EXODUS- A STORY TO TELL

LOST IN A STORY!

A story to tell

Have you ever got lost in a story? The details were so vivid, the material was so engaging that you felt what it was like to be in the story, to be a character in the story. You may have cried during a climatic scene or got angry when injustice occurred. Have you ever felt that way maybe about a movie or a book or even during a conversation in the room or over dinner~?!?

Or have you ever got lost in a story when you checked out for a moment to get a snack, drink, or a random thought popped into your head and you had to chance it down so you can get back to the movie only to find out you’ve missed some really important info and you cant ask anyone in the moment so you sit there lost….wondering what it was that got you so lost…..!?!!?

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

STAND - READ

Exodus 10:1–2 “1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them, 2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your grandson, how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.””

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

PRAY- SEAT

KNOW THE STORY

WE MUST KNOW THE STORY TO PASS THE STORY ON!

As entertaining as this story was, it had the serious purpose of helping the Israelites know their God. “I am doing this,” God said, “that you may tell your children … and that you may know that I am the Lord” (v. 2). The exodus was not just any old story; it was the story, the story that shaped the Israelites into the people of God. It was the story of their salvation. It was a true story, a story based on the facts of history. It was a story that explained everything the children of God needed to know. It explained who they were: the people of God, delivered from slavery. It explained who God was: the Lord God of Israel, the God of all power and glory. It explained where they came from: out of Egypt. It told them where they were going: into the land of promise. And it explained what their purpose was: They were saved for God’s glory. By sending his plagues against Pharaoh, God was giving his people a story that answered all the big questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What is the meaning of life? Is there a God? If there is, how can I know him, and what does he want me to do?

Details matter/ Misinterpretations and missing details can lead to wrong understanding of the story…-Linz and I our first date (infamous Chris at WCU and me….cant say my last name, ends with a Bible Study…..) Great day for me….. Linz mom and family/friends not so much haha

HERO- NOT US JESUS……ENEMY- NOT YOUR SPOUSE OF YOUR CHILDREN- SATAN…..(3 EVILS- SATAN, WORLD, FLESH)

This story was not just for the Egyptians, it was also for the Israelites.

Men and Women of the WORD….

Don’t forget what it felt like, don’t forget what is looked like, don’t forget what happened, don’t forget the mighty acts of God, don’t forget how God took care of you (watched over your, your families, live stock, provisions, gave you light, comfort, life…)

If we forget the story, we lose the meaning and significance of our roles as disciples of GOD, to disciple, to tell of what we know, read, hear, see, live…

Slaves, hard labor, disgust in the eyes of Pharaoh, work gets harder, people unhappy, darker times then first

The adversity they faces help build strength and perseverance…resistance builds muscles, needed some reminders along the way..

Why? So that you may tell- this generation, and the next generation

-for Israelites and Egyptians both to know

Exodus 7:5 ““The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst.””

Exodus 12:24 ““And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. “

Exodus 13:8 ““You shall tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’”

Deuteronomy 4:9 ““Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.”

a. I have hardened his heart: Here the LORD says that He hardened Pharaoh’s heart, yet in Exodus 9:34 it says that he [Pharaoh] hardened his heart. Both were true, and one does not deny the other. In hardening Pharaoh’s heart, God allowed him to have what he sinfully desired – a hard heart against the LORD and His people.

b. That you may tell in the hearing of your son and your son’s son the mighty things I have done in Egypt: God’s work was not only for the sake of the generation of Moses and Pharaoh; it was also for your son and your son’s son. God does mighty works among us so that we can encourage generations to come.

Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

10:1–2 God told Moses that he had further hardened Pharaoh’s heart (see commentary on 4:21) so that he could perform his miraculous signs (10:1). But the Lord wanted Israel to realize that the miracles weren’t merely for the Egyptians—they were also for their sake. Israelites in the generations to come were to tell their children and grandchildren how the Lord had powerfully judged their enemies, so that they might know and revere the Lord (10:2). The same general concept holds true today. Christian parents are to pass on their faith to their children, so that they might know, trust in, and live in light of the grace and power of God (see Eph 6:4).

God hardening the heart of Pharaoh would have given Moses some extra confidence- Pharaoh wasn’t putting road blocks up and giving resistance to Moses because of this reason or that reason, but what was going on was part of a bigger picture, a bigger narrative… Moses go to Pharaoh- Pharaoh is not in control, I am in control, his heart is harden and I am doing it this time, I will perform might works because his hard heart and it will be a sign, an encouragement for Israel… for this generation and the next and the next!

Why the details matter? Why Know the story and keep telling the story!?!?

Deuteronomy 6:20–24 ““When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What do the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments mean which the Lord our God commanded you?’ then you shall say to your son, ‘We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord brought us from Egypt with a mighty hand. ‘Moreover, the Lord showed great and distressing signs and wonders before our eyes against Egypt, Pharaoh and all his household; He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers.’ “So the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today.”

KNOW THE STORY TELLER

-that you may know that the earth is the Lord’s. (Gen 9:29)

So that…. You may KNOW that I am the LORD (Yahweh)…..

Exodus 10:1–2 1 “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them, 2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your grandson, how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.””

The ten plagues in Exodus (Exodus 7–12) reveal several key lessons about God’s character, power, and purposes:

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Creation

• Each plague demonstrates that God has complete control over nature, from turning water into blood to sending darkness over Egypt. The plagues systematically dismantle Egypt’s belief in their gods, showing that Yahweh alone reigns over all creation (Exodus 9:29).

2. God’s Justice and Judgment

• The plagues are a direct response to Pharaoh’s oppression of Israel. God executes judgment against Pharaoh’s stubbornness and Egypt’s idolatry (Exodus 7:4-5). This shows that God is not indifferent to injustice—He acts to defend the oppressed.

3. God’s Power Over False Gods

• Each plague targets specific Egyptian gods (e.g., the Nile turning to blood challenges Hapi, the god of the river). This demonstrates that Yahweh is the true and living God, superior to all false gods (Exodus 12:12).

4. God’s Patience and Mercy

• God gives Pharaoh multiple opportunities to repent, progressively increasing the severity of the plagues. This reveals God’s patience and desire for repentance before executing full judgment (Exodus 9:13-16).

5. God’s Protection of His People

• While Egypt suffers, Israel is spared from several plagues (Exodus 8:22, 9:26, 10:23). This foreshadows God’s provision and protection for His people, pointing to how He sets apart those who trust in Him.

6. God’s Ultimate Authority Over Rulers

• Pharaoh, the most powerful leader of his time, is powerless against God’s will. This teaches that no human authority can stand against God’s purposes (Exodus 10:3).

7. God’s Call for Obedience

• Pharaoh’s hardened heart contrasts with Moses’ obedience, highlighting the importance of responding to God in faith rather than rebellion (Exodus 7:13).

8. God’s Power to Redeem

• The plagues lead to Israel’s deliverance from slavery, showing that God is a Redeemer who sets His people free. This points forward to Jesus, who delivers His people from sin through His sacrifice (Luke 9:31).

ILLUSTRATION

Exodus 18:8–12 “8 Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had befallen them on the journey, and how the Lord had delivered them. 9 Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. 10 So Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; indeed, it was proven when they dealt proudly against the people.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God.”

Knowing God and who He is and His Character helps us read through the correct lens…..and TO KNOW GOD IS TO LOVE GOD AND WE KNOW WE CAN TRUST HIM WITH OUR LIVES OUR ETERNITY!

KNOW YOUR STORY

The story of salvation became the song of salvation. Many Hebrew psalms refer to the exodus in one way or another, and several of them—such as Psalm 78 (vv. 42–51) and Psalm 105 (vv. 26–36)—make specific mention of the plagues.

We, too, have a story. We have something to tell our children and our grandchildren. It is the story of Jesus Christ, the Moses of our salvation, who brought us out of the Egypt of our sin. It is a true story based on the facts of history: his virgin birth, his virtuous life, his vicarious atonement, and his victorious resurrection. What a story! It explains everything a child really needs to know.

It explains who we are: the people of God.

It explains where we came from: a life of sin and misery.

It explains where we are going: to live with Christ in mansions of glory.

It explains who God is: the Father of mercy and love.

And it explains why we are here: to glorify God by living for Christ.

For those who know the story, there is no more important task than telling it to others. The storytelling starts at home, where fathers and mothers have a duty to instruct their children in scriptural truth. Children should learn Bible stories not only at church, and perhaps also at school, but especially at home. Any father not personally engaged in the spiritual instruction of his children is not doing his duty. Fathers and mothers who teach their children Biblical theology are handing down a priceless treasure. By telling them the story that will shape their lives, they are passing on the legacy of salvation. Maybe your children are grown and gone, or you do not have children- we have around 100 children in KKids every Sunday and at least that many every Wednesday!

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SHARE YOUR STORY Pointing YOUR FAMILY, CO-WORKERS, CLASSMATES, NEIGHBORS to Jesus

According to Pew Research and The American Academy of Pediatrics

- Teenagers (ages 13-18) in the U.S. often spend about 7 to 9 hours per day on screens for entertainment purposes, excluding time spent on screens for educational purposes or schoolwork.

- For tweens (ages 8-12), the average is generally lower, around 4 to 6 hours daily for non-school-related screen activities.

1. **American Bible Society's "State of the Bible" Report**: This annual report provides insights into how Americans engage with the Bible. Recent editions have highlighted trends such as:

   - A decline in the number of Americans who read the Bible daily or several times a week.

   - An increase in the use of digital formats and Bible apps.

   - A notable percentage of Americans still consider the Bible as an important source of spiritual guidance.

2. **Barna Group Research**: The Barna Group frequently studies religious and spiritual trends, including Bible engagement. Key findings in recent years include:

   - A decline in regular Bible reading, particularly among younger adults.

   - Interest in the Bible remains, but traditional study practices are less common.

   - Generational differences show younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) engage with the Bible less frequently than older generations.

3. **Pew Research Center Surveys**: Pew provides broader data on religious practices and beliefs, which includes Bible reading as part of overall religious activity:

   - Reports indicate a gradual decline in overall religious affiliation and practices.

   - Among Christians, regular Bible reading has decreased slightly, reflecting broader secular trends.

These studies collectively indicate that while traditional forms of Bible engagement may be declining, particularly among younger people, there is still a significant digital engagement via new media. The surrounding cultural shifts towards secularization play a critical role in how people perceive and engage with religious texts. For the most accurate and recent data, I recommend checking the latest publications from these organizations.

Application: THIS STORY ISN’T JUST TO BE KNOWN- IT IS TO BE PASSED ON

• Don’t rewrite the story to make ourselves the hero—God is the center.

• Teach your kids how God came through in your life. Retell His faithfulness. Volunteer …..don’t let someone else whisper into the ears of your children and your grandchildren about the idolatry of this world! Share how Jesus changed your story. Create space in your home for the story to be heard and lived.

Don’t just know what God did—know who He is.

Story Time

God received this glory in the hearts and homes of his people. Why did God harden Pharaoh’s heart? To perform miraculous signs in Egypt. And why did he perform these miraculous signs? God said to Moses, “that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord” (v. 2). The reason God plagued the Egyptians was so the Israelites would have something to tell their grandchildren.

Every child loves a good story, and this story was more entertaining than most. The whole exodus is an epic adventure. It had everything: a wicked tyrant, an unlikely hero, a bitter conflict, a daring rescue, a national triumph, a spiritual quest, and a happy ending, with lots of miracles for special effect. What a story! It even has its comic moments. Verse 2 hints at this when God describes how he dealt with Pharaoh. Literally, he did not say, “I dealt harshly with the Egyptians,” but “I made sport of the Egyptians.” In sending his plagues against Pharaoh, God was toying with the Egyptians. It was all part of his grand purpose, which was to give the Israelites something to tell their grandchildren.

As entertaining as this story was, it had the serious purpose of helping the Israelites know their God. “I am doing this,” God said, “that you may tell your children … and that you may know that I am the Lord” (v. 2). The exodus was not just any old story; it was the story, the story that shaped the Israelites into the people of God. It was the story of their salvation. It was a true story, a story based on the facts of history. It was a story that explained everything the children of God needed to know. It explained who they were: the people of God, delivered from slavery. It explained who God was: the Lord God of Israel, the God of all power and glory. It explained where they came from: out of Egypt. It told them where they were going: into the land of promise. And it explained what their purpose was: They were saved for God’s glory. By sending his plagues against Pharaoh, God was giving his people a story that answered all the big questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What is the meaning of life? Is there a God? If there is, how can I know him, and what does he want me to do?

The story was so important that God wanted all his children to know it. Moses was to be the chief storyteller. When God said, “tell your children” (v. 2), he was speaking to Moses in the singular. As God’s prophet, it was his responsibility to tell God’s people the story of salvation. This was a responsibility that Moses took seriously. There is a good example in Exodus 18, when Moses met Jethro: “Moses told his father-in-law about everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the Lord had saved them” (v. 8). Moses told Jethro the story of salvation, and the story accomplished its purpose: “Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. He said, ‘Praise be to the Lord, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly’ “ (vv. 9–11). It was the story that helped Jethro to know and glorify God. Moses did not stop with Jethro, of course, but recorded these events in the pages of Scripture. Now when we study the book of Exodus we sit at his feet, listening to our great-great-grandfather, so to speak, tell us the story of salvation.

Moses was not the only storyteller in Egypt. God’s plan was for all the Israelites to glorify him by recounting their exodus from Egypt. When their children said, “Tell me a story!” (as children always do), they would tell them the story of their deliverance. And when their children wanted to know why they had to keep all God’s rules, they would tell it to them again:

In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Before our eyes the Lord sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deut. 6:20–25; cf. 4:9, 10)

The story of salvation became the song of salvation. Many Hebrew psalms refer to the exodus in one way or another, and several of them—such as Psalm 78 (vv. 42–51) and Psalm 105 (vv. 26–36)—make specific mention of the plagues.

The purpose of all this storytelling was to enable the children of Israel to know God as their Lord and Savior. The Israelites passed down the story of the exodus not simply because it formed their national identity or because it was part of a good education, but because it promoted the knowledge of God. The history of their escape from Egypt shaped their theology and their spirituality. Children learned the story in order to know their God.

We, too, have a story. We have something to tell our children and our grandchildren. It is the story of Jesus Christ, the Moses of our salvation, who brought us out of the Egypt of our sin. It is a true story based on the facts of history: his virgin birth, his virtuous life, his vicarious atonement, and his victorious resurrection. What a story! It explains everything a child really needs to know. It explains who we are: the people of God. It explains where we came from: a life of sin and misery. It explains where we are going: to live with Christ in mansions of glory. It explains who God is: the Father of mercy and love. And it explains why we are here: to glorify God by living for Christ.

For those who know the story, there is no more important task than telling it to others. The storytelling starts at home, where fathers and mothers have a duty to instruct their children in scriptural truth. Children should learn Bible stories not only at church, and perhaps also at school, but especially at home. Any father not personally engaged in the spiritual instruction of his children is not doing his duty. Fathers and mothers who teach their children Biblical theology are handing down a priceless treasure. By telling them the story that will shape their lives, they are passing on the legacy of salvation.

Ryken, Philip Graham, and R. Kent Hughes. Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory. Crossway Books, 2005, pp. 293–96.