Rescue and Response
Watch: Pastor Cam’s message entitled “Unwrapped: Finding the Gift of Jesus” (Part 2), and then work through the following.
Scripture Reading: Selected scriptures from the birth and God’s calling of Moses (Exodus 1-4)
Summary: This devotion traces the journey of the Israelites from Abraham to the time they migrated to Egypt, influenced by Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph's story of being sold into slavery was a part of God's plan to fulfill His promise to Abraham. Reflection: Consider how God's sovereignty can use even the most painful and unjust situations for His greater purposes.
After Joseph's death, a new Pharaoh came to power who did not know Joseph and oppressed the Israelites, leading them into slavery. Despite the Pharaoh's harsh decrees, including the killing of male Hebrew infants, God's sovereignty prevailed as He orchestrated the rescue of Moses, who was chosen to lead His people out of Egypt. Reflection: Reflect on the power of faith and obedience, as demonstrated by the Hebrew midwives who feared God and saved the male children, defying Pharaoh's orders.
Moses, born to Amram and Jochebed, was hidden for three months before being placed in a basket and set afloat on the Nile. Pharaoh's daughter found and adopted him. Reflection: Think about the ways in which God protects and prepares us for our calling, often using unexpected people and means.
Moses, raised in Egyptian royalty, fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite. Forty years later, God called him through a burning bush to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Reflection: Ponder how God’s call can come at unexpected times and places, and how He equips us despite our fears and inadequacies.
Despite Moses’ initial hesitation and self-doubt, God reassured him of His presence and power. Reflection: Consider how our confidence in our calling should be based on who God is, rather than our own abilities. The saying, “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips those He calls,” is a powerful reminder.
God's plan for Moses involved leading the Israelites out of Egypt, which culminated in the miraculous events of the Exodus, including the Passover. Reflection: Meditate on the parallels between Moses and Jesus. Both were born under threat from a hostile ruler, and both were instrumental in God's plan of salvation. Moses brought the law, while Jesus brought grace and truth.
Finally, Moses' journey and calling highlight the importance of obedience to God. His partial obedience in not circumcising one of his sons nearly led to his death, but his wife Zipporah intervened, and Moses’ life was spared. Reflection: Reflect on the necessity of complete obedience to God’s commands and how it reflects our faith in His sovereignty.
Key Scriptures: Exodus 1-4; Exodus 2:1-10; Hebrews 11:23; Romans 8:28; Exodus 4:24-26; Colossians 2:11-14; Genesis 50:20; Philippians 2:6-11
Discussion Questions:
How does Joseph's story illustrate God's sovereignty and His ability to use difficult circumstances for His purposes?
In what ways did the new Pharaoh's actions reflect fear and insecurity? How did this fear lead to oppression and violence?
How did the faith and actions of the Hebrew midwives and Moses' parents demonstrate trust in God's plan?
What are the significant parallels between Moses and Jesus in terms of their roles in God's plan for salvation?
How does the story of Moses' calling and his initial hesitation relate to our own feelings of inadequacy when God calls us to serve?
Personal Application:
Trust in God's Sovereignty: Reflect on times when God has worked through difficult circumstances in your life to bring about His purposes.
Courage in Obedience: Like the Hebrew midwives and Moses' parents, seek to honor God above all else, even when it involves personal risk or sacrifice.
Recognize Your Calling: Understand that God equips those He calls. Trust in His presence and power rather than your own abilities.
Complete Obedience: Strive for full obedience to God’s commands, recognizing that incomplete obedience can hinder your relationship with Him.
Embrace God’s Plan for Rescue: Remember that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are central to your salvation. Respond to His grace with a life of worship and service.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your sovereign plan that spans from Abraham to Jesus and continues to this day. Help us to see Your hand in the circumstances of our lives and to trust that You are always working for our good and Your glory. Give us the courage to obey You fully, like the midwives and Moses' parents, even in the face of fear and danger. Equip us for the tasks You call us to, and remind us that our confidence comes from Your presence with us. May we respond to Your rescue with lives devoted to worship and service. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
