“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
Exodus 20:2
In so many ways, the Old Testament paints a physical picture of New Testament spiritual realities. The people of God were slaves to the Egyptians for generations – but God raised up a deliverer, Moses, to lead his people out of bondage. After a series of plagues, Israel is spared the death of every first born child through the blood of the Lamb on their doorpost. Israel has now begun its journey to the Promised Land – but there are yet many years of struggle ahead of them before they enter Canaan.
In many ways this story parallels the salvation of sinners from the bondage of sin, through the blood of the spotless Lamb of God. And the Promised Land is a sure and certain future reality for every true child of God! Yet, we may be called upon to endure many years of struggle before we enter Heaven. The reality of the trials of life may overwhelm us at times – but it is at moments such as these that we must remember God did not abandon Israel in the desert. He had saved them by His great love, and in spite of their unworthiness, He continued to be with them and assured them of His great redemption!
Our natural hearts are inclined to believe that God approves of us when we have everything together, when we are faithful in our devotions, and when we can check all the boxes of our religious duties. But God’s Word makes it clear that God did not give His Ten Commandments to Israel in order to redeem them from Egypt – but He gave them the Law after He had redeemed them! He reminds them at the very outset – “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Your redemption is not rooted in your performance, but is rooted in the unchangeable character of the God who has brought you out of the land of sin, out of the house of slavery. Any true obedience to the commands of God will only come as we see the wonder of what He has accomplished for us in Jesus Christ! May God strengthen our faith, deepen our love and increase our devotion to Him!