The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything

by Brian D. McLaren

God calls a man—Moses—to lead them to freedom (about 1400 BC). But how can Moses help Abraham’s descendants reclaim their high and holy calling? They have been degraded and humiliated through generations of abuse and slavery; how can they be restored? Moses receives from God and gives to the people the Law or “Torah”—a wise way of living that will shape the people individually and as a community, restoring their dignity so they can rise from slavery’s degradation and fulfill their original purpose in the healing of creation. As we’ve seen, the prophet-leader Moses is joined by Aaron the priest, who will pioneer a priesthood to help the people be instructed and trained as a holy, healthy, and exemplary people. As we’ve seen, the work of the priests will be supplemented by the prophets and by others (including poets, philosophers, and political leaders) who will carry on a conversation across generations with and about God and about their special relationship—or covenant—with God. (We could entitle this fourth episode in the story Conversation or Covenant —or perhaps Conflict, because remaining faithful to God and God’s calling involves great struggle with both internal and external antagonists.)