“They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom”, that cry from the screen opens a reflection on freedom, which turns out to be something quite different from what we assume. The sermon leads to the Red Sea, where the newly freed Israelites are trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the water (Exodus 14). Free of their chains, they still behave like slaves, slaves of fear and of circumstances. Listen and ask yourself whom you actually serve, and what God wants to set you free for.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Right after leaving Egypt, the Israelites find themselves trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea, and tell Moses they would rather serve the Egyptians (Exodus 14:10-12). Why do they forget so quickly their cries for freedom and the ten plagues?
- Moses says: "Do not be afraid, stand firm, the Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:13-14). What do these words reveal about who really won Israel's freedom, and why was it not something they earned?
- The sermon says the Israelites were technically free but still slaves to fear and circumstances. In what situations do you act like a slave, even though God has already set you free?
- How do you understand the idea from Bob Dylan's song that everyone has to serve somebody? To whom or to what do you most easily give your time and heart today?
- God sets us free not only from something but also for something: to give Him glory, to trust Him and to serve Him. How do the crossing of the sea and the song of Moses in chapter 15 help you understand what Jesus did for you on the cross?
- What is one specific thing that enslaves you and needs to be surrendered to God this week, and how can you give Him glory for His victory in everyday life?
