I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

Exodus 20:2

Perhaps you have heard those horrific stories of people who have been kidnapped and held captive for many years, and then been released by some miracle. Our hearts rejoice with relief and gratitude that they found freedom at last. Quite often, a strong bond develops between the rescued and the rescuer. The rescued never forget the person who rescued them.

When God rescues Israel from captivity in Egypt, there is evidence that the bond God established with Abraham (Genesis 15:1-20) is alive and well and operating actively in his interactions with Israel. God reminds the Israelites, that they shall have no other gods before the LORD God Almighty. In other words, they are to remember the God who delivered them from 450 years of captivity, and who would not? The Israelites had suffered greatly in Egypt (Exodus 2:24; Exodus 3:9). How could they ever forget that God set them free? Unfortunately, they did. They even questioned Moses, “Why did you make us leave Egypt? (Exodus 14:1)”

Have you ever questioned God’s wisdom? Like, Israel, we too were once captive to sin, but God rescued us out of darkness and brought us out into his wonderful light (John 3:16; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:10). This loving act should be sufficient to earn our trust and loyalty, right? Hardly! On our journey, things tend to get tough now and then. In those moments of trial, we sometimes get testy. We forget our deliver. Like Israel, we grumble and complain, but God in his loving mercy does not consume us, instead he calls us to be still and know that he is God. Will you be still today? Will you rest in the knowledge that the LORD who brought you out of slavery will be with you all the way? Will you take time to remember who your deliverer is?

Loving God, indeed, you who has began a good work in me will bring it to completion. Help me to trust and obey. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.