Flies

Exodus 8:23
23 ‘I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.’

With so many translations of the Bible circulating around the world today, is it any wonder why so many people don’t truly understand God’s grace and ultimate message? It’s hard to discern the Truth when the Message has been adapted and changed for culture, language, age, or gender. For example, I read from a New King James version of the Bible. Some people read from an Amplified Bible and others choose to read Eugene Peterson’s translation, The Message. No matter which text you choose, nothing compares to the original and nothing speaks like God’s language, love.

Take this verse above for an example. This is from the New King James version of the Bible. It’s a quote from God Himself talking to Moses about how He is going to keep His people separate and protected from this upcoming plague of flies. I suppose I could go on for a page or two about how flies eat dead flesh and that’s why God was going to keep them from His people. Because Jesus, the Christ, brings life eternal and all those who choose not to follow Him are choosing death, the flies are only going to bother the Egyptians. There is this hidden metaphor of God’s redemption and grace in there, if you’re looking for it. But, that’s not what I’m writing about. (That was a freebie.)

Anyway, I digress. The point that I was trying to make before was that this great translation of the original text leaves something out. The word “difference” in the verse was translated from a term which literally meant “set a ransom”. I don’t know why it was changed to difference; there’s really nothing spectacular about making a difference between two groups of people. You’re skinny, I’m fat. There, it’s a difference, but is it significant? When the term “set a ransom” is put in, the meaning changes. It’s not just a minor difference; it’s a purchase of redemption. God is telling Moses that He’s going to purchase His people. He’s going to pay a price for them. God isn’t going to just make them different, He’s going to sacrifice something of His to give them freedom. That “ransom” that has been omitted from every text but the original (at least all the ones that I can find) is Jesus Christ. “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a RANSOM for many.” (Mark 10:45) Jesus is quoted as saying He is the Ransom. He is, He was, and He will be. That’s the nature of God.

I’ve wondered about all the division in the church: the different doctrines, theologies, and styles of worship. I’ve wondered what’s right and what’s wrong with today’s church. I’ve come to this conclusion: The church is struggling because we don’t know the Truth. We’ve watered down even the very words that God spoke into a more palatable version. We’ve made light, in almost every aspect, of what God’s purpose was in everything that He did and said. That purpose was to reveal to us His Son, Jesus, the Savior of man. The Ransom for sinners. Jesus Messiah, Lord of all!