Exodus 7-10

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me.’” (Exodus 8:1). Hollywood film directors often miss the all-important ending of this verse. There’s a reason the people are to be let go – “that they may serve Me”, says the Lord. The Israelites weren’t to leave Egypt and do whatever they wanted; they were leaving behind an evil taskmaster and vowing their service to the One who would be as a loving Father to them. The same is true for you and me. We’re to stop serving our old master sin, and instead spend the rest of our lives serving our loving heavenly Father.

Exodus 3-6

“Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue’… Then the anger of the Lord burned against Moses.” (Exodus 4:10-14). The Lord had been speaking to Moses from a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire, his walking stick had become a snake, his hand had become leprous and then healed. But Moses balked at public speaking on God’s behalf. He feared his countrymen would not believe him and he feared the wrath of Pharaoh. Surely the Lord has done some mighty things in your life as well. Yet, chances are, there is something He has clearly been telling you to do and you’re balking.

Exodus 1-2

“Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8). Who was Joseph? His story is found in the last several chapters of Genesis. He was a national hero; his wise plan kept millions from starvation during seven years of famine. Here we are in Exodus, 400 years have passed and the new king doesn’t know of Joseph. This is an important lesson for Christians, especially parents. Every generation is just one generation away from forgetting our heroes, but more importantly, from forgetting the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Genesis 49-50

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20). This is probably the most frequently quoted verse from Joseph’s life, and, in my opinion, it should be! These words not only teach us about the character of this man of God, but they challenge us in how we react to all of life’s disappointments, both big and small. For even when we can’t see anything good coming out of a situation, there is always room for God and His plan.

Genesis 47-48

“Then Joseph brought his father Jacob and presented him to Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.” (Genesis 47:7). Pharaoh had given Jacob’s family good land and a promise of food during the severe seven-year famine. Thus we can see that Jacob’s blessing of Pharaoh harkens back to Genesis 12:1-3, where the Lord told Abraham that He would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him. In every generation, those who look favorably upon God’s people will no doubt be rewarded.

Genesis 45-46

“Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph knows why he is in Egypt, his vision at this point is 20/20, “God sent me”. There is absolutely no animosity toward his brothers. You and I can have that same attitude if we will keep focused on God and His plans for us rather than the hills and valleys of this life. In every situation we find ourselves in, our goal should be “to preserve life”, seeking to save souls wherever we go.

Genesis 41-44

“Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, ‘For,’ he said, ‘God has made me forget all my trouble….’ He named the second Ephraim, ‘For,’ he said, ‘God has made me fruitful….’” (Genesis 41:51-52). Having been sold into slavery by his brothers, we can say without a doubt that Joseph has been through some tough times. Yet he chooses to honor the Lord in the naming of his sons. Joseph said God made him forget all his past trouble and he gave God the credit for all his present successes. As I consider the meanings of these names, I think we all need more of “Manasseh and Ephraim” in our lives.