Daily Bread on Oct 19th 2015 (Based on Dr Lee's 1971 February's DB)

GOD WAS CONCERNED ABOUT ISRAEL

Ex 2: 23-25

At that time, what was the situation of Israel? Why does God became concerned about the children of Israel?

1) The Israelites groaned and cried out (23)
Israel is the new name of Jacob. At the same time, it is the name of the people generated by twelve son of Jacob. Israel was immigrated to Egypt when Joseph was prime minister in Egypt (1: 1-6). At the time, as Joseph had the core of the faith, he did not accept to abuse as he wished the favor of the Pharaoh (Genesis 45:18; 46:33, 34). But it seems that his descendants had lost the core of the faith. Consequently, all the pressure they underwent as a people deprived of sovereignty. Perhaps they were like the Jews living at the former Soviet Union.

2) God became concerned about Israel (24, 25)
God had pity on Israelite compatriots living in Egypt. Then he took care of them. Why did he take care of them? The author of Exodus says it's because he remembered 'alliance' that he had established with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 12: 2; 28: 4). God is faithful. God is the one who keeps his promise by which he is tied with those who believe in him. Do you live by believing in the promise of God?

Prayer: Lord, I am a cantankerous man. So I am distant from you in living in the world living based on flesh and material things. Sometimes I moan and cry, plunged into sin. Lord, however, you will never leave me. You take care of me according to thy word. I believe in you and depend on thee, my faithful Lord.

One Word: he remembered that promise.