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Exodus #1
Sermon Summary
In this sermon, Sandy reflects on the story of Exodus, emphasizing God's desire for His people to flourish and be in relationship with Him, the significance of the Exodus as a redemptive event, and the importance of ordinary acts of faith in the lives of individuals like Moses and the midwives, as they navigate their "Not Yet" experiences while awaiting God's promises.
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Sandy explored the story of Exodus, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey out of Egypt and our own spiritual journey. We began by recapping the Genesis narrative, highlighting God's purpose, promise, presence, and provision through the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. The sermon then transitioned to the plight of the Israelites in Egypt, emphasizing their oppression and the rise of a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph. We focused on the courageous actions of five women—Shiphrah, Puah, Moses' mother, his sister, and Pharaoh's daughter—who played pivotal roles in saving Moses. Their faithfulness in ordinary tasks and defiance of unjust decrees were highlighted as examples of living out God's calling in everyday life. The sermon concluded by reflecting on Moses' journey, his identity struggles, and the concept of living in the "Not Yet," holding onto God's promises with hope and faith.
Key Takeaways
Faithfulness in Ordinary Tasks: The midwives Shiphrah and Puah exemplify how faithfulness in ordinary tasks can have extraordinary impacts. They feared God more than Pharaoh and continued their work, saving many lives. This teaches us that our daily acts of faithfulness, no matter how small, are significant in God's eyes and can contribute to His greater plan.
Courage in the Face of Injustice: The actions of Moses' mother, his sister, and Pharaoh's daughter show the importance of courage in the face of injustice. They defied the king's edict to save Moses, demonstrating that doing the right thing often requires bravery and trust in God. This encourages us to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
Living in the "Not Yet": The Israelites' experience of living in exile and Moses' time in Midian reflects our own spiritual journey of living in the "Not Yet." We are called to hold onto God's promises and live by faith, even when we do not see immediate fulfilment. This period of waiting is an opportunity to grow in trust and reliance on God.
God's Use of the Unlikely: The story of Moses' salvation through the actions of five women, some of whom were not even Israelites, illustrates how God often uses unlikely people to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us that God can work through anyone, regardless of their background or status, to bring about His plans.
The Importance of Identity and Calling: Moses' struggle with his identity and calling resonates with our own experiences. Despite his privileged upbringing, he felt like an alien in a foreign land. This teaches us that our true identity and purpose are found in God, and we must seek His guidance to understand and fulfil our calling, even when we feel out of place or uncertain.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Faithfulness in Ordinary Tasks
Scripture:
Exodus 1:17-21
The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Faithfulness in ordinary tasks can have extraordinary impacts. The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, exemplify this truth. Despite the oppressive environment and the king’s decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, they chose to fear God more than Pharaoh. Their daily acts of faithfulness in their work as midwives saved many lives and contributed significantly to God’s greater plan for the Israelites. This teaches us that our seemingly small and mundane acts of faithfulness are significant in God’s eyes and can have far-reaching consequences.
In our own lives, we may feel that our daily tasks are insignificant or unnoticed. However, God sees and values our faithfulness in these ordinary moments. Whether it’s being diligent in our work, showing kindness to others, or maintaining integrity in our actions, these small acts of faithfulness can be used by God in ways we may not immediately see. Let us be encouraged to continue being faithful in the ordinary, trusting that God is working through us to accomplish His purposes.
Reflection:
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as I reflect on the story of creation and the journey of Your people, I thank You for the blessings You have poured out upon me. Help me to remember that I am created to flourish in Your presence and to reflect Your love in the world, in everything that I do. Guide me as I embark on this journey through Exodus, and may my heart be open to Your leading. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Day 2: Courage in the Face of Injustice
Scripture:
Exodus 2:1-10
Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The actions of Moses’ mother, his sister, and Pharaoh’s daughter highlight the importance of courage in the face of injustice. Despite the king’s edict to kill all Hebrew male infants, these women took bold steps to save Moses. Moses’ mother hid him for three months, his sister watched over him as he floated in a basket on the Nile, and Pharaoh’s daughter defied her father’s decree by adopting him. Their bravery and trust in God led to the preservation of Moses, who would later become the deliverer of the Israelites.
In our own lives, we may encounter situations where standing up for what is right requires courage and trust in God. It may be challenging or even dangerous, but we are called to act justly and courageously. Let us be inspired by these women to stand up against injustice, trusting that God is with us and will use our actions for His purposes.
Reflection:
Identify an area of injustice you feel called to address. What steps can you take today to stand up for what is right, trusting in God’s guidance and strength?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the examples of Moses’ mother, sister, and Pharaoh’s daughter. Grant me the courage to stand firm in my convictions, in the face of injustice, and to act with integrity in my daily life. May I always choose to honour You, even when it is difficult. Amen.
Day 3: Living in the “Not Yet"
Scripture:
Exodus 2:23-25
During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The Israelites’ experience of living in exile and Moses’ time in Midian reflect our own spiritual journey of living in the “Not Yet.” The Israelites were in a period of waiting, holding onto God’s promises despite their current suffering. Similarly, Moses spent years in Midian, away from his people and his calling, before God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This period of waiting and uncertainty was an opportunity for growth in trust and reliance on God.
In our own lives, we may find ourselves in seasons of waiting, where God’s promises seem distant and unfulfilled. These times can be challenging, but they are also opportunities to deepen our faith and trust in God. We are called to live by faith, holding onto God’s promises with hope, even when we do not see immediate fulfilment. Let us embrace these “Not Yet” moments as opportunities to grow closer to God and trust in His perfect timing.
Reflection:
Reflect on a promise of God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you use this time of waiting to grow in your trust and reliance on God?
Prayer:
Lord, as I navigate my own “Not Yet” moments, remind me of Your faithfulness. Help me to hold onto hope and to trust that You are preparing me for what is to come. May I find peace in the waiting and strength in my faith. Amen.
Day 4: God’s Use of the Unlikely
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
In Exodus, the story of Moses’ salvation through the actions of five women, some of whom were not even Israelites, illustrates how God often uses unlikely people to accomplish His purposes. Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives, were ordinary women who played a crucial role in God’s plan. Moses’ mother and sister, though Hebrew slaves, acted with great courage. Pharaoh’s daughter, an Egyptian, defied her father’s decree to save Moses. These women, from different backgrounds and statuses, were used by God to bring about His plans.
This reminds us that God can work through anyone, regardless of their background or status. We may feel unqualified or insignificant, but God sees our potential and can use us in extraordinary ways. Let us be open to God’s calling, trusting that He can work through us to accomplish His purposes, no matter how unlikely it may seem.
Reflection:
Think of a time when you felt unlikely or unqualified to be used by God. How can you open yourself to His calling and trust that He can work through you in extraordinary ways?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your incredible ability to use the unlikely for Your divine purposes. Just as You chose Abraham, a wandering nomad, and Joseph, a dreamer sold into slavery, I recognise that You often work through those whom the world overlooks, even someone like me. Amen.
Day 5: The Importance of Identity and Calling
Scripture:
Exodus 3:11-12
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Moses’ struggle with his identity and calling resonates with our own experiences. Despite his privileged upbringing in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses felt like an alien in a foreign land. He struggled with his identity as a Hebrew and his calling to deliver his people. This teaches us that our true identity and purpose are found in God. We must seek His guidance to understand and fulfil our calling, even when we feel out of place or uncertain.
In our own lives, we may face identity struggles and uncertainties about our calling. It is essential to seek God’s guidance and trust that He has a purpose for us. Our true identity is found in being His children, and our calling is to live out His purposes for our lives. Let us seek God’s direction and embrace our identity and calling with confidence and faith.
Reflection:
Prayer:
Lord, as I consider the commissioning of Moses, I acknowledge my own calling in life. Help me to embrace the tasks You set before me, even when they seem daunting. May I trust in Your guidance and provision, just as Moses learned to do. Give me the courage to step out in faith, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. May my life be a testament to Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Day 6: God Will Come to Our Aid
Scripture:
Genesis 50:24-26
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Joseph, having risen to prominence in Egypt, speaks words of hope to his brothers, reminding them of God’s promises. He acknowledges their current situation—living in a foreign land, far from the land of promise—but he also points them toward a future filled with hope and redemption.
The Israelites were in a state of exile, a theme that resonates deeply with us today. Just as they awaited God’s intervention to lead them out of Egypt, we too find ourselves in a “not yet” season, longing for the fulfilment of God’s promises in our lives. The Israelites were fruitful and strong, yet they faced oppression and hardship. In our own lives, we may experience times of flourishing alongside struggles, feeling the weight of our circumstances while holding onto the hope of what is to come.
Joseph’s declaration that “God will surely come to your aid” serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. Even in the midst of uncertainty, we can trust that God is at work, preparing a way for us. The promise of deliverance is not just for the Israelites; it extends to us as well. We are reminded that God is always present, even when we cannot see the full picture.
Reflection:
Consider an example of hardship from your own life, or the lives of those around you. Take comfort in the knowledge that God will come to your aid, in His time and in His way. Share this hope with someone who might need it.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises You have made to me. Help me to trust in Your faithfulness, even when I find myself in seasons of waiting. May I live with hope and purpose, knowing that You are always at work in my life. Strengthen my faith as I navigate the “not yet,” and help me to encourage others in their journeys. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Day 7: Living in foreign lands
Scripture:
Exodus 2:22
Zipporah gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Moses finds himself in Midian, a place that feels foreign and distant from his roots. He names his son Gershom, which means “I have become an alien in a foreign land,” a poignant reminder of his current state of exile.
We are called to be God’s people, reflecting His glory in a world that often feels foreign to us. Just as the Israelites were in Egypt, we may find ourselves in situations that challenge our identity and faith. We may feel out of place in our workplaces, communities, or even within our families. The world around us often does not align with the values we hold dear as followers of Christ. Yet, it is in this very space of discomfort that God is at work. Just as He was preparing Moses for a significant purpose, He is preparing us for our own calling.
Reflection:
In what aspects of your life do you feel like an alien in a foreign land? How can you represent God in that place? What steps can you take to trust God’s timing in your current circumstances?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the story of Moses and the reminder that You are always at work, even in my waiting. Help me to trust in Your timing and to act with courage in my everyday life. May I find hope in the promises You have made, knowing that I am never alone in my journey. Amen.
