God Remembered His Covenant

Exodus 2:24 (ESV) And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

The redemptive history of Israel from Egypt is summed up in this one passage. God bases all His blessings and work for Israel on His covenant with Abraham from many centuries before.

Please understand this: When Israel is in bondage in Egypt and groans, it is not that God suddenly realized something had to be done for Israel. He knew when and what had to be done long before while speaking to Abraham in Genesis 15. It is also not that God felt bad for them. He heard their groaning yes, He cares, yes. But that is not what ultimately prompts His action.

It is also not that Israel was doing the right things and winning God's approval. They aren't! Joshua will let us in on that little fact at the end of the book:
Joshua 24:14 (ESV) “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord."

Israel is NOT redeemed because of their righteous conduct and pure hearts in Egypt! No. They are idol worshippers at this time and will be after they come out. Israel is saved because of God's promise. That is it.

So God acts for them in respect to His Word and Promise. His Word and Promise to Abraham was to make them into a great nation and bless the nations that bless them and curse the nations that curse them. It was not a promise free from pain or difficult seasons. But it was a Promise that nothing would be able to stop.

God's Covenantal promises are sure and He always acts accordingly.

Why is this important to us?
Because it means your salvation is never based on works or present circumstances. Jesus said "this cup is the New Covenant in my blood!" Your salvation is based on His promise, not your performance.

You will have bad seasons and good seasons. They do not undermine the salvation purposes of God in your life. You will wander and you will get stuck spiritually. It does not mean God is any less committed to your ultimate destination.

In Christ you have been counted with the family of Abraham.
Galatians 3:9 (ESV) So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

God's work in you will come to fruition. Be encouraged!

Philippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Believe and live in the power of God's unchangeable promises! Abraham believed and it was counted as righteousness. Living faith is faith rooted in what God has said and acts accordingly. You have a Father in heaven who has covenanted to watch out for you and protect you. 

It will not always be easy.
But it will come to pass.