Many images, thoughts and feelings are conjured when one thinks about the book of Exodus. For some, it’s Moses being drawn from the water as a babe. For others, it’s the slavery of Israel, the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, or the Ten Commandments. The one theme that always captures my attention (in addition to these amazing stories) is the *why* behind Israel’s exodus.

Consider with me Israel’s journey. The Israelites had lived in and from the prosperity of Egypt for many years. A new pharaoh had arose who did not know Joseph and feared the Israelites. His fear led to the enslavement of Israel and the slaughter of the male children. It’s in this context that Moses returns from the wilderness with a mission from God.

“Let My people go.”

Here is the theme that I love in he book of Exodus. The Israelites leave slavery and begin a journey to their promised land but something more important happens. The Israelites leave slavery and in turn learn to walk with God. May I propose that exodus is as much of a book about divine relationship with God as it is the Israelites being freed from slavery. The exodus from Egypt freed the Israelites physically, but their journey into God could free them spiritually. God’s vision for His people was not slavery but a nation of kings and priests (Exodus 19:6). The covenant they enter with God paints the picture of a better covenant based on the finished work of Jesus – the Messiah.

Exodus shares about Israel and speaks about you.

Through the body and blood of Jesus, you left the slavery of sin. Your freedom from sin is not the only vision God has for your salvation – it’s relationship with Himself. Just as Exodus starts with slavery and ends with ordinances for divine relationship (how to walk) with God, the Gospel begins with repentance and ends with righteousness (right living before God). Your relationship with God began with faith, repentance and baptism so that you could know and walk with a Father. Where are you going with Him you may ask?

Jesus. Simply, Jesus.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” – Romans 8:28-30

The expressed purpose of the Gospel is that you would be conformed to the image of the Son of God. In being found in the Son of God, you too can know the Father and the Spirit just as Jesus did. You have come into a family.

He sees you as chosen, as a royal priest, as His child (1 Peter 2:9-10 & 1 John 3:1). He led you from an old way of life into the the life of His son in which life is found and abounds (Ephesians 4:20-24). Jesus is your promised land. He is your rest (Hebrews 4:8-11). In Jesus, you can know the Father (John 14:9). Just As exodus started with slavery and ends with relationship, you have been bought and brought from slavery into divine relationship with a Heavenly Father, purchased by Jesus and experienced by the Holy Spirit.

Just as knowing God was the point of Israel’s exodus, the point of the Gospel is for you to know and walk with God based on a better covenant with better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Today, you can know and imitate God.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” – Ephesians 5:1

Adam Shepski

Youth For Christ International