Mensa Otabil - God Knows Where We Came From (10/07/2025)
Welcome to a brand new week as we continue our study of the book of Exodus and the story of Moses and his assignment to deliver Israel from captivity. We go to chapter 6, verses 26 and 27. These are the same Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said, «Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.» These are the ones who spoke to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are the same Moses and Aaron.From chapter 6, verses 14 to 25, there is a genealogical account of the children of Jacob, but it focuses on the first three sons and then the third son, Levi, whose grandchildren emerge as Moses and Aaron. Essentially, what the Bible does is tell us where Moses is coming from.
I have said many times that when you see a biblical word or phrase repeated in close proximity in a verse or two, it means God wants you to pay attention to something. If you look closely, there is a phrase that states, «These are the same Aaron and Moses,» and it is mentioned twice. God wants you to know that this Aaron and Moses are the same people who emerge from this family; these are the individuals that God is using, rooting them historically in a place that God could use.
There are three things I want you to note from this verse. First, God knows where we are coming from. He knows the families we came from, and while those families may not be perfect, He knows our history, our past, and our ancestry; yet He still chooses to use us. Never think that because of where you are coming from or how hard it is, or how bad that background might be, that God will disqualify you. These are the same Aaron and Moses that God used, and you are the same person God will use, even though He knows where you are coming from.
The second point is that God knows where we are. He does not only know where we are coming from; He knows where we are. There were thousands of people in Israel, but God chose Moses and Aaron. God knows where we are; He doesn’t mix us up with others. We might be in a crowd, surrounded by thousands, but He knows how to locate us, track us, and find us. Never think that because there are so many people, God has forgotten about you. He never forgets you; He knows where we are.
Lastly, God knows where we are going. He knows what He wants to do with us. He knows where we’re coming from, where we are, and what He plans to do with us. He commands these people to go and set the children of Israel free. God has an assignment for you, and that assignment will not be disqualified by your ancestry or your history, by who your father was or who your grandparents were. They may have made mistakes or committed offenses, but when God chooses you, He knows where you are coming from, where you are, and what He intends to do with you. That is why God chose Moses; he wasn’t from a perfect family.
In fact, if you read the story of Moses, you might think there are issues that would make God say, «No, this is not a good family to choose from.» Yet these are the same Moses and Aaron from this family line, with its problems and challenges. Yet God chose them and used them, and He will do the same with you. He knows where you’re coming from, where you are, and what He will do with your life.
Let us pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, You know where I came from, where I am, and where I’m going. Lead me by Your hand. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.» Well, we’ll continue tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.