Bibledoorajar: Differences

We have come to Exodus One and now we see differences between those dwelling in Goshen and the new leadership in the remainder of Egypt. The biggest difference was that the new leader of Egypt had either come from a far part of Egypt where Joseph's deeds were minimally known by his time or he chose to not recognize them because Goshen had swelled in such number. Egypt was a people bereft of God under the new leadership and were different from the Egypt that spoke of God while Joseph lived. The new nation of Israel had swelled to probably two million and lived in Goshen which stood between Egypt and their enemies of Canaan. And the nation of Israel was different from Egypt in that they were shepherds and lived life in a different manner.  Finally, we must acknowledge that this great nation of Israel was about to reap the consequences of what their fathers had sown when they tried to kill Joseph and sent him into bondage. We like to forget that the Bible says the sins of the fathers are visited up to the fourth generation, but...there we go forgetting important differences. Opposition from Egypt is now in the front. How different are these two groups going to be? The new Pharoah does not want to lose the value of the Jews but he sure wants to control them and use them for his good. The Jews just want to live in Goshen and tend their sheep.

Differences have been noted about Jews since they participated in the killing of their Messiah too. Their gifts and abilities are valued but rarely has the world assimilated their differences. Opposition to them has often led to bondage. Even this past week we heard the Prime Minister of Israel encouraging Jews that are being opposed by the world to flee to Israel but many do not want to go because they have become so accustomed to living where they are. Before you say, 'that's just stupid' remember that we often do not flee as a bird to the mountain of God either. We prefer to stay in the place of opposition and be bandied about. Wierd.

In the book of Mark we see Jesus moving quickly (forthwith, straightaway, etc), to give those who would believe a place of safety from the different world that opposed them. But not all accepted. Sad.
Today consider reading Psalm 11:1.