Violence and loss are part of living in a fallen world, but that fact does not absolve anyone of his personal responsibility toward those he has wronged. A nation of former slaves needed to know that each person now was responsible for both himself and his neighbor. The laws of restitution spoke of a God who holds his people accountable for both what they believe and what they do.
LORD, make us worthy stewards of both our resources and the lives we touch, or can touch.
These rules must be understood in their context. Altars in Egypt had been places to flaunt one’s wealth and power. Now that the Hebrews were free, the LORD warned them against abusing religion for selfish purposes.
Servanthood was inevitable because some would have no other means of survival. But the LORD insisted that it be temporary and voluntary. He had set his people free. He did not want them to use their freedom to enslave themselves.
LORD, help us to trust you enough to turn away from lifestyles that you warn us about.
The same powerful LORD who rescued the Israelites from Egypt now demands that they go through a second exodus. They must purge themselves of polytheism, insincerity and selfishness. Likewise, the same Jesus who died for us on the cross calls us to die to ourselves, and live for him (Mt 16:24). We have not embraced his salvation until we submit to his sanctification.
LORD, we accept your salvation — all of it. Change us.
Mount Sinai serves to transition the reader of Exodus from the theme of deliverance by grace to the theme of sanctification. The mountain is a dangerous place and should not be treated casually. God is there, and he is to be feared. Unlike the gods of Egypt that the Israelites were accustomed to, the LORD’S power is not a show for entertainment. He will not be trifled with. It is time for God’s people to take him seriously.
LORD, teach us how to respect your holy presence.
Jethro’s advice showed wisdom because Moses could not have continued to serve as judge over every situation for the people. It was clear that an eldership had already existed (12). But Moses had not taken advantage of the leaders he already had. Jethro pointed out that appointing judges would free him to deal with major matters, and to teach the laws of God.
LORD, give us the wisdom to share the load.
Moses used the same staff at Massah and Meribah that he had stretched over the Nile in Egypt. He held that same staff in his hands as he prayed for Joshua’s troops as the fought the Amalekites. It became a symbol for the one LORD who was their only solution for each problem they faced.
LORD, we remember Moses’ staff. It teaches us to rely on you to meet our every need.
The deliverance at Mara and through the quail and Manna came in spite of the people’s grumbling against their leaders. Even the laws which the LORD was setting up for his people were symbols of his grace. The Sabbath laws came in the context of the Manna, and were meant as reminders of what God had done for his undeserving people.
LORD, may we never treat your blessings as anything else but signs of grace. Keep us from pride of grace.
The deliverance at the Red Sea was not simply a last rescue from the menace of Pharaoh. It was intended to inspire the Israelites to look beyond their present difficulty and see God’s ultimate purpose for their future. Moses’ song referred to the pagan nations standing still in awe as the nation of Israel marches by. It also speaks of the LORD planting Israel on a mountain in the promised land.
LORD, help us to keep our eyes focused on the future you have prepared for us.
When the Israelites saw the army of Pharaoh approaching, they rightly concluded that it would have been safer for them to have remained as slaves in Egypt. Their rescue taught them to fear God, and to believe Moses.
LORD, may your glory by our ultimate objective.
Every element of their experience in departing Egypt was designed to be remembered. Whenever an Israelite celebrated the annual Passover feast, he remembered what God had done for him and his people. Every time he ate unleavened bread, he remembered. Every time he sacrificed a firstborn among his flock, he remembered. When he redeemed his firstborn son, he remembered both God’s judgment upon Egypt, and his grace in sparing the firstborn sons of Israel.
LORD, help us to remember what you have done for us in Christ.
