Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2183117951984132/?source_id=181918175166472
January 30th
Our bible reading today is in Exodus chapters 1,2,3.
As we begin the book of Exodus, let us remember the last recorded event in Genesis...the death of Joseph. Today’s reading shows us just how big his death was to Israel.
Today we read about a radical change in Israel’s history...going from a time of favor with Pharoah and the people of Egypt, to 300 years later, to a time of disfavor and enslavement in Egypt...going from 70 men to over 600,000 men and a combined population of over 2,000,000. Things had definitely changed since Joseph’s death...but one thing had not changed...”
“The faithfulness of God” to his chosen people!
He promised Jacob, 300 years prior to these verses, that He would make a great nation out of his family...” while in Egypt”...not just a larger extended family, but a great nation. And He did just that.
Isn't it impressive to our souls that God kept His promise from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob for over 400 years...He would be with them...He would be working to protect them and provide for them...He would be making them great before men...He would be making them into a formidable nation. And He was and He did.
When we look back at God keeping His promises for so many years, we must ask, “why can't we trust Him for our 70 or 80?”
And by the way, doesn't this teach us to wait on the God who saved us and destined us to fruitfulness in His Kingdom’s work? Say it with me...”He always keeps His promise!”
Let us remember that He is at work...perhaps not on our time table, but He is at great work none the less. Let’s just stay close together and close to Him.
Now to this text...In chapter one, the record shows that Egypt’s leaders and people felt that the burgeoning population of the people of Israel made them a threat to the national security of Egypt. So they persecuted them and brutalized them. Not a pretty picture.
What in the world was God up to? The Bible says...“The Israelite people cried out to God.”
Well, there you go...God used persecution pressure upon His people this time...Why?...simple answer?...to turn their hearts and eyes toward Him...to turn their cries toward Him and not just toward their oppressors...to prompt them to keep placing their hope and trust in their Savior...no matter what comes.
Let’s listen to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob speak through the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth 1400 yrs later:
“Paul said, “God put a thorn in my flesh...a messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I exalt myself above measure...I begged God to deliver me...three times pleading for Him to take this from me. And He said to me, No”...“ My grace is sufficient for you...my power is made perfect through your weakness...”
The strength of the Israelites was on empty...
And then one of my favorite pieces of scripture...Exodus 2:35: “And God knew.”
God knew that He had them (the people He loved) right where He wanted them...to a place of total dependence on Him, His power...and God was about to show His power... again...Power to save the life of a poor baby boy from the River Nile to the Pharoah’s Palace...Power to speak through a warrior angel from the midst of a burning bush...Power to change a fearful man into a courageous ambassador of God Almighty.
And you ask...”Any more power where that came from?...for us?.., today...?...and the One who gave it says...” My Name is still “I Am”...meaning...”I Am all the power you will ever need!”
Did He have another name? YES
JESUS!
In John 8:58...The Pharisees said to Jesus...You are not fifty years old yet...how can you say that you have seen Abraham? “
“Jesus said...”Before Abraham was “I Am.”
Awesome...Our Savior Jesus...from Exodus to the cross and back...Halleluiah...What a Savior.
Let’s enjoy the rest of the story.
