It is critical that we understand the nature of the God in whom we believe. The Bible is the only place where we find the true picture of who God is, what He is like. It’s why reading the Scriptures together is so essential.

I love the book of Exodus. The first section is a grand narrative of God, the people of Israel and a bullying autocratic Pharoah. This oppressive rule is a massive contrast to the Fathering grace that is God. God is not a slave-owner as Pharoah seeks to be, rather He is a Father.

In Exodus, there are many wonderful pictures of the continual redemptive actions of God towards His people that point us forward to the full redemption and renewal to be found in Christ.

The early chapters show us a significant contrast between the crushing power and cruelty of tyrannical leadership demonstrated by Pharoah and the Fathering love of God. God is constantly saying to His people:

“I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings.” (Exodus 3:7, ESV)

God saw his people. He also knew their oppression, not just observed it but felt it. He knew their misery, He knew His covenant, and He knew what He would do.

God sees what is happening in our lives. How amazing it is to know that God sees us. God knows our circumstances and considers what He will do. So, all the time, God knew. Fully identified.

Jesus coming as a man KNEW the condition and pain of sinners; He identified with the pain, misery, and hopelessness of humanity. He became hope for the hopeless.

We need to know and remember: God hears us. God knows us. God loves us. God remembers us. God will not forget His promises to us. God will not abandon us. In our times of stress and tension, God has not left us.

We can cry to the Lord and know that He hears. He heard Israel. He hears us. He is faithful to deliver.

We know, on the authority of God’s Word, that God knows.

This is the God in whom we believe: “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” (Exodus 34:6)

 

Blessings
Brian