Understanding God's Presence Through the Exodus Narrative

Summary

In today's exploration of the book of Exodus, we delved into the profound significance of the Exodus narrative and its foundational role in understanding Jesus and the New Testament. The Exodus is not merely a historical account but a rich tapestry that reveals the character of Yahweh and His relationship with His people. We began by revisiting the opening chapters, highlighting the civil disobedience of the midwives who feared God more than Pharaoh, and the shift from Pharaoh's oppression to the involvement of the entire nation in the persecution of the Israelites.

Our focus then shifted to the pivotal moments in Exodus chapters 3 and 6, where Moses encounters God at the burning bush. This encounter is not just about Moses' call but is fundamentally about the revelation of Yahweh. It challenges us to understand that our faith is not centered on ourselves but on who Jesus is as the Lord of all creation. The burning bush narrative emphasizes that God uses the humble and the ordinary to reveal His extraordinary presence and power. The bush, not consumed by fire, symbolizes God's self-sufficiency and His ability to work through the humble and the lowly.

We also discussed the importance of understanding the language used to describe God. The term "Yahweh" or "Lord" is used over 6,000 times in the Bible, highlighting the intimate and covenantal relationship God has with His people. This challenges us to reconsider our understanding of God beyond traditional theological frameworks and to embrace the richness of His revealed name.

Furthermore, the narrative of Moses' call underscores the importance of recognizing God's presence in the ordinary and the unexpected. Moses' initial reluctance and the subsequent exchanges with God reveal a profound truth: our identity and calling are rooted in God's presence and His purposes, not in our abilities or self-perception.

Finally, we touched on the significance of prayer and the cry of God's people. The Israelites' cry for deliverance was heard by God, reminding us of the power of earnest prayer and the assurance that God is attentive to the cries of His people. This narrative invites us to engage deeply with Scripture, allowing it to transform our understanding and draw us closer to the heart of God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Exodus as a Foundation for Understanding Jesus: The Exodus narrative is crucial for understanding the context of Jesus' life and mission. It reveals the character of Yahweh and His covenantal relationship with His people, providing a backdrop for the New Testament. This understanding challenges us to see Jesus not as a personal coach but as the Lord of all creation, who gives us our true identity. [02:36]

2. God's Use of the Humble and Ordinary: The burning bush, a humble and ordinary object, becomes the site of divine revelation. This teaches us that God often uses the lowly and unexpected to reveal His power and presence. It challenges us to reject worldly notions of power and to embrace the simplicity and humility through which God works. [15:49]

3. The Importance of God's Name, Yahweh: The frequent use of "Yahweh" in Scripture highlights the intimate and covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people. This challenges us to move beyond traditional theological frameworks and to embrace the richness of God's revealed name, understanding Him as both transcendent and immanent. [09:34]

4. Recognizing God's Presence in the Ordinary: Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush teaches us to recognize God's presence in the ordinary and unexpected moments of life. Our identity and calling are rooted in God's presence and purposes, not in our abilities or self-perception. This invites us to be open to God's leading in all circumstances. [22:28]

5. The Power of Earnest Prayer: The Israelites' cry for deliverance was heard by God, reminding us of the power of earnest prayer. This narrative encourages us to engage in heartfelt prayer, trusting that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is moved by His mercy to respond. [29:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:35] - Introduction to Exodus
- [02:36] - The Call of Moses and Yahweh's Revelation
- [03:33] - The Accessibility and Depth of Scripture
- [04:24] - Moses' Early Life and Egyptian Influence
- [05:22] - Moses' Initial Intervention
- [06:04] - The Richness of Scripture
- [06:43] - The Covenant and Historical Context
- [07:35] - Moses' Egyptian Education
- [08:31] - The Significance of Yahweh's Name
- [09:34] - The Missing Element in Trinitarian Language
- [11:11] - Moses at Horeb: The Mountain of God
- [12:57] - The Burning Bush Encounter
- [14:33] - The Humble Bush and God's Power
- [15:49] - Rejecting Worldly Notions of Power
- [17:16] - The Symbolism of Fire
- [18:32] - The Balance of Spirit and Word
- [19:52] - Moses' Response to God's Call
- [21:00] - The I Am and God's Presence
- [22:28] - The Holiness of God's Presence
- [24:45] - The Importance of Holiness
- [26:06] - The Presence of God, Not the Place
- [27:17] - The Intimacy of God's Call
- [29:25] - God's Response to the Cry of His People
- [31:43] - The Promise of Deliverance
- [33:17] - The Centrality of Jesus in Our Identity
- [35:21] - Conclusion and Encouragement to Explore Exodus

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 3:1-15
2. Exodus 6:2-8
3. Acts 7:20-29

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of the burning bush in Moses' encounter with God, and how did it symbolize God's presence and power? [12:57]

2. How did the midwives' actions in Exodus 1 demonstrate civil disobedience, and what motivated their actions? [01:35]

3. In what ways does the use of the name "Yahweh" in the Bible emphasize God's relationship with His people? [09:34]

4. How did Moses' initial reluctance to accept God's call reflect his understanding of his own identity and abilities? [21:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Exodus narrative provide a foundation for understanding Jesus' life and mission, and why is it important to view Jesus as the Lord of all creation rather than a personal coach? [02:36]

2. What does the burning bush teach us about God's use of the humble and ordinary to reveal His power, and how does this challenge worldly notions of power? [15:49]

3. Why is it significant that the name "Yahweh" is used so frequently in Scripture, and how does this affect our understanding of God's covenantal relationship with His people? [09:34]

4. How does Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush illustrate the importance of recognizing God's presence in ordinary moments, and what does this teach us about our identity and calling? [22:28]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to something beyond your abilities. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Moses' initial reluctance? [21:00]

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God as "Yahweh" in your daily life, moving beyond traditional theological frameworks? [09:34]

3. How can you be more attentive to God's presence in the ordinary and unexpected moments of your life, similar to Moses' experience at the burning bush? [22:28]

4. Consider the role of earnest prayer in your life. How can you make prayer a more central and heartfelt practice, trusting that God hears the cries of His people? [29:25]

5. Identify an area in your life where you might be relying on worldly notions of power. How can you embrace humility and simplicity, allowing God to work through you in unexpected ways? [15:49]

6. How does understanding the Exodus narrative as foundational to Jesus' mission change your perspective on the New Testament and your relationship with Jesus? [02:36]

7. Think of a situation where you might need to practice civil disobedience for a higher moral or spiritual cause. How can the example of the midwives in Exodus 1 guide your actions? [01:35]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Exodus

The Exodus narrative is foundational for understanding Jesus' life and mission. It reveals the character of Yahweh and His covenantal relationship with His people, providing a backdrop for the New Testament. This understanding challenges us to see Jesus not as a personal coach but as the Lord of all creation, who gives us our true identity. The Exodus story is not just a historical account but a profound revelation of God's deliverance and faithfulness, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. By understanding the Exodus, we gain a deeper insight into the redemptive work of Jesus and His role as the ultimate deliverer. [02:36]

Exodus 6:6-7 (ESV): "Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.'"

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the Exodus narrative change your perception of His role in your life today?

Day 2: God's Power Revealed in the Ordinary

The burning bush, a humble and ordinary object, becomes the site of divine revelation. This teaches us that God often uses the lowly and unexpected to reveal His power and presence. It challenges us to reject worldly notions of power and to embrace the simplicity and humility through which God works. The burning bush narrative emphasizes that God uses the humble and the ordinary to reveal His extraordinary presence and power. The bush, not consumed by fire, symbolizes God's self-sufficiency and His ability to work through the humble and the lowly. [15:49]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace humility and simplicity in your life to allow God to reveal His power through you?

Day 3: The Richness of God's Name, Yahweh

The frequent use of "Yahweh" in Scripture highlights the intimate and covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people. This challenges us to move beyond traditional theological frameworks and to embrace the richness of God's revealed name, understanding Him as both transcendent and immanent. The term "Yahweh" or "Lord" is used over 6,000 times in the Bible, emphasizing the personal and covenantal relationship God has with His people. This invites us to deepen our understanding of God and to experience His presence in a more profound way. [09:34]

Psalm 9:10 (ESV): "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of God's name, Yahweh, and what steps can you take to experience His presence more intimately in your daily life?

Day 4: Recognizing God's Presence in the Ordinary

Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush teaches us to recognize God's presence in the ordinary and unexpected moments of life. Our identity and calling are rooted in God's presence and purposes, not in our abilities or self-perception. This invites us to be open to God's leading in all circumstances. Moses' initial reluctance and the subsequent exchanges with God reveal a profound truth: our identity and calling are rooted in God's presence and His purposes, not in our abilities or self-perception. [22:28]

Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'"

Reflection: What ordinary moments in your life might God be using to reveal His presence and purpose to you today?

Day 5: The Power of Earnest Prayer

The Israelites' cry for deliverance was heard by God, reminding us of the power of earnest prayer. This narrative encourages us to engage in heartfelt prayer, trusting that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is moved by His mercy to respond. The Israelites' cry for deliverance was heard by God, reminding us of the power of earnest prayer and the assurance that God is attentive to the cries of His people. This narrative invites us to engage deeply with Scripture, allowing it to transform our understanding and draw us closer to the heart of God. [29:25]

Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to cry out to God in earnest prayer today, trusting in His attentive and merciful response?

Quotes

1) "So sorry, folks. The Christian thing is not about you. It's actually about who Jesus is and his being the one who gives us our identity. So whatever you do, please don't sell Jesus as your personal coach. Or your life guru. That's not what's going on here. He's the Lord of all creation. And we are made in his image. You've got to get that relationship straight, which happens very quickly in chapter three and then reiterated in chapter six." [02:36] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Now, I think what's amazing about all of this, there's a ton of stuff here. But you do know that Exodus was not written for scholars. Now, I do quite a bit of teaching in churches and I often hear from people, well, I'm not a scholar. And what they mean by that is I shouldn't have to think. And this should be easy at Sunday school level. Well, take that up with God, because that's not what he gave us. And that's one of the great things about Israel. Everyone else, they have to go to the special groups like the priest who read entrails. Watch where the birds fly, all specialized skills. Guys who could read dreams. But what Yahweh says is you don't have to go to the heavens. You don't have to cross." [03:33] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "So Yahweh is not some little plastic figure you find in your cornflakes packet. This is serious, deep stuff. And that's why it engages people. So that's what strikes me about this. It's accessible to everybody, but it doesn't treat everyone like they're Sesame Street kids. There's profound stuff in this, because humans, I think, actually are profound beings. We're going to see some of that as we go through, I think." [04:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And what do you know? What great figure in Israel's kingship learned to be who he was by shepherding? David, right? Yeah. And who's Jesus? That great shepherd of the sheep. So that idea of shepherding is critical in understanding. So there he is shepherding. He's got sheep. Right? But he's also tried to do that before by killing the Egyptian. Right? And then trying to separate that fight he had to leave. Right? So that way of shepherding didn't work initially. But now he's learning some new shepherding, apparently." [14:05] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "But that's the word to us, folks. Don't try to compete with the world's vision of what? What power is about? Don't do that in your church organization. We're not running business church. We're doing something different. So we've all talked about God taking David from behind the flock and Jesus being servant. It begins right back here. Where God just takes a humble bush, not a burning cedar. And Jesus himself talks about a mustard seed that grows. That's the image for the kingdom of God. It's a bush. It's not a great oak tree." [16:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "And you hear the angel of the Lord appeared to him. Now, that's really unusual language. It doesn't occur anywhere else in this particular narrative. It's later picked up in the account of Exodus. And it's hard to tell if it's actually God, right? Or distinct from God. It's a really unusual term. We won't spend time here because it only appears once, and that's not the focus. But what it's telling you, that angel of the Lord is deeply connected with Yahweh, probably Yahweh himself, but in a sense distinct." [15:09] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "And what do you hear then? The God of mercy. Out of his mercy, he hears this cry. I taught at Regent for many, many years. And you get these wonderful, keen students who felt the call of God. They'd actually sacrificed a lot. It's a massive cost to do that these days. And it's not just the fees. It's the loss of earning power for three years or something. That's huge. Okay? Okay? They give up all of that. They come along. It's Lord, I'm yours. And the first thing that happens is all the wheels start falling off. And they feel like God has just abandoned them. We're trying to do the right thing. How come this has happened?" [30:27] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And I think it's high time he got put back in the center again. This is about Jesus. How many of us, if we were given an hour, could sit down with someone and give them a good account of what Jesus is on about? We've got maybe Christmas, Nativity, Easter, a few stories about bread somewhere in the desert. And maybe he helped someone catch a lot of fish. And that's kind of, oh, he died for us. That is not Jesus. You can't build a life on that. Those gospels are much, much longer than anything like ancient. You can't build a deep life in a shallow view of Jesus." [33:51] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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