The stories in Exodus are ones that seniors of faith have likely heard often since they were children. Stories such as the early years of Moses, Israel's deliverance from Egypt and the beginning of the 40 years the Israelites spent in the desert.
The familiarity of these passages may make them easy to overlook for seniors searching for lessons to apply to their personal lives, but those willing to dig a little deeper can find many wonderful truths tucked within.
As the second book of the Bible, Exodus continues where Genesis leaves off, teaching us that God took a single-family and transformed them into the nation of Israel. During this transformation, God defends his chosen people from danger, gives them laws for guidance and provides for every one of their needs.
The Bible promises believers that God never changes (Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17 and Psalm 102:27). Because of this, believers can strengthen their faith and find great comfort during hardships by studying God's past provisions for His people.
Here are three stories from Exodus that seniors can hold to heart as they continue their own walk of faith.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29 (NLT)
Exodus 12 records God's instructions for the first Passover feast, which happened just before the Israelites were set free from their bondage of slavery in Egypt. In a purposely created foreshadowing of future events, God uses a sacrificial lamb and its blood to teach people, both then and now, about their need for a savior to set them free from the bondage of sin.
As the Alpha and Omega, God knew people would sin before He created mankind and placed them in the Garden of Eden with the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God also already had a plan to pay for the sins of each one of us through His son Jesus Christ.
Seniors of faith can take heart from these facts and know that this same loving God has carefully arranged their own lives from beginning to end, providing every one of their spiritual needs, including a savior (John 3:16, 1 John 4:14 and Romans 6:23) and the strength to follow Him (Exodus 15:2).
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Luke 12:29-30 (NLT)
God repeatedly calls for His people to focus on the Kingdom of Heaven and not the things of this world, but He doesn't dismiss our physical needs. In fact, Jesus Himself promises us that God will provide for our needs like a father looking after His children and commands us not to worry.
In Exodus 16, the Bible records that God literally rained food upon His people in the forms of manna and quail during their time in the wilderness. God instructed each Israelite to collect the manna and meat they needed for one day at a time. Day after day for 40 years, He kept this promise, proving that they, and we too, can take Him at His word.
At Hickory Villa, we are committed to serving others and showing them God's love by following His example. To this end, our culinary team works hard to ensure our residents are nourished with delicious meals each day, and our staff members are available around the clock to help seniors with any requests or needs they might have.
We don't want our efforts to end at the doorstep of our assisted living apartments, however. As a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, Bethesda Senior Living Communities strives to make a difference around the world, and we regularly invite our residents to join us in this mission through volunteer programs, food drives and other opportunities.
The cloud of the LORD hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys. Exodus 40:38 (NLT)
Exodus paints a vivid picture of a God who actively works on behalf of His people. He disproves the power and existence of Egypt's false gods, frees His people from 430 years of slavery, parts a sea and then destroys the most powerful army in the world at the time.
Amid such awesome displays of power though, one miracle stands out as the most amazing. From the moment the Israelites began their wilderness trek to its final step, the presence of God remained in the center of their camp.
Senior believers can rest assured this is still a reality today. Jesus promises His followers that He is with them always (Matthew 28:20) and there is nothing in existence strong enough to separate His love from us (Romans 8:38-39).
