust him wholeheartedly. 

We are most blessed when we say Yes to God together. 

We bless others most when we do the work he calls and equips us to do as the normal course of our lives. 

Division takes on new meaning when we find our unity in our relationship with Jesus. We move like a mighty army. We move like an army that brings the blessings of God rather than the bludgeoning of our enemies. We move like an army that builds up people, families, and communities. We move like an army that brings peace, reconciliation, and restoration. Our weapons are not dangerous, but developmental. Like the leaves of the Trees of Life in the New Jerusalem, they are for the healing of people groups. (See Revelation 22).

How’s your tribe today? How much good news is there in the gospel you preach, teach, and believe? How blessed is your family and community by God’s presence, power, and provision? How are you joining God in bringing healing to and among different people groups?

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I will work with Jesus to turn our tribe into a community of grace, mercy, peace, and kindness.

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Our Father, draw us together in our common hunger for more of you. Empower us to unleash your goodness and kindness. Drive out the darkness in our homes and communities with the light of your life shining through us. Make us blessings to this world so that outsiders will be favorably disposed toward us and join us. Amen.