Exodus and Rescue

For 400 years the Israelites have lived in Egypt. The family of Jacob sought refuge in the land of Pharaoh, but now they are slaves. Their daily lives are ruled by another. Where they go, what they do, how they live, all is predetermined. As slaves, they live at the will of a foreign power. It is a picture of sin.

Sin does not seek to peacefully coexist in our lives. It does not willingly share dominion with another. Sin seeks to rule. Sin wants to devour our lives. It shapes us to its own purpose. It deforms our decisions and mars our thinking. Sin limits our vision and focus. It wants us to be separate from God. When we decide to live alongside sin, it is only a matter of time before sin begins to press in and control us. Sin wants to make slaves of mankind.

As the Israelites feel the oppression of slavery, they remember the God of their fathers. They remember Abraham and his journey with God from Ur to Canaan. They think back to Isaac and Jacob. They recall the God that has walked with Israel and now they begin to call to God for release.

Calling to God from the slavery of sin is called repentance. It is the moment we know that we need rescue and release. It is the moment when we choose to live outside of sin’s grip and in the arms of a Father who lives us. God is the only remedy, the only rescue for people trapped in sin.

As God hears the cries of the Israelite people, He sets in motion a plan to bring a rescuer. Moses is the man that God has chosen to lead His people out of the bondage of Egypt.

Jesus is the savior who leads us from the bondage of sin.

Pharaoh is not willing to let the Israelites walk free. As Moses cries for his people’s release, Pharaoh makes slavery even harder. The most powerful man in the all the land has set his sights on keeping the Hebrews as slaves. With the power of law, an army, and a host of advisors, Pharaoh denies the Hebrew people the freedom they desire. HE stands ready to keep them at any cost. But God is ready to go to battle for His people. God is ready to step in. Ten devastating plagues visit the land of Egypt. Each a testimony to the power of God. God has power over the life giving waters of the Nile. God can control the animals and insects that roam the land. God can turn the sun off and send disease and even death. God goes to war to free His people from the hands of Pharaoh.

While sin is a mighty adversary, God has the power to defeat sin. Sending His own Son to the cross, God shows us the great love and the great lengths He will go to in the battle against the sin in our lives. No might can match the strength of God. No barrier can turn Him aside in His desire to free those who call on His name. Death cannot stop God. So the cross stands as the battle ground. A Savior stands as champions. And we stand as victors, a part of God’s family. Free from sin and from slavery.

The Book of Exodus is a powerful picture of God’s redeeming nature. It shows us the power of sin and the might of God. It shows us the battle that God wages in order for us to walk with Him. Exodus shows us God’s great love and mercy. It shows us the power of the cross and the hope of an empty tomb.

As you embed the Bible this week, see the hand of God moving in the lives of men. Notice His loving care as He leads His people through the waters of the Red Sea. Watch as Israel learns to worship. These are the lessons of Exodus. These are important lessons to embed in our lives.