This morning we begin Exodus. The words of 1:8 loom large: Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph (ESV). This sets the stage for the pain and heartache that the Israelites (the descendants of Jacob) will endure and experience. The oppression of God’s people is significant. From slavery and hard labor to murder of baby boys. We meet Moses, and then at the end of chapter 2 we read these words:
23 Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. 24 God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act (NLT).
The people of Israel were tired. They were burdened and groaning under all their were experiencing. But these words bring a glorious ray of hope.
God remembered - this is not stating that God finally recalled what he has previously done or said, but it carries with it the idea that God will no act to fulfill his promises. If we look back at Genesis 15:13,14 we read these words: 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions (ESV). The Exodus will fulfill that promise (though there is still much to happen).
Verse 25: 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew (ESV). You notice that the NLT adds “it was time to act.” Though that is true, the word “knew” here emphasizes something very important, and that is that God is not removed, distant, or aloof from his people. He knows them. He knows the labor and hardship and pain they are enduring. He hears their groans.
This is great news for all believers. God knows you. He hears your pain and groaning. It may be long-lasting, but he is not unaware and he is certainly our refuge. We see that most clearly in our Savior, who brought us out of much more than slavery to a foreign land, but rather slavery to sin.
This song by Anne Steele, redone by Sandra McCracken and Indelible Grace, is a wonderful summary of the comfort we have for our often weary souls.
1. Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief,
For every pain I feel
2. But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust
3. Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face,
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace,
Be deaf when I complain?
No still the ear of sovereign grace,
Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access,
To breathe my sorrows there
4. Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet,
Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet
