God reiterated His instructions to Moses to speak to Pharaoh and command him to let the people of God go. He protested again, and again God said that Aaron would be his prophet. He also told Moses that he would harden Pharaoh's heart and prevent him from letting the Israelites go. He would then force … Continue reading God Goes With You (Exodus 6:28-7:13)
Promoted From Within (Exodus 6:14-27)
A brief beginning of a genealogy of the children of Israel gets stopped in the middle of listing the descendants of Levi, the priestly clan of the Children of Israel. You see the immediate descendants of Levi, leading all the way down to Aaron and Moses. After naming Aaron's sons, who would also be priests, … Continue reading Promoted From Within (Exodus 6:14-27)
I do not know the Lord… (Genesis 5:1-6:13)
Moses and Aaron visited Pharaoh to ask for the release of the Israelites to go into the wilderness and worship the Lord. In reply, he asked who the Lord was, and declared that the knowledge of God was missing in his life, and he would not let the children of Israel go. In response to … Continue reading I do not know the Lord… (Genesis 5:1-6:13)
What is That in Your Hand? (Exodus 4)
Moses is standing face to face with the presence of God, hearing the voice of God. He has been given the authority of the name of God Himself, Jehovah (I am That I am). Yet he asks God more questions and tries to beg out of the responsibility to which God has called him. So … Continue reading What is That in Your Hand? (Exodus 4)
A Leader Arises (Exodus 2:11 – 3:22)
Moses grew up in the house of the king, but was always aware of his Hebrew birth. When he walked among the other Hebrews, he saw the plight of his brothers and then understood the inhumanity of their situation. While observing an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew, he came to his defense, and killed the … Continue reading A Leader Arises (Exodus 2:11 – 3:22)
Everything Changed (Exodus 1:1 – 2:10)
From the seventy people that joined together as the descendents of Abraham and the nation of Israel in Egypt, the nation grew to a mighty nation, being very fruitful and filling the land of Egypt. Then there arose a new king in Egypt, who did not know Joseph. All the good will extended to the … Continue reading Everything Changed (Exodus 1:1 – 2:10)
God Meant It For Good (Genesis 50:15 – 50:26)
An awkward moment occurs in this passage: the brothers of Joseph, without their father as a buffer, fear that Joseph will unleash his anger and revenge on his brothers for the evil they did to him in past times. They go to him and beg for forgiveness again, throwing themselves on his mercy. The answer … Continue reading God Meant It For Good (Genesis 50:15 – 50:26)
The Long Road Home (Genesis 49:29 – 50:14)
Jacob (Israel) dies at the ripe old age of 147. His family has been reunited. The miracle of provision has come through his long-lost son, Joseph, whose dreams have been fulfilled. Abraham has blessed all his sons, and his two grandsons from Joseph, his favored son. When he was dying, he instructed his sons to … Continue reading The Long Road Home (Genesis 49:29 – 50:14)
The Criss-Cross Blessing and Final Words(Genesis 48:1-49:28)
Chapter 48 is another example of how tradition is often very strong, but nevertheless can be circumvented by the plan of God. For instance, the greater blessing was traditionally reserved for the firstborn child. When Joseph brought his two sons to his dying father for his blessing, he brought them to him in a particular … Continue reading The Criss-Cross Blessing and Final Words(Genesis 48:1-49:28)
The Power of a Plan (Genesis 47:13-31)
Joseph was one of the most shrewd men in all of history. His wisdom came from two avenues, both of which originated with God. First, Joseph was given divine direction, understanding, and discernment as a supernatural gift from God, and he accepted that gift and used it for God's glory and for the good of … Continue reading The Power of a Plan (Genesis 47:13-31)