The Way of Exodus Part 8 - Redemption is just the Beginning

Contact usThe Way of Exodus Part 8 - Redemption is just the BeginningIn this, the eighth podcast in this series, Exodus chapters 14–17 show us something that is easy to miss: the Red Sea was the miracle… but it wasn't the destination. It was just the beginning. God rescues His people in a dramatic moment, but now begins the process of formation, now begins the long journey and the patient ministering that will teach His people how to live as free people who trust Him day by day.Very quickly the questions within the narrative change from "Will God get us out?" to "Will God keep us?" And the answer, again and again, is yes. In the wilderness God gives daily bread — manna that trains them in dependence rather than panic. He shows daily protection — not by removing every threat, but by going before them and standing between them and what would destroy them. Rescue is real, but it's not the end; God sustains what He saves.But the deepest point of all was this: the goal was never just to be drawn "out of slavery." The goal was that the Hebrews would be drawn into relationship. God wants to have a relationship with humanity and, in this instance, with His people. journey isn't simply from bondage to survival — it's from bondage to communion, from fear to worship, from Pharaoh's rule that leads to slavery and death, to God’s which leads to life. This is amplified in chapter 25: "Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8).And this is where we need to make the connection to the Gospel narrative. This is where the Exodus story is utterly relevant to our own lives. When we follow Jesus are released from the bondage of sin and death. He leads us out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. But just as that was just the beginning of a lifetime journey with God for the Hebrews, so it is for us: we are invited to journey through our lives with God before us and behind us. We are forgiven, filled with the spirit and we are invited to abide. We are brought into a relationship with God: as Moses brought the Hebrews, Jesus brings us.And underneath all of it is a truth that can take a lifetime to sink in: God loves you because He loves you. Not because you're impressive, useful, consistent, strong, or sorted. There isn't a deeper "why" to earn or uncover. His love comes from His own heart and that's what makes worship the fitting response from rescued people.If you find what Dean has said interesting and have a question, please use the 'Ask Dean' link to get it to us as we will try to put together a Q and R podcast in due course. Thank you for your support and for listening in!You can see past sermons on the Leominster Baptist Church website at  Leominster Baptist Church - YouTube and can contact us directly with your feedback or queries through the Contact Us link at the top of the episode description text.Leominster Baptist Church can be found on Etnam Street in Leominster, Herefordshire. To find out more about us, visit our website leobc.co.uk. If you would like to speak to someone about anything that you have heard on our podcasts please give us a call and ask for a chat.