Exodus 1

Exodus Overview

The book of Exodus is a story of deliverance, a story about people who broke free from slavery and oppression and began a journey toward the good land that God had promised them.  It is also the story of the development of the nation of Israel.  There is a parallel here to our daily lives: our life story is one of development into Christ-likeness.  The Bible tells us that “we are to be conformed to the image of God’s Son” (Romans 8:29).  As we behold the glory of the Lord by reading the Bible and allowing the principles to guide and change our lives, we are “transformed into His image from glory to glory by the Holy Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).  Exodus teaches us how God brings us out of situations that keep us in bondage in order to take us somewhere far better.  God almost always leads us step-by-step instead of moving us instantly from one situation to the next.  The Israelites’ murmuring and complaining slowed them down.  Our own bad and doubting attitudes will slow down our progress towards whatever great things God has for us.  He used the Israelites’ journey to develop the faith, trust, strength, and character they would need in the Promised Land, and He does the same for us in our life journey.  As you read Exodus, consider the ways God is leading you out of any area of bondage or oppression in your life right now.  Determine that you will follow Him faithfully.  Keep a good attitude so that you can get where He wants to take you and enjoy the fulfillment of His promises in your life. 

Accept and love yourself for where you are at (because God does) and enjoy the journey on the way to where you are going.