Best of Times, Worst of Times November 28, 2015

⁷ But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.  Exodus 1:7 ESV

¹² But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. Exodus 1:12 ESV

Two verses.  Same chapter.  Same nation- Israel.  Same era- living in Egypt.  Same outcome- different circumstances.

After Joseph passed away in Egypt, the writer of Exodus reports that the Israelite people "multiplied and grew exceedingly strong."  Things appeared to have been good for the Israelites.  There is no mention of any conflict with or oppression by the Egyptian government.  No doubt Joseph was still remembered, and perhaps, revered by many as having been the savior during the seven year famine.  (Genesis 41)

However only 5 verses later, the situation takes a dramatic turn for the worse.  "A new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8) came to power.  Not a good turn of events.   The new king said, "let us deal shrewdly with them. . .” ¹¹ Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens."  (Exodus 1:10,11 ESV)

In both instances we see God bless His chosen people.  The nation of Israel grew stronger.  But God allowed that growth in two very different circumstances.  There is no record of the Israelites having strayed from their faith.  No mention of their slip in to idolatry that created the need for punishment or discipline.  The situation just changed according to God's plan.

It is easy when times get rough to withdraw, to pull back and hope/pray the season will pass.  But in Exodus we see that God's people continue to grow.  His elect prospered (at least in size) during the time of oppression.  In fact, it appears the oppression was a stimulus for growth.  More oppression led to more growth.  (verse 12)

I am sure that there were those who questioned God's plan. Why?  What did we do wrong?  But history tells us that this time of persecution was necessary to fulfill God's plan.  Without the oppression, no edict to kill the male babies.  No edict meant no Moses in the bulrushes.  The chain of events is clear right up to the release of the Israelite people where they "plundered the Egyptians."  (Exodus 12:36 ESV)

Republicans/Democrats in power = growth.  Good boss/horrible boss = growth.  Healthy/cancer = growth.  God will work His plan in your life through many situations.  Your obedience is all that is needed, regardless of the external.