Before we get into the Laws in Exodus, we should look at the purpose of the law for us in the 21st century. What do we do with the law? How does it apply to us? Should we uphold it or ignore it? These are very valid concerns and Paul addresses the law in Galatians. The law shows us a lot about the character of God and about ourselves. It is important that we know what it says, but not step back into it. 

We start a new section of Exodus where we begin to see God Establish several things. The first is we are seeing Him establish Israel as His People, a role that we now have. As God's people they were given instructions that they failed to follow. Our instructions as God's People are simple: Love God, Love People. Our biggest job as God's people is to be people of love. 

Exodus 17 and 18 show us the people who were around Moses. He had people who He didn't let influence His heart and mind, people who lifted him up, and people to learn from. God puts people into our lives for a purpose. Find people who will build you up, and seek wisdom from people who have been where you are. 

In Genesis 16 God's people are hungry and He provides them with the weird miracle food Manna. God cares deeply for His people, and He is Trustworthy. It is better to be hungry and with God than full without Him. Our focus should be living in obedience to our good God, not trying to be good. 

In Exodus 15 God's people respond to His incredible showing of power through worship. They sing a new song to the Lord because of what He has done for them. They almost immediately forget and begin to grumble about the situation God has brought them into. We should live our lives full of worship, not forgetfulness. 

In Exodus 13 and 14 we see one of the most powerful moments in all of scripture: the parting of the sea. God shows that He is still with His people in the pillar of fire and cloud. Even though the enemy has been defeated, he still tries to come after God's people. Ultimately, God's way is trustworthy because of how He always cares for and takes care of His people. 

The final plague in Exodus has far-reaching implications. Passover is still celebrated to this day. There are a lot of connections in Exodus 11-12 and in the gospel. Judgement passed over the people of Israel because of the blood of the lamb, and then they were set free. Similarly, we are free from God's judgement because of the shedding of Jesus's blood and as a result, we are now free. Praise God that our Passover and freedom are eternal!

We get to Exodus 7-9 and we see God's response to Egypt's gods. He wants to show the people of Egypt (and Israel) how powerless other gods are. That He reigns supreme, and no one can measure up to His power and authority. He doesn't do this to just inflict pain, but to draw the people of Egypt to Himself. He seeks after all nations, calling us to follow Him. 

In Exodus 4 Moses attempts to resist the call God has on his life. We can take away a lot from the conversation between God and Moses. God has a plan, and He doesn't call you and leave you unprepared. His calling equips us, and we all have a call!