Daily Devotion - Exodus 12:51 - "Rest" God Is Our Rescue

I'll never forget that snowstorm.

It was January, and the enormous wintry cell had hovered over the area for the better portion of a day, sending down a foot of snow over the roads. The land was white, a picturesque scene from a Kinkade painting or a Christmas card.

But I was not in a work of art.

I was in an all-wheel drive van that couldn't stay on the main road for anything. The tow companies were inundated with calls, and kind drivers with ropes and wenches tried to pull me out of the ditch - only for my van to go right back in.

Finally, after waiting an hour or two, help was on the way.

It was dark. It was cold. I had turned off the engine to save gas and battery. But then I saw the headlights as I answered the phone. My stepfather was in his 4x4 truck, wondering exactly where I was on that dark winter night. The frustration, panic and fear I had felt gave way to hope, relief and - perhaps most importantly - gratitude for my stepfather and his truck.

Have you ever experienced a rescue?

out of egypt

The people of Israel had been under brutal bondage in Egypt for over 400 years, What had begun with Joseph saving his family from famine now had become cruel slavery under the hand of powerful oppressors. They had lost their freedom, their home and their identity as a people.

Then God called Moses to remind them who they were, and to announce their deliverance from their captors. One by one, the God of their ancestors systematically overpowered ten of the highest Egyptian deities, proving He was still in control. He had not forgotten His promise to them, and He was bringing them home.

But God's rescue provided more than freedom from captivity and oppression under Pharaoh. He saved them from death by opening the Red Sea and swallowing up the Egyptian army. He went with them through the desert, providing a cloud during the day for protection from the harsh sun, and fire by night giving them warmth and light. He gave them His very presence in the midst of all the people.

You and I may have never been enslaved in Egypt, but Scripture says that we have been slaves to sin (Galatians 4:3; Titus 3:3). Our fate was death (Romans 3:23), but Jesus took that death and rose again, conquering sin and death for us and offering us life. He is our protection and light, and His presence goes with us. He is our rescue.

questions to consider

What has Jesus saved you from? How far down in despair were you when Jesus came to your rescue?

What has Jesus saved you for? What riches of His joyous grace and glorious presence overwhelm you today?

prayer for today

Lord Jesus, too often it's easy to take Your salvation for granted. I look forward to my home in heaven with You someday, but I forget that my eternal life with You starts here and now. Because of Your death and resurrection, I have full access to Your sweet presence. Remind me to set my mind on You today, surrounding me with Your joy and peace. Amen.