You Are Under Attack
Everyone has a lot on their plate these days. Something or the other goes against our zest for life in Christ. Is it just normal or are we under attack? Many believers have settled into thinking that it's normal.
After Joseph died, Israel continued to increase (Exodus 1:6-8). The new Pharaoh did not know Joseph.
SEVEN THINGS THE KING OF EGYPT DID AGAINST ISRAEL;
Pharaoh decided to DEAL with them 'wisely' (Exodus 1:10). Pharoah feared WAR that if Israel grew they could join the enemy and oust them (Exodus 1:10). Our dependence on God is seen as a threat to others because we are spiritually fed. People wonder how we live with such ideals and remain fruitful and cultured. At work, people deal with us carefully - many times we see God's favour in many matters.
Pharaoh APPOINTED MEN to burden Israel (Exodus 1:11). These taskmasters busied Israel to make two treasure cities. How often do we waste time for the world to build things that don't last? Rather than invest our time in doing the will of God. We give excuses about work and remain burdened under its weight living for corporations or our insecurities rather than God.
Pharaoh made their lives BITTER with hard bondage (Exodus 1:14). (Hebrews 12:15) bitterness can frustrate the grace of God in our lives.
Pharaoh afflicted them even more (Exodus 1:12,13). Like Job, we may have to go through great suffering. Those who trust in God during suffering, continue to grow spiritually.
Pharaoh wanted to KILL THE BOYS (Exodus 1:16). A son reveals an 'overcoming life'. The devil doesn't want us to overcome our old natures and habits that come against us daily. Trust in the finished work of the Son, Jesus, to overcome wicked spiritual forces.
Pharaoh tried INFLUENCING the Hebrew midwives to kill the male children (Exodus 1:16). The fear of the Lord kept the Hebrew midwives from obeying the order at the risk of their own lives. Are you living by faith? Does your work harm others? Be aware of what you are told to do at the workplace or elsewhere.
Pharaoh asked Moses and Aaron to make a sacrifice but STAY IN EGYPT Exodus 8:25,28). The devil wants us to remain in sin and worldliness. Pharoah did not want Israel to take the little ones along with them to offer sacrifices to God (Exodus 10:10,11).
We are under attack daily. The people around us may not know who we are. We may not receive favour, like Israel,because the Pharoah did not know Joseph. But we can always trust God in the middle of such trials. God sent Moses and rescued Israel. We have His Word and the Holy Spirit to preserve us daily.
HOW WOULD KNOWING JOSEPH HAVE HELPED ISRAEL?
They would have received the favour that the previous Pharoah gave Joseph and Israel
Knowing the character of Joseph, the new Pharoah would've been at peace and not persecute Israel
Knowing how Joseph saved Egypt would have stopped him from killing the boys
We can infer many positives. But what did God desire for Israel? What does God desire of His children? Complete trust in Him alone.
Dear beloved in Christ, let us trust in God's plan. Love one another as Jesus and fight the good fight of faith. Our time is now.
Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.
