A Faithful God

As the Book of Genesis comes to a close, we see the faithful character of God at work in Abraham’s descendants. With a famine overtaking the land, God has orchestrated a move to Egypt. Here, Joseph uses his influence and position to secure a land where the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can grow and flourish. The land of Goshen becomes the home of Israel and his children. For 400 years the people of God will live life, marry, have children, and multiply their numbers.

As we begin the Book of Exodus, we see that the Israelites have grown so numerous that the Pharaoh of Egypt becomes worried. After the death of Joseph, the leadership in Egypt changes. Memories of Joseph and his accomplishments fade into history. The current Pharaoh sees only a possible threat in the rising numbers of Israelites. As time moves forward, the fate of Abraham’s family changes. No longer is this homeland a pleasant place to live. Slavery robs the Hebrews of their freedom. Plans to murder children are set in place. Midwives are directed to kill the male children of the Israelite people. When the plan does not work, Pharaoh calls on all of the Egyptians to throw new born male babies into the Nile River. Mass genocide is the order of the day.

How can God work in a world gone crazy? How can God move when the world seems bent on destruction? The Book of Exodus begins with the story of Moses. Here we see that God’s faithfulness continues to intersect the lives of His people. Though Pharaoh has power and influence, God still moves His plans forward. God still hears and moves among His people.

The Book of Exodus will help us to see God’s faithfulness in our world today. It does not matter who is in power. It does not matter what the culture is like. What matters is remaining close to God. As Christians today, we need to remember that God is moving. His power is still at work. God can change lives and circumstances. Though we may not always see it, God works today to change tomorrow. Just as one baby, afloat in the Nile River can change the course of the Hebrew people, we know that faithfulness can change the hearts of those around us.

Embedding the Bible is about seeing God at work. It is about learning to trust when the world seems to be in control. God is faithful to His promises.