LET ME GO

LET ME GO

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Texts: Exodus 5:1-2; Exodus 12:31-32.

Key Verse: “And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.” — Exodus 5:2 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:7-10; Exodus 6:1-8; Exodus 7:1-5; Exodus 8:1; Exodus 10:3-4; Exodus 14:13-14; Galatians 5:1; John 8:36.

Description: This message reveals God's desire to liberate His people from every form of bondage and the importance of responding to His call to freedom, worship and fulfilment of divine purpose.

INTRODUCTION

The story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt is one of the greatest demonstrations of God's power in the Bible. The Israelites had lived in Egypt for many years, but what began as a place of refuge during Joseph's time eventually became a place of slavery under a new Pharaoh. They were subjected to hard labour, oppression and cruel treatment. Their cries reached heaven, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

God called Moses and sent him to Pharaoh with a specific message: "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." This was not merely a request from Moses; it was a divine command from the Almighty God. Pharaoh, however, responded with arrogance: "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?" His refusal revealed the conflict between human authority and divine authority.

Eventually, after a series of divine judgments, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and told them to leave Egypt. The same Pharaoh who had said, "I will not let Israel go," finally released them. This account teaches us that no earthly power is greater than God, no bondage is beyond His ability to break, and no opposition can permanently frustrate His purpose. When God says it is time for you to be released, no Pharaoh has the final authority to keep you in bondage.

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS

A. What Does "Let Me Go" Mean?

"Let me go" is a demand for release, freedom or permission to leave a place of restriction, captivity or oppression. It expresses the desire of someone who is being held against their will to be released so that they can move forward and fulfil their purpose.

In Exodus 5:1, God instructed Moses to demand that Pharaoh release the Israelites so that they could worship Him in the wilderness.

Scripture: “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.” — Exodus 5:1b (KJV).

B. Let me go signify freedom from Bondage

Bondage is a condition of captivity, slavery, restriction or domination in which a person is unable to exercise freedom as intended. It may be physical, spiritual, emotional, financial or social. In the Bible, Israel's slavery in Egypt represents oppression under a cruel master.

Scripture: “And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour.” — Exodus 1:13 (KJV).

C. Let me go is a cry for Deliverance

Deliverance is the act of rescuing someone from danger, oppression, captivity or an oppressive condition. Divine deliverance is God's intervention to set people free from what holds them back from His purpose.

Scripture: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.” — Psalm 18:2 (KJV).

D. What Does "Let Me Go" Mean Spiritually?

Spiritually, "Let me go" expresses the believer's desire and prayer for freedom from every form of bondage, oppression, destructive habit, sinful influence and limitation that hinders obedience to God. It is also a declaration that no earthly power has the authority to prevent God's people from fulfilling His will.

It is important to understand that spiritual freedom is not merely freedom to pursue personal desires; it is freedom to belong to God, worship Him and fulfil His purpose.

Scripture: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36 (KJV).

2. GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO BE FREE

God did not create human beings to live under oppression and captivity. His desire is that people should know Him, walk in His truth and fulfil His purpose. Israel's deliverance began with God's compassion and His decision to intervene.

a. GOD SEES YOUR AFFLICTION (Exodus 3:7) — God told Moses that He had seen the affliction of His people in Egypt. Your suffering is not hidden from Him.

b. GOD HEARS YOUR CRY (Exodus 3:7) — The Lord heard the cries of Israel because of their taskmasters. Do not stop calling upon God in difficult seasons.

c. GOD KNOWS YOUR SORROWS (Exodus 3:7) — God understands the pain, pressure and hardship you may be experiencing.

d. GOD COMES DOWN TO DELIVER HIS PEOPLE (Exodus 3:8) — God did not merely observe Israel's suffering; He intervened to bring them out of Egypt.

Biblical Example: When the Israelites cried because of their bondage in Egypt, God remembered His covenant and raised Moses as an instrument of their deliverance (Exodus 2:23-25; 3:7-10).

3. NO PHARAOH CAN OVERRULE THE COMMAND OF GOD

Pharaoh occupied a powerful position in Egypt, but he was not more powerful than the God of Israel. He could command the Egyptian army, control the economy and determine the conditions of slavery, but he could not cancel God's covenant with His people.

a. GOD'S AUTHORITY IS ABOVE HUMAN AUTHORITY (Daniel 4:35) — No earthly ruler or institution can overturn the ultimate authority of God.

b. NO HUMAN POWER CAN CANCEL GOD'S PURPOSE (Isaiah 14:27) — What God has purposed cannot be permanently frustrated by human opposition.

c. GOD CAN CHALLENGE THE POWER OF THE OPPRESSOR (Exodus 7:4-5) — God demonstrated His power through the judgments that came upon Egypt.

d. GOD WILL HAVE THE FINAL WORD (Job 42:2) — His purposes cannot be defeated, even when opposition appears strong.

Biblical Example: Pharaoh repeatedly resisted God's command, but the plagues demonstrated that the Lord was greater than the gods and powers of Egypt. Eventually, Pharaoh had to release Israel (Exodus 7–12).

4. YOU MUST REFUSE TO ACCEPT PERMANENT BONDAGE

One danger of prolonged oppression is that people can become accustomed to conditions that God never intended for them. Israel had suffered for generations, but their long period in Egypt did not mean that slavery was their permanent destiny.

a. DO NOT ACCEPT SIN AS YOUR MASTER (Romans 6:14) — Grace teaches believers to live beyond the dominion of sin.

b. REFUSE TO MAKE PEACE WITH DESTRUCTIVE HABITS (Hebrews 12:1) — Lay aside every weight and the sin that easily entangles you.

c. RENEW YOUR MIND WITH GOD'S WORD (Romans 12:2) — Your thinking must be transformed so that you can recognise and embrace God's will.

d. STAND IN THE FREEDOM CHRIST HAS GIVEN YOU (Galatians 5:1) — Do not return to the yoke of bondage from which Christ has set you free.

Biblical Example: The man at the pool of Bethesda had lived with his infirmity for thirty-eight years. When Jesus met him, He challenged him to rise, take up his bed and walk. His long condition did not prevent Jesus from bringing change into his life (John 5:1-9).

5. GOD'S PEOPLE MUST BE RELEASED TO WORSHIP HIM

God's demand to Pharaoh was specific: "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." The purpose of Israel's freedom was not merely to escape hard labour; it was to worship and serve the Lord. True freedom must bring us closer to God.

a. YOU ARE CREATED TO WORSHIP GOD (Isaiah 43:21) — God formed a people for Himself to declare His praise.

b. YOU MUST NOT ALLOW ANYTHING TO TAKE GOD'S PLACE (Exodus 20:3) — No person, ambition, habit or possession should become more important than your relationship with God.

c. USE YOUR FREEDOM TO SERVE THE LORD (Galatians 5:13) — Christian liberty is not an opportunity for sinful living but an opportunity to serve one another in love.

d. MAKE GOD THE CENTRE OF YOUR LIFE (Matthew 6:33) — Put His kingdom and righteousness first in your priorities.

Biblical Example: After God delivered Israel from Egypt, He brought them to Mount Sinai, where He established His covenant with them and instructed them to become a people set apart for Him (Exodus 19:3-6).

6. DO NOT ALLOW PHARAOH TO NEGOTIATE YOUR FREEDOM

When Moses continued to demand Israel's release, Pharaoh made several attempts to negotiate the terms of their departure. He offered partial freedom, suggesting that the Israelites could worship God without going far, or that only some of them should go. But Moses insisted that the people, their young and old, and their possessions must go with them.

a. REFUSE COMPROMISE WITH SIN (Exodus 8:25-27) — Pharaoh wanted Israel to sacrifice in Egypt, but Moses insisted on obeying God's instruction.

b. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR FAMILY BEHIND IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS (Exodus 10:8-11) — Moses insisted that the young and old, sons and daughters, should go to worship God.

c. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR POSSESSIONS OUT OF GOD'S PURPOSE (Exodus 10:24-26) — Moses declared that their livestock would also go with them to serve the Lord.

d. OBEY GOD COMPLETELY (Deuteronomy 5:32-33) — Do not follow God's instructions halfway. Walk in the path He has commanded.

Biblical Example: Pharaoh repeatedly tried to negotiate Israel's departure, but Moses refused to compromise God's instruction. Israel eventually left Egypt with their families and possessions (Exodus 10:24-29; 12:31-36).

7. GOD HAS THE POWER TO BREAK EVERY YOKE

The deliverance of Israel was not achieved through military strength or political negotiation. It was the result of God's mighty intervention. The Lord demonstrated that He has power over every force that holds His people captive.

a. GOD CAN BREAK THE YOKE OF OPPRESSION (Isaiah 10:27) — The power of God is able to remove burdens that human strength cannot overcome.

b. GOD CAN OPEN DOORS THAT HAVE BEEN SHUT (Revelation 3:7-8) — When Christ opens a door, no one can shut it.

c. GOD CAN DELIVER YOU FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS (Colossians 1:13) — Through Christ, believers are transferred from the dominion of darkness into His kingdom.

d. GOD CAN GIVE YOU A NEW BEGINNING (2 Corinthians 5:17) — In Christ, the old life gives way to a new creation.

Biblical Example: At the Red Sea, Israel appeared trapped between the Egyptian army and the waters. But God made a way through the sea, and His people crossed on dry ground (Exodus 14:13-31).

8. WHEN GOD RELEASES YOU, MOVE FORWARD IN FAITH

Exodus 12:31-32 records Pharaoh's final instruction to Moses and Aaron to leave Egypt. After years of slavery, Israel finally received permission to depart. But their deliverance was not the end of their journey; it was the beginning of their movement towards God's promise.

a. DO NOT REMAIN WHERE GOD HAS DELIVERED YOU FROM (Exodus 12:31) — When God opens the way, respond in obedience and move forward.

b. LEAVE THE OLD LIFE BEHIND (Exodus 12:33-34) — Israel departed in haste, carrying what they needed for the journey. Do not carry the mindset of bondage into your season of freedom.

c. TRUST GOD FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD (Exodus 13:21-22) — The Lord guided Israel with the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.

d. KEEP MOVING TOWARDS GOD'S PROMISE (Philippians 3:13-14) — Do not allow yesterday's struggles to prevent you from pursuing God's purpose for tomorrow.

Biblical Example: After Pharaoh released Israel, God led them through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. Their journey required faith, obedience and dependence on His guidance (Exodus 13:17-22).

CONCLUSION

Beloved, the message "Let Me Go" is a declaration that bondage is not God's final intention for His people. Israel's experience in Egypt teaches us that God sees oppression, hears the cries of His people and has the power to intervene. Pharaoh resisted God's command, but his authority was limited. The Lord demonstrated His supremacy through the plagues, brought Israel out of slavery and led them towards the land He had promised.

Today, Jesus Christ is the source of true freedom. He delivers us from the dominion of sin and calls us to live for God. Therefore, refuse to surrender to destructive habits, spiritual compromise, fear or anything that keeps you from obeying the Lord. Seek God, stand in His Word, walk in obedience and use your freedom to worship and serve Him. May every chain that hinders your walk with God be broken, and may you move forward into His purpose, in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, deliver me from every form of bondage, in Jesus name.

2. Every power resisting God's purpose for my life, release me, in Jesus name.

3. Father, break every yoke of oppression over my family, in Jesus name.

4. Father, deliver me from every destructive habit and sinful pattern, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me the grace to worship and serve You faithfully, in Jesus name.

6. Father, deliver my family from every influence that draws us away from You, in Jesus name.

7. Father, open every door that will move me forward in Your purpose, in Jesus name.

8. Father, give me the courage to reject every ungodly compromise, in Jesus name.

9. Father, lead me into the future You have prepared for me, in Jesus name.

10. Father, let my life become a testimony of Your delivering power, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every chain holding you back shall be broken through the power of God.

2. You shall not remain a prisoner of your past.

3. Every opposition against God's purpose for your life shall bow to His authority.

4. You shall receive grace to walk in the freedom Christ has given you.

5. Your family shall grow in the knowledge and worship of God.

6. You shall not compromise your faith for temporary benefits.

7. Every closed door that God has appointed for your progress shall open.

8. You shall move forward with courage, wisdom and divine direction.

9. Your life shall become a testimony of God's deliverance.

10. You shall fulfil God's purpose and serve Him faithfully, in Jesus name.