Exodus for Everyone
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
- William Stafford
I think being a person of faith is a lot like these lines from William Stafford’s poem, “The Way it Is.” There are certain stories and teachings that shape your life, and even as life changes or the world seems overwhelming. If we pay attention, we see that the story itself is still embedded in us.
Crossing the Red Sea by Elena Kotliarker
The Book of Exodus is one of the foundational texts in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It has influenced people of faith for generations and offered a dream of another way to live. Even within the Bible itself, people keep referring back to the Exodus story – remembering what it is like to live in a time of oppression, to struggle for freedom, and to seek new life.
As we enter the season of Lent, we are invited to journey together and discover that common thread that guides us through all of life’s changes and concerns. I keep coming back to the story of Exodus. I want to invite you to read along with us and join us for a three-week experience, where we seek to live into God’s dream for us as described in this amazing story. In the process, I think we also come to more deeply understand the story of Jesus’ life including his death on the cross and the triumph of the resurrection.
In the season of Lent, we strip away the non-essentials (which is why people often give something up for Lent), so we can re-orient ourselves to God’s ways. This can feel like wandering in the wilderness at times, trying to listen for God’s guidance and wisdom when we feel overwhelmed and confused.
The story resonates because it’s universal. It reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles, that there’s hope for liberation, and that life’s journey—while messy—is headed somewhere meaningful.
Theologian Alister McGrath said it well: “The Exodus tells our story. Each of us has a personal journey to make, from our own Egypt to our promised land. We have left something behind in order to make this journey. We have had to break free from our former lives in order to begin afresh.”
Exodus is more than just an ancient tale. It’s a mirror, reflecting the journey of every person—a journey from bondage to freedom, from despair to hope. And in understanding this story, we gain new insight into our own.
Our 2025 Lenten Series
If you want to join with others exploring the Book of Exodus, we hope you will consider joining us for our Sunday evening Lenten Series. The Lenten Series is an inter-generational experience, with creativity, worship and conversation for all ages. We hope these evenings will enrich your faith and build our St. Barnabas community. Each week we will have time for learning and reflection, inter-active ways to engage the story and we will conclude with a shared meal. Whether you are 8 or 80, you don’t want to miss out on this experience!