January 16, 2024 - Exodus 1-2

“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.  Now there arose a new king over Egypt” (1:6-8).  In any story, certainly in the biblical story, always there are moments when the story turns quickly either for good or bad.  For Israel, living under a new king, things were about to get about as bad as they could.  How bad, you ask?  Hard labor, enslavement, and Pharaoh commanding, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live” (1:22).  Their baby boys were being killed!

“Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God.  And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel-- and God knew” (2:23-25).  God heard.  He remembered.  And he knew.  Adam Dorsey, in his song “I Am God,” sings (of God speaking), “I’m the one who tells the wind how fierce it can be. . . . My grace is enough.  Do not be afraid.  I am God.”  Do not be afraid . . . a good word for today.

O magnify the Lord with me,

exalt his holy name;

when in distress to him I called,

he to my rescue came.

The hosts of God encamp around

the dwellings of the just;

deliv’rance he affords to all

who in his promise trust.   –C. M. Downs, paraphrase of Psalm 34 (1754)