Catechism: Why Break the Mold?نموونە

In all of the world, there is no one like our God. He is awe-inspiring and powerful, able to do anything! He is attentive and faithful. We only need but look at the Exodus story to see the beauty of God’s character revealed.

During Israel’s 400 years of slavery in Egypt, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob saw their situation and heard their cries for rescue. He was the God of their forefathers, but they didn’t know him for themselves. They’d heard stories, but when they became eyewitnesses and participants to the grandeur and might of the one true and living God, they began to know him.

With a display of his great power, God freed them from slavery. He provided manna to eat and water to drink on their journey to freedom. He protected them from their enemies and also disciplined them when they disobeyed.

Their time with God in the wilderness changed the Israelites forever! This was where they began to break their old molds and truly get to know the God of their forefathers. God was no longer some distant deity or ancient story - he was their God, and they were his chosen people.

In Deuteronomy 4, Moses is reminding the people of God’s incredible deeds on their behalf, what the Israelites had seen with their own eyes. Verse 35 declares that they were shown these things so they would know who God is.

God moved on their behalf so he could have a relationship with his people. And through his deeds, he revealed to them who he is.

Like the Israelites, we can look back and see throughout the Bible how our mighty God works: taking the initiative to reveal himself and rescue his people. Through the work he does in our lives, even through the relationships we have, he is personally revealing himself to us today!

Consider: As you read the Deuteronomy passage, think about the Exodus story and all the Israelites witnessed. What can we learn about God's character through this story?

Reflect: What about you? Are you ready to break out of the old molds? How has God shown up in your own life? And what part of himself has he revealed to you through his protection, provision, or something else?