Exodus continues where Genesis left off in terms of the Israelite nation narrative, approximately 400 years later. If you need a little refresher on Genesis, I have reflected on that entire book previously, and you can search on previous entries. The setting that opens Exodus is the land of Egypt. You will recall Joseph and his entire family had moved to this land when the severe famine attacked their homeland. Joseph had been there much longer and had a very prestigious position, having helped the Egyptian people in a big way. But unfortunately, it seems, his legacy did not live on in the memories of the new Pharaoh and officials.
The legacy did continue in terms of being fruitful. God promised Abraham he would be the father of a great nation. That multitude of descendants was now enslaved because of the Egyptian’s fear of losing power or control to such a mass of people.
The Egyptians did all they could to beat down the hearty Israelites. The slave drivers were ruthless. Yet, the Israelites continued to multiply. The solution was to kill all boy children. That would surely weaken the Israelites. Hebrew midwives were given the charge to kill these innocent babies. They could not do it. They feared their Lord more than they feared Pharoah. And the Lord blessed them for it.
God was with his people. It may not have felt like it when spending long days doing back crushing labor. But we are never promised a trouble-free life for being a believer. In fact, we should expect trials and persecution. I always figure that when I’m facing challenges, it’s because I’m on the right track and Satan is trying to mess things up. Let’s always be in tune with God’s will for us. We, like the Hebrew women, should fear God more than we fear powers of the world. We need courage like that.
As we walk through the book of Exodus, we are going to be challenged to be clear on our own mission and assignment from God. Are you feeling close and connected to God right now, or are you feeling alone and abandoned? Either way, the truth is the same. God has a plan for you, and he is close to you this very moment.
Let’s pray. Lord, I know in my heart that you are close, but sometimes my head forgets. Help me focus on you and your mission for me. Use me as you see fit to be a light in this world. Thank you for every opportunity you bring to me each day to share your love for us. Fill me with the words to say and help me always move people closer to you and the person you made them to be. That includes me. Mold me into the servant you have designed me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
