Chapter 7: From Slavery to Greatness – The Children of Israel’s Journey and the Call to Discipleship
The Journey of Israel – A Model for Nations Today
Picture This:
The largest refugee camp in the history of the world. A people who have grown from a tribe of seventy to more than three million in 430 years. For 400 years, they have toiled under Egyptian pharaohs as slaves.
Now, they have just walked out of Egypt, carrying only what they can hold, bringing their livestock, and leaving behind generations of oppression.
Think about it:
- They are poor.
- They have no schools.
- They have no government.
- They have no economy.
- They have no land, no army, no industry, no agriculture.
- They have been oppressed and victimized.
- They lack a social structure.
- They are, without a doubt, the most undeveloped mass of people that has ever existed on the face of the earth.
Yet, to this people, God says, “You are not a people, but I will make you a people.” He promises them that they will become a great nation, admired and blessed by others.
From Slavery to Greatness – God’s Blueprint for Transformation
The Israelites have just left one of the greatest civilizations in human history—Egypt at its peak. They are an impoverished people in the middle of the wilderness, yet God declares that He will make them into a great nation.
And He does.
Within a few centuries, they become the most renowned nation in the world. A queen from the Saudi Arabian peninsula, the Queen of Sheba, hears of Israel’s greatness and visits Solomon. She is left in awe and declares:
“The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth, you have far exceeded the report I heard.” (1 Kings 10:6-7)
This transformation took time—40 years in the wilderness, including 38 years camped at Kadesh Barnea where they learned critical lessons. Israel’s journey is not just an Old Testament story; it is a template for any nation today that desires transformation. If God did it for Israel, He can do it again for any nation willing to follow His principles.
Moses’ Blessing and Finding Your Calling
Before Moses' death, he blessed the twelve tribes of Israel (Deuteronomy 33), speaking destiny and calling over each tribe. These blessings were not just words; they were prophetic declarations of their unique assignments in the nation’s future. Just as each tribe had a distinct calling, every believer today has a God-given calling and purpose.
- Reuben was called to leadership and strength despite instability.
- Judah was given the role of governance and warfare, leading to the Messiah.
- Levi was set apart for priesthood and spiritual leadership.
- Benjamin was blessed with protection and security in God’s presence.
- Joseph was called to fruitfulness, provision, and influence.
- Zebulun was assigned to commerce and international trade.
- Issachar had wisdom in understanding the times and seasons.
- Gad was given military might and expansion.
- Dan was destined for justice and judgment.
- Naphtali was blessed with favor and eloquence.
- Asher received the promise of prosperity and strength.
- Ephraim and Manasseh carried the blessing of fruitfulness and multiplication.
Each tribe had a specific role in establishing the nation of Israel, just as each believer has a calling in the Kingdom of God today. To walk in our calling, we must seek God's direction, develop our gifts, and commit to His purpose for our lives. God calls each of us to influence different areas—government, education, business, media, the arts, the family, and the church.
The Five Discipleship Blueprints for Nations and Individuals
The Bible provides clear blueprints for how people and nations can be discipled and transformed. These include:
- The Forty-Two Journeys of Israel in the Wilderness (Exodus) – A journey of refining, testing, and preparation for the Promised Land.
- The Building of the Tabernacle and Biblical Numerology – God’s design for worship, order, and divine presence.
- Jesus’ Discipleship Method through the 46 Parables – Teaching about the Kingdom of God through stories with deep spiritual truths.
- Jesus’ 50 Commands – Directives that guide us in living as true disciples of Christ.
- Psalms, Proverbs, the Prophets, and the New Testament Letters – Wisdom and instructions for personal and national transformation.
The Great Commission and the Calling to Discipleship
Just as God called Israel to be a light to the nations, He calls us today to make disciples and spread the Kingdom Gospel across the world. Jesus left His followers with a clear mission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
This is our mission—to disciple nations and communities, to bring about transformation just as God did with Israel.
Transforming Nations Today – Applying God’s Truth
The story of Israel is a clear example that God’s principles can transform any nation, no matter how impoverished, broken, or enslaved by sin and corruption. No nation today is in a worse condition than Israel was in the wilderness, yet they became great.
Just as God gave Israel a model to follow, He has given us a clear commission:
- To reach every person with the Kingdom message
- To disciple every nation
- To establish communities built on biblical principles
God has not left us without a guide. He has given us:
- The life of Jesus and Paul – Blueprints for making disciples.
- The New Testament Church – A model for community transformation.
- The Old Testament Stories – A template for national restoration.
The Call to Action
The story of Israel shows us that the Great Commission is not just about individual salvation but about discipling nations. Jesus didn’t just call us to evangelize—He called us to transform societies by applying His Kingdom principles. The same God who led Israel from slavery to greatness desires to lead people and nations today into the fullness of His promises.
Conclusion: God transformed Israel from a broken, enslaved people into a thriving, respected nation. This is not just history—it is a model for every believer and every nation today. If we align with His calling and follow His ways, we too can see transformation in our lives, our communities, and the world. The Great Commission is our mission, and we are called to partner with God in building His Kingdom on earth.