Time To Go Series

Sermon Series “Exodus”

12:31-38

“Time to Go”

Pastor John Bright

Exodus 12 “31 Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said. 32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.”

33 And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.” 34 So the people took their dough before it was leavened, having their kneading bowls bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. 35 Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. 36 And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

37 Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. 38 A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds—a great deal of livestock.’”

Anyone like to share their New Year’s Resolution with the whole congregation? No? Guess you already know the stats and don’t want to be embarrassed in a few weeks.

“The statistics on how many people actually follow through and accomplish their New Year's resolutions are rather grim. Studies have shown that less than 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them.” https://www.forbes.com › sites › 2018/12/31 › goals-not-resolutions

Are you aware that gyms, like the YMCA, depend on folks joining in the first two weeks of January who never come back after February?

I found some modern-day resolutions:

The first one is only for the nerds in here – My New Year’s Resolution is 1080p.

I was going to save more, but when you have lots of money it can lead to greed. So my New Year’s Resolution is to spend more – after all, if you really love something… set it free!

My New Year’s Resolution is to be more patient and to do that as fast as possible!

My New Year’s Resolution is to be more assertive… but only if it’s ok with you guys.

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We left Moses and the Israelites in Egypt at the end of the tenth plague of judgement. All the plagues judged the gods of Egypt as false gods. On your teaching sheets, I have been listing the Egyptian gods with a little “g” and then referring to our God (with a BIG “G”) as the One True God. There is a stark difference between these that depends on more than one letter. Do you believe that their gods were false little “g” gods and that our God is the Only True BIG “G” God? What about today? Are there any other BIG “G” Gods? NO! But that’s what is taught and believed. Our Bible teaches there always has been and always will be Only One True BIG “G” God! Period.

That One True God has prepared an “exit strategy” – not a plan to make their lives better in Egypt – a plan for them to GO. So after the tenth plague, the death of every first born, everyone wants them to GO.

• Pharaoh and his officials – Ex. 12 “31 Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said. 32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.”

• All the Egyptians – 12:33 “And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.”

So through the plagues of judgement, God has shown them this truth: His people should not be held in bondage. God made a way out for them… and for us. Our way out is salvation by the Blood of Jesus and a life of freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now, the plagues have been going on for several weeks, but the Israelites have not been preparing (or in today’s language – they were not prepping). Why? They never expected to leave. They have the mindset of a captive/slave. Do we have the same problem? A common mindset of Christians is “I’m a sinner, saved by grace.” But the New Testament NEVER calls a believer this – in fact, “sinner” is a word reserved for those who are not believers. The word used for believers means “saint/holy one.” Let’s change our mindset to see ourselves as holy ones who sometimes sin rather than sinners who are occasionally holy.