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Someone getting down the details of a trip can serve purposes we may not even see at the moment. But that can fill in some of the curiosities of a trip long after it happens. 

If a trip has been significant enough, then the ending can even be emotional or painful in some mild way. Making one’s exodus from a meaningful place is a big deal.

Exodus. The name of the second book of the Bible has the story of Moses and the Children of Israel attached to it. For many of us, we immediately and correctly head there. Perhaps we momentarily forget both the very beginning and the pure end, but are mindful of so many memorable stories in-between. 

We will look at that in a quick survey of the book just now. Shemoth is the word in Hebrew for exodus in English. The word means “going out.” In our news, a deposed leader may make his or her exodus from their seat of power in a foreign country. 

In our democracy, the system is set up with a peaceful transfer of power that is now timed to be made every four years, or after eight when two terms have been served. 

This is a guaranteed exodus our nation has practiced for the duration of the office since General George Washington began in 1789. It has served us well, no matter which side of the aisle you prefer.

Someone retiring from a career is an exodus of sorts. Leaving a place after an extended visit is also an exodus. 

This biblical book that was named Shemoth is really a travel journal that tells of a forty-year trip. Make no mistake, though, it is also the story of a people who began this chapter enslaved, but who were joyously freed. 

Exodus is a human journey. It includes all of the victories, failings, questions, conflicts, rivalries, politics and grace that a story with people and God could possibly provide. 

So how in the world did the Children of Israel fall into slavery before we get to Moses’ time of deliverance? We get notes here early in Exodus which explain just that. The descendants of Israel (that’s another name for Jacob himself) were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.

Apparently, a lot of time has passed. A few generations, at the very least. Because this man who was once second in command of all Egypt, Jacob’s son Joseph, is completely unknown now to the current Pharaoh. It is stunning how quickly any of us can be forgotten.

Now in just such a time, Moses was born. But the midwives fashioned a basket waterproofed with pitch and bitumen. Irony of all ironies, Pharoah’s own daughter discovered Moses floating safely in his basket and took him in. 

The people cried out under the weight of their oppression. Moses stepped onto holy ground in front of a burning bush. God issued a calling to go and free the people back in Egypt. Moses resisted but said yes and went faithfully. 

Plague after plague happened, and wore down the Egyptian leader. The Passover led to Israel fleeing. Fleeing led to the parting of the water at the Red Sea. 

Complaining and disobedience all too soon became a way of life for a people who too soon forgot all they found unbearable while enslaved back in Egypt under the thumb of Pharaoh. 

Ten Commandments were issued. But a fickle people had missed Moses so much that they had moved on and were now worshiping a golden calf with the help of his own brother, Aaron. 

Exodus gives the impression that the people never thought enough was enough. They wandered, they complained, they plotted and schemed, supposing they knew better than Moses and God. More than once, even Moses’ own brother and sister plotted against him and tried to get Moses set aside.

I wonder what grief or anger or confusion enslaves you? I wonder what enslaves me? God has healthier days in mind. I wonder who needs us to come to their aid, even if things turn extreme or confrontive? God has courage to lend. 

I wonder who you and I enslave and maybe don’t even realize it because we simply don’t always pay attention? I wonder who God would like for me to understand that I have the power to free and deliver from a chapter or a life that is less than it was meant to be?

DR. CHARLES QUALLS is senior pastor at Franklin Baptist Church. Contact him at 757-562-5135.