Exodus 1 reminds me of my own personal journey out of my hometown. Family history and bad choices combine into a reputation. Life events can spiral quickly, leaving us feeling trapped in our past. It is a miraculous thing when we can find the exit sign through the turmoil. The word “Exodus” comes from a compound Latin word meaning “road out”. The book is about the redemption of the family of Israel. It also contains relevant guideposts for individuals searching for God’s way. The first chapter concisely describes the transition from favored son to despised enemy. Fame is fleeting. We are reminded that the sons of Jacob came to Egypt to escape famine. Egypt was preserved through the wisdom of Jacob’s son, Joseph. Over time: “Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful… increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.” A new king came to power and knew nothing of Joseph. The Israelites were now seen as a threat to security: “we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous… if war breaks out… [they will] join our enemies, fight against us.” Fear incrementally turned to hatred: “they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor.” But the more they were oppressed, the more the Israelites thrived. The Egyptians continued to dehumanize their enemy until even infanticide became an acceptable choice. The Hebrew midwives were ordered: “if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The reality of taking the life of an innocent baby was sickening. We read that the midwives “feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do.” Friend, do you fear God?
The wisest man that ever lived wrote: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). The fear of uncertainty is overwhelming without wisdom or understanding. Fear causes us to lash out but knowing that we have a greater authority over us should make us pause. Nothing remains the same forever, except God. Fear and hatred can only be overcome by the love of God. How do we find a solution in the midst of the noise? “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Satan wants to drown out God’s gentle whisper. Beware of those that are loudly shouting.
The king was furious, demanding to know: “Why have you let the boys live?” Why does evil get angry with righteousness? The midwives responded: “they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” The midwives were Jewish women, but I believe God will use anyone willing to hear His voice and act. The chapter continues: “the people increased and became even more numerous.” And we read yet another example of God’s abundant grace: “because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.” Giving birth to a new life changes the way we feel about all children. Parenting reveals the meaning of self-sacrifice. The chapter closes with another reminder that Satan has been trying to prevent the birth of Messiah since the Garden of Eden. Since the midwives were not doing the job, Pharaoh recruited the masses. Within every group there are gullible people that will attach blame to others to unburden themselves. A very small number of fringe personalities will seek retribution once given permission to use violence. Pharaoh gave the order: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” Those that do not accept God’s standards will cling to moral relativism, dismissing good and evil. Enemies are created to be punished. In Luke Chapter 6, Jesus taught His disciples: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” He concludes the section with what we call the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” God’s plan is for you to exit from despair and enter into peace with Him. Peace begins with forgiveness. My friend, are you ready to be set free from your past?