The Experience of the People of God

History repeats itself. With God’s people, it repeats itself because the One that we serve is unchanging.

While the passage we have before us this morning does not describe the church, it does help us to understand more about how we will flourish as the people of God as well as how things will go for us.

Leadership Excels with Strength in Numbers

After God gives specific instructions as to how Moses should introduce himself to the Hebrews, he is given more instruction. Now it is that he should go and gather the elders of Israel. While we often think of the Israelites as simply slaves, there was still an established group of leaders as they served their time as slaves. As we continue through the book of Exodus, you will notice that it is not just Moses and Aaron who lead the people but there are many others who serve alongside them as leaders.

The reality is that the people of God need many different leaders with many different skill sets. We need many different types of churches to reach different types of people. And even if we look more closely at our specific church, we are in need of leaders.

I am thankful to have been called to a church with strong leaders already as well as a bright future of those who will step in and continue the work of the Kingdom here. There is a significant calling on those who serve the local church and not an easy task. Yet, we are so blessed here.

One comparison that I want to make here is that these elders, wise with many years under their belts, are not named specifically. So much of Christian leadership is done without any sort of acknowledgement. Many of the leaders in this church serve quietly without any sort of recognition. And yet your impact makes a difference just as the work of the Hebrew elders did.

Next, Moses will lay out for the leaders who has sent them and a message from the Lord. Within that message we are reminded that

It is Vital That We Share the Good News

Moses arrives before the leaders and begins with good news: God is going to deliver us from the hand of the Egyptians. We ought to make a habit of starting with the Gospel whenever we have an opportunity. This allows people to have a better understanding of what we have experienced in life and what exactly our purpose is.

Even just people in your circle knowing that you are a Christian may not be enough information for the gospel to be clear to them. When a person has given their life to Christ, it should be abundantly clear based on their conversations that the gospel is of utmost importance.

“How is your day going?”

“It’s Great. How could it not be?!”

It is vital that we share the gospel at every opportunity! However, as we turn to verse 17, we see quite clearly that

There Will Be Ups and Downs

For the people of God, they are going to be delivered which is good news. However, this message from God to the elders includes information that the land that they occupy will not come easily.

The same can be said for you and I. Yes, for the person who has confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord, they have the greatest gift that has ever been known. Yet, that does not mean that everything will be sunshine and daisies from here on out. As we look throughout the scriptures, there is great difficulty whether it comes in the form of temptation, persecution, or discouragement as we attempt to share the gospel. There will always be ebbs and flows regarding how we perceive that our lives are going. However, we should be reminded of what the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:10.

Philippians 2:10 ESV

so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Because we are promised that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, we know the ending of the story just as Israel knew. They knew that they would inhabit this land of blessing.

As we go day to day, it is important to remember the prize: eternity with God. An existence on the New Earth which will be perfect. So as we have difficulties, we must remember that a much better day is coming. We must remain faithful in the highs and the lows.

Next, we are told how the people respond. From verse 18 we observe

We Must Always Be Listening

Keep in mind here that Moses is a chosen mouthpiece for God and we are told here that the people of Israel will listen to the leaders. It is important that we are always listening for instruction from God by way of the people in our lives. It is amazing how often we will hear a good word when we are looking for it. Each and every time we read the bible, we should be listening for what God would have for us to hear. When we come to church to hear God’s word preached, our ears should be open looking for what we can be doing to be more like Christ as well as how we might be encouraged.

The people will listen but what is going to be said to the king of Egypt? They first describe who sent them and from that we are reminded

We Will Always Come as the People of God

When we are sent by the Lord to do His will, there is great confidence in the fact that we have been sent by Him and are introduced as His servants. It is interesting that the introduction is not just YHWH but includes the God of the Hebrews. This gives important context for Pharaoh who would not have been affected by “the LORD”.

You’ve probably noticed the language or behavior of people often changes when they understand that you love God and serve Him. This is a good thing and we often forget the power of approaching others as a Christian rather than hiding it away.

In every situation, carry the banner of Christ. Whether going into battle or into a situation to provide comfort, we will always come as the people of God.

Being the people of God is important not because of who we are but because of who He is. Verses 19 and 20 prophesy of the coming works that are to be done where we should know

The Outstretched Hand of God Will Show His Might

Of course, not a literal hand but simply the work of God here will is the only thing that will convince the king of Egypt to release the people. Within these two verses we can be reassured that God reaches out to help. It is helpful to see in this case that God’s intervention into these siutations is not passive. Instead, He takes action on behalf of the people by extending His hand toward the situation.

I want to also look at the word ‘wonders’ because in my study I found one commentator pointing out the difference between a wonder and a miracle. The Hebrew word for miracle doesn’t make any differentiation between the possible or the impossible. It is as if Moses and the people of Israel did not consider the works of God to be something to be shocked at.

When God works, we ought not be shocked because it is in His nature to do mighty things. It is because He takes action and does mighty things. But it is important to remember that his might extends to us in a positive way as well.

Finally,

We Will Receive Favor Now and When It is All Said and Done

The Lord points out that the people will have favor in the sight of the Egyptians and not leave empty handed. It is here that the idea of a slave being repaid for his wages comes from. We must remember that we will continue to have His favor both here on earth as well as eternally.

What an experience we have as the people of God. What an honor to serve him. Even in the midst of ups and downs, we are still recipients of his power and favor.