Freed From Egypt's Chains

Scripture Readings: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16,Exodus 6:1-13, Acts 7:35-42

Egypt was a land of power, empire, and control—a place where God’s people suffered under oppression. The Israelites were enslaved, forced to serve Pharaoh, and held captive by a system that denied them their true identity as God’s chosen people. Yet, God heard their cries and promised deliverance:
"I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them" (Exodus 6:6).
Just as Egypt held Israel in bondage, today, many Christians find themselves trapped in a different kind of slavery—the chains of Christian Nationalism. It is a system that distorts faith, replacing trust in God with trust in political power. It merges the cross with the sword, confuses the kingdom of God with earthly empires, and enslaves hearts with fear instead of freeing them with love.
When Stephen addressed the Sanhedrin in Acts 7, he reminded them that Israel, though freed from Egypt, still longed for the comfort of oppression:

"They refused to obey him but thrust him aside, and in their hearts, they turned to Egypt" (Acts 7:39).
How often do we, too, turn back to Egypt? Do we cling to the false security of nationalism instead of resting in the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1)? Do we seek power over others instead of humbling ourselves before the Lord?
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Lent is a season of repentance, a time to let go of every chain that binds us—including the temptation to find our security in earthly kingdoms rather than in the reign of Christ. True freedom is found not in nationalism, but in the cross. Not in political might, but in surrender to God’s will.
Reflection Questions:

• In what ways do I trust in earthly power more than in God’s provision?
• Have I ever confused faithfulness to Christ with loyalty to a political ideology?
• How can I repent and turn my heart fully to God’s kingdom?

Prayer:
Lord of deliverance,
You hear the cries of the oppressed and break the chains of the captive.
Free us from every form of slavery—whether to sin, fear, or the idols of earthly power.
Help us to rest in You alone, to seek first Your kingdom,
And to walk in the freedom that Christ has won for us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.