Exodus 1-2 - Introduction

Key Passages:  Exodus 1 and 2

Welcome to our first devotion in our new series on Exodus. If you have already watched or heard the first sermon in this series (and If not check it out on the Everyday App or on our Youtube Channel), you will know that these devotions are a key part of our journey through this amazing book.

In these devotions we will have a chance to reflect on what has been preached, but also to draw out something that there wasn’t time to get to in 30 minutes on a Sunday or as part of our Online Church Service.

In our sermon we looked at the big themes of the book, the highs and lows, the patterns of redemption that point to God’s big salvation narrative, and finally at the fact that in walking through Exodus we will constantly be bumping into Jesus. In this devotion I want to draw out 4 specific themes for us to think about this week:

1. The power of God’s promises.
2. The role of amazing women in God’s salvation plans.
3. The importance of serving God in our workplace.
4. God’s compassion for the oppressed.

Joseph and his generation may have died, and indeed been forgotten, but God’s faithfulness and promises remain. God continues to work out his Kingdom purposes even when it might look like everyone has forgotten. (See Genesis 1).

• What promises has God made over your life that it would be good to remember?
  
  
• How might God be working out those promises or callings in your life in this season?

When we read through these chapters, we are constantly encountering key women – the midwives, Moses mother, Miriam (Moses’s sister) and Pharoah’s daughter. I love the way that though Pharoah tries to frustrate the purposes of God by limiting what men can do – boys are to be killed, the men are to be worked to the bone – God simply inspires and equips amazing women. This is a repeated theme through scripture – God often starts a new season of blessing in and through the faith of key women. Women who were so often disregarded in the society of that time.

• Where else in the Bible do we see women of faith releasing the purpose of God?
  
  
• Spend some time thanking God for women of faith in your own life.

It is such an obvious observation, but one that we can easily miss. These women of faith, represented by two specific women – Shiprah and Puah – were professionals. Midwifery was their work. Traditionally women who were barren but were skilled in helping others in childbirth. At a foundational level these women served God in their workplace. It is so easy for us to think that God is only interested in the spiritual side of life. Equally churches can prioritise Sunday over Monday. God does neither. God is passionate about our places of work.

• What challenges are you facing at work? Bring them before God and let his speak into your workplace through his Word and by the Holy Spirit.
  
  
• Take some time to pray for your workplace and for sensitivity and opportunity to bring the Kingdom into your day-to-day work.

We will discover on our walk that we worship a God who cares passionately about the oppressed and the enslaved. We follow a saviour who lifted up the isolated, the abandoned and enslaved. He calls us to do the same.

• God hears our hearts cry – what do you need to pour out to God with honesty and authenticity?
  
  
• Where can we follow God’s lead and lift up those who are oppressed or unfairly treated in our society?

This Everyday Devotions was written by Simon Elliott, our Lead Elder.

If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s sermon on Exodus 1-2 Introduction why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.

This Everyday Devotions is accompanied by a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.

Join us as we walk through the book of Exodus by following our daily Exodus Bible Reading Plan.

Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.