How does God's deliverance of Israel relate to Jesus' salvation work? Acts 13:17—A Snapshot of Saving History “The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; He made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, and with mighty power He led them out of that land.” Three Movements in the Verse • God chose • God caused growth • God delivered with power Each movement previews what Christ completes in His salvation work. Chosen People, Chosen Redeemer • Exodus: “The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6). • Christ: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). • Link: Just as Israel’s story begins with divine choice, so our redemption begins with the Father’s choosing of the Son—and, in Him, all who believe (Ephesians 1:4–5). Prospered in Bondage, Made Alive in Christ • Exodus: “But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied” (Exodus 1:12). • Christ: “Even when we were dead in our trespasses, God made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5). • Link: Growth in Egypt showed that no chain can choke God’s purposes; new birth in Christ shows that no sin-stain can silence His life-giving power. The Uplifted Arm and the Outstretched Cross • Exodus: “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and mighty acts of judgment” (Exodus 6:6). • Calvary: “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32). • Link: The same strong arm that shattered Pharaoh lifts Jesus on the cross—both acts break bondage, one physical, one spiritual. Passover and the Lamb of God • Exodus: Blood on doorposts spared Israel’s firstborn (Exodus 12). • Christ: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Link: Deliverance then required a spotless lamb; deliverance now rests on the sinless Lamb who takes away the world’s sin (John 1:29). Red Sea and Resurrection • Exodus: Through water, Israel steps into new freedom (Exodus 14). • Christ: Through death and resurrection, Jesus opens new life (Romans 6:4). • Link: Both scenes shout that salvation is entirely God’s doing—His people simply walk the path He parts. Wilderness Pilgrimage and Present Sanctification • Exodus: God guides by cloud and fire, giving manna (Exodus 16; 40:38). • Christ: Believers walk by the Spirit, nourished by the Bread of Life (Galatians 5:16; John 6:35). • Link: The journey toward Canaan mirrors our walk toward eternal glory, each step sustained by God’s daily provision. Promised Land and Eternal Rest • Exodus: “The LORD swore to give us a land flowing with milk and honey” (Deuteronomy 26:9). • Christ: “There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). • Link: Joshua could not grant lasting rest; Jesus, the greater Joshua, does. Summing Up the Storyline Israel’s deliverance is the rehearsal; Jesus’ salvation is the final performance. Every plague, every pillar of cloud, every grain of manna whispers the same promise: • God initiates, sustains, and completes deliverance. • What He started in Moses, He finishes in Christ. Therefore, Acts 13:17 is more than history; it is a living echo of the gospel, calling us to celebrate the mighty power that once split the sea and now splits the tomb—so that all who trust the risen Savior may walk forever free. |
    |