Exodus 19-23. Edmund Dantes, the Count of Monte Cristo, spares Jacobo’s life in a short scene on a beach not far from Dantes' prison. He gives him a second chance, redemption, even though he deserved death for stealing from his crew. And Jacobo says in return, “I swear...I am your man, forever." And he is from then on. He is always at his side, waiting on him hand and foot, he’s like his assistant. They do everything together. Jacobo serves him with his whole life, until near the end of the movie, he returns the favor and saves Dantes’ life.
What a clear illustration of the truth that obedience flows from relationship. To the extent that we are in a relationship with someone is the extent to which they have a claim over our lives: children and parents, spouses, bosses and direct reports, etc.
And while this is true, the reality is, that when it comes to God, our lack of obedience shows that oftentimes, we live like orphans, as though we don't have a good Father in God.
“The exodus is central to the Scriptures, central to the gospel, and central to the Christian life. Whatever book of the Bible you are reading, and whichever Christian practices you are involved in, echoes of the exodus are in there somewhere.”
Exodus is an identity-forming book. It teaches us first who God is and secondly who we should be in relation to him. And our hope is that in the chaos of this world, God’s Word from Exodus would be an anchor for us as God’s people.