40 Lessons from the Book of Exodus (1)

Introduction

The book of Exodus is a profound narrative of redemption from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. 

God does not abandon His people to be oppressed forever by the enemy. He hears the cries of His people and descends to deliver them from bondage and affliction (Exodus 3:7-8).

He uses chosen men and women, anointed and empowered by His Spirit, to lead His people to freedom (Exodus 3:10).

In the 40 chapters of Exodus, we learn vital lessons about God’s nature, His plan for redemption, and the role of His people in bringing His will to pass:

1. God Sees Our Suffering (Exodus 1:12-14): God sees and understands the suffering of His people. Nothing is hidden from His sight, and He will ultimately bring deliverance (Psalm 34:15). The Israelites’ afflictions led to God’s intervention, reminding us that He sees our pain and hears our cries (Exodus 3:7).

2. God Uses Weak Men for His Glory (Exodus 2:11-15): God often chooses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. Moses, though running from his past, was called to deliver Israel. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

3. God Empowers the Weak. (Exodus 3:11-12): Moses felt inadequate, but God reassured him that His presence would go with him. The same way, God empowers us with His Spirit to fulfill His calling (Acts 1:8).

4. God’s Supernatural Power Confirms His Mission (Exodus 4:1-5): God gave Moses signs to perform, showing that He accompanies His servants with supernatural power (Mark 16:17). God confirms His calling by empowering His people to do great works in His name.

5. Following God Does Not Eliminate Challenges (Exodus 5:1-2): Obedience to God does not guarantee immediate success. Moses faced rejection from Pharaoh, yet God’s plan continued. Challenges refine our faith (James 1:2-4).

6. God’s Promises Assure Victory (Exodus 6:6-8): God’s assurance of victory is rooted in His covenant promises. He reminded Moses of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing that God is faithful to His word (Hebrews 6:13-18).

7. God’s Actions Are for His Glory (Exodus 7:3-5): God declared that Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened so that He could display His glory through mighty signs and wonders. Everything God does is for His glory (Isaiah 42:8).

8. God Commands Creation for His Purposes (Exodus 8:1-4): Frogs, lice, and flies obeyed God’s commands to afflict Egypt, proving that all creation is subject to His authority (Psalm 24:1).

9. God Uses the Wicked to Display His Power (Exodus 9:16): Pharaoh’s resistance was used by God to demonstrate His power. This shows that even the wicked are under God’s control (Proverbs 16:4).

10. God’s Wonders Serve as Testimonies for Generations (Exodus 10:1-2): The miracles in Egypt were not only for the present but also for future generations to testify of God’s greatness (Psalm 78:4).

11. God’s Judgments Are Purposeful (Exodus 11:4-7): The final plague—the death of the firstborn—demonstrated that God’s judgements are deliberate and serve His redemptive plan (Romans 9:17).

12. God Declares His Actions Beforehand (Exodus 12:12-13): God warned Pharaoh of the coming judgement and fulfilled His word precisely. His word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

13. God Prepares His People for Future Battles (Exodus 13:17-18): God led Israel the long way around to avoid battles they were not yet ready to face. God knows the right time and method for our growth (Deuteronomy 8:2).

14. God Fights for His People (Exodus 14:13-14): As Pharaoh’s army pursued Israel, God fought for them, parting the Red Sea. He remains our defender (Exodus 14:14; Psalm 46:10).

15. Praise Follows Deliverance (Exodus 15:1-2): After God’s victory at the Red Sea, Moses and the people sang praises to the Lord. We must always praise God for His works (Psalm 150:2).

16. God Provides for His People’s Needs (Exodus 16:4): When the Israelites complained of hunger, God rained down manna from heaven. He provides for all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

17. God Performs Multiple Wonders for His People: (Exodus 17:5-6, 8-13): God provided water from a rock and victory over the Amalekites, proving He is a God of many wonders (Psalm 77:14).

18. God Uses Wise Counsellors to Guide His People (Exodus 18:17-24): Jethro’s advice to Moses helped him manage the burdens of leadership. Wise counsel is invaluable (Proverbs 11:14).

19. God Directs Our Path (Exodus 19:3-6): God led Israel to Mount Sinai and gave them instructions. He orders our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).

20. God’s Laws Are for Our Benefit (Exodus 20:1-17): The Ten Commandments were given to guide Israel into righteousness. God’s laws are for our good (Psalm 119:105).

To be continued…