The Law of Contrasts

Are you looking at homes that are way out of your price range?

It’s common in the world of real estate sales for a realtor to show their prospective buyers homes that are WAY out of their price range in order to soften them up enough to buy a home that is a bit above their intended price range. By viewing all of the larger homes, the buyers are usually more willing to accept a home that may be a bit more than what they were willing to pay, but still be manageable in contrast to the enormous homes they have already viewed.  This strategy works well in a myriad of sales fields and is a strategy called “the law of contrasts.” Today, I’m going to use that same strategy on you. *grin*

“You want me to do WHAT? Let me see if I got this straight. I’m supposed to oversee the grain storage for millions of people over the next seven years, and do so in such a way that they don’t starve during a famine of seven years? You realize, of course, that I’ve never been a VP of a small company, let alone second in command to a Pharaoh, right?” –Conversation between Joseph, son of Jacob, and the Lord prior to him overseeing the survival of Egypt prior to the seven year famine.

How many of us would be just a wee bit intimidated and overwhelmed with such a task?  Oh, let’s do one better, shall we?

“Let me see if I’ve got this straight. 4.2 million people, including women and children. I’m supposed to just waltz right into the Pharaoh and convince him to just let them go? You realize that he won’t get any of his construction plans done without them?  His wealth will disappear overnight?

“Wait a minute? I’m also supposed to convince him to send the Israelites off with gold and silver?  They are just going to give it to these “slaves?” What, as a friendly parting gift?

Modern exodus–what might we face in the future?

“Huh? You say there’s more to the job?  I see. I’m also supposed to physically lead the exodus of this massive amount of people into the wilderness, ensure that they have sufficient food, water, flocks, clothing, etc. for decades of survival AND be their spiritual leader as well?

“How long are we supposed to be able to survive?… Decades?!!” –Conversation between Moses and the Lord as he understands his assignment to oversee the entire exodus of over 4 million Israelites.

I don’t care who you are. Being responsible for the sustenance of 100 people, let alone millions of people would be overwhelming. Think of the travel involved. I know plenty of couples who won’t do a lengthy road trip simply because they don’t want to “ruin” their relationship. If you’ve ever been in a car with 7 kids under the age of 14, you may better appreciate the unattractive nature of Moses’ assignment. Imagine 4.2 million dusty, grumpy, Israelites saying “Are we there yet?” every single day for over 40 years. *grin*

Well, you know me. I’ve got to try and really hit the point home. Let’s do one more scenario.

“Ok. Be a full-time prophet and cry repentance to save as many people before the flood wipes them all out. Check. Excuse me. How are they supposed to survive the flood when they do repent?  Uh…with all due respect, I’m not a ship builder.

“You want the ark HOW big?  Um… Ok. If you say you’ll help me, then I’ll do it.  I would like to share with you though that I feel a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of saving so many souls and having enough time to build the ark as well. Oh. You weren’t finished? My apologies.

“Ok. Two of every seed and grain. Got it… Two of every what?! What if my pet dander allergies acts up?

“Keep the lions and the hyenas separate. Got it.

“I have to store enough food, water and light fuel for all of the animals AND my family AND all of the people who repent too?  For how long?  Um, but don’t you think the duration of the cruise is an important bit of information for me to know? Well, do I at least get to take Dramamine with me for all of the people and the animals? After all, I really only want to have to clean up one kind of mess, if you get my meaning.”

Yup, I’m sure that after these three examples that there’s not one of us who really has room to complain about the effort, time, or resources it takes to put together at least a year’s supply of preparedness materials. God is no less absent from our own preparedness efforts than he was with Joseph, Moses, or Noah. Can any of us truly doubt that He has no interest in our own well being, safety and survival today than He did in days past?  At least our “ark making activities” today are aided by YouTube, Google, e-mail, blogs, and enormous libraries everywhere. We don’t exactly have to hike 100 miles to obtain “seed of every kind.” We certainly have a lot more conveniences in taking care of our stewardships today than any man or woman before us. So, let’s stop making excuses of ANY kind, and just get it done. Time, food prices, world conditions, weather, reality, etc. are definitely NOT on our side folks. But we can still be victorious over the Pharaohs and floods in our life if we’ll just kick it in gear and get it done. Of this I am certain.