Overflow Daily...ish: Turn of Events

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 

Exodus 1:8 (ESV) 

Words matter. They really do. They can paint vivid pictures in our minds with just a few words. For example, what do you imagine when I say “she rode without hands”? I’m pretty sure most of you imagined a girl riding her bicycle without holding on to her handlebars. There was no mention of a bicycle and yet this is what we picture. Why? Because words can impact the way we feel, understand, or perceive. We may be having a great day and then hear the words, “I am sorry to have to tell you…”

In the opening verses of Exodus we are reminded of the Israelite people. They are in Egypt and God has provided and protected them during the years of famine. And in verse 7 we see an indication that God has been with them and they have been prosperous as we read how they “were fruitful, increased rapidly, multiplied, and became extremely numerous so that the land was filled with them.” (HCSB). Maybe we feel a bit hopeful that now with this large group they will be able to take over and receive the Promised land.

But verse 8 hits us like the theme music to Jaws; a bad omen of what is to come. This one verse indicates to us that there is a complete shift in political power and relational peace between the Egyptians and the Israelites. The new pharaoh has no regard for the people of God and the rest that the Israelites experienced in the land of Goshen will be replaced with great persecution, slavery, and doubt. But we know that there will be more to this story.

It is perhaps the most popular singular event in the Old Testament and an amazing display of God’s power, love, and grace. We know that God does not forget His people, that He will preserve them and that He will lead them out from bondage and into freedom. It does not matter how large or powerful the opposition is because nothing can contend against the power of God. And so, while verse 8 brings cause for concern, we know that God is faithful. We declare this in the present tense, God is faithful and not God was faithful. No matter what situation or trial God allows us to go through, we can trust in Him knowing that He will work it for our good and for His glory.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Alex

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