God’s Hand in Human History- Saturday, January 19
NOTE: I am posting this ahead of schedule due to the expected snowstorm Thursday evening with possible power outages.
Our reading for Saturday, January 19, 2013: Genesis 49:1-Exodus 1:22
My selection: Exodus 1:8-10
8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.”
My reflections: Once again, God works through trials and adversity for His good purposes for His people. We saw it with Joseph being sold into slavery in Egypt but eventually rising to assist Pharaoh and to use his position for the good of his family. Now, through the paranoia of the new Pharaoh, the people of Israel are subjected to brutal slavery that will increase their willingness to leave Egypt and their bond with one another as a nation in formation.
My challenge: The hand of God in history may not be obvious in the short term. Thus, we walk by faith in Him who promises to be with us to the end of the age. Must you always see in order to trust? You may not demand that God always allow you to see what He is about. We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). So walk.
Our reading for Sunday, January 20, 2013: Exodus 2:1-4:31