Exodus begins with the Israelites in Egypt, in bondage. Oppressed but multiplying and growing stronger. An order is given by Pharoah to have all male babies killed by the midwives to prevent future continued growth in numbers. The midwives fear God and disobey. Moses is born and is hidden. An Egyptian princess names the child Moses, which means “I lifted him out of the water.” Thus begins the deliverance of Israel from slavery to Egypt. 

After running to Midian to escape Pharoah’s anger for the murder of an Egyptian, Moses rescued the daughters of the priest of Midian from other shepherds and married Zipporah. 

The people of Israel were still under the burden of slavery and oppression. God heard their cries of anguish and remembered his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God knew, “Now is the time to act.”

All these events were part of God’s plan for Israel. Bondage, anguish and a “savior,” protected under an order for male babies to be killed. 

Sounds familiar doesn’t it? God has a plan throughout history to manage events and to act at his appointed time. When mankind is in bondage to sin, a Savior is born to deliver mankind from the penalty of death, a consequence of sin. At just the right time, Jesus is born. 

Now we await the second coming of Christ. We can be assured that as God looks down on his church, his people, he will say, “Now is the time to act.” Maranatha; Come Lord Jesus. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending a Savior at the right time. Thank you for sending him again at just the right time. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rev. Steve Ruberg, Princeton, N.C.