LET MY PEOPLE GO, THAT THEY MAY SERVE ME”

1. Introduction: Redemption for a Purpose

The exodus of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan is more than a historical account it is a theological blueprint for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. God delivered Israel from physical slavery under Pharaoh; in Christ, we are delivered from the spiritual bondage of sin (John 8:34-36). Moses, the deliverer of Israel, prefigures Christ, who delivers humanity through the cross and resurrection.

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
— John 1:17, NKJV

Just as God used Moses to lead His people through signs and wonders, Christ’s earthly ministry was marked by greater signs and redemptive miracles (Hebrews 3:3).

2. Why Did God Deliver Israel?

Let’s look at the recurring phrase that appears during the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh:

Exodus 8:1, NKJV
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, “Thus says the Lord: Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”’”

Exodus 9:13, NKJV
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh, and say to him, “Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”’”

Exodus 10:3, NKJV
“So Moses and Aaron came in to Pharaoh and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me.’”

The primary reason for deliverance was not just freedom from oppression, but freedom to worship and serve God. God did not set them free to wander aimlessly but to enter into covenant relationship with Him, receive His Law, and serve Him faithfully.

3. From One Master to Another

Paul builds on this theme in the New Testament:

Romans 6:16-18, NKJV
“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey… But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

Here, Paul teaches that salvation is not just from sin, but into righteous obedience. This mirrors Israel’s experience: set free from Pharaoh to become servants of the Lord.

Galatians 5:13, NKJV
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Christian liberty is not license to sin, but an invitation to serve God and others in love.

4. How Do We Serve God Today?

a) By Obeying His Word and Commands

Obedience is the first act of worship and service. Jesus Himself said:

John 14:15, NKJV
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

God is not honored merely by emotional expressions but through a life of holy obedience.

James 1:22, NKJV
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

b) By Teaching Others to Follow Him

Jesus gave the Great Commission to every believer:

Matthew 28:19–20, NKJV
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”

Serving God includes sharing the truth with others, whether through preaching, mentoring, parenting, or daily conversation. You don’t need a title to be useful—just faithfulness.

2 Timothy 2:2, NKJV
“And the things that you have heard from me… commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

5. We Were Delivered to Worship

When the Israelites left Egypt, their first stop was Mount Sinai, where they received the Law (Exodus 19–20). Their identity as a holy nation and kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6) began not in Canaan, but in covenant and worship.

Likewise, after salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit to enable us to live in holiness and witness to others.

1 Peter 2:9, NKJV
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation… that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

6. Final Call: Live Your Deliverance

You have been saved not to serve yourself, your career, or the world but to serve the Lord with your life.

Colossians 3:23-24, NKJV
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men… for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Conclusion: Fulfill the Purpose of Your Freedom

God did not deliver you from sin to sit idle. You were saved to serve in holiness, obedience, love, and witness. Just as Israel was given the Law and commissioned to pass it down to generations, you are now commissioned to live and teach the truth of the Gospel.

Titus 2:14, NKJV
“[Jesus] gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

Maranatha! — The Lord is coming soon. Be found serving.

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