Before Exodus
Recent studies on the political nature of Jesus’ ministry often begins with the Isaianic New Exodus. Rome is the new Egypt, where as Jesus, the new Moses (or the embodiment of Israel). It is further suggested that the Exodus is the principle story of the OT and as a result, God is a God who liberates. The poor and the oppressed are the ones that the Lord truly cares about, therefore the Ekklesia and Empire are constantly in opposition and competition until the New Heaven and New Earth etc…
Similar to the presupposition of Liberation theology, what fall to the background with such reading are the promise and covenant of God. Before God is a God who liberates, He is a God who keeps His word. Faithfulness precedes Liberation; Love before Justice.
Isn’t it interesting that the Jews decided to begin their story with Creation and not with Exodus? (Yes, I do understand that the Exodus is foundational to them as ONE people of God). The Lord listens to the cries of the Israelites both because they are in misery AND because that they are “my people”.