In the Wilderness: Exodus 1

Starting the journey into the wilderness: Exodus 1
Read the Word in your Bible or click the reference to read online.

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

Exodus 1:8

Joseph delivered his family and all Egypt from destruction by the seven year famine. As long as Joseph lived, as long as he was remembered, the Egyptians honored his family. By God's grace the family of Israel flourished. But Joseph died. His brothers died. Four hundred years passed. And Joseph, along with the salvation he made the way for, was forgotten.

People die. They cannot be depended on long term. They will be forgotten, their memory wiped away like so much dust.

As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.

Psalm 103:15-16 ESV

Can you name your great-grandparents? what about your great-great-grandparents?

We quickly forget those without whom we would have no life. And I wonder at the effort people make to be remembered. To not be forgotten. Names on buildings. Large donations given to put those names there. But one day... it will be replaced by another... 

A new king came to power. He had no clue about Joseph. All he saw was a threat from Joseph's incredibly large family. So he enslaved them. However, the more he oppressed them, the more they multiplied.

There is One who did not forget Joseph, or His promise to Joseph's family. God.

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.

Psalm 103:17-18 ESV

God and His Word endure forever, they will never fail you. He never forgets His promises. We see it in the increase of Israel's family, despite the cruelty of pharaoh. God never forgets His people. He will not allow you to be forgotten.

Who are you placing your hope in? in your own reputation and strength? in someone else?

Take time today to consider who you are depending on long term. Understand, if it is not God and His Word, they will fail. They will be forgotten. Choose to shift your hopes to the One who will never fail.

Through him we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:2-5 ESV

Father God, You never forget and never fail those who love You and are called by Your name. Show me where I have placed my hope in anyone or thing other than You and Your Word. Bless me with the faith to see Your love and work in my life no matter what comes. Amen.