By George A. Barlow, Jr.
We read in Exodus 13:3 (NIV), 3 Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast”
The corn maze at Sweet Berry Farm out in the Marble Falls Texas area is a four acre field in the shape of Texas. Inside the corn maze are a myriad of pathways and if you don’t pay close attention you may find yourself going in circles. Generally speaking the object of a maze is to start at one point and find the right path to the other end.
Some of us had the privilege of going to the corn maze last year. What a beautiful day it was. Pitch perfect blue skies, 70 degree temperatures and sunny. People came from near and far to enjoy the process of selecting pumpkins to take home, but I would have to tell you, that most of us came, saw and conquered one of the largest corn mazes in Texas (mostly everyone, except me). Have you heard the terminology, “He couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag?” I had a difficult time finding my way through and out of that maze.
When we look at the Israelites, they were trapped in a maze of back-breaking slavery and would work from sunup until sundown for more than 400 years. While enslaved they were lost and couldn’t find their way out and needed someone to help deliver them from the cruel bondage they were experiencing.
God told Abraham long ago that his descendants would be in a strange country. 13 Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there” (Genesis 15:13 NIV).
As we read in Genesis the story of Moses we see God’s story beginning to unfold in a way that points the children of Israel to a bigger and brighter future. One of redemption and becoming free from the tyranny of slavery.
Sometimes it may seem as though that you’re going around in circles in a maze that seems never-ending, but know that there’s light at the end and if you look to God, He will deliver you out of the maze of confusion.
