Arms Reaching

Greetings Everyone, Yesterday we completed the book of Genesis and today we start in Exodus. Our Text today, Exodus 1-3 covers the Israelites becoming oppressed by the Egyptians, the birth of Moses and Moses at the burning bush. Today’s text can be found at;

https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/beginning/2023/01/18?version=NIV

Things to Ponder – Day 18:

Why were the Egyptians being treated differently?

What were the Moses excuses offered God at the burning bush?

Time to follow-up on the “Things to Ponder” regarding Joseph

Day 17 – Why did Joseph’s brother still fear him?

Joseph brothers were not concerned about Joseph thier brother during the elaborate ruse being played out before them Pharaoh’s second in command. They feared their harsh treatment was punishment from God for the wrong they perpetuated against Joseph, and they were more concerned about Jacob’s possible reaction to an assumed loss of their youngest brother Benjamin.

Day 15 – Why didn’t Joseph just reveal himself do his brothers when they first arrived in Egypt, after all they had bowed down to Joseph as he had dreamed?

Why the elaborate ruse, why didn’t Joseph just reveal himself to his brothers from the beginning after all he was the powerful man in Egypt next to Pharaoh? There are differing opinions here, some say he did it out of spite, looking for revenge. While others say he was simply testing them. The bible does not implicitly state a reason for the deception many bible scholars believe that Joseph was testing his brothers, to see if they had learned any lessons from their treatment of him as a youth. Joseph told his brothers “do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. (Gen 45:5)” Joseph was showing his brothers loving kindness and forgiveness.

Day 17 – Why did Jacob pass the greater blessing to Ephraim over Manasseh?

In an interesting twist Jacob chooses to give Joseph’s second born son Ephraim the greater blessing instead of the normal birthright/offering going to the oldest born Manasseh over Joseph’s objections. Joseph named Ephraim (which means doubly fruitful) because as Joseph declared “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering. (Gen 41:52).” Then when Joseph objected to Jacob, Jacob says “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations. (Gen 48:19)” This proves to be prophetic has the 10 northern tribes of Israel will be lead by the tribe of Ephraim.

Day 14 – What can we take away from Joseph’s story?

I could write a whole series of blogs or sermons on “What can we learn from the story of Joseph?” But I will try to be brief (like my sermons, lol.) First in terms of parenting, we need to be diligent in NOT showing favoritism towards our children. Second in terms of adultery, the best defense is to avoid being in a situation that could lead to an opportunity for sin, and if all else fails… run! Finally, and most important evil is in the world, at times we will find ourselves in difficult circumstances, during those times remain faithful, understand and accept that God is ultimately in charge, and be confident that God will reward our faithfulness in his time. God will overcome evil to complete His plans.

Thanks you for following along! More tomorrow.

Brother Jack