Week 2: 12th January
Journeying out of captivity with Jesus
Preacher: Sue Hughes
Scripture
Exodus 14:13–31 & Luke 3_15-17,21-22
“The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, ‘I baptise you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.’ When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”
Outline of this week's theme
The story of the Exodus and John the Baptist’s call to repentance both highlight God’s invitation to journey out of captivity into freedom. In Exodus, the Israelites, enslaved for 400 years, witnessed God’s power through miraculous interventions, culminating in their courageous departure from Egypt. Even when faced with the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, God’s presence and protection were evident to the Israelites, as He parted the waters, leading them into freedom. A good reminder to us, that freedom often requires courage to leave behind what is familiar, even when the path ahead is uncertain
In the gospel reading, John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and baptism, urging them to turn from sin and embrace the coming Messiah. While John’s baptism symbolized human commitment, Jesus offers something greater—a baptism of the Holy Spirit that transforms lives.
At the heart of this week’s theme is the challenging question of what we believe about God and His purposes for us? If we truly trust that God is good, powerful, and present, we will have the faith to leave behind the things that enslave us and follow Him into a new life. Like the Israelites crossing the Red Sea or the man who joyfully sold all he had to buy the treasure in the field (Matthew 13:44), trusting in God’s goodness compels us to take bold steps of faith.
As we seek to journey with Jesus, we are called to make space for God, standing still in prayer and trusting Him to act. The week of prayer (Mon 10 February to Sat 15 Feb 2025) is an opportunity to seek God’s face and experience His presence and miracles afresh.
Questions for reflection
- What does the Exodus story teach us about God’s power, presence, and proximity in our lives today?
- What does “freedom in Christ” look like for you? Are there areas in your life where you still feel captive?
- How do the questions “What do you believe about God?” and “What do you believe He thinks about you?” challenge your faith journey?
- How can you make space in your life to stand still, pray, and seek God’s presence more intentionally?
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