Introduction to the Book of Exodus
The overarching theme of Exodus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs. The success of the exodus must be credited to the power and purpose of God, who remembers his promises, punishes sin, and forgives the repentant. The book highlights Moses’ faithfulness and prayerfulness. (From the English Stander Bible)
Chapter 1: 1-7
August 3, 2024
Israel Increases Greatly in Egypt
These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong so that the land was filled with them.
One must never forget the Sovereign of God, that it was God who sent Joseph to Egypt, not his brother's evil act. It was God who allowed Joseph to be cast into prison, so he could learn to trust only God. It was God who told Joseph the dream of Pharaoh, which moved him to the second person to Pharaoh. I believe the Church often forgets the Sovereign of God; they sing about it, they even hear it preached and taught, and then act as if it all depends on them.
But now the Pharaoh who knew Joseph and welcomed the 70 relatives of his is all dead, and the people of Israel have multiplied and grown very strong, and the land is filled with them. One Pharaoh welcomed them, but now the Pharaoh is fearful of them and is seeking a way to make them serve his nation. And it is still all God’s doing.
It is easy to get to Egypt in our thinking and forget the Sovereign of God. Now, let us recall a promise to the patriarchs. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and God is a keeper of His promises. Now the problem is us, we want it all now, we do not want God’s timeline, and that's going to be a big problem in the life of His Church. God is Sovereign, and you are a created being who needs to learn to run to God and not Egypt. Anytime we try to get our needs met outside of Christ, we are heading to our Egypt. You will find out that Egypt is the world’s concept, and a follower of Christ is not received there. You will bow your knee to them and become a slave to them, or you will awaken to the Truth. Jesus is the Truth, and He has promised this: “I have come that you may have life and have it in the Full.” To receive that fullness, it requires us to abide in Jesus, and He has promised to abide in us.
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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