RPG Adults
ISRAEL GREW AND MULTIPLIED EXCEEDINGLY
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Genesis 47:27-31
Psalm 42
“…thy word is truth."
ISRAEL GREW AND MULTIPLIED EXCEEDINGLY
In the midst of a grim and desperate situation, when all the other inhabitants of the land were struggling to survive, we see the colony of Israel in a relatively isolated part of the Nile delta flourishing and prospering. Do you not think it ironical that the same famine which was afflicting the Egyptian natives was proving to be a source of unprecedented blessing to the alien Israelites? People of the world would attribute this to “fate” and “luck.” What do you think?
Our understanding of God’s purposes ought to give us a different interpretation of the matter. Let us see the unseen hand of God directing events to bring about the fulfilment of His eternal plan of world redemption. For it was God who sent Joseph into Egypt to pave the way for the salvation of Israel. And did not God cause the imprisoned baker and butler to dream dreams which Joseph interpreted? And because of this came the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, followed by Joseph’s elevation to high office.
Now you ask, “Why the special favours to Jacob’s household who were foreigners from Canaan?” The answer is simple. Because of God’s covenant relationship with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. What God had promised, He was bound to carry out. Let us recall the original promise to Abraham: “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Gen 12:2). So at Beersheba came God’s words to Jacob: “…I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: l will go down with thee into Egypt…” (Gen 46:3-4).
Why then should it surprise you or anyone that Israel grew and multiplied exceedingly? It was part of God’s plan! Israel was included in God’s covenant blessing. So is every believer! Did you know that?
THOUGHT: “…fear not to go down… I will go down with thee…” (Gen 46:3-4)
PRAYER: Father, grant me courage to do Thy bidding, always.