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Exodus 19:3-6a – Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'”
I remember a TV documentary about a star football player from a tough community. His key to dealing with life’s successes and failures was not to forget where he came from. He meant in every circumstance, don’t forget the love of family, the realness of community, and that how you treat others shows what kind of person you are.
His words got me thinking. It reminded me of visiting my grandparents and flipping through photo albums, or the fun of looking at slides of relatives and events that were dear to us. Those pics spoke of my family’s faith in Jesus Christ, the love my family had for each another, and the real challenges we had in life just like everybody else. The point: don’t forget where you come from, especially in respect to the love, sacrifice, honor, and perseverance that so many did so you could be the person you are today.
That’s a glimpse of what God is saying to all who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the One who sent His Son Jesus to be our Messiah, our Savior. Moses is telling the people of God to look back on the loving actions of God who redeemed, restored, and still resources His believers with eternal life and salvation, joy, and peace.
When we consider God’s actions, it empowers us to live hopefully—no matter what the future may bring. So, next time you enjoy your family photos, look to the Bible and see how God rescues His people from bondage, leads them into freedom, and promises them life and salvation in His Name. We see this clearly in the cross and resurrection of Jesus—a picture beyond Moses’ lifetime, but one he knew God was developing.
Moses never forgot where he came from. He was a believer in the God who always keeps His promises, and that good news made all the difference in living now and in the future. We too can look back, boldly moving forward because we have a Savior who has already secured the future you and me by His grace.
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, teach us to remember Your faithfulness and love, especially as shown to us in Your Son Jesus Christ. In His Name we pray. Amen.
From “Look Back, So You Can Move Ahead with Confidence!” a message from Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
- Do you know someone (maybe yourself) who’s made it through a difficult upbringing? How was success achieved?
- What did God want Moses to remind the people of Israel about concerning Egypt?
- What actions of God inspire you?
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