Prayer Journal

Monday, January 26, 2004

A lot of bad things happen when we either forget or chose to rewrite history. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt survived seven years of severe famine because of God's blessing on Joseph. But when he died and was replaced by another Pharoah, the new ruler either didn't know who Joseph was or chose to disregard the good he did for Egypt. (Vs. 1:8)

True, Israel went from being delivered from disaster under one Pharoah to experiencing persecution under the next one. But God carried his people safely through both disaster and persecution using two men, Joseph and Moses respectively.

It seems that someone always experiences severe consequences for the bad decisions of godless leaders. But let us not forget, that we create most of our problems and don't have the right to blame anyone else for what we might be going through. Moses would face off against Pharoah for his indiscretion, but first he must deal with his own.

Raised in Pharoah's house and considered by many to be in the line of succession to become the next Joseph, Moses saw the way his people were being treated and committed premeditated murder. When Pharoah heard what happened, he sought to kill Moses, but Moses ran away to Midian.

Joseph and Moses are similar while different at the same time. One was sold into slavery to eventually make his way into Pharoah's house and lead Egypt and Israel through difficult times. The other raised in Pharoah's house, became a slave and would eventually lead Israel out of Egypt. One was a murderer and the other was the victim of attempted murder. Both were men of God; both endowed with leadership qualities and both were used by God to deliver his people.

Psalm 22 is one of the most moving chapters of Scripture in the Bible. In Psalms we hear from David's lips, a precise account of the suffering Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary. Jesus fulfilled that and every other prophecy in the Bible and has become without a doubt the Deliverer of God's people for all time.

You may find yourself in a disaster. Like it says in Proverbs 5:14, you feel you have come to the brink of utter ruin. You aren't sure how you got there or how you can escape, but you know unless something gives, you're finished. If that's your situation, rest assured that Jesus is familiar with your plight; He is quite able to deliver you if you ask Him.

Strangely, not everyone in Egypt wanted to be delivered. Even though they cried out to God for help, they were making plans for a better future in Egypt. What about you? Do you need a Deliverer or are you fine where you are?

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ex. 2:11-3:22 Mt. 17:10-27 Ps. 22 Pr. 5:7-14 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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