God with us in Glory for His Glory | Dec. 13
Exodus 40:1-8, 22-24
Gary Lidstone | Pastor to Seniors
The story of the Exodus, the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, serves as a powerful illustration of God’s work in the lives of those who place their faith in Jesus. It begins with the Israelites enduring harsh slavery under the Egyptians, forced into back-breaking labour for Pharaoh’s ambitious building projects.
In their suffering, the Israelites cried out to God for deliverance, and He heard them. Egypt acted as an incubator for the nation of Israel, allowing them to grow numerous and strong, but now they yearned for freedom from Pharaoh’s oppression. God raised up Moses, who would confront Pharaoh with the command, “Let my people go.”. The story unfolds with the ten plagues that God sent upon Pharaoh, ultimately leading to the Israelites’ expulsion from Egypt. These were God’s chosen people, destined to be a light to the world and a testament to His salvation.
God established the Israelites as a theocracy through the Law given to Moses, guiding them as they journeyed to the Promised Land in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
The former Egyptian slaves were now governed by God through the leadership of Moses and his brother Aaron. God also provided strict instructions to build a portable temple, or Tabernacle, where He would dwell among His people. Once the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant, were completed, “The cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle”. Thus, the Israelites transitioned from slavery in Egypt to living in the presence and glory of God, set free to follow Him toward the promised land.
Similarly, the Bible describes us as slaves to sin; but, in Christ, we are liberated to walk with Him, sharing His message with others. May we live as free people, empowered by what Jesus accomplished on Calvary.
PRAYER: Father, we thank you for your glory and might. We are grateful for how you have set us free from the bondage of sin and the eternal judgment that accompanies it. Empower us by your glorious power to shine brightly for you in our world. May others see the radiance of Immanuel, God with us, as we live in the glorious freedom of your presence.