Excerpt from 52 Weeks of Pursuit, Vol. 1
The picture of God’s purpose for our “exodus.”
Seven times God says to Pharaoh, “Let my people go, THAT THEY MAY SERVE ME” (Ex. 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 20; 9:1,13; 10:3). Notice that though the children of Israel would most certainly be the beneficiaries of God’s delivering power, the actual purpose in delivering them out of the bondage of Egypt wasn’t first and foremost for them—it was for Him! It was so the children of Israel could serve Him—not Pharaoh, and not Egypt! In recounting His purpose in Israel’s Exodus in Ezekiel 20:9, God said, “But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.”
The same is true for us. God’s purpose in delivering us out of the bondage of “Egypt” (sin/world) wasn’t simply so we could live comfortable, happy lives and go to heaven when we die. He saved us for His purposes and pleasure (Eph. 2:10; Rev. 4:11; John 17:3). He saved us so we would cease polluting His holy name! He saved us so we would cease serving our own selfish and worldly interests—so we could serve Him (2 Cor. 5:15)!
May we serve His purpose for our lives today!