The Lord Brought You Out

Before the Exodus, during preparations for the Passover meal, Moses told the Israelites, Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place. (Ex. 13:2a NKJV)

By definition, bondage involves servitude or slavery—subjection to force. The Israelites wanted to escape—sort of. People do not walk away from slavery easily. God knew that once the Israelites passed through the sea—had actually left the land of Egypt—they would suffer withdrawal pangs when struggling alone in the desert without familiar surroundings and familiar foods.

If deliverance was to be complete, the people needed to cooperate. God’s words through Moses looked ahead to tough times. Because the Israelites could not get out alone—nor stay out alone—God wanted them to remember the great miracle of their escape—and then remember that He could also provide the strength and provision they would need to go further and further into His plan for them.

Originally published March 12, 1993.

On To Jerusalem

Six days before the Passover, on the first day of the week, Jesus received a glorious welcome when He entered Jerusalem. Luke says of the event that, people spread their cloaks on the road . . . the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices. . . . (Lk. 19:36b,37b NIV)

But Jesus would not be deceived by their enthusiasm. He had tried earlier to tell the disciples that He was entering Jerusalem to die. He even knew details—that religious leaders would manipulate circumstances so He would be handed to the Romans—and that the Romans would, mock . . . insult . . .spit . . . flog . . . and kill . . . . (18:32) All of it was necessary before there could be a resurrection and before He could ascend into heaven.

So He rode alone, physically and emotionally isolated from others, when He entered the city and moved toward the appointed hour.

Originally published March 29, 1985.