Exodus Chapters 1-2

INTRODUCTION:

Good morning, church family. Today, we embark on a journey through one of the most foundational books of the Bible: the Book of Exodus. This book is not merely a historical account; it is a profound narrative and adventure that speaks to us about God's power, faithfulness, and His unwavering commitment to His people.

So what does the word exodus mean?  The word "Exodus" itself means "departure" or "exit," and this book chronicles the Israelites' departure from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and their preparation to enter the Promised Land. 

It is written by Moses, is the second book of the Pentateuch (Pen-tah-tuch), which includes the first five books of the Bible. It is a continuation of the story that began in Genesis and is essential for understanding the full narrative of God's redemptive plan, which is all about Jesus.

During our time in Exodus, we are going to see some cool things.

God's Sovereignty and Power

Throughout Exodus, we witness God's mighty hand at work. From the miraculous plagues that demonstrate His supremacy over Egyptian gods to the parting of the Red Sea, God's power is undeniable. 

Deliverance and Redemption

At its core, Exodus is a story of deliverance. The Israelites' journey from bondage to freedom mirrors our spiritual journey from the slavery of sin to the freedom found in Christ. 

Covenant and Law

The giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai are central to the book. God sets apart His people with laws that reflect His holiness and instruct them on how to live in relationship with Him and with each other.

God's Presence

The construction of the Tabernacle signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. Despite their disobedience, God's presence goes with them, leading and guiding them. 

Relevance to Us Today

As we study Exodus, let us reflect on our own "exodus" experiences. Many of us have faced situations where we felt enslaved by circumstances, fears, or sins. But just as God delivered the Israelites, He offers us freedom through His grace and power.

The book also challenges us to consider our obedience to God's commands and our commitment to being His covenant people.

An intro to Chapter 1. Here we go!  

The chapter begins with the descendants of Jacob (also known as Israel) who had settled in Egypt during Joseph's time.  So who is Jacob?  In the Book of Genesis, chapter 32, after a struggle with the Lord, Jacob was told that his name would no longer be Jacob, but Israel.

• The name "Israel" means "he who struggles with God" or "God prevails," symbolizing Jacob's perseverance and faith. This marked a turning point in Jacob's life, and the name Israel became the name for the nation descended from him.

Back to the Israelites…Over time, they multiplied greatly and became numerous. However, a new Pharaoh came to power who did not know Joseph.   Who was Joseph?  His story is found in Genesis 37-50 where he goes from being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers to becoming a powerful leader in Egypt. But a new Pharaoh shows up on the scene….

Fearing the growing population of Israelites, Pharaoh subjected them to brutal slavery, forcing them to build cities and work under harsh conditions. Despite the oppression, the Israelites continued to increase in number. Pharaoh then commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, but the midwives, fearing God, defied his order. As a result, the Israelite population continued to multiply, demonstrating the resilience and strength given by God. 

LET’S READ IT…

1. The Prosperity of the Israelites (READ Exodus 1:1-7)

The chapter opens with a reminder of God's promise to Abraham as the descendants of Jacob grow and multiply in Egypt.

• Key Message: God's promises are steadfast, and His blessings can flourish even in unexpected places. We, too, can trust in God's faithfulness and provision, no matter where we find ourselves.

2. The Rise of Oppression (READ Exodus 1:8-14)

Out of fear and insecurity, Pharaoh subjects the Israelites to harsh labor and oppression, hoping to weaken them.

• Key Message: In times of oppression and hardship, we must remember that God sees our struggles and hears our cries. Adversity often precedes divine intervention and deliverance.

3. The Defiance of the Midwives (READ Exodus 1:15-21)

Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, but they choose to disobey him out of reverence for God.

• Key Message: True courage stems from faith in God. We are called to stand up for what is right, even in the face of great danger. God honors and rewards those who act with integrity and bravery.

4. Pharaoh's Desperate Decree (READ Exodus 1:22)

In a final, desperate attempt to control the Israelite population, Pharaoh commands that all newborn Hebrew boys be thrown into the Nile.

• Key Message: Even when circumstances seem dire and the enemy's power appears overwhelming, God's plan for deliverance is already in motion. We must hold on to hope and trust in God's timing and purpose.

Applications:

Endurance in Adversity: The Israelites' ability to endure oppression teaches us the importance of trusting God even in difficult times. 

• We, too, may face challenges and hardships, but if you go back to Scripture you can see that God is always with you, Jesus himself says it in Matthew 28:20.  Do we trust in Him to strengthen us and help us persevere?

God's Faithfulness: God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was to make their descendants into a great nation. Even in the midst of suffering, God's promise was being fulfilled as the Israelites multiplied. This reminds us that God's plans and promises are steadfast, regardless of our circumstances.

• We may think, man, that does not sound encouraging to us at the time, but if we zoom out and look at the bigger picture, the picture God is seeing, maybe just maybe we get a glimpse of His plan versus our own.

Exodus Chapter 2...

1. The Birth of Moses: (READ Exodus 2:1-2) 

The Hebrew people are in a really tough place, you could call it a place of peril...and a Levite woman gives birth to a son. Despite Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys, she hides her son for three months. 

• Key Message: In our own lives, we may encounter situations that require us to act with courage and faith. Just as Moses' mother protected her child, we are called to stand firm in our convictions and trust in God's protection.

2. The Basket of Safety: (READ Exodus 2:3) 

When she could no longer hide him, Moses' mother places him in a basket and sets it among the reeds along the Nile. Look at this, not just as an escape for the child, but an act of surrender that demonstrates her trust in God's providence and care.

• Key Message: There are times when we must surrender our fears and anxieties to God, trusting that He will guide and protect us. By placing our faith in Him, we acknowledge His sovereign control over our lives.

3. Divine Appointments: (READ Exodus 2:4-10) 

Pharaoh's daughter discovers the baby and, moved by compassion, decides to adopt him. This divine appointment shows God's ability to use unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

• Key Message: We must remain open to the ways God may work in our lives, even through surprising and unlikely sources. His plans often unfold in ways we could never predict, using moments of compassion and connection to achieve His will.

4. The Burden of Injustice: (READ Exodus 2:11-12) 

As an adult, Moses witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. In his anger, he kills the Egyptian and hides the body. This act reflects Moses' deep sense of justice and foreshadows his future role as a liberator.

• Key Message: OK, this reads like a “murder is ok”...While the Bible does NOT say, hey go murder when you see an injustice, we are called to respond to the injustices around us with righteous anger AND compassion. Our actions must align with God's principles, we are called to stand against oppression and seek justice for the vulnerable.

5. The Wilderness Preparation: (READ Exodus 2:15-22) 

We see Moses fleeing to Midian to begin a new life, marrying Zipporah and tending to his father-in-law's flock. We will see that this period of isolation serves as a time of preparation and growth for Moses.

• Key Message: Our own "wilderness" seasons are opportunities for God to refine and prepare us for future roles. We must embrace these times, trusting that He is shaping us for His greater purposes.

Applications:

Courage and Faith: Moses' mother demonstrated immense courage and faith by hiding her son and eventually placing him in God's hands. This act of faith led to Moses' preservation and eventual role as the deliverer of Israel. We are reminded to trust in God's providence and take bold steps of faith, knowing that He is in control.  Have you ever had to take a BOLD step of faith?  Not leaning on your own head knowledge but faith, just faith?

God's Divine Intervention: The circumstances of Moses' survival and adoption into Pharaoh's household were not coincidental. God's hand was at work, orchestrating events to prepare Moses for his future mission. We must recognize that God is always at work in our lives, even when we cannot see it.

Identity and Purpose: Moses' recognition of his identity as a Hebrew and his compassion for his people highlight the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. God calls us to live out our purpose with compassion and integrity, even when it involves personal sacrifice.  Do you believe you have a purpose?  What does that look like today for you and how you live it out?

Preparation for God's Plan: Moses' time in Midian was a period of preparation. God often uses seasons of waiting and preparation to equip us for the tasks He has planned. Moses was a shepherd during this time and would become a shepherd for the Israelites. We must trust His timing and be patient as He shapes us for His purposes.  Have you truly seen a time in your life of preparation, or equipping,  and then seen how His timing was “right on time”?

Conclusion:

The people of Egypt were now complicit in the systematic attempt to annihilate the future generations of Israelite boys, casting a dark shadow over the land.  Despite the grim order, hope still lingered among the oppressed. The story of a deliverer was yet to unfold, as the Israelites clung to their faith in the face of unimaginable adversity, awaiting the moment when their cries for liberation would be heard.

Exodus Chapters 1-2, remind us of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. He is always at work, even in the darkest of times, fulfilling His promises and preparing us for His divine purposes. Let us trust in God's providence, take bold steps of faith, and embrace our identity and purpose in Him.