We've read Genesis, which means beginning, and now we're ready for Exodus. It's no secret that a synonym for exodus is exit. This is the story of Israel's exit (stage right) from Egypt. However, Exodus is also a Genesis of sorts. The exodus is where the nation of Israel begins. When Israel looks back over its history, the most pivotal event is their escape from Egypt. It's Moses and the plagues and the Red Sea crossing and Sinai and the wilderness, all culminating at the Plains of Moab across the Jordan from Jericho, waiting on Joshua's command to cross the river and claim the land of promise.As we read, try and keep in mind that Israeli exile in Babylon, turning over and over in his mind the exodus from Egypt, wondering when God will facilitate a similar exodus from Persia... thinking about Joshua and the Israelites claiming the land, and wondering when he'll get the same opportunity to reclaim the land.
Also, ask the questions: Why did the early church see in the exodus an illustration of our release from sin through Jesus Christ? What promise am I waiting to claim? What can I learn from Moses and the nation of Israel that will aid me in my wilderness journey toward claiming my promised land?
Lots of ground covered in these three chapters, the entire backstory for Moses, his supposed exposure to Egyptian education and upper society then his 'fall' - plus the encounter with God that completely shifted his role in life. I like this, how it shows that a man who was anything but perfect can still be lifted up as a tool for others' freedom, and how God always knows ahead what's coming and lays the foundations before we understand what those foundations were even for.
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