“In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the LORD because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them.” vs19-20

Here is when the Lord Jesus becomes our Savior, when we have oppressors troubling us. So long as we are healthy, we don’t need the Physician. If we are strong, then we don’t need His strength. When He takes it all away, however, humbling us and whittling us down, then we cry out [Ps 107:6, 13, 19, 28]! This is the way of God’s elect: He shows us our sin, and then we trust Christ. He justifies when we have no righteousness, and He forgives the helpless and the guilty.

Look up to the Lord Jesus from the pit of oppression! He’s come to rescue you. He needs NOTHING from us, and He will provide all. He says, “Come, for all things are now ready [Luke 14:17].” “Come to the wedding [Matt 22:4].” “Come buy wine and milk without money and without price [Isa 55:1].” The redemption He accomplished is sufficient, and His mercies are enough to pull us out. Like Jeremiah, grab hold of Christ in your weakness, and He will prove sufficient [Jer 39:11-13]. We don’t have to be worthy or feel good about ourselves. We don’t need any prospects of self-improvement. We can be most miserable, and He will pull us out. Put your confidence in Him as a Savior.

The gospel comes to people who have ruined their way. They’ve gone into rebellion, and it cost them. It comes to people weary of life and weary of self, people who’ve made bad decisions, and it says, “Return, O backsliding children, says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion [Jer 3:14.]” You are a special people who hope in Christ. You’ve come to Him in repentance, and you know that unbelief hurts. You know that you are a sinner, and He saves sinners, so hope!