For further reflection:
God leads the Israelites out of Egypt and to Mount Sinai where he gives them his law. But before giving his commands, God says, “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.” Obedience to the law is to flow from faith in what God has already done! The Isrealites’ obedience is to be a response to God’s love and care for them, deepening their relationship with him.
From your own experience, describe the difference between obeying God as a response to his love and in order to earn something.
Life-Giving Obedience
Exodus: Episode 11
Exodus 19:4–6
More from
Exodus
Rest in God
Exodus 2:23–25
For further reflection: Exodus begins with the story of baby Moses, the man who would grow up to be the leader of the Israelites. Moses's mother places him in a basket and hides him in the river. She does this instead of obeying Pharaoh’s instructions to kill all the Israelite baby boys. Moses is rescued out of the river by Pharaoh's daughter, an act pointing to the providence, or protective care, of God. What are examples from your own life where you’ve seen God’s providence, or protective care?
Confidence in Your Calling
Exodus 3:11–14
For further reflection: God speaks to Moses from a burning bush, calling him to lead the Israelites out of their slavery in Egypt. While speaking to Moses, God identifies himself with the name “I AM.” This name has several implications. It implies that God has no beginning and no end; that he is independent from all; that he is constant and unchanging; and that he is the absolute standard of truth and reality. These attributes of God give Moses confidence. Which of these attributes of God stand out to you? Knowing that this same God is with you, how do those attributes impact your confidence in life?
Strength in Your Calling
Exodus 4:10–12
For further reflection: Moses is hesitant to accept God’s calling. He is afraid that his weakness in public speaking will cause him to fail in his job of delivering the Israelites from slavery. God calls us as Christians to make disciples by reflecting Christ and his love to the world. We do this in whatever sphere he places us. What personal struggles do you feel are keeping you back from God’s calling?