The Adult sabbath lesson review

*Unpacking the Story of Oppression and Liberation: A Biblical Perspective*

The story of oppression and liberation in the Bible offers a powerful reminder of God's interventions in favor of His suffering people. As we read through the book of Exodus, we are reminded of the importance of faith, trust, and gratitude. Let's dive into the historical background and uncover the pivotal role of the Hebrew midwives, the story of Moses, and the significance of God's providence.

*The Historical Background*

Jacob's family arrived in Egypt after experiencing famine in Canaan. The Egyptian king was friendly toward the Hebrews because of Joseph, who had saved Egypt from famine (Genesis 46:27, Exodus 1:5). However, as the Israelites grew and multiplied, a new king arose who did not know Joseph, and the Hebrews were enslaved (Exodus 1:8-11). Ellen G. White notes, "The Hebrews had been welcomed in Egypt, and had been favored because of Joseph, who had been prime minister to one of the Pharaohs." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 264).

*The Hebrew Midwives*

One of the most remarkable stories in the book of Exodus is that of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. When Pharaoh ordered them to kill all the Hebrew male babies, they courageously defied him, fearing God rather than man (Exodus 1:15-21). Ellen G. White comments, "The midwives were not deterred by the king's command. They feared God, and they dared to disobey the royal mandate." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 265). Their actions remind us that even in the darkest times, God is always present, guiding and delivering His people.

*The Story of Moses*

Moses' birth story is a testament to God's providential care. Born into a time of great turmoil and oppression, Moses was destined for greatness. But it wasn't his own abilities or strengths that set him apart - it was God's sovereign hand guiding him every step of the way (Exodus 2:1-10). Ellen G. White notes, "The child Moses was 'fairer than the children of men' (Acts 7:20), and God had given him a noble and generous nature." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 268).

*A Change of Plans*

But Moses' story doesn't end there. After killing an Egyptian and fleeing to Midian, Moses thought his life was over. He had failed, and now he was living in exile (Exodus 2:11-15). But God had other plans. In the burning bush, God revealed Himself to Moses and called him to return to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery (Exodus 3:1-12). Ellen G. White comments, "Moses was not a willing servant. He shrank from the task, and pleaded his unfitness." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 296).

*Lessons from the Bible*

As we read through the book of Exodus, we can learn several valuable lessons:

- *God's providence is always at work*: Even when we can't see it, God is guiding us towards our destiny (Psalm 50:15, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me").

- *Our failures are not final*: Moses' failure to kill the Egyptian didn't disqualify him from God's plan. Instead, it prepared him for the task ahead (Exodus 2:11-15).

- *God's timing is perfect*: Moses spent 40 years in the palace and 40 years in the wilderness. It may seem like a long time, but God's timing is always perfect (Acts 7:30, "And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning thorn bush").

conclusion 

The story of oppression and liberation in the Bible offers a powerful reminder of God's interventions in favor of His suffering people. As we read through the book of Exodus, we are reminded of the importance of faith, trust, and gratitude. Let's trust in God's sovereignty, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Let's remember that our failures are not final, and that God's timing is perfect. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, let's hold fast to the promise that God is always working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose")