Israel should have left
Egypt after the famine was over, or at least upon Joseph’s death. That was
God’s plan all along that they lived in the Promised Land not Egypt or anywhere
else. They stayed because they were “prosperous” there. There’s an old
saying that sums it up, “Flirting with sin may lead to a committed
relationship!” It’s not about how close you can ‘walk the line’ –
stay in God’s perfect will always.
Look at what “Here” was
like for God’s People at the beginning of Exodus 1:1-7
A. Their identity. v.
1-4 This book of redemption and freedom is begun by the Lord naming names – the
12 tribes. Why is this important? It’s a good reminder that you live,
and then you die...so make the most of your time.
B. Their security. v. 5
Joseph was their security, because Joseph had gone before them already. He is
an OT picture of Jesus Christ, Who has gone on before us and paved the way for
us. Spiritually speaking, we are secure. But on a human level, Joseph died,
according to v. 6, and eventually their security diminished...the basis of
their blessing was gone.
C. Their prosperity v. 7
It can be a deceptive thing...prosperity. And there is a great difference
between physical prosperity and spiritual prosperity. The children of Israel,
in this paradise, became prisoners. Chapter 20 refers to Egypt as ‘the house of
bondage’. It is possible to have everything...except joy. Things do not
satisfy. It is possible to have gold, but not have God.
The greatest "riches"
come from God. Amen?
