Reflection: Further reading: the song of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 15.
The Old Testament is the foundation for Christian faith. Without its images, concepts, and promises, we would not understand what Jesus achieves through his death and resurrection. No more so is this true than for the event we call the Exodus. Israel’s liberation from the tyranny of Egypt is the great “salvation-event” of the Old Testament.
Yet we sometimes forget that this is God responding to the oppression of his people, both spiritual and physical. Exodus 6:5 speaks of God hearing the “groaning” of the Israelites as they languished under Pharaoh’s rule. As the theologian Chris Wright puts it: “This is what redemption looks like when God does it. It is an act that simultaneously demonstrates God’s faithfulness, justice and love.” (The Mission of God’s People).
Salvation involves God redeeming and restoring his image-bearers. First, that means God bringing us back to relationship with himself. But following close by is that salvation means God bringing justice to his creation. Whenever God brings redemption the mighty are humbled and the lowly are lifted up.
Question: What does it mean to you, that God listens to the groaning of his people, despite our rebellion against his rule?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for listening to the groaning of your people, despite our rebellion against your rule. You are mighty and all powerful, and you always triumph over your enemies. We know, and we praise you, that your reign will be established in all of creation. Amen.
Watch: Catherine Brekus on the Faith of the Enslaved (II) – https://www.publicchristianity.org/on-the-faith-of-the-enslaved-ii/