Slavery is not just about physical hard labour. It is also about identity oppression - to disempower an individual's sense of power and worth so that they wouldn't dream of banding together in a revolt.
So God's plan of rescue is not merely to save the slaves from the hard work. His plan is also to re-cultivate their sense of worth as human beings - but not worth based on what they are capable of, but worth on the God who loves them and would do anything for their well being.
While Moses is discouraged by Pharaoh's response, God says, "Aha! Now just you wait and watch what I am capable of."
First God reminds Moses who he is: the promise keeping God who made a commitment to the slaves' ancestors, a strong and powerful God, and a God who is present with them in their suffering.
Next, God reminds Moses of the plan:
- rescue the slaves from hard labour
- re-instill a new identity as free people
- to punish the Pharaoh as guilty of oppression
- to give them a land to settle into as a nation
- to teach them to live as God's people, under his provision and protection
It's a fabulous package. It is the life slaves can only dream about, until they give up dreaming. And the Hebrews have stopped dreaming. The Historian tells us they can't hear it. It sounds like someone else's dream. Because they are too busy with their own problem - meeting brick quotas.
Write
Think about your faith story: how have you experienced physical, emtional, or identity oppression?
Presently, where in your life - what relationships or circumstances, are you feel a sense of powerlessness and worthlessness?
Who do you know is enslaved by their circumstances, and have given up on their dreams?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about your experience with oppression. Thank God for the way he is committed to your freedom, and to rescuing you from the things that limit your life.
Pray about the things in your life you feel powerless to change. Ask God for the help you need, the reassureance of his presence, and the trust in God to keep his promise of rescue.
Pray for your friend who feels enslaved by their circumstances. Ask God how you can come along side them to walk with them to freedom.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he continues to rescue you from oppressive circumstances, values and thinking, and the ways uses your experience to guide others to freedom.