How does Exodus 3:12 connect to Jesus' promise in Matthew 28:20? Setting the Scene: Two Pivotal Moments • Exodus 3:12 – “God said, ‘I will surely be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.’” • Matthew 28:20 – “…and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Moses’ Mission and God’s Presence • Context: Moses faces Pharaoh and leads Israel out of bondage. • God’s pledge: “I will surely be with you.” – Personal: God Himself accompanies Moses. – Purposeful: The promise fuels Moses’ courage to confront Egypt. – Proving sign: Worship on Sinai will confirm God’s faithfulness. The Disciples’ Mission and Jesus’ Presence • Context: The risen Christ commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). • Jesus’ pledge: “I am with you always.” – Personal: The incarnate Son assures His ongoing presence. – Global: Presence extends “to the very end of the age,” covering every place His gospel goes. – Empowering: The promise ignites fearless evangelism (Acts 1:8). Shared Themes That Bridge the Testaments • Divine Presence – Exodus: Yahweh with Moses. – Matthew: Jesus—Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)—with His church. • Divine Mission – Exodus: Deliverance from physical slavery. – Matthew: Deliverance from sin and death. • Worship as the Goal – Exodus: “All of you will worship God on this mountain.” – Matthew: Disciples teach nations “to obey everything I have commanded,” leading to global worship (Revelation 7:9-10). Additional Scriptural Echoes • Joshua 1:5 – “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” • Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you.” • John 14:16-18 – The Spirit sent so believers are “not left as orphans.” • Acts 18:9-10 – The Lord tells Paul, “I am with you… for I have many people in this city.” Living the Promise Today • Confidence for every calling: The same God who guaranteed His presence to Moses and the apostles guarantees it to us. • Courage amid opposition: Whether confronting Pharaoh-like powers or modern hostility, His nearness steadies hearts. • Commitment to worship: The endgame of deliverance and disciple-making is gathered praise. • Continual reliance: Prayer, Word, and Spirit keep believers mindful that the Great I AM is forever “with you.” |
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