The Oppression of God's People (Exodus 1:1-22; 2:11)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
23 February 2020
Do not be surprised when Christians are oppressed. Jesus has taught that the world hates him and his followers (John 15:18,19). Oppression is not new. It existed in the days of Moses; it continues today.
From the book of Exodus 1:1-22 and 2:11 consider the reasons, manifestation and relief from oppression.
Consider the reasons for oppression.
The world fears the growth of the church. Israel had a population explosion. This increase in numbers was a threat to Egypt. First, because in the event of war Israel might turn on the Egyptians. Secondly, Israel was not totally integrated into Egyptian religion and culture. Israel was separated. God made a distinction between Israel and the nations. He makes a distinction between the church and the world. The world fears Christian growth because Christianity is separated from its values and the world feels threatened.
Next, God’s people are oppressed by the world because the world does not know its God. Pharaoh, a new king in Egypt, did not know Joseph (1:8) or the God whom Joseph served. Modern day Pharaohs do not understand Christians for they do not know Jesus Christ.
Then again, a suspicious Pharaoh found no obligation to help the Hebrews. Pharaoh had forgotten about Joseph. God's people in the Old Testament learnt not to depend on the political leaders of the land to prop them up. Similarly, the New Testament church must learn not to depend on secular governments for its survival. It is the Holy Spirit and not world governments that uphold the church.
Consider next the manifestation of the world's oppression of the church. World leaders make the life of the church as difficult as possible. Pharaoh put the Israelites through hard labour. Today, governments, by their regulations and laws, try to make the life of the church as difficult as possible. The ultimate manifestation is bloodshed and murder. Pharaoh ordered the killing of all Hebrew baby-boys. It was a devilish policy. When antichrists do not get their way they resort to cruelty of the worst kind and the greatest cruelty is meted out on Christ and his church.
When Jesus was born a similar devilish scheme was hatched. King Herod ordered the slaying of all Hebrew boys below the age of two. Satan hates the dawning of salvation. He hated the emergence of the nation of Israel. He hated the arrival of Jesus. His hatred ended in the murder of innocent babies.
Finally, consider the fact that there is relief for the oppressed church even though it may not be immediately apparent. Israel's deliverer was Moses. The church's deliverer is Christ Jesus. There are notable similarities between Moses and Jesus.
Moses was spared from death from the hands of an evil ruler -- Pharaoh. Jesus was spared death from the hands of another evil ruler — Herod.
Moses, to all outward appearance was an Egyptian. He dressed like an Egyptian, spoke like one, even thought like one for he was versed in Egyptian culture. He was from Egypt but he was not of Egypt. Jesus was in the world but not of it. His people also are in the world but not of it.
Moses was aware of the promises given to his ancestors — the patriarchs. He went to his brethren. He saw their plight. Jesus was aware of God's redemptive plan for his people. He came to his people. He saw their plight and felt for them.
Moses took action but his action was premature. He thought his brethren would support him and bring deliverance to the Hebrews. But he acted too soon. Jesus on the other hand took action at the right time. At the appointed time he died. He chose the moment, the exact second, when he would die. He died for the sins of his people.
Let us be encouraged by the fact that the Lord will deliver his people from oppression. He has done this in our personal salvation for he has delivered us from the dominion of sin. He is doing it today by preserving the Christian Church in its oppression.
The Lord has a people on earth. They have always been oppressed. They shall always be preserved.
Trust in him amidst your difficulties. He knows what he is doing.