In the midst of a society that takes God’s name very lightly, what does it mean for us to call upon God? In the story of the Exodus God hears and responds to the cry of the people. God tells Moses to say “I am” has sent him. This name was seen as holy, special, and capable of great power.
Worship this week: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in Chapel
Sunday at 8:30 a.m. — traditional worship
Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. — Contemporary worship
September 29, 2013
Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17
Key Verses: “But Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’” Genesis 3:13-14a
Time: about 1290 BCE
Background: Jacob’s son, Joseph, was a prominent figure in Egyptian history. He saved Egyptians and others from a severe famine by storing food during years of abundance. Joseph’s family, the Israelites, settled in Egypt to escape the devastating effects of the famine.
Many years later, the reigning Pharaoh died and all memory of Joseph’s saving deeds were forgotten. The new Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites because they were becoming numerous, and the Pharaoh feared an uprising.
400 years after Joseph’s family settled in Egypt, God heard their plea and called Moses to proclaim freedom to God’s people.
Community: What has your community asked God for that is taking a long time for God to answer? What could your community do to show persistence in your faithful pleas, despite God’s perceived silence?
At Home: What has God asked of you that you are reluctant to do? What might you do this week to remove one barrier toward answering God’s call?
Read This Week:
Sunday, Sep 29, God’s Name, Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17
Monday, Sep 30, Moses and Aaron Obey God’s Commands, Exodus 6:28-7:7
Tuesday, Oct 1, The First Passover, Exodus 12:1-13
Wednesday, Oct 2, Death of the Firstborn, Exodus 12:29-42
Thursday, Oct 3, The Pillars of Cloud and Fire, Exodus 13:17-22
Friday, Oct 4, Crossing the Red Sea, Exodus 14:1-25
Saturday, Oct 5, Pursuers Drowned, Exodus 14:26-31
Next Week: Sunday, Oct 6, Manna, Exodus 16:1-18
