A slave in Egypt

“Remember that you were a slave in Egypt,” Moses instructed as he neared the end of his life. But did these sons of Abraham need to be reminded? Had they not sat around campfires listening to the stories of parents and grandparents? Had they not seen the scars on their wrists and ankles and the marks on their backs – imprints they would carry to their deaths?

Why look back? In doing so you are reminded of your humble roots, and you resist the temptation to say, “Look what I’ve done!” Remembering you were a slave in Egypt eliminates the temptation of pride. Slaves had no rights of their own. If they displeased their owner, they could be beaten, thrown into prison or even killed.

In remembering they were slaves in Egypt, the Israelites acknowledged that it was not their resources or clever negotiations that secured their release. It was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who led them forth by His mighty and.

In remembering they were slaves in Egypt, they treated others with compassion, fairness and kindness. God instructed Israel to be kind to strangers, reminding them that they, too, had been strangers. He ordered safeguards against abuses that had been inflicted on them.

Still you may be thinking, “I’ve never been a slave in Egypt.” Remember that Egypt in the Bible is a type of the world, and millions have been slaves of a different kind. Slaves of habit, temper or pride, of alcohol, drugs or sex.

The God who delivered the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt is still seeking and saving those who will take the hand of His Son and follow Him through the wilderness to Canaan’s fair land.

Today Counts is available in bookstores nationwide. For more information, write to Guidelines Philippines, Box 4000, Makati; e-mail [email protected]; website www.guidelines.org.