Exodus: From Suffering to SalvationSample

Knowing the God Who Defends Me

Think about a time when you felt completely overwhelmed—maybe during a health crisis, a financial struggle, or a difficult relationship. In moments like these, when everything feels like it is crashing down, we long for someone to defend us.

In Exodus, we discover a God who defends those who cannot defend themselves—a God who hears and a God who cares.

As we see in Exodus 3, God responds to the suffering of His people by commissioning Moses as a vessel of His deliverance. Standing before Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the world, Moses demands that the Israelites be set free.

God’s response—the ten plagues—is a dramatic display of His power.

These plagues were not just about forcing Pharaoh’s hand; they were a declaration of God’s authority over all creation and His unwavering commitment to defend His people.

Time and again through the Bible, we see this story repeat itself: God’s people are trapped in sin and God delivers them. Ultimately, the narrative culminates when God shows up in person: the person of Jesus.

“God sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have … and declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.” (Romans 8:3)

Driven by a love that we will never be able to comprehend, Jesus fiercely defended the helpless. In righteous anger, He flipped tables in the temple and spoke on behalf of the voiceless. He faced our sin and demanded our freedom with His sacrifice on the cross.

Then, in His mighty power, Jesus rose from the dead and defeated the forces that would eternally separate us from God.

In Psalm 23, the same God who defends is captured in the image of a shepherd. Verse four says, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”

Notice, God’s rescue is not removal from the valley, but it is blessing right there in it. It is the blessing of God’s presence journeying with us.

While God may not remove every obstacle that makes you feel helpless, you can trust that because He loves you, He will sustain and defend you as you continue your exodus journey.

Reflection:

What obstacles do you face? As you are going about your day, reflect on Psalm 23 and let it be your prayer to the God who defends you.

Prayer:

God, You are my Defender. Help me not give in to fear. I know You are always with me. Amen.