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The opening of Exodus—chapters 1–3—takes place approximately 320 years after Joseph's death in Genesis 50. Many people fail to remember or even realize that the Bible is one continuous, unfolding story—all 66 books come together as one BIG narrative of God’s making—it’s His redemptive plan.

Three centuries later the family of Israel (Jacob) has grown so numerous that the Egyptians view them as a threat. Joseph and his contributions have long been forgotten, and his descendants have been enslaved. Pharaoh, fearing their numbers, enacts population control measures, ordering the death of all male-born Hebrew children.

Yet, we see God’s faithfulness to His promise given to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 through two courageous midwives who chose to protect, rather than kill, the Israelite infants. Because they blessed Israel, God blessed them in return:

“So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.” – Exodus 1:20–21

God kept His promise to bless those who bless Israel and He continued to fulfill His promise to make them into a great nation (Genesis 12:2).

The story of Moses’ birth in Exodus 2 launches one of the greatest narratives in history. No epic—not Huckleberry Finn, not Cinderella, and not Harry Potter—can rival the Exodus account. God is the Master Story Maker.

A good story is one that captivates us with the author’s creativity, drawing us into his or her world. We imagine genie’s lamps granting three wishes, a floo network whisking wizards to far-off destinations, or a magic wardrobe serving as a portal to a world of talking animals. But what could be more imaginative than a bush that burns without burning up, through which the Creator of the universe speaks to a solitary man? And not only that—it appears at the perfect moment—400 years after Joseph, when Moses is 80 years old, right on time to fulfill God’s promise to bring His people home.

Those familiar with the scene remember Moses asking, “Who shall I say sent me when my brothers ask?” to which God replies, “I AM who I AM.” But before that, there’s a question we often overlook—Moses first asks, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” God’s answer is simple yet profound: “I will be with you.” That same promise applies to us today as followers of Christ. He assures us, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The One with all authority goes before us as we face our own taskmasters and Pharaohs—our struggles, fears, and challenges. We are not alone.

As we begin our journey through Exodus, I want to highlight several promises God made to Moses, reaffirming His faithfulness, sovereignty, and omniscience. When speaking to Moses at the burning bush, 1) God assured him that he would return to serve Him on Mount Horeb. 2) He also promised to bring the Israelites out of their affliction in Egypt and lead them to Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. 3) God declared that He would strike Egypt with mighty wonders, compelling Pharaoh to release His people. 4) Finally, He foretold that when the Israelites departed, the Egyptians would give them riches—gold, silver, and jewelry—as a sign of His provision and power. As we continue reading, it will be exciting to trace these promises and see how each one is fulfilled, proving God's character along the way. Expect to return to Exodus chapter 3 at least four times as we witness His faithfulness unfold.

Takeaway: God—the greatest Story Maker—is not only the author of history, but He wants to be part of your story. If you let Him, He will craft a life for you, one where He is present in it, that no human author could ever imagine.