Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we. Come, let us deal wisely with them, or else they will multiply and in the event of war, they will also join themselves to those who hate us, and fight against us and depart from the land.” So they appointed taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor. And they built for Pharaoh storage cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel. The Egyptians compelled the sons of Israel to labor rigorously; and they made their lives bitter with hard labor in mortar and bricks and at all kinds of labor in the field, all their labors which they rigorously imposed on them. Exodus 1:8-14 NASB
Allegiances and friendships between people groups can change over time. People who were once your friends can become suspicious and as a result, begin to mistreat you. That’s what happened with the descendants of Israel. A new king arose in Egypt who forgot that Joseph had literally saved them from great peril and famine. Now, the Israelites were placed into bondage. The midwives would even be told to kill the Israelite male children during birth. But, God didn’t forget them. During this time of hardship, He kept His hand of care and protection upon them… for Israelites children, were also the children of God. A deliverer was coming! For Christians today, certainly God has His hand upon us. He cares and protects us. That’s not to say persecution is not real and worldwide. It is. But a deliverer is coming for us too… this time in the clouds, not on the water of the banks of the Nile.
How have I experienced God’s grace and protection over the years of my life?
God, as this day begins, I thank You because I see a slowing of the virus that has upset the world. Please put an end to it. As we gather to worship outside at church, protect those pastors who are meeting indoors from government overreach and the evil intended by some. Help pastors Rob McCoy, John MacArthur, Jack Hibbs and others. Be their strong protector.
