In the third chapter of the Old Testament Book of Exodus, something extraordinary happened. The Creator of heaven and earth shows up to make an important announcement. From a burning bush on the backside of the desert, the Lord made His presence known to Moses. In that desolate place, God declared His intention to bring about an act of liberation that would amaze the world. God revealed His divine plan to a humble shepherd.
The Lord made it known to Moses that He sees the oppression of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt. He hears their cries of persecution, and He knows the extent of their sorrows. The Creator of the universe announces His intention to deliver the Israelites out of the hands of the most powerful leader on earth. He plans to set them free from Egyptian slavery and deliver the nation to a place of freedom in a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:7-9). In that remote desert wilderness, Moses was surprised to learn God chose him to lead the people from Egypt to the Promised Land.
As an aside, this Promised Land is not being introduced as a new concept. It refers to a vast land God promises to Abraham’s descendants many years earlier. God made a covenant with Abraham saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates“ (Genesis 15:18 NKJV). Now, don’t miss this! God makes this a permanent gift in Genesis 17:7-8. The land God promised Abraham was (is) real. This reference to land is also a metaphor pointing to the Kingdom of God and redemption that comes only through Jesus Christ.
Let’s pick up the story from here. Pharoah was not receptive to the idea of letting the Israelites leave Egypt, but God’s miraculous power caused him to change his mind. Finally, the most powerful leader on earth decided to let the people leave Egypt. It was that same miraculous power that sustained the Israelites on their 40 year journey to the promised land.
A journey that normally required eleven days took forty years. The Lord had to prepare their rebellious hearts for life in His kingdom. Someone has observed, “It took one day to get the Hebrews out of Egypt; it took forty years to get Egypt out of the Hebrews.” In Egypt, Pharoah set the rules for living, but a holy God has different expectations. It was necessary for the Lord to teach the Israelites His expectations for Kingdom living. The Lord showed them that sustained Kingdom living requires His strength.
Many years later, the prophet Isaiah made another important announcement concerning a coming Kingdom. “6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever” (Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV).
About 1200 years later, the angel of the Lord made another announcement to lowly shepherds as they tended their flocks. “8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:8-11 NKJV).
In a few weeks, we will celebrate the fact that our long-awaited Redeemer was born 2000 years ago. While the Lord redeemed His people from slavery in the land of Egypt, He was looking ahead to the time when He would send His Son into the world to liberate His Creation from slavery to sin. Mankind was and still is, in need of being freed from the Satan’s grasp.
Jesus, the human image of our Heavenly Father’s love, was born in simple surroundings and without fanfare (John 3:16). Jesus, the eternal Son of God, humbled Himself and became flesh for our sakes. Jesus, the gift of the Father, came to earth to sacrifice Himself as payment for our sin debt. He came to redeem us and lead us to a Promised Land. He came to make Kingdom-living a reality in our life. This Christmas, don’t forget the One who made Christmas a season for real celebration. O come let us adore Him!