A mixed multitude also went up with them,
along with flocks and herds,
a very large number of livestock.
Exodus 12:38
When we read “a mixed multitude” in Scripture, our Creator is not speaking about our human label of race. Our God divides people into only two categories: 1) the righteous and 2) the sinner/wicked (Romans 5:19, Proverbs 10:32). You are either of God or of the Devil (John 8:39-47, Acts 26:18). You are either in the kingdom of light or the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 1:13). In Ephesians 5:8 the Word of God declares, “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.”
So my friend, as we look at this “mixed multitude” that walked out of Egypt and as we read and study more of Scripture, let us be sure to understand that race does not factor in with the interpretation of God’s Word. We all came forth from the same one father and the same one mother, Adam and Eve.
All flesh is not the same flesh,
but there is one flesh of men,
and another flesh of beasts,
and another flesh of birds,
and another of fish.
1 Corinthians 15:39
We may have different nationalities according to our places of birth, but we are all the same flesh, one race. Racism is a philosophy of man. It is a means of division and deception and destruction by the one who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. Therefore it has no place among those who are of God.
Now what we learn from Exodus 12:38 is that many of the people who lived in Egypt chose to leave with the Hebrew slaves. Some left in a new found faith, fully devoted to this God of the Hebrews. Some left because they were afraid to stay in Egypt. Some left because the Hebrews took with them most of all the valuables in Egypt.
In Exodus 12:35-36 we read, “Now the sons of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, for they had requested from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.” So the “mixed multitude” that journeys from Rameses to Succoth was a mixture of heart devotions to the One True God.
In 1 Corinthians 15:33 we read, “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.” The bad company that travels out of Egypt with the Hebrews is going to bring them much grief.
The bad company that we allow in our lives will also bring us much grief. This does not mean that we must put ourselves in a Christian bubble, to do so would be impossible. However we must be wise in our choosing of intimate friends. We must be wise in our choosing of those who we allow to influence us. The bad company that corrupts our good morals are usually not the lost, but those who claim to be saved. The apostle Paul speaks a great deal on this subject.
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;
I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world,
or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters,
for then you would have to go out of the world.
But actually, I wrote to you
not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person,
or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-
not even to eat with such a one.
For what have I to do with judging outsiders?
Do you not judge those who are within the church?
But those who are outside, God judges.
REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Our Savior also addresses this in His letters to the churches in the book of Revelation. Jesus rebukes the church of Pergamum and the church of Thyatira for tolerating false teachers and immoral persons in the church. In His word to the churches, Jesus did not call those who tolerated sin in the church overcomers. Yes, we are to tolerate weakness in faith among those who are our brethren in Christ (Romans 14:1-4). However, we are not to tolerate sin.
My friend, toleration of sin is not an act of love. It is not a display of compassion. It is giving “hearty approval” (Romans 1:32) to the things which lead to death. It is like seeing a child who appears to be having a fun time playing in the middle of the interstate and walking away and allowing him to stay because you do not want to hurt his feelings in making him move, or you do not want to offend his parents by stepping up and taking action in their stead, even though the diesal truck is coming around the bend.
Oh precious one, will you be one who overcomes?
Will you be one who refuses to compromise the Word of Truth?
Will you be one who is not afraid of standing for righteousness?
Will you be one who displays true love and compassion by being willing to run out in the middle of the road and snatch the playing child from death?
It is possible to speak the truth and call sin a sin and do it in love and with grace and mercy. We are to be salt and light in this world. Salt sometimes burns and light sometimes is so bright we have to look away, but still it is needed. That burning salt still heals wounds and that blinding light is still the way out of the darkness.
Will you be one who refuses to be influenced by those who are not whole hearted in their devotion to God?
Some follow Christ because they have a new found faith in Him and are fully devoted to God. Some follow Him because they are afraid of the world. Some follow Him because they think with Him comes health, wealth, and prosperity. Our churches are full of a mixture of heart devotions to the One True God. The question is why have you followed Him and where is your heart’s devotion?
Oh Father,
May I not succomb to the world’s view of compassion and love. May I display love and compassion in accordance with Your Word. May I walk in the footsteps of Christ and follow His example. May I not be afraid to call sin what it is. May I not be controlled by a fear of offending others or by guilt from feelings hurt. I do not want to be one who gives hearty approval to someone’s actions when I know these actions lead to death. I am to be a guide to life. Keep my eyes open that I might not be influenced by those who do not serve You out of a devoted heart. May I be salt that has not lost it’s flavor or it’s sting and light that shines bright because it is not shadowed by doubt.
My Jesus, it is in Your name I pray,
Amen