Oppressed Because You are Blessed

 Oppressed Because You are Blessed

Exodus 5: ⁶ So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying, ⁷ “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. ⁸ And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ ⁹ Let more work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not regard false words.”

 

¹⁰ And the taskmasters of the people and their officers went out and spoke to the people, saying, “Thus says Pharaoh: ‘I will not give you straw. ¹¹ Go, get yourselves straw where you can find it; yet none of your work will be reduced.’ ” ¹² So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. ¹³ And the taskmasters forced them to hurry, saying, “Fulfill your work, your daily quota, as when there was straw.” ¹⁴ Also the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, “Why have you not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as before?”

 

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After GOD told Moses to tell Pharaoh, “Let MY people go,” Moses and Aaron went and performed the amazing signs that GOD was going to do to the Egyptians. News spread quickly that the Hebrews would be saved. But Pharaoh was not going to have any rejoicing. He came up with another wild rule to reduce the raw material supply and keep the quota of buildings that needed to be built for his comfort.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s people were being oppressed at the expense of Pharaoh’s comfort.
• GOD’s people felt they had no way out after they saw the miracles Moses and Aaron demonstrated.
• Things got harder once GOD’s people saw what HE could do.

 

A turn for the worse was taken when Pharaoh saw the people had stopped working. His response was to make life harder for them and beat the people he placed over them. He arranged a hierarchy by choosing Hebrew leaders and making them the focal point of pain if the quotas were not met. This move is still being used to this day.

 

GOD heard the cries of the people way before Pharaoh turned up the heat of oppression. HE prophesied what HE was going to do to the entire Egyptian empire. Those who oppress people and exploit people and take away resources will one day feel GOD’s wrath fall on them. GOD promised it.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the oppressive words from Pharaoh?
• Have you ever felt that the situation has gotten worse after speaking with GOD?
• Will you keep your faith in GOD’s promise of deliverance HE promised you?

An Opportunity to Say Yes

An Opportunity to Say Yes

Exodus 5: Afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’ ”

 

² And Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.”

 

³ So they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please, let us go three days’ journey into the desert and sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest He fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.”

 

⁴ Then the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people from their work? Get back to your labor.” ⁵ And Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are many now, and you make them rest from their labor!”

 

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News had spread about the amazing signs Moses and Aaron performed with GOD’s power. People stopped working to see the great things they were doing and to hear a message of hope that they would one day be freed. When Moses and Aaron went to see Pharaoh, he told everyone to get back to work!

 

My Observations:

• Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh about what GOD said, but Pharaoh did not believe in GOD.
• Pharaoh questioned the power of GOD and said what he would not do, namely let the people go.
• Pharaoh was not intimidated by Moses or Aaron because they were two older men without a huge army.

 

Egyptians revered each Pharaoh as a god. Each person in power could command life or death for the most trivial excuse they could dream up. Pharaoh needed people to work for him and provide him and his family with the comforts of life.

 

Pharaoh’s rule was cruel and unusual. He made the people work with little to no rest. Since he believed he was powerful, he did not acknowledge GOD as the source of life and all things. He was given the opportunity to say, “Yes.” When asked to let the people go. His belief in his own power would be his fall. GOD warned Moses that Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened and HE would help it.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about his first encounter with Pharaoh?
• Has GOD ever asked you to do something and you refused?
• Are you refusing GOD’s calling on your life because of a fear of the world?

Leadership Prepared

Leadership Prepared

Exodus 4: ²⁷ And the Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him on the mountain of God, and kissed him. ²⁸ So Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which He had commanded him. ²⁹ Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. ³⁰ And Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses. Then he did the signs in the sight of the people. ³¹ So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.

 

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GOD spoke to Aaron based on Moses’s request, and sent him to meet Moses on top of the mountain of GOD. After they met they wen to Egypt and met with the elders. There they performed the miracles they were going to perform in front of Pharaoh.

 

My Observations:

• GOD interacts with our free will and HIS will in a way that HE can listen to a request and already know the outcome.
• GOD sent Aaron to Mount Horeb, which is also called Mount Sinai, to have Moses show him the bush that didn’t burn up and to discuss all that GOD said.
• Moses and Aaron went to the elders of the children of Israel and performed all the signs that GOD was about to do.

 

Talk about preparation! GOD did some amazing things in this passage of scripture that I have never noticed before in my life! HE sent Aaron to meet Moses on a huge mountain. They found each other. Moses was probably pretty excited as he pointed to a bush that looked like any old bush, but he saw it on fire at one point.

 

Second Observations:

• I believe the preincarnate JESUS went to send Aaron.
• I believe the HOLY SPIRIT led Aaron directly to Moses.
• I believe the FATHER was orchestrating the salvation of HIS people through JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT, because THEY do not need credit for who was doing what.

 

Moses and Aaron probably talked all the way to Egypt and caught up on forty years of low to no contact. When they arrived, they gathered the elders from each tribe who would tell the history to the people. They performed many of the signs that GOD would have them perform. I say “many” because no one died, which was the last plague that would be imposed on Egypt. The people “believed” and they “worshiped.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about when Aaron was sent and the signs they performed in front of the children of Israel?
• Have you ever had an encounter with GOD that you were excited to share with people?
• What is GOD preparing you and others for?

Everyone But You

Everyone But You

Exodos 4: ²⁴ And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him. ²⁵ Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, “Surely you are a husband of blood to me!” ²⁶ So He let him go. Then she said, “You are a husband of blood!”—because of the circumcision.

 

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After leaving Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, they encountered the preincarnate JESUS. HE was about to kill Moses, whom HE called to bring the people out of Egypt. Zipporah performed a circumcision on Eliezer. JESUS let Moses go.

 

My Observations:

• GOD would not allow Moses to go to Egypt unless Gershom and Eliezer were circumcised.
• GOD told Abram, also known as Abraham, to be circumcised and from then on, every male was to be circumcised on the eight day.
• GOD would not allow Moses to be HIS leader unless he was serious about following what HE specified.

 

When everyone else could get away with ignoring what GOD said, Moses could not. When Moses said “yes” to GOD’s calling, he also said “Yes” to following GOD the way HE wanted. There were many men who grew up uncircumcised around Moses, but he had to follow what GOD told Abram to promise.

 

Zipporah may not have been privy to how serious GOD was about the covenant of circumcision. What seemed insignificant to her was extremely important to GOD. You would think that GOD would have simply told Moses to perform the circumcision like HE told Abram.

 

He must have circumcised Gershom, but for some reason Eliezer was not. This problem had to be rectified by Zipporah, who may have been against the circumcision. She reluctantly performed the delicate operation and protested. GOD did not harm Moses and it shows that HE is serious about HIS leaders. HE also intervenes.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about this circumcision incident?
• Has GOD said for you to do something that you may have mislabeled as insignificant?
• Do you say, “Everyone else can do stuff, why can’t I?” when GOD is trying to make you HIS leader?

Nation Called to Serve GOD

Nation Called to Serve GOD

Exodos 4: ²¹ And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. ²² Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. ²³ So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” ’ ”

 

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After Moses accepted his calling, he went to his father-in-law to leave peacefully. Moses left his contentment to do what GOD called him to do. GOD warned Moses by telling him this would not be easy, but Moses was supposed to be obedient in doing all the wonders GOD had in store. GOD then calls Israel HIS “son.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD referred to Israel as HIS “son” for the first time, meaning nation, not JESUS.
• GOD wanted the nation of Israel to serve HIM after being called out of Egypt.
• GOD used the decree of the Pharaoh by saying “I will kill your son.”

 

When GOD says HE will kill someone, it’s not good. If you substitute the word “son” for “nation” and reread the scripture, you will see that GOD was about to take Egypt out of power. Their rule was far reaching and cruel. There is also a time that is too late with GOD. Pharaoh and the Egyptian beliefs had already reached the point of no return. GOD would harden their hearts. This is scary.

 

GOD also used the decree “I will kill your son” as Egypt’s own words used against them. One Pharaoh told the children of Israel to kill their sons by throwing them into the river. GOD would eventually perform a plague that would involve the river turning into blood. GOD was preparing Moses that even though miracles would be performed, Pharaoh would not admit that GOD is GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warnings about Pharaoh?
• Do you think GOD doesn’t see your suffering or the hearts of those who have been cruel?
• In the middle of uncertainty and cruelness, will you remain obedient to GOD to see HIS deliverance?

Peaceful Acceptance of the Calling

Peaceful Acceptance of the Calling

Exodus 4: ¹⁸ So Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.”

And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

 

¹⁹ Now the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return to Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead.” ²⁰ Then Moses took his wife and his sons and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

 

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GOD appeared to Moses in the form of fire inside of a bush. GOD showed Moses HIS power by turning his rod into a snake. HE also turned Moses’s hand leprous and healed it. Moses declined the calling, BUT GOD gave him an alternative to his thinking. HE would send Aaron with him. Moses went to his father-in-law and told him about he was leaving.

 

My Observations:

• Moses accepted GOD’s calling on his life.
• Moses wanted peace with his father-in-law, so he asked for permission.
• GOD had to assure Moses that no one would be out to kill him because those who sought his life were all dead.

 

As comfortable and content as Moses was, he was being asked to go and free the Israelites from captivity in Egypt. GOD helped Moses overcome his comfort and contentment by sending him back into action. The reason Moses killed an Egyptian is because he saw unfair treatment. He took matters in his own hand, which caused the Egyptians to want to kill him and the Israelites to fear him. He was in a bad place.

 

BUT GOD gave him comfort that HE would be with him. Moses packed up his family, Zipporah, Gershom and Eliezer, and headed to Egypt. He also took with him the rod of GOD as a sign that he believed in what GOD said.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about his conversation with his father-in-law.
• Have you come to grips with GOD’s calling on your life even though it may be scary?
• Are you overwhelmed by GOD’s calling on your life and will you accept HIS peace?

Free Will Taken Seriously

Free Will Taken Seriously

Exodus 4: ¹³ But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.”

 

¹⁴ So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. ¹⁵ Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. ¹⁶ So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God. ¹⁷ And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

 

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Seeing the miracles of the rod becoming a serpent and his hand becoming leprous may have convinced Moses that he was talking to GOD. He even was talking to a bush on fire but it was not consumed. But Moses declined GOD’s calling.

 

My Observations:

• GOD tries to include humans in HIS plan to save people and has strong feelings when HE is rejected.
• GOD was still gentle with Moses and HE provided him with an alternative.
• When Moses left Egypt, he must have told Aaron and Miriam which direction he would go so he could be found.

 

Being called into GOD’s plan is not what we want as humans. Moses just wanted to live a content life. He did not want to be rich or famous or powerful. He was speaking to GOD and turned down HIS offer. BUT GOD wanted Moses.

 

GOD shows us something strange. HE did not force Moses to do what HE wanted. HE also showed us that HE will not step in to make us do anything. HE takes the free will HE gave us seriously. HE gave Moses an alternative to consider. Moses could have said “No” again but this time he didn’t. GOD asked Moses to help HIM rescue HIS people. I believe HE is doing the same for you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS anger HE had in the response?
• Have you ever turned down GOD because HE asked you to do something difficult?
• Do you want GOD to do everything and not expect HIM to want you to do something for HIM?

Excuses to Not Trust

Excuses to Not Trust

Exodus 4: ¹⁰ Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

 

¹¹ So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? ¹² Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”

 

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After GOD showed HIS power three times, Moses said to GOD that he was not a good speaker. GOD replied to him in a comforting way.

 

My Observations:

• Moses ended up being one of the greatest leaders in history, yet he had insecurities.
• Moses was ambivalent to the calling of GOD.
• GOD reveals that HE knows when people are sick and is involved with health.

 

When GOD’s calling collides with human free will, it seems to be a battle. Moses had a comfortable life and wanted to simply live with his wife and kid(s). He didn’t seem like he wanted to protest, fight or face any issues, yet GOD was sending him to face a human who was powerful, antagonistic and worshipped as a god.

 

Moses may have gotten scared. Wouldn’t you? BUT GOD said something we all can learn from “I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” GOD does not seem harsh here, rather HE is concerned about the people in Egypt and seems to want humans to interact with human problems. HE carefully allows free will to be managed by humans, but intervenes enough. GOD wants our trust.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation regarding Moses’s excuse?
• Has GOD ever clearly given you a promise that you started making excuses not to trust?
• What thing is GOD withholding to compassionately develop a greater trust in HIM?

If They Do Not Believe You

If They Do Not Believe You

Exodus 4: ⁶ Furthermore the Lord said to him, “Now put your hand in your bosom.” And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow. ⁷ And He said, “Put your hand in your bosom again.” So he put his hand in his bosom again, and drew it out of his bosom, and behold, it was restored like his other flesh. ⁸ “Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter sign. ⁹ And it shall be, if they do not believe even these two signs, or listen to your voice, that you shall take water from the river and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take from the river will become blood on the dry land.”

 

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Moses was sent by GOD to bring the Hebrews out from under the cruel hands of the Egyptians. Moses asked questions about his calling. GOD obliged him by performing miracles. Moses stuck his hand in his bosom and it became leprous. He then put it back in and it was healed.

 

My Observations:

• Moses needed convincing that he was called by GOD to do what HE said.
• Moses placed his hand in the fold area where the ribs meet the stomach, but there may have also been a miraculous insertion under the skin.
• GOD told Moses that if they do not believe, then HE was going to handle it.

 

Convincing people was not Moses’s job like he thought. He was simply supposed to be obedient and allow GOD to do the supernatural stuff. This is the first time leprosy is mentioned in the Bible. GOD was showing Moses that HE can cause a supernatural disease and heal it just as easily.

 

GOD wanted Moses to have solid belief in his calling. HE wants the same with you. It is not up to you whether someone believes in GOD’s calling on your life, or that they place their belief in HIS SON. GOD wants you and me to be faithful to HIM and to do as HE says. HE is looking for the lost and HIS directions on our lives are pure in HIS pursuit.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the miracle of leprosy on his hand?
• Do you need convincing of your calling?
• Once convinced of your calling, what are your next steps to being faithful to GOD?

You Have Everything You Need

You Have Everything You Need

Exodus 4: Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”

 

² So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

 

He said, “A rod.”

 

³ And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. ⁴ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), ⁵ “that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”

 

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Moses, being unsure of himself, asked GOD “What if they don’t believe me?” GOD had just told Moses to go get HIS people out of Egypt. Moses needed some confirmation.

 

My Observations:

• Moses felt insignificant, inadequate and inferior to the Egyptians who had armies, wealth and power.
• GOD asked Moses a question that HE knew the answer to, but wanted Moses to self-discover what HE was about to do.
• GOD turned the rod into a serpent to convince Moses that HE can do anything and that serpents are under HIS authority.

 

“You have everything you need,” seems to be the message GOD was giving to Moses. “All you need is the stick you have in your hand and I will do the rest,” is what I’m getting from this demonstration of power. I believe you and I underestimate the true power of GOD.

 

When we try to steer GOD by telling HIM what we need, we miss the point that HE has already provided us with everything we need. GOD was about to use a rod to defeat the Egyptians who were mistreating other humans. When you have GOD you have all you need.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the conversation HE had with him about the rod?
• Do you sometimes feel inadequate to take on large challenges GOD may want you to take on?
• Will you trust GOD and know you have everything you need to defeat the giant you are facing?

Abundant Deliverance Promised

Abundant Deliverance Promised

Exodus 3: ¹⁶ Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; ¹⁷ and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’ ¹⁸ Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ ¹⁹ But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. ²⁰ So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. ²¹ And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. ²² But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

 

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GOD continues to give the words HE wanted Moses to say to the children of Israel. HE told Moses to gather the elders of Israel so they could announce what GOD was about to do.

 

My Observations:

• The elders of Israel passed verbal history down to the generations and knew about what GOD did in Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’s life.
• GOD said that HE saw what the Egyptians did so Moses would convey to the elders that GOD knows what is going on.
• GOD promised that HE not only would cause the Egyptians to want the Hebrews to leave, HE would also cause them to give up all their stuff.

 

One thing I notice is GOD seems very riled up, but was in full control of the situation. HE said exactly what would happen and how the Egyptians would not respond favorably. HE also said how HE was going to handle the situation and what the result would be.

 

GOD did not say the children of Israel had to be better, try harder, pray more, give more or dismiss their pain. In other words, it seems like GOD is saying, “I GOT THIS!” I believe GOD had to speak to the elders to alter the stories being told.

 

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had remarkable situations that were handed down from generation to generation. BUT GOD was about to do something with this generation. HE still does this with those who believe. HE is still doing a marvelous “wonders” that will not leave HIS people “empty-handed.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS prophecy HE wanted to be delivered to the elders of Israel?
• Have you been waiting on GOD’s deliverance for a long time?
• Will you trust that HIS promises to deliver you are solid and you can place full trust in them?

Gaining Clarity

Gaining Clarity

Exodus 3: ¹¹ But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

 

¹² So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

 

¹³ Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”

 

¹⁴ And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” ¹⁵ Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ 

 

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Moses seemed content with his life. He lived in the desert with his wife and child. He had plenty to eat and faced no contention. BUT GOD told him to “bring MY people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” Moses asked some clarifying questions.

 

My Observations:

• Moses seemed scared to address any Pharaoh after being labeled a wanted man for killing an Egyptian.
• Moses was probably addressing an issue he saw with the children of Israel where their beliefs were mixed with other cultures polytheistic beliefs when he asked GOD HIS name.
• GOD gave the vaguest, yet sovereign answer to tell the children of Israel, “IAM WHO I AM.”

 

You would think that Moses would have asked more questions about the problems he would have with the Egyptians. He seemed to be more worried about the children of Israel needing to be convinced that they should leave. He may have sensed that they feared GOD, but they also had been in Egypt for a long, long time. They may have started to believe in the Egyptian culture of many gods.

 

When Moses asked, “” What is HIS name?” regarding the question the children of Israel might ask, GOD did not say “Tell them” or “persuade them” or “MY name is.” HE replied “I AM WHO I AM.” This is the final say. No more will be said. No convincing needed. No more is needed.

 

GOD is known as the great I AM. People have tried to separate JESUS from the FATHER and from the HOLY SPIRIT. Later, when JESUS became a human, HE called HIMSELF, “I AM.” This enraged the Pharisees. GOD sent Moses and said HE would be with him. Moses needed that boost of confidence, and perhaps you do as well. I AM is with you.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the conversation HE had when HE called him to be HIS leader?
• What questions do you have about your calling?
• Did GOD’s calling on your life scare you enough to make you ask HIM questions for clarity?

Deliverance From Pain and Sorrow

 

Deliverance From Pain and Sorrow

Exodus 3: ⁷ And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. ⁸ So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. ⁹ Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. ¹⁰ Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”

 

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Speaking in unison, GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT told Moses that HE has heard the cries of HIS people who are in Egypt. HE then said “I have come down to deliver them.”

 

My Observations:

• All the Hebrews could do is cry out to GOD.
• GOD knew who was doing the oppression, how long they were doing it and when.
• GOD made a promise to Moses that HE would deliver HIS children out of Egypt.

 

Telling Moses that HE heard the cry of the people is one thing, but to tell him, “Okay, here is what I am going to have you do something about it” is another. Moses was not crying out. In fact, he was getting older and was content to spend the rest of his life with his wife Zipporah tending Jethro’s flock.

 

I believe GOD has a time limit on oppression. After the cure HE put on creation and after the flood, GOD allowed free will to take its course. Unfortunately, humans usually do not turn to GOD, rather they seek other humans for wisdom. The Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites, to me, represent various human beliefs that people easily fall into without consulting GOD.

 

Egyptians were oppressing the children of Israel the most. GOD also saw that they would run to other humans that did not have their best interest in mind. Only GOD knew how much HE cared for them and HE decided to send Moses.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS promise HE told him when speaking from the burning bush?
• Are you seeking contentment away from the troubles that other people are facing?
• Are you available to join up with GOD as HE executes HIS plan of bringing HIS people back to HIM?

Unprotected Interaction

Unprotected Interaction

Exodus 3: Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. ² And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. ³ Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”

 

⁴ So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”

 

And he said, “Here I am.”

 

⁵ Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” ⁶ Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

 

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Moses was a Hebrew who believed in GOD’s direction. He would live with the murder he did for the rest of his life. He fled the murder scene and lived in the desert where he found peace. One day, Moses went a different route to graze the flocks of his father-in-law Jethro. GOD appeared to him as a flame in a bush and told him to remove his sandals, for where he stood was holy ground.

 

My Observations:

• Moses was content to stay in the desert the rest of his life.
• GOD pursued Moses and appeared to him differently than he had ever appeared to anyone before.
• GOD seemed to want a special interaction with Moses that required the physical touch of his feet.

 

I believe when writers use the words “the Angel of LORD,” it usually represents JESUS. But this morning I see more than JESUS here. I see the totality of GOD speaking to Moses. The FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT are present here, versus one entity. If the FATHER spoke, HE could say “I am GOD.” JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT could say the same thing.

 

Appearing as a fire that did not harm HIS creation seemed like GOD’s way of showing that HE means no harm, but could if HE wanted to. I also believe that it is impossible to comprehend GOD so HE showed HIS appearance to Moses in a unique way.

 

We try to separate GOD into roles and sometimes leave out one entity or another. GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT wanted to interact with HIS creation without any manmade item getting in the way. Moses sin did not block the desire of GOD to want the interaction.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD appear to Moses and why does HE want Moses to remove his sandals?
• Have you ever felt unworthy to have GOD pursue you?
• Is GOD pursuing you  and does HE want you to remove something that blocks a holy interaction with HIM?

Life Is What You Do With It

 Life Is What You Do With It

Exodus 2: ²³ Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. ²⁴ So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. ²⁵ And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them.

 

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Somewhere over the course of forty years, the new Pharaoh died, but the affliction on the Hebrews remained. The people groaned and cried out to GOD because of their bondage. GOD heard the cries.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph was placed in Egypt as a blessing to him.
• The children of Israel were free while Joseph was alive, but enslaved after his death.
• GOD knew HE would free HIS people before they were enslaved.

 

When GOD made Adam and Eve, HE did not create them with problems. They had freedom to eat anything, say anything and go anywhere. Unfortunately, Satan tricked them into desiring what GOD said they shouldn’t. This is the fall of humanity. Ever since then, humans have tried to rule over other humans. Pharaoh spent his life in pursuit of ruling over people. He died without pleasing GOD.

 

Our free will is documented in the Bible. GOD knew and saw everything, but the Bible is written from a human perspective of what HE revealed. Humans were in bondage in Egypt and needed GOD’s rescue. The timing was right for GOD to put things into action to free HIS people. “GOD acknowledged them.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the death of the new Pharaoh and the Hebrews groaning?
• What are you spending your life’s time on?
• Can you make GOD your purpose in life despite the situation?

Moses Finds a Family

 Moses Finds a Family

Exodus 2: ¹⁶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water, and they filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. ¹⁷ Then the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

 

¹⁸ When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “How is it that you have come so soon today?”

 

¹⁹ And they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and he also drew enough water for us and watered the flock.”

 

²⁰ So he said to his daughters, “And where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.”

 

²¹ Then Moses was content to live with the man, and he gave Zipporah his daughter to Moses. ²² And she bore him a son. He called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.”

 

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Moses wanted to get away from the Egyptians because he killed one of them. He also wanted to get away from the Hebrews because they saw what he did and asked him “Who made you prince and judge over us?” Moses went to Midian.

 

My Observations:

• Moses was scared and confused when he left Egypt.
• Moses was a physically strong, brave fighter who could kill someone easily.
• Moses was actually a gentle servant.

 

Reuel, or Jethro would eventually become Moses’s father-in-law. Zipporah would become his wife. They were Midianites. This group of people would fight the Israelites later. But for now, Moses was accepted into the family.

 

Zipporah would bare a son named Gershom, meaning a stranger. Gershom would not inherit the leadership of the Hebrews because GOD chooses HIS leaders. Not much was said about Gershom. Midian was probably near the mountain where Moses would eventually meet GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses to talk about his encounter with the Midianites?
• Have you ever felt like getting away from the problems you may have caused?
• Has GOD sent you to a strange place for you to start over?

Vigilante Approach

 Vigilante Approach

Exodus 2: ¹¹ Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. ¹² So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. ¹³ And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, “Why are you striking your companion?”

 

¹⁴ Then he said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?”

 

So Moses feared and said, “Surely this thing is known!” ¹⁵ When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well.

 

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Moses knew he was a Hebrew being raised as an Egyptian. He had the best Egypt had to offer at his every whim. He was the adopted grandson of Pharaoh. One day, Moses had enough of the Egyptian tyranny. He took it upon himself to kill an Egyptian. He thought he hid his murder, but was exposed by the Hebrews. He fled from Pharaoh.

 

My Observations:

• Moses felt he had the right to murder someone, just by watching someone else’s mistreatment.
• Moses was growing a heart for the salvation of the Hebrews, but he was going about it in a way that was not pleasing to GOD.
• Moses fled to the land of Midian, otherwise known as the desert.

 

While Moses motive was good, his method was not. Killing someone is appalling to GOD. Ever since the first murder of Cain, GOD saw people killed and felt every one of the murders. Moses had to confess that he was a murderer when writing Exodus.

 

This passage of scripture brings Moses up to date. From this point on, Moses can recall clearly what happened. Yet, GOD had to bring the information to his memory. This slice of history is less about Moses and more about the Israelites. Moses did not know that he was being choses to be the leader of the Israelites and would take them out of bondage someday.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses to write down his act of murder and his attempt to cover it up?
• Have you ever tried to cover something up?
• Have you made some mistakes that needs GOD’s forgiveness so HE can make you the leader HE needs you to be?

Wages for Motherhood

Wages for Motherhood

Exodus 2: ⁵ Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. ⁶ And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”

 

⁷ Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?”

 

⁸ And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother. ⁹ Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. ¹⁰ And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

 

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Jochebed, Moses’s mother, wanted her son to live. She made an ark for him and placed him in the water, praying that GOD would protect him. Pharaoh gave the decree that all males born, must be killed. Pharaoh’s daughter was bathing and saw the ark with the baby. She then hired Jochebed to nurse her own baby.

 

My Observations:

• GOD heard the prayer from Jochebed that is not written, but implied.
• Pharaoh’s daughter happened to be at the right place and at the right time to see the baby.
• Anyone other than Pharaoh’s daughter would have been penalized for saving a Hebrew baby.

 

Jochebed had no idea that she would ever see her son again. She built an ark to save him. This took faith that GOD would have a plan to feed him and care for him. The ark was sealed to protect the baby from wild animals, but that was all she could do.

 

GOD saw the situation and the HOLY SIPRIT orchestrated the timing of Pharaoh’s daughter’s bath. She was at the right age, the right temperament and the right time. She paid Jochebed to nurse her own son. Can you imagine the joy she felt? Pharaoh’s daughter named the child Moses, meaning drawn out from the water or saved from the water. Moses would see many other water events!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about his mother being chosen to nurse him?
• Have you ever experienced GOD’s supernatural intervention?
• Have you forgotten that GOD can and will use supernatural powers to intervene in your situation?

Ark of Salvation for Moses

 

Ark of Salvation for Moses

Exodus 2: And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. ² So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. ³ But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. ⁴ And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

 

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Moses begins his autobiography with the words given to him by GOD. He starts of with the tribe he is from. He then talks about his salvation:

 

My Observations:

• Moses was from the Tribe of Levi, which would later become the Levitical Priests.
• Amram is Moses’ father and Jochebed is his mother who made an ark to save Moses from being killed.
• Miriam is Moses’ sister who watched over him to make sure he was safe.

 

GOD made an ark to save Noah and his family. HE wanted to save the world by saving one family. GOD did the same for Moses. An ark was built by his mother to save him from being found. She had no idea what would happen to him, but I am sure she prayed to GOD about this.

 

The midwives were followers of GOD and so was his mother. They would not obey Pharaoh’s order to kill all males because they feared the LORD. Jochebed was no exception. She feared the LORD and wanted to protect her son. Miriam followed GOD as well. GOD placed two women in Moses life who would pray and watch over HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD inspire Moses to write his autobiography, starting with his tribe and his ark ride?
• Has there ever been a time in your life that you knew you were being watched over?
• What is your ark of salvation that sustained you from trouble?

Obedience Over Horror

 Obedience Over Horror

Exodus 1: ¹⁵ Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; ¹⁶ and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” ¹⁷ But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. ¹⁸ So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?”

 

¹⁹ And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.”

 

²⁰ Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. ²¹ And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them.

 

²² So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Every son who is born you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.”

 

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Seeing GOD’s blessings over the children of Israel made the new Pharaoh furious. He came up with a plan to murder all males born to the Hebrews to control their birthrate. He did not factor in GOD.

 

My Observations:

• The midwives knew that killing was wrong and they disobeyed Pharaoh’s commands to follow what GOD wanted.
• The midwives chose a dangerous path by disobeying Pharaoh.
• The midwives showed healthy fear of the LORD by disobeying a horrible insecure human.

 

Some people think obedience is a weakness, but in this example, it took strength and courage to say “No!” They would not only disobey Pharaoh, they would be the catalyst for even more reproduction. GOD dwelt with the midwives and the people multiplied.

 

HE also protected them and provided “households” for them. This made Pharaoh even more furious. He told everyone to cast male babies into the river. This was the beginning of the losing fight against GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the midwives’ fear of the LORD?
• Has a human law that would harm other people, forced you into making a decision to obey GOD or fall in line with the harm?
• Will you stand firm on faith or move because of fear?

Far From the Garden

Far From the Garden

Exodus 1: ⁸ Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. ⁹ And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; ¹⁰ come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.” ¹¹ Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. ¹² But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. ¹³ So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. ¹⁴ And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor.

 

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Remember the Garden of Eden? Adam and Eve were placed in a perfect habitat where they could be fruitful and multiply without any hatred or bitterness. But now the Egyptians were hateful and bitter towards the children of Israel. The new Pharaoh had not heard of endearing stories of Joseph. All he cared about was pacifying his fear.

 

My Observations:

• The new Pharaoh wanted slaves and he expressed his insecurities with other Egyptians.
• The new Pharaoh came up with a plan that would put the children of Israel into bondage.
• The new Pharoah made the lives of the children of Israel bitter with hard bondage.

 

When the new leader of the nation was put in place, even the Egyptians felt the problem. When Joseph was alive, the Egyptians and the Israelites got along well. They lived in harmony and prospered. The peace experienced during the Joseph years was as close to peace felt by Adam and Eve.

 

But the new national leader came in with words of fear, hatred and bondage. Humanity was falling further and further from GOD. The longer humans spent out of the Garden of Eden, the more evil they became. GOD saw the new leader’s heart and had a plan to deliver HIS people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the supernatural child fertility even when the children of Israel were afflicted?
• Have you ever experienced a new leader who has afflicted many people?
• Do you believe that what was meant for evil by the leader who afflicted many, GOD will use for good?

Fruitful Generations

 

Fruitful Generations

Exodus 1: Now these are the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt; each man and his household came with Jacob: ² Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; ³ Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; ⁴ Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. ⁵ All those who were descendants of Jacob were seventy persons (for Joseph was in Egypt already). ⁶ And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. ⁷ But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.

 

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This book begins with the twelve tribes of Israel moving to Egypt. Joseph was capture and brought to Egypt and his brothers moved there due to the famine GOD created. What was meant for evil, GOD used it for good. All of the tribes of Israel were now in Egypt and they were flourishing.

 

My Observations:

• The Hebrews were considered to be a lower class than the Egyptians.
• The children of Israel “were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty.”
• The Egyptians were probably not as fruitful.

 

Joseph’s generation all passed away. The twelve brothers were now known as tribes of Israel. Each tribe performed to the blessing given by Jacob. All of the tribes had many children. The fertility rate was supernatural!

 

GOD was growing the nation of Israel in an amazing way. You would think that everyone would be happy about this. But the multiplication and supernatural fertility would soon pose a threat to the Egyptians. GOD provided the fertility.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the generations of fertility in the nation of Israel?
• Has your success ever been met with jealousy?
• Is GOD making you fruitful for a reason?

Triumphant Exit Prophesied

 Triumphant Exit Prophesied

Genesis 50: ²² So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. ²³ Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees.

 

²⁴ And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” ²⁵ Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” ²⁶ So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

 

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Abraham died when he was one hundred seventy-five. Isaac died when he was one hundred eighty. Jacob died at one hundred forty-seven. Now Joseph died at one hundred ten. Most of Joseph’s life was spent in Egypt. He had the best food and the best care. He told his brothers and his children that he would be carried out of Egypt one day.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph prophesied the exit from Egypt, possibly prompted by the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD did not have Moses record any mourning that was done over Joseph, but we can assume it went longer than that of Jacob.
• Joseph’s brothers were also aged, with Benjamin in his nineties.

 

What was meant for evil, GOD meant for good. HE protected Joseph and placed him over Egypt. HE then protected Egypt while Joseph was alive. This did not mean that GOD condoned what Egyptians believed in. Egyptians believed that humans could be gods. They worshipped idols, humans and they owned other humans. All of this was appalling to GOD.

 

One day the Hebrews would be separated from the Egyptians, was Joseph’s dying prophesy. His relatives had no idea what was coming. Pharaoh was old as well. He allowed Joseph and his family to live in peace and luxury until Joseph died. GOD was about to do a great move.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD only told Moses about Joseph’s prophecy and did not include detail about the Egyptians mourning over him?
• Have you ever felt stuck or imprisoned?
• Is GOD planning a great Exodus for you and the people you support who are oppressed?

True Leaders Forgive

 

True Leaders Forgive

Genesis 50: ¹⁵ When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” ¹⁶ So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ¹⁷ ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

 

¹⁸ Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”

 

¹⁹ Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? ²⁰ But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ²¹ Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

 

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Joseph’s brothers hated him and his relationship with their father. Now that Jacob was dead, they figured Joseph’s wrath would finally come out. They sent a messenger to ask for their forgiveness. Then they went to see him and bowed before him and asked for forgiveness.

 

 

My Observations:

• Joseph’s brothers wanted to harm him, but this evil was seen by GOD and used to raise him up.
• Joseph’s brothers were erratic, so they sent a messenger to ask for forgiveness, but felt the need to show up in person.
• Joseph acknowledged their evil and showed mercy, because he could have had them put to death and no one would have blinked by doing so.

 

True leaders hear from GOD and forgive. I believe this entire slice of history is placed in the Bible by GOD to show us that forgiveness is available for us to use any time. False leaders bully people and hide their evil. BUT GOD sees their evil and will repay.

 

Vengeance is owned by GOD. HE will repay. But HE also sees the heart of the forgiver. Joseph’s name is forever known as a leader who GOD raised up to be an example of forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Joseph’s forgiveness?
• Are you in need of forgiveness and have not spoken to people in a while, or have you not forgiven someone and are avoiding them?
• Do you see how important forgiveness is to GOD and is there someone you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness?

Recognized Mourning

 Recognized Mourning

Genesis 50: ¹⁰ Then they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and they mourned there with a great and very solemn lamentation. He observed seven days of mourning for his father. ¹¹ And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a deep mourning of the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan.

 

¹² So his sons did for him just as he had commanded them. ¹³ For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place. ¹⁴ And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father.

 

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After leaving Egypt, Joseph and the rest of the funeral processional arrived at the burial site. The inhabitants saw the mourning. Joseph mourned an additional seven days on top of the seventy and the forty done in Egypt.

 

My Observations:

• The Philistines recognized that Joseph and the Egyptians were not trying to raid the land, rather they were in mourning.
• The locals saw that the Egyptians mourned, and were so amazed that they named the place Abel Mizraim, which means “Where Egyptians Mourn.”
• Almost a third of a year was spent mourning over Jacob.

 

When Jacob made his sons promise to go back and bury him in the place where Abraham and Isaac were buried, they may have had mixed emotions. They had to go back to the place where they plotted against Joseph and near the place where they murdered someone out of vengeance.

 

They had been gone for almost twenty years, but the feelings may have still been there. The locals saw that they were minimally armed so they left them alone. Egypt and the Philistines were not friends, so this funeral was strange. GOD provided a peaceful mourning time.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the inhabitants of the Canaanites?
• Have you ever been at odds with someone but saw that they were going through something?
• Can you recognize that someone you may be arguing with may be going through something only GOD can see?

Pronounced Burial

Pronounced Burial

Genesis 50: ⁴ Now when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the hearing of Pharaoh, saying, ⁵ ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come back.’ ”

 

⁶ And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear.”

 

⁷ So Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, ⁸ as well as all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds they left in the land of Goshen. ⁹ And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering.

 

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After one hundred ten days, Joseph asked Pharaoh for some time off so that he could bury his father. Pharaoh agreed and Joseph got the funeral processional together.

 

My Observations:

• Israel’s funeral was the largest mentioned in Genesis.
• Egyptians mingled with Hebrews in this strange brief period of unity around mourning.
• GOD cleared the way for Joseph to bury Jacob.

 

The only people left at home were the little kids and the people who would watch over them and the animals. Everyone else went to the funeral. Sarah, Abraham, Rebekah, Isaac and Leah had small unannounced funerals. Rachel was buried in a place that her death happened and her funeral was small.

 

But Jacob’s funeral was pronounced throughout Egypt. People had to know ahy Joseph was going to be away, so they were told. Egyptians and Hebrews joined together to mourn Jacob, who GOD made great despite how he lived. GOD brought unity in a strange way.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Joseph’s permission to bury his father?
• Is your life part of a story that GOD is not finished with?
• Will your story be ended with giving up because it seemed hard or that you pressed on for GOD’s purpose?