June 2 - Day 7 - Exodus 3:8

⁷ Then the Lord said [to Moses],

“I have observed the misery

of my people who are in Egypt;

I have heard their cry on

account of their taskmasters.

Indeed, I know their sufferings,

⁸ and I have come down to

deliver them from

the Egyptians …

Exodus 3

 

Do you want to be set free? It’s time to state simply what the first three steps are …

 

1.    Realize – before we can be set free, we must realize what is enslaving us.

 

2.    Cry Out – God can act however and whenever he wants. But God is a gentleman. Part of him giving us “dominion” over this world (Genesis 1:26) means that he usually waits for us to ask before he intervenes. Therefore, if you want to see God act … cry out!

 

3.    God’s Rescue Plan: The Deliverer – When God’s people are in bondage, God’s pattern for rescue and release is to provide a deliverer.

 

Yesterday, we analyzed step three. During the Exodus, Moses, of course, was God’s deliverer. He was the rescue plan for ancient Israel.

 

Now we need to ask this question: Is Moses your deliverer?

 

No!

 

You’re not a 15^th Century BC Jew with Egyptian taskmasters!

 

Indeed, if you’re reading this, you’re likely a 21^st Century AD American with your own set of enslavements.

 

In fact, if you are reading this, I hope you can say, “I am a 21^st Century Christian.” Why? Because Jesus Christ is God’s rescue plan for you and me … and our generation … and all of humanity.

 

Jesus is the Deliverer. (In fact, the New Testament calls him precisely this – see Romans 11:26, a fulfillment of the prophecies from Isaiah 59:20). And a Christian is one who believe that Jesus Christ is “the Deliverer.” A Christian is one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Indeed, a Christian is the one who trusts that Jesus died to deliver us from our bondage to sin and death, to forgive our sins and grant us everlasting life.

 

Do you believe that? Jesus is Step 3 to being set free.

 

Think about this: If you don’t have a deliverer, you’re on your own! As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:17, if Christ Jesus isn’t the victorious, risen Lord, then “you are still in your sins.” And isn’t that where you are? You are still in your anger, grief, doubt, and addictions. It’s not that you’re all bad, but you surely haven’t been able to fix your mess on your own. And while you may try a little psychology and a little will power, you are likely to remain in your bondage, shame, and helplessness, unless and until someone or something sets you free.

 

But …“if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”! (John 8:36)

 

That’s the Christian message. That’s the Christian faith. We all need a Deliverer. We all something bigger than ourselves.

 

And the Christian is simply the one who cries with hope – and growing confidence – “the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ … will turn out for my deliverance” (Philippians 1:9).

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who thinks of Jesus

like the Pizza Guy:

He Delivers!