And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”   Exodus 20:1-2  

With these words from God, His prelude to the Ten Commandments if you will, we understand that God is the one who brings His people to new life; makes us a new creation and delivers us from the powers that defy God.  Yet, just as it was with the children of Israel so long ago, we all too often wander from God’s grace.  We get caught up in our present circumstance, experiencing things on our terms rather than God’s, until finally we lose our way and become lost in a sea of sinfulness.

Hear these words from God, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out…”  There is great comfort in knowing that the God we worship is the very same who delivered, that is, rescued His people from a life of bondage.  God, who is eternal and unchanging, continues to rescue His people.

We all are in need of rescue, we all wander from God’s intent and purpose in our lives.  There can be no denying that each of us is a sinner in need of redemption.  Certainly, we need a Savior.  Thankfully, we have one.  The God of the Exodus who delivered the children of Israel so long ago is the God who sent His son Jesus as Savior for a fallen humanity.  Through Christ’s self-giving sacrifice, God has delivered His people from the consequences of sin and the powers that defy God.

There is peace, joy and comfort in these words, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out…”  From what have you been delivered?  In what ways has God rescued you?  As you ponder these things, pray and give thanks to the One who saves.  Pray for those who are in the midst of struggle that they too might grow in faith and understanding.  Pray for the lost and the lonely, the hungry and those who thirst for God’s love, so that they too may believe God loves them so much, He promises to rescue them from sin and open the gates to everlasting life through Christ our Lord and Savior.