Exodus 20:1-2

Israel’s journey from Egypt to Sinai wasn’t just a historical one for them, but a personal one for each of us.

The Israelite journey - and our journey - includes three stages of progression:

Egypt

The Israelites had once cried out in their harsh labor here. But they’d also gotten used to the consistency and familiarity Egypt provided in exchange for their humanity. They weren’t seen as people in Egypt as much as units for production. This was a life of burden.

Wilderness

Here they’d finally gotten freedom from Egypt, only to find a place of wandering - both internally and externally. When the wilderness required them to trust, they found themselves longing to return to Egypt. In their autonomy, they became their own enemy.

Sinai

Here God would give new guidance to his people. It was a new way forward. Rather than being under burden or operating with their own autonomy, they were invited to live under God’s authority. It was the only way to the abundance he had for them.

We’re certain to experience the burden of the first stage.

We think we want the autonomy of the second stage.

But Jesus invites us to the abundance-giving life of the third stage.