A daily, 32-day Lenten Devotional Series by Rev. Dave Brown
When we look at Exodus 6, we read the LORD’s immense answer to Moses’ questions. It starts with an overview of God’s plans: “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he shall send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
The LORD’s message to Moses was that he was in control. In fact, he was so fully in control that Pharaoh the enslaver would be the one to drive them out. The Bible describes God’s control over events as his sovereignty. He is the King who is seated on the throne; and He determines what will happen in the world he rules.
The second response of the Lord is a reminder of his covenant. Four times in verses 2-8 we read the words, “I am the LORD.” It is the covenant name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. But it is not just a name, amazing as that is. The LORD has revealed himself to be a covenant making, promise keeping God from the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob onward. We can count on the LORD to come through!
The fundamental promise He made was first of all to make them a great people through whom he would bless the world; and then, to settle them in a land flowing with milk and honey. A multiplication of people was already taking place even in the midst of slavery. Now the second promise was about to be fulfilled.
Commentators note that in this section of Scripture (6:6-8), The Lord presents seven “I will” statements pertaining to salvation.” Philip Ryken reflects on them as follows:
“The first two I will statements speak of liberation.
I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
I will deliver you from slavery to them.
The third I will statement pertains to redemption.
I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.”
The fourth and fifth I will statements pertain to the promise of adoption.
I will take you to be my people and I will be your God.
The sixth and seventh I will statements are called “the promise of possession.”
I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.
I will give it to you for a possession.” (Ryken:173-174)
Reflections: This revelation of God’s sovereignty, His glorious name and his master plan (seven ‘I wills’) would be the lasting picture of salvation in the world until Jesus fulfilled God’s saving plans in the incarnation, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ followed by the outpouring of his Spirit on all flesh. Don’t just live the questions; Live the answer revealed in Christ!