Bondage comes in many forms – whether it be bondage to an addiction, a toxic relationship, or an irrational fear. The story of the “Exodus” – when God led Israel out of Egypt by the hand of Moses – is a powerful story of deliverance that has practical lessons for bondage-breaking today. Here’s what we learn:
Lesson One: God Is the Higher Power
Everyone knows that breaking bondage requires a “higher power.” For generations the Israelites had been enslaved to the powerful Egyptians, but that was all about to change. God was stronger than Pharaoh, and he made that clear through the 10 plagues (see Exodus 7-11). Pharaoh admitted it:
Exodus 12:31-33 Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people—and take the rest of the Israelites with you! Go and worship the Lord as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you said, and be gone. Go, but bless me as you leave.” All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, “We will all die!”
This is a lesson for us today. Only God has authority over addictions, toxic relationships, and irrational fears. Trusting in his power to deliver is the only sure bet.
Lesson Two: Freedom Requires Boundaries
When God delivered his people from bondage, he protected them by setting boundaries. Even as they fled one evil power (the Egyptians), he took them on a route to avoid another (the Philistines). Especially early in the journey, God recognized that they were vulnerable.
Exodus 13:17-18 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea….
Even today, we are most vulnerable at the beginning of the journey out of bondage. We need to be wise and set proper boundaries to keep ourselves from battles we are sure to lose:
- Fleeing alcoholism? Stay away from bars and old drinking buddies.
- Fleeing a toxic relationship? Watch out for the rebound.
- Fleeing irrational fears? Identify and replace toxic thoughts.
Lesson Three: Sustained Victory Takes Time
In the story of the Exodus, freedom from bondage was a journey. Along the way, God showed his diligent care for his people, both day and night.
Exodus 13:21-22 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.
Today, God leads by his Spirit, his Word, and his people. But the journey out of bondage is a long one. Sustained victory takes time, and the enemy will continue to pursue you. In the Moses story, Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued the Israelites, catching up to them at the Red Sea. The promise God spoke through Moses is still true to this day:
Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today….”
The story of Exodus is famous for its dramatic ending: God parted the Red Sea just in time to let Israel escape. And the waters crashed down upon their pursuers, freeing them at last from their years of slavery. Whatever your bondage, you can live in sustained victory through the power of the God of Moses.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Share a time when you felt trapped or claustrophobic.
- Make a list of the kind of bondage people can get into these days. Which items on the list are the worst or most damaging? Why?
- How did God prove that he was a higher power than Pharaoh? Do you think it’s possible to get free from bondage or addiction in this life without a “higher power?” Explain.
- Read Exodus 13:17-18. Why did God lead the Israelites on the “roundabout” way?
- What kinds of boundaries would you encourage an alcoholic to set in his life? What about someone struggling with a toxic relationship or irrational fears?
- “Sustained victory takes time.” Share an example of this in your own life. What are some keys to victory over bondage or addiction?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
