God Provides Freedom

God Provides Freedom is a simple thought Lectionary reflection from Exodus 6:1-12 about the way that God provides freedom.

February 12, 2016 Year C

Exodus 6:1-13

Today is Lincoln’s Birthday, a day we celebrate the life of Abraham Lincoln. As the sixteenth president of the United States, He helped keep the nation together by winning the Civil War. Yet, his most famous accomplishment as President is signing an executive order that promised freedom to black slaves.

God essentially signed an executive order to free the Israelites from slavery in the nation of Egypt. He established a covenant that established a permanent relationship between Himself and His people Israel (Exodus 6:4). God heard the cries of His people and was moved to action (Exodus 6:5). He delivered His people out of slavery in Egypt, but unlike the American Civil War, not a shot was fired.

There were people who complained about Lincoln’s actions in trying to keep the North and South in unity. They also did not like the fact that he wanted to free the slaves. Freed slaves would force plantation owners to spend money on hiring people. There were people who did not listen to Moses’ leadership as God sent him to free His people (Exodus 6:9).

Freedom is a fundamental value that God holds. He made all men (and women) equal. He endowed people with the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He still promises people this freedom today. In Exodus 6:1-13, God promised temporary freedom to the Israelites so that they could possess a land He would give them. God promises an eternal home for those who ask Him to lead their lives. He is in the business of eternal emancipation. All we have to do is trust Him and act on it.

Prayer: God, thank You for the freedom You have given us. You modeled that freedom with the Israelites in Egypt. You provided eternal freedom in Jesus Christ. You help us to be free today. Thank You for my freedom.