By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
SEEN AND HEARD
Exodus 2:23–25; 3:7–15
Our study this quarter focuses on God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt through Moses — but ultimately through Jesus. In Exodus and Leviticus, God calls Moses to lead His people out of slave labor and into sanctified living.
In this lesson, the theme is God’s watchful care over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Exodus continues the Genesis narrative, but the Israelites’ political favor quickly devolved from being a curious and protected group to being seen as a clear and present danger.
Heard (2:23–25)
Some 40 years passed between Moses’ exit from Egypt and God’s call for him to return. In the meantime, Israel continued to suffer under the brutality of slavery. They called out to God but was He listening?
Unfortunately, we live in a time when feelings trump facts, psychology trumps biology and sociology trumps theology. We often wonder why God is not listening, why our prayers go unanswered or how a good and loving God can allow bad things to happen.
One of the greatest lessons we learn from Joseph’s years of slavery and imprisonment is that God plans for good what others intend for evil (Gen. 50:20). God’s timing is perfect.
In the fullness of time, God answered the prayers of the Israelites in a way that no one would expect, not even the deliverer himself. Moses was about to be taken off guard when he saw a bush that burned without being consumed.
Called (3:7–10)
God was calling Moses to combine his training in Pharaoh’s court with 40 years of shepherding in Midian to confront Pharaoh and to rescue and lead Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land.
“I have observed the misery of my people … and have heard them crying. … I know about their sufferings, and I have come down to rescue them. … Go. I am sending you to Pharaoh.” God was calling an 80-year-old man and his 83-year-old brother (7:7) to the impossible task of confronting Pharaoh and convincing him to release his Israelite workforce.
Promised (11–12)
“Who am I?” Here, Moses gives the first of several objections. He was comfortable where he was. By the time he presents his final objection, he asks if someone else could do it.
God’s response is basically, “It’s not about you, Moses. I will be with you, and I will make you successful.” After all, Pharaoh was not going to allow the Israelites to go unless a mighty hand compelled him to release them (v. 19).
Revealed (13–15)
Israel was living among the gods of Egypt. Which deity should Moses tell them was sending him? Moses was asking a legitimate question. God gave a two-fold response. First, He introduced Himself as Yahweh. (See also 6:2–3, 5). Then He referred to Himself as “I AM” and “I AM WHO I AM.” He is the ever-present God.
In John’s gospel, the evangelist points back to God’s revelation to Moses. John highlights the “I am” revelations of Jesus: Bread of Life; Light of the World; Door (or Gate); Good Shepherd; Resurrection and the Life; true Vine; and the Way, the Truth and the Life. The most blatant “I am” self-revelation is found in John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am.” The immediate response of the Jews was to attempt to stone Him for blasphemy for equating Himself with the God of the Torah (8:59; 10:31–33).
It’s not about you and it’s not about me. The message of salvation and redemption is all about Jesus.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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