In this sermon, Sandy explores the journey of Moses and the Israelites from despondency to dependence on God, highlighting His promises of deliverance and redemption, culminating in the institution of the Passover as a pivotal moment of salvation and worship.
In this sermon, Sandy explored the journey of the Israelites from their despondency in Egypt to their eventual deliverance by God. We began by examining Moses' initial despair and the Israelites' broken spirits after their first encounter with Pharaoh. Despite their suffering, God reassured Moses of His covenant and promised deliverance.
We then moved through the plagues, highlighting Pharaoh's hardened heart and God's detailed involvement in each event. The sermon culminated in the institution of the Passover, where God provided a way for the Israelites to be saved through the blood of a lamb.
Finally, we reflected on the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea and their subsequent song of praise, emphasizing the importance of knowing and worshipping God deeply.
1. From Despondency to Dependence: Moses and the Israelites initially faced despair and broken spirits, but God used this period to teach them dependence on Him. In our own lives, moments of despondency can be opportunities to deepen our reliance on God, trusting that He hears our groaning and remembers His promises.
2. God's Detailed Involvement: The plagues in Egypt were not random acts but carefully orchestrated events demonstrating God's power and attention to detail. This reminds us that God is intricately involved in the specifics of our lives, and His plans, though sometimes mysterious, are always purposeful and precise.
3. The Power of Covenant: God's repeated assurances to Moses about His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob highlight the unbreakable nature of His promises. In our spiritual journey, we can find immense comfort and strength in knowing that God's covenant with us through Christ is steadfast and unchanging.
4. The Significance of the Passover: The Passover was a pivotal moment of salvation for the Israelites, symbolizing the protection and deliverance through the blood of the lamb. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood redeems us from sin and death. Reflecting on this can deepen our appreciation for the profound gift of salvation.
5. Worship as a Response to Salvation: After their deliverance, the Israelites sang a song of praise to God, recognizing His mighty acts. True worship stems from a deep understanding of who God is and what He has done for us. Our daily lives should be marked by genuine worship, not just in song but in heartfelt gratitude and reverence for God's saving grace.
Scripture:
Exodus 6:5-6
Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant. “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.’ ”
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...;
Devotional:
In the journey of the Israelites, we see a profound transformation from despondency to dependence on God. Initially, Moses and the Israelites were overwhelmed by despair and broken spirits after their first encounter with Pharaoh. Their suffering was immense, and it seemed as though their cries for help were falling on deaf ears. However, God used this period of despondency to teach them a crucial lesson in dependence. He reassured Moses of His covenant and promised deliverance, reminding them that He hears their groaning and remembers His promises. In our own lives, moments of despondency can be opportunities to deepen our reliance on God, trusting that He is always attentive to our needs and faithful to His promises.
Reflection:
Think of a recent moment of despair in your life. How can you use this experience to deepen your dependence on God and trust in His promises today?
Prayer:
Lord, when I feel overwhelmed and despondent, remind me of Your unwavering presence. Help me to lift my eyes to You, trusting that You are working all things for my good and Your glory. Amen
Scripture:
Exodus 8:22-23
‘But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land. I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.’
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...;
Devotional:
The plagues in Egypt were not random acts but carefully orchestrated events that demonstrated God's power and attention to detail. Each plague was a specific response to Pharaoh's hardened heart and a testament to God's intricate involvement in the lives of His people. This reminds us that God is not distant or detached; He is intricately involved in the specifics of our lives. His plans, though sometimes mysterious, are always purposeful and precise. We can take comfort in knowing that God is aware of every detail of our circumstances and is actively working for our good and His glory.
Reflection:
Reflect on a situation in your life where you have seen God's detailed involvement. How does recognizing His intricate care change your perspective on your current circumstances?
Prayer:
Lord God, thank You that You care about the details in my life. Please open my eyes to see how You are working in and through my current circumstances to bring the best for me and to bring glory to Your Kingdom. Amen
Scripture:
Genesis 17:7
I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...;
Devotional:
God's repeated assurances to Moses about His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob highlight the unbreakable nature of His promises. This covenant was a source of immense comfort and strength for the Israelites, reminding them of God's steadfast and unchanging nature.
In our spiritual journey, we too can find great assurance in knowing that God's covenant with us through Christ is unwavering. His promises are reliable, and His commitment to us is eternal. This understanding can provide us with the confidence to face any challenge, knowing that we are held by a God who never breaks His word.
Reflection:
How does the knowledge of God's unbreakable covenant with you through Christ provide comfort and strength in your current situation? What specific promise of God can you hold onto today?
Prayer:
Gracious God, remind me of Your promises and the covenant You have established with me. Thank You Holy Spirit that You are my comfort and strength in that covenant. May I boldly step into my purpose, trusting that You will guide me through every challenge I face. Amen
Scripture:
Exodus 12:13
The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...;
Devotional:
The Passover was a pivotal moment of salvation for the Israelites, symbolizing protection and deliverance through the blood of the lamb. This event foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood redeems us from sin and death.
Reflecting on the Passover can deepen our appreciation for the profound gift of salvation that we have received through Christ. Just as the Israelites were saved by the blood of the lamb, we too are saved by the blood of Jesus. This understanding should lead us to a greater sense of gratitude and reverence for the sacrifice that has been made on our behalf.
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for you. How can you express your gratitude for His saving grace in your daily life today?
Prayer:
Thank You Jesus for ensuring my salvation through Your sacrifice on the Cross! I’m so thankful for the gift salvation I received when I accepted You as my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Scripture:
Exodus 15:1-2
Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord : “I will sing to the Lord , for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea. “The Lord is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...;
Devotional:
Reflection:
How can you incorporate genuine worship into your daily routine? What specific acts of gratitude and reverence can you offer to God today in response to His saving grace?
Prayer:
I surrender in worship to You my God, Father, and King! Thank You for all that You did for me on the cross Lord Jesus. Holy Spirit guide me in worship today and always. Amen
Scripture:
Exodus 7:1-13
'Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.” Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them. Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...;
Devotional:
God reassures Moses that He is in control. Despite Pharaoh’s hardened heart, God will demonstrate His power through signs and wonders. This serves as a reminder that our struggles are not in vain; God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His glory.
Reflection:
Take a moment to reflect on your current circumstances. Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to see God’s hand at work?
What do you need to bring to God in prayer?
Ask Him to show you His hand at work in your circumstances.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering presence in my life. Remind me of Your sovereignty and promises. Help me to depend on You fully, trusting that You are working all things for my good and Your glory. May I find hope in Your Word and strength in Your Spirit as I navigate my challenges. Amen.
Scripture:
Exodus 14:13-14
'Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...;
Devotional:
Exodus 14:13-14 is a call to faith—a reminder that God is with us even when the circumstances seem insurmountable.
In our own lives, we may face challenges that feel overwhelming. Yet, God invites us to stand firm in our faith, trusting that He is working behind the scenes. His presence is our assurance, and His promises are our anchor.
Reflection:
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my deliverer. In moments of despair, help me to remember Your faithfulness and to stand firm in my faith. May my life be a song of praise to You, reflecting the hope and salvation I have in Jesus. Amen.