Let my people go
Exodus 5:1-9
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Moses was 80 and his brother Aaron was 83 when they confronted Pharaoh. They went as a double-act – Moses putting words in Aaron’s mouth.
Their message has become famous
Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go (Exodus 5:1)
A chapter previously the LORD put it slightly differently:
Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto [Pharaoh], Let my son go, that he may serve me (Exodus 4:22)
The LORD’s people aren’t simply His favoured nation – they are His children. He takes an intense personal interest in His own people. The LORD – the Maker of heaven and earth – is not ashamed to be called the tribal deity of His people. In fact He is their Father. And all His fatherly concern is aroused for His particular inheritance.
He therefore stands implacably against Pharaoh – the head of the house of the wicked. Pharaoh is very much a Satan figure in the Exodus and as such he enslaves the people. Pharaoh, like the devil, is only interested in works. He only focuses on what you produce, on what you can perform. Being under his rule is bondage, (as we will see tomorrow).
But the LORD does not want slaves, He wants sons. Whatever service the LORD wants, it’s the service of children. And so the LORD is the original Freedom Fighter. His desire is to emancipate His people.
That is the meaning of the term “Redeemer.” A redeemer is literally one who pays the ransom price to release the slaves. When you say “Let my people go” there’s a price tag. And for the ultimate redemption there was an ultimate price.
Jesus said of Himself:
For even the Son of man came not to be [served], but to [serve], and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
This is how committed God is to our freedom. The Father who said “Let my son (Israel) go,” was willing to sacrifice His eternal Son – Jesus – for us. And the LORD Jesus was willing to put Himself in our place. He became the servant of all and gave His own life away to buy our redemption.
So often we’re tempted to think that the world, the flesh or the devil are offering us freedom. Perhaps this choice or experience or opportunity to prove myself will liberate me. But actually, without the LORD, these things that promise so much deliver only slavery. It’s not the LORD who is the kill-joy, it’s Satan.
So may the Spirit open our eyes afresh to a Father and Son who value our freedom more than their own Life!
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