The Promise of Freedom

Then, in this moment of utter discouragement, God sovereignly promised to provide the very thing they wanted, the very thing they seemed powerless to secure: freedom!

Why would God do this? Because these were His people, and He wanted them to be free. He had established a covenant with them, beginning with Noah (Genesis 9:9). Then He confirmed this covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18) and his descendants.

But in Egypt, the Israelites “continued to groan under their burden of slavery.” In this condition, “they cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God” (Exodus 2:23).

In other generations, God’s people again have found themselves in bondage. Like the Israelites in Egypt, many have felt a sense of hopelessness. But the Lord has revealed that He keeps His covenant promises. He never forgets His people, and He hears them when they call to Him.

Throughout the centuries, these truths have applied to entire nations. But they also have applied to individuals who have found themselves in bondage to addiction, trapped in abusive relationships, bound by poverty or illness, or enslaved by sin and paralyzing habits.

Freedom begins with our relationship with God—when we commit ourselves to follow Jesus. He told us that if we are His disciples, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Because of Jesus, we can be “set free from the power of sin” (Romans 6:7).

Is there anything that still holds you in bondage? Let God set you free!

No words could have been more welcome. In their condition of slavery, these Israelites felt hopeless. They had few resources, and their Egyptian slave masters held every apparent advantage.