Exodus 12:29—13:16: Freedom and Its Cost
FREEDOM HAS A high price. For some political refugees today it means a perilous sea journey along the coast of Southeast Asia. For others, a dangerous trek over Central American mountains. In Europe it often costs job and even family. In this study we find what Israel's freedom cost—for both the losers and the winners. God secured the liberation of his people, but this in turn cost them the rights to their most precious possessions.
Warming Up to God
What does it mean to be "free in Christ"?
Read Exodus 12:29—13:16. »
Discovering the Word
- What contrasts do you observe between Pharaoh's attitude and behavior now and his earlier encounters with Moses and Aaron (12:29-32)?
- God fulfilled his warnings and promises (see 3:20-22; 4:23). What significance would this have for Israel's understanding of God's nature and character?
- How would the Passover restrictions (12:43-49) encourage foreigners and others to worship God and, at the same time, preserve Israel from religious compromise and contamination?
- God calls Israel to dedicate to him that which he has just delivered—the whole nation, not just the firstborn of man and beast. What plan does God have for perpetuating this ordinance (13:8-10, 14-15)?
- What was the basis of God's authority to claim the firstborn as his own?
Applying the Word
- How can we guard the essential elements of our faith in Jesus Christ and, at the same time, extend his offer of salvation to all people?
- How do you maintain fresh impressions of your own deliverance from the guilt and enslavement of sin?
Responding in Prayer
Ask the Lord to show you how to balance freedom in him with the responsibilities of service.
For Further Study
Why I Am a Christian by John Stott