By Pastor Royston Smith
The Exodus is arguably the most monumental journey in the Bible. This event has been the theme of films, pantomimes, poems and songs. Each art form focused on the theme of injustice, enslavement, deliverance and restoration. A ray of hope shines through. Many of us like the Israelites, experience such mental slavery that we struggle to find a path to freedom. One song writer puts it this way, “How funny that it is, we find ourselves in chains, and we never even know we have the key?” How long will my exodus last?
Mr. Lee’s exodus seemed endless. He was a trained electrical engineer who had a well-paid job. He had a loving wife and was a father of three loving children. At work he was a caring, hardworking and committed. His colleagues spoke kindly about him, he was dedicated, a model worker. However, at home he was a monster. This model worker battled an addiction to alcohol and suffered from low self-esteem. Subsequently, he would abuse his wife after sessions of heavy drinking. Colossians 3:19 (MSG) “Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them.” He admitted that he lost many friends during this difficult time and people in the community scorned him. He lashed out at friends who begged him to seek help. It was a very lonely existence from he thought there was no escape.
Colossians 3:21 ESV “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Having a loving, considerate and compassionate father is the right of every child. Mr. Lee was a kind of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde character. On one hand, there was enough money to provide the children a good education. As a matter of fact, they excelled academically. They would go to theme parks, enjoy family holidays in the countryside and receive birthday gifts. Yet on the other hand, the children were scarred by their father’s aggressive and violent behaviors. They experienced such emotional turmoil. As time progressed the children began to resent their him. As a matter of fact, the family abandoned him. In a way he was stuck back in Egypt and felt without hope.
Two events had a major impact on Mr. Lee’s life. First, his wife and children left the family home. This contributed to Mr. Lee becoming depressed. Eventually he sought help, enrolled on a detoxification programme, and modified his behaviour. After a few months, his family returned. He was a changed man. His exodus had come to an end. The once abusive father became a model husband and a compassionate father. The chains of his addiction were broken. Mr. Lee developed a healthy view of himself and others. He started reading his Bible and praying. Eventually, the Holy Spirit took control of his life. He became a disciple of Jesus and over time one of its prominent leaders. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Now everyone admires and respects Mr. Lee. His past has long been forgotten.
Do you need an Exodus? What are you struggling with? Is it an addiction or a personality conflict? What will you tell yourself, ten years from now, about the life you are living today? Reflect on all areas of your life. Challenge yourself to break free. With Christ, you can realize your true potential. Being a slave to anything is optional.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, in you I find peace. I come with my guilt, I am hopeful of deliverance, through the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
