Days 2-5

Days 2-5

Genesis 17:1-Exodus 15:18

Important people that I read about were:

Genesis

• Abraham
• Sarah
• Melchizedek
• Ishmael
• Isaac
• Rachel
• Joseph
• Rebekah
• Esau
• Jacob
• Laban
• Leah
• Judah

Exodus:

• Moses
• Aaron
• Miriam
• Jethro
• Zipporah

Key Verses:

Genesis 50:20—You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

Exodus 3:14— God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.”

One of my favorite verses came from today’s (day 5) reading:

Exodus 14:13-14—But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

When I read, “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” I gain a sense of promise. Even today when I may doubt what God has told me, I can read that scripture and be reassured that no matter what, God WILL fight for me. Sometimes the concept of; if God promised it, you better believe He’s gonna do it, is hard for some people to swallow. We get caught up in the “what ifs” (just like Moses did at first) to the point of where we forget what God is really capable of doing.

Moses is introduced to us in the book of Exodus and at first, God surprised me with how complicated the plan is for freeing the Israelites was. Then I read, “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16. God told Moses and Aaron of each plaque that He would bring upon Egypt, and each time Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened. I think that Pharaoh’s thinking in the midst of it all was that if he told Moses he would allow his people to go worship God the plaques would leave. But once each plaque left, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he refuses to let them go. It was like it may have been a game with Pharaoh, like he was thinking towards Moses, “Okay, wise guy. You tell the plaque to leave and I will act like I am going to let you go, but once the plaque is gone, I am changing my mind (over and over again).” It’s like he tried to outsmart God, or see who would be more persistent. How dumb did the Pharaoh have to be to not realize after plaque number 2, 3 or 4-8 that God was in control and if he didn’t let the Israelites go, there was going to be major trouble. As if things weren’t going horrible enough for the Pharaoh and his people (list of the plaques go like this: blood, frogs, flies, livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness), God sends the plaque of the firstborn. Of course, this plaque hit a little closer to home for the Pharaoh, because his firstborn son dies. This is when Pharaoh finally lets Moses and the Israelites leave. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (one last time) and he (Pharaoh) and his officials went after them. God informed Moses this would happen by saying, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them (the Israelites). But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am LORD.” Exodus 14:4. So, there we have it, 8 plaques, the parting of the Red Sea and 430 years later, God delivers the Israelites from the Egyptians.

Not only did I read about the favor that was on Moses and Aaron, but also on Joseph. Joseph was one of many boys and he was shown favor from his father (Jacob). Of course jealousy took over (most) of his brothers and they attempt to kill him, but Reuben steps in at his defense. Instead of being killed, Joseph is sold in Egypt to Potiphar (one of Pharaoh’s officials). Joseph remained faithful to God during his time and had the gift of interrupting dreams. Potiphar found favor with Joseph and placed him second in charge of his palace. (If that’s not favor, I don’t know what is). The story goes on to tell of how the seven years of famine came and Joseph’s brothers come face to face with their brother. After they declare to be honest men, not spies, Joseph ask that one of the older brothers stays in prison and another brings the youngest back with him (Benjamin), to prove that they surely are not spies. Of course, Jacob doesn’t want to give up his youngest son, after what happened to Joseph, do you blame him? After all is said and done, Joseph goes back and forth with his brothers over different matters but finally reveals himself. In the end, Joseph is able to reunite with his father (Jacob) before he dies and peace is made with is brothers (Genesis 50:20-21). From all this, we are introduced to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Throughout the reading the past 4 days, I have seen how deceit can come in and take over at times, but God is still the great I AM and proves himself to be faithful each time. And how marvelous is God’s favor with His people? God has precise, detailed plans for each of our lives. A lot of times we forget the plans God has for us because we are too busy questioning every thing He says. I am encouraged to abandon all fears of worry, doubt and the silent whisper of “what if.” I am ready to let God be in control of every aspect of my life. I want to hear from Him the amazing plan he has made just for me. I want to completely trust that whatever He says, he will do and in the end he will be glorified. Too many times I say, “You’re in control God,” but I don’t really allow him to have it ALL. I pray that I am able to let go a little easier and give God the trust he deserves.