Growth and Change
Read This Week: Exodus 1
Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them. Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. – Exodus 1:6-9 NIV
The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Pentateuch, is traditionally attributed to Moses and is a continuation of the Genesis narrative. As Genesis ends, Joseph has risen to power in Egypt, and his family has settled there. Exodus 1 begins several generations later, long after Joseph’s death. The Israelites have become numerous and prosperous (v.7), which leads to their enslavement and harsh treatment by a new Pharaoh who does not remember Joseph (v. 9-10).
The first chapter sets the stage for one of the most compelling narratives in the Bible: the story of Moses and the Israelites’ journey to freedom from Egypt. It discusses growth and change while laying the groundwork for understanding the circumstances that led to their oppression and the subsequent rise of Moses as their leader.
Despite the Egyptians’ efforts to subdue them, the Israelites continue to thrive. Verse 12 says that the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. This growth foreshadows a future theme in the Bible: that God’s people often grow and strengthen under adversity. This same resilience and perseverance can be seen in the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, in verse 17, who defy Pharaoh’s orders to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. It says they feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Their courage and faith are rewarded by God, who grants them families of their own.
The actions of the Hebrew midwives demonstrate the power of obedience to God, moral courage, and the willingness to please the Lord more than man. They chose to obey God rather than succumb to the unjust commands of a powerful ruler. These circumstances can also be true in our lives; we often face pressures to conform to societal norms that may conflict with our values and the word of God. The example of Shiphrah and Puah encourages us to stand firm in our convictions and trust in Father God’s provision.
The Israelites’ experience in Egypt also reminds us that growth often comes through hardship. Personal and collective challenges can strengthen our character and community. When faced with difficulties, rather than despair or give in to hopelessness, we can view these moments as opportunities for growth, Spirit-led change, and reliance on our faith to sustain us. We shouldn’t act as Pharaoh did and let fear and insecurity drive our actions, particularly towards others. It should cause us to look inward, pray, and ask Jesus to show us how to treat those perceived as threats and seek more just and compassionate responses. A Christ-centered approach versus what the world suggests can positively impact wherever we find ourselves.
The growth of the Israelites and the change coming to their nation in Exodus 1 sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the story. As the whole of this book will, it highlights themes of oppression, resilience, and faith, offering profound lessons applicable to our modern lives. By studying Exodus, we will gain insights into the dynamics of power and fear, freedom, the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, and the strength that can arise from enduring hardships. As we read and study, may we be led by the Holy Spirit and guided to navigate our challenges with faith, courage, and compassion.
Exodus Chapter 1 Verse 12
But the more [the Egyptians] oppressed them, the more they multiplied and expanded, so that [the Egyptians] were vexed and alarmed because of the Israelites.
Exodus Chapter 1 Verse 13
And the Egyptians reduced the Israelites to severe slavery.
Exodus Chapter 1 Verse 17
But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded, but let the male babies live.
Exodus Chapter 1 Verse 21
And because the midwives revered and feared God, He made them households [of their own].
~God’s Movement In Our Lives~
God Is Saying To Me:
My children, I am your Father, trust Me and My plan for your life. I am always with you, providing for you, leading you to higher ground with me. Through all of your trials and tribulations, my love for you has never wavered. Stand strong and bold for me. I, Father God, have great plans for you. I am in control of good and evil. My heart melts for you. Have faith in my plans and directions because I am always working things out for your life, in my timing. Have reverence for me. Put me first in everything because when you do you will be abundantly blessed. Always remember that you are entitled to my covenant blessings and in the face of difficult times, I will strengthen your faith in me and build your character.
What This Means To Me:
1. We must believe God’s plan in our lives. We must trust that He has brought us this far from the past and He will move us forward using lessons learned for our future. We are not in this current place in our lives by accident.
2. We must believe God’s plans and provisions in our lives. He wants us to prosper and propel us to great heights, not persecute us for the sake of the world.
3. Even in the darkest times of our lives, God’s love for us prevails and spreads hope and light in the darkness.
4. No matter the circumstances at hand, God is in control. We must learn to understand and accept the fact that He is working things out for us for the good and in His timing.
5. Having a Godly reverence is critical for our lives. When we fear God’s wrath and take a stand for Him, it leads to fulfilling blessings.
6. We must gain an understanding that difficult times strengthens our faith and helps prioritize our actions to glorify God. ❤️
Exodus 1: 17 But the midwives feared God [with profound reverence] and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded, but they let the boy babies live.
21 And because the midwives feared God [with profound reverence], He established families and households for them.
These women showed great courage to oppose his decree and protect newborn children. In this case, their courage led to God blessing them with their own families.
Jesus is our King!
He is the one I want to listen to.
For me, It does take a lot of courage to make a stand for God”s ways.
I can’t be afraid of doing what’s right or saying what’s right in Love, God”s Love.
There will be people in life that will try to make us to make wrong choices, or say it’s ok to do it.
It’s up to us to seek
Father God, Jesus and His Holy Spirt to help us to know the truth and to do what’s right and when we do God blesses us.
Father God was saying to me
There will always be people in life that only think of themselves and what’s good for them.
It is all about Me and you first.
You doing your part and making a stand for what’s right.
People are watching and that’s how they learn from those who are making a stand for what’s right.
So keep up the good work, that’s what doing life with us is all about,
Having the courage to do what’s right.
Love you my daughter
What that means to me is having courage is a gift from God.
A Gift of Fortitude is also known as the Gift of Courage. Through this Gift a person is no longer afraid to stand up for God and His truths. A person who has the Gift of Fortitude will stand up for good against evil and is convicted to take a stand when the occasion arises.
These women took a stand because they loved God and people, they loved children
People are important to God!
It’s important to live for God and His ways.
It’s good and we’re blessed that we get to do work for them and with them!
Thank you Father God that You have people that have courage to make a stand for what’s right! Love you Father God, Jesus and Your Holy Spirt ❤️️
For all you do in helping us in this world❤️
Have you heard of fear being described as “False Evidence Appearing Real”?
To me, scary things can seem very real at times, so I like to counter fear with faith. I describe faith in God as trusting Him completely.
Putting my trust in Him and following His instructions really helps me not to be afraid.
Knowing that our Father is with me, helping and guiding me every step of the way, empowers me to be bold and courageous, even when facing fear.
1. We will all have to face fear in our lives.
2. You can succumb to fear and do wrong and bad things.
3. You can face fear with faith in God, trusting and following our Father’s instructions to overcome it. You can be bold and courageous.
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Exodus 1
For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and the second song.
1. Sunday Worship – First Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240630-Worship1.wav
2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240630-Message.wav
3. Sunday Worship – Second Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240630-Worship2.wav
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In Exodus 1, this was what God was showing me. In this chapter the Egyptians made the children of Israel be slaves to them. “The more they afflicted them, the more the children of Israel grew.” This was My purpose for Israel’s time in Egypt. Israel grew to be a mighty nation. The growth in the face of affliction, has constantly been the story of My people. The more you are afflicted, the more you will grow. Because My purpose was to bless Israel, no amount of affliction could defeat My purpose. No matter what may happen in your life, I want you to cling to My promises and trust Me. I want you to be aware of Satan’s schemes to oppress you. Despite Pharaoh’s to oppress the Jews, I continued to bless the Jews and cause them to multiply. I will allow trials and tribulations to bring spiritual growth in your life. I want you to refuse to submit to the evil in the world around you. In this chapter I also reveal that I am stronger than the ruler of this world. Do not fear evil, when you are following My will. I will bless those who stand for righteousness. I want you to trust Me that I am in control, even when all hope seems lost. I always have a plan to save you, even if you can’t see it.
What this said to me was God tests me to show where my heart is evil. I need to look at God’s testing and view my trials as growth opportunities. I need to fight injustice, and not submit to evil authority in this world. I need to fear God by hating evil. I need to grow in my walk with God during the hard times, by drawing closer to Him, by being in His word, by worship, and serving others for Him. I need to walk in obedience in His will for me. I need to “submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from me.”
This week in Exodus chapter 1 I got a song
His love
Let’s come together to worship our board. Let’s come together to worship our board joining Jesus changing one heart at a time joining our sweet Jesus, singing one heart at a time just one drop of your love. Jesus contains someone’s mind or heart just one drop of your love, Jesus can change someone’s mind or heart so let’s join together making a difference in someone’s life Spreading our Lord love his words is kindness is joy. Amen.
It’s truly about doing life with Jesus making a difference in someone’s life with his love so let’s go out and spread his love