Leaving Egypt
Moses prophesied that at a future point, God would raise up another prophet like himself (i.e. a 2nd Moses) from among the Israelite people. Moses was known for leading the Israelites out of their slavery in Egypt. Ironically, when Jesus enters the New Testament story, he also comes out of Egypt, symbolizing that his story is going to be lived out on the canvas of the Exodus, and he’ll do so as the 2nd Moses leading a New Exodus. Whereas, the first Exodus entailed freedom from the Israelite’s slavery to Egypt; this Exodus entailed freedom from humanity’s slavery to sin. Jesus came to destroy the controlling power of sin in our lives, but all too often, we get caught back in Egypt – the place that serves as a metaphor for the things that enslave us today (debt, addictions, busyness, unforgiveness, fear, bitterness, etc.). The season leading up to Easter is an invitation to leave Egypt behind, and to walk in the newness of life that Jesus came to give. For as Jesus made clear, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).