This weekend, we begin a journey together as a church family through the Book of Exodus. Scholars disagree fiercely about countless issues related to Exodus: Who wrote it? When was it written? Did the things reported really happen? The list of disputed matters could go on and on.
However, there is one issue that almost all—ancient rabbis, contemporary Jewish scholars, literary critics, liberal protestant theologians, Roman Catholic teachers, conservative students of the Bible, and LAC's senior pastor—agree upon. We all know this: The central theme of the great Book of Exodus is the presence of God at every time in history, in every place where people live, and in every situation of life. This is the theme that made those in slavery early in our own country's history love Exodus. Many of the "spirituals" that we still love to sing are rooted in its pages. Indeed, Exodus has almost always been the first biblical book people turn to when they are going through times of trouble. In turbulent times, we read the story and remember that God is always present, that he is powerful and loving and forgiving, that he rescues people who turn to him, and that he will always be who he is. In the Book of Exodus, we will find God declaring at the most telling moments, "I am who I am!".
Years ago, an anonymous author made notes of conversations with a cook named Brother Lawrence. It became a devotional book that God has used to sustain many people facing challenges. He called it The Practice of the Presence of God. Even though Brother Lawrence rarely spoke of the beautiful biblical teaching of God's grace, his meditations have made countless people aware of living life with a God who is immanent, i.e., always present in our lives. Because of that, the book is a good complement to studying Exodus. I recommend it to you as we go through the second book of Moses this summer.
Devotional books help, but we will see that Exodus is our infallible guide and teacher. Exodus teaches us what that "practice of God's presence" looks like on life's journey. It tells of the great escape of God's people from slavery to freedom, from oppression to the promise land, and from the rule of a hard-hearted Pharaoh to the rule of a gracious and wonder-working God. If you want to learn how to escape from where you are in your life so that you might walk in the joy of salvation, this summer's series at LAC is for you.
To His Glory,
Dr. Greg Waybright
Senior Pastor