As they grew in number in a foreign land, the people of Israel fell under the oppression of a ruler who forgot the old ways and rejected God. But from generation to generation God never forgot his chosen people. He tells them, “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God” (Ex. 6:7a). Though these exiles doubted and dithered, God delivered them from Egypt and from the wilderness. Prone to wander, the people of God found a home in the land flowing with milk and honey, a land where God would make them a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exo 19:6) so that they would “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet 2:9). Through his people, God’s glory would extend to all the world with the good news of hope.
At TGC23 we’ll celebrate this gospel hope in the wilderness of our passing age. As pilgrims waiting for Christ’s return, we’ll remember the old, old story and retell it for the next generation. Speakers from around the world will show how Exodus anticipates Jesus as our mediator, our rescuer, our guide, our provider. They will lead us to worship God for his instruction, his covenant, his mercy, and his presence. Together we will remember the gospel hope for all of life, for all the world.