Exodus 1:1-7 (Moments of Moses)

God's ways are unsearchable. (Rom. 11:33)

God's purposes remain and will be carried out. (Isaiah 14:27)

The life of Joseph is what connects the books Genesis and Exodus. Here's the quick version: Joseph's brothers hated him, slave traded their bro, famine came, bros went to get food in another land, and Joe was in charge... Joe chose to love, not repay his bros back. Now, to the good stuff =)

Joe invited Jacob to move back: The 11 sons of Jacob moved with Jacob to Egypt. Because Jacob's household was so large, they were able to grow to become so fruitful. They would become as numerous as the stars in the heavens! The move involved 70 people to go from Canaan to Egypt. It was a mighty move. On one website, it said it was about an eleven day journey. On another, it was 250 miles to travel. Either way you look at it, it is quite an extensive move for seventy people including children and women. Jacob was very fruitful, so there was much included in moving his livestock, servants, sons, wives, grandchildren, and all else he had with him. It would take planning, diligent planning. The planning would fall on his sons since Jacob was older now.

But before the move, Joseph and his brothers would face each other again after all those years. It is through all this that God's promises really shone through. God promised Abraham that He would provide. He told Abraham what his ancestors would experience: great hardship (1st few chapters of Exodus). Israel would be fruitful, increasing abundantly, multiplying, and growing exceedingly mighty. It was not just growing in number. They were fruitful. They were growing in leaps and bounds. There was no limit to how God would bless His people! Growing in numbers probably would be difficult for Egypt, possibly a reason to work them to the bone. They were jealous. They were fearful. They knew that Israel would continue to be a powerful group of people! Probably Israel got the profits and things that would otherwise go to the king of Egypt.

Famine led the people here. A place of distress led them to a place of abundance. The study points out that a famine is not merely food. It could involve family, finances, fellowship with God, friends, feelings, food, and/or freedom. Famine: "being without" and "struggling" could involve many different areas of our lives. This is an important point, and we need to bring it before God asking Him to deliver us from the famines we've known and pray for fruitfulness, favor, and to be filled like the children of Israel instead!

"Please Father, deliver me from these famines. Deliver me. Make me instead to be fruitful, growing greatly. Let me experience Your great spiritual harvest. Help me to enjoy sweet fellowship with you, my Lord!"

The study asked me the question of whose fault it was for Joseph's situation of being sent to Egypt. There is much blame to go around. The brothers, for not forgiving and allowing hatred to steal their hearts. (See Genesis 4:6-7) Jacob allowed himself to be passive for the majority of the time and play favorites. He was passive with the other children, but with Joseph he showed affection.That played a big part of the situation also. Even though others do things, we ARE responsible for our actions. The bros' of Joe were responsible for what they did. Check out Gen. 4:6-7!

The brothers harbored much anger. Joseph's life hanged in the balance of where their anger would lead them: to kill or sell him. Joseph's life would reflect their choice to sell him. The better option would of been to have self-control. God used what they intended for bad, and used it for good! It was an opportunity for God to work in their lives, but also Joseph learned to trust God. His faith is seen through the book of Genesis!