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Title: Change As Chapters
Passage: Exodus 12:37-42
Summary: The book of Exodus describes one of the most significant changes in Scripture: the Israelites leaving Egypt for the wilderness. This was a change in their location, state, and lifestyle that would persist for 40 years. It would even come to shape their self identity and their theology. This is a good example of how changes can come to change and define us.
But at the same time, this story is really a transition, because in Joshua 1, they leave the wilderness and enter Canaan, where they again will change their location, state and lifestyle. We see something similar in the New Testament with Jesus. The Transfiguration of Jesus is a change, but will be followed by the Resurrection, and then the Ascension. As important as each moment was, they were transitions to other events in turn.
This is a different way for us to look at the changes of our lives: as chapters to a larger story. Three ways that this can be helpful for us. First, it places our changes in a proper perspective. Second, it connects our changes to a larger story. And third, it reminds us of the Author of that story: Jesus.
Passages used: Exodus 12:37-42, 20:2, Leviticus 26:13, Deuteronomy 6:10, Joshua 1:1-5, Mark 9:3-7, John 20:19-20, Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 139:16
Reflection Questions:
- Change can be a massive event in our lives. In what ways have changes come to define, change, or transform you and our life? Has that been for the better, or the opposite?
- While change is important unto itself, it is part of a larger interconnected story. Have you experienced that, where some change led to another part of your story, and to another change in turn? What did that teach you about the nature of change?
- Redefining changes as chapters can be helpful. Out of the three ways listed above, which way do you find most helpful for you in dealing with change - that chapters provide perspective, connection, or remind you of the Author?
- Take some time to think about a change you are facing, and try to re-imagine it as a chapter instead. How does that change how you think or feel about that change?
