Friday, March 7
Read: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Exodus 6:1-13; Acts 7:35-42
The season of Lent has always been a contrast of many biblical themes. A major focus has been the cross of Christ and the meaning of the crucifixion. Another theme that has echoed throughout the ages is the narrative of God’s Law and commandments. I especially like the theme revealed in today’s Scripture of God’s rescue of the children of Israel from the slavery of Pharaoh.
This is a theme that binds us together as Christians with our Jewish ancestors.
Lent is a season of deliverance for us as God’s people. It is a deliverance from sin and death. It is a deliverance from our enemies. It is a deliverance from our lives of complacency and lack of response. Lent is a time of deliverance from our past and into a future with Christ whose resurrection we will celebrate at Easter.
A few things are clear in the passage from Exodus: It is God who is doing the deliverance, and not something we are doing ourselves. God makes it known that it is the Lord that will direct Pharoah to let the Israelites go.
It is clear that this was a promise that God made to the great patriarchs, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This deliverance is something that was promised from the beginning. God is faithful and keeps the covenants made.
The children of Israel are being sent to the land of Canaan, the land where they resided before being enslaved by Egypt. The Israelites will be going to the Promised Land, and they will find their lives renewed and restored.
So, how can this Lent be different for us nearly 3500 years after the Exodus out of Egypt?
I invite us to consider the deliverance that God offers us this season. What do you need to be delivered from? What do you need to be delivered to? I assure you that God is still in the deliverance business and has the power to make your life new.
I invite us to consider the great company of witnesses that have gone before us. As the Israelites could remember the stories of the patriarchs, we can remember ours. Think of our Methodist heritage. Think of all those connected to Huntingdon College or your local church. Think of folks from your own family and relations. God promised us all deliverance. God is always faithful.
Think of the Promised Land. God has promised us a place in God’s Kingdom and sent Jesus to show us the way. May this Lent be one of restoration and renewal for all of us. May we find ourselves strengthened during this season of 40 days, and may we find ourselves closer to Jesus and closer to each other.
Prayer: O God of deliverance, prepare us this season for the renewal and restoration that you promised the children of Israel. Help us to receive the deliverance that you offer us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
The Reverend Michael Rich ’82 served 37 years in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. In retirement, he resides in Mooresville, North Carolina.
