Whether those words echo personally from watching The Ten Commandments from the 1950s, The Prince of Egypt in the latter 90s, or a personal reading of Exodus, “Let my people go” is a maxim for freedom to leave the encumbering world (typified by the exodus from Egypt) and to serve the Lord.
Interestingly, we can see how the Lord desired service by believers today through Moses’ words to Pharaoh centuries ago. Note the three reasons:
1. “And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness” (Exodus 5:1 KJV, emphasis mine).
2. “And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear” (Exodus 7:16 KJV, emphasis mine).
3. “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me” (Exodus 8:1 KJV, emphasis mine).
The three reasons are: Hold a feast, serve in the wilderness, and serve, with each having a particular purpose.
Feasts were symbolic of worship. They were designated times for God’s people to display their love for God. Service in the wilderness was how His people would learn to trust Him and His provision. And to serve was the practical outworking of worship and discipline in following the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.
We can see the same desires for us today: We are to worship God and not be conformed to this world (cf. Romans 12:1, 2); we are to learn of his care and provision for us (cf. Matthew 6:9-24); and we are to follow the Spirit, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14 KJV).
In this trifold call for freedom, we can also see the Trinity. We are free to worship the Father (cf. John 4:23), free to learn of the Son (cf. Matthew 11:29), and free to be led by the Spirit (cf. John 16:13).
Let go today and be free.
Worship the Father.
Learn of the Son.
Be led by the Spirit.
And remember: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36 KJV).
