Scripture References: Exodus 2:23-25; Exodus 3:7-8; Exodus 40:34-38; John 1:14; John 6:32-35; Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 26:26-28
Intro: Welcome. Speaker Mike concludes the "Redemption" series from Exodus. Acknowledging our awareness of brokenness from past weeks, the focus shifts fully to Jesus, our only hope. While Exodus points toward a Promised Land, we discover redemption's ultimate goal isn't a place, but God's Presence dwelling with His people.
Key Points:
- Hope Beyond Brokenness: Recognizing our sin and need is good, but hope rests solely on God's unchanging, covenant-keeping character. We don't redeem ourselves; He does.
- Exodus Goal: Presence, Not Just Place: The book starts with Israel building Pharaoh's kingdom (slavery) and ends with them building God's Tabernacle, filled with His glory (Ex 40), while still in the wilderness. Redemption is God rescuing slaves to dwell with them and enroll them in His purposes.
- Is Jesus Your Promised Land? Is He the ultimate goal, or just a means to other desired ends (comfort, fixed problems)? If heaven lacked God but had everything else, would it satisfy? His presence is the prize.
- God Knows Our Suffering (Ex 1-3): Israel faced horrific suffering (slavery, genocide). God wasn't absent or surprised; He saw, heard, knew their pain (Ex 2:23-25; 3:7). He prophesied this suffering (Gen 15), working His purposes even within it (Joseph's story).
- God Enters Our Suffering: God's response wasn't distant advice, but "I have come down to deliver" (Ex 3:8). He enters the mess. Jesus is Emmanuel, "God With Us" (Jn 1:14). He lived in our broken world and suffered intensely, so He truly sympathizes (Heb 4:15).
- The Lifeline: "Who is With Me?" In suffering, the crucial question shifts from "Why is this happening?" to "WHO is with me?" The answer is Jesus. He suffered ultimate separation ("My God, why...") so we never have to be apart from God, even in pain.
- Remembering His Presence (Communion): Jesus gave us this meal to remember Him (Mt 26). We remember His body broken and blood shed for us. We remember His victory over sin and death. We remember He is with us now by His Spirit. It moves theology from head to heart experience.
Conclusion: The true Promised Land, the goal of redemption, is God's abiding presence. He sees us in our suffering, enters our mess through Jesus (Emmanuel), and promises to be with us always. Though we still await the fullness of redemption, His presence now is our hope, strength, and deepest satisfaction.
Call to Action: In whatever difficulty or "stuckness" you face, shift your question from "Why?" to "Who is with me?" Remember Emmanuel, God with us. Invite His presence into your pain right now. As you consider communion, remember His sacrifice for you and His presence with you. Ask Him to make His presence more real to you than your circumstances.
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