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God’s Calling, Empowerment, and Promise

Exodus 1-3

Exodus 1 opens with the growing population of the Israelites in Egypt, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would multiply. However, Pharaoh grows fearful and enslaves the Israelites, even commanding the death of all male Hebrew infants. Despite this oppression, God’s hand of protection is evident through the courage of the Hebrew midwives, who disobey Pharaoh’s orders: “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them” (Exodus 1:17). This chapter reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even amid suffering, and He works through the courage of His people to accomplish His purposes.

In Exodus 2, God raises up Moses, a Hebrew child spared from Pharaoh’s decree through the faith of his mother. Moses is adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter and grows up in the palace, but he flees to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew slave. There, Moses marries and becomes a shepherd. The chapter closes with God hearing the cries of the Israelites: “And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob” (Exodus 2:24). This chapter highlights God’s providence in preparing Moses for his future role as Israel’s deliverer, even through unexpected circumstances.

In Exodus 3, God calls Moses from the burning bush, revealing His plan to deliver Israel from slavery. God declares His identity as the eternal, covenant-keeping God: “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Though Moses feels inadequate, God assures him of His presence and promises to work through him to fulfill His mission. This chapter emphasizes God’s holiness, faithfulness, and His power to use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

Exodus 1-3 reveals God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, His providence in raising up a deliverer, and His call to bring freedom to His people. Even in the face of suffering and human weakness, God’s sovereign plan moves forward. These chapters point to the larger redemptive story of the Bible, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate deliverance from the slavery of sin. They remind us to trust God’s timing, to embrace His call, and to rest in His faithfulness.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does Exodus 1 encourage you to trust in God’s faithfulness, even in seasons of hardship or oppression?
  • In what ways does God’s preparation of Moses in Exodus 2 reflect His ability to use unexpected circumstances for His purposes?
  • What does God’s self-revelation as “I AM” in Exodus 3 teach us about His character and His eternal, unchanging nature?
  • How do these chapters foreshadow the ultimate deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ?
  • Where is God calling you to step out in faith, like Moses, trusting in His presence and power to accomplish His purposes?