When we speak of freedom today, we usually think of politics, freedom from dictatorship and freedom to live as we choose. But, there is a freedom that politics cannot guarantee, freedom from corruption and death. Israel’s freedom from slavery in Egypt was a forerunner of ultimate freedom granted in Jesus.
Preparation
After murdering a man, Moses fled from Egypt to Midian, where he married Jethro’s daughter Zipporah. Forty years later, after long preparation and humbling, he was called by God. At the burning bush, God commissioned Moses.
“Now the Israelites’ cries of injustice have reached me. I’ve seen just how much the Egyptians have oppressed them. So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:9-10 CEB)
Although God had previously introduced Himself as YHWH, He now tells Moses the meaning of His Name.
“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “I am has sent me to you.” ’ ” (Exodus 3:14 ESV)
Who was this “I am?”
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’ ” (John 8:58–59 CEV)
There is a related description in Revelation.
“...Him who is, and who was, and who is to come…” (Revelation 1:4 NASB cf. Revelation 1:8; 4:8).
Plagues
The economic advantage of free slave labor has meant too much to heartless, stubborn slavers down through history. Pharaoh refused to believe God and let Israel go free. God began to reveal himself to this idol worshiping king, as his false gods were turned against him - blood, frogs, lice, flies, diseased livestock, boils, and hail in the first seven plagues. Then, God warned Pharaoh again and gave a reason for the plagues.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Rise up early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh and say to him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, ‘Let my people go, that they may serve me. For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.” ‘ ” (Exodus 9:13-14 ESV)
The last three plagues ensued, locusts, darkness, and the death of firstborn males. Each plague exposed Egyptian gods as frauds. What popular deceptions does our world worship?
A Lamb
Coinciding with the last plague and the beginning of the exodus from Egypt is the Passover (Exodus 12). Passover symbolizes Jesus, our Passover, sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7). A lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:5) foreshadowed our sinless Savior (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 2:22). Our sins are washed clean in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 1:5; 7:14). God’s preparation for Christ was the law, which exposes our sins and the need for a Savior.
God’s Presence
God is omnipresent, everywhere, but made His presence specially known to Israel in a pillar and cloud.
“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night” (Exodus 13:12 KJV).
“Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the Lord would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would stand and worship, each at the entrance of his tent.” (Exodus 33:9-10 NASB)
The pillar of cloud and fire reminds us that God is ever present to lead and save us. God is faithful and will never leave His people.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV)
Crossing
The people complained that they were trapped by the sea with an Egyptian army advancing towards them. Moses prayed and God answered.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” (Exodus 14:15-16 NIV)
Did God remove the problem or make a way through?
Do you want true freedom? Will you have a change of heart and mind, and believe the good news of God’s reign? You decide!
