Rising up into Glory

Gen 46:4 I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. 5 And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

Israel is keen only to the extent that God backs him up. God tells Israel that He will not be alone and that he will spend the rest of His life in Egypt, Joseph His beloved son who thought to be dead will be there for him even in his old age and dying moments. God also wants Israel to know that the sojourn in Egypt will only be for a period and that God will bring them up … again. Is it not wise to hear God clearly before making your moves?

Wagons, riches and doors can be seductive, but they can be only great traps if we do not know what God is doing. How do we hear God in a noisy world? To hear God we need altars, we need a place of silence … a place of devotion. God still speaks. He speaks through His word powerfully if only we will spend time reading the Bible. He speaks through the pulpit if we do not have a puppet of men preaching. He speaks through His creation if we can be silent to discern his leadings.

God predicts the Exodus, many generations earlier. Indeed Abraham was also given this prophecy of the future. God sees the future and He does not hide this vision from His own. As you read this devotional, it is pertinent to hear what God is speaking to you. If you are not hearing anything and must go blind, then consider that Egypt is a dangerous territory… Pharaoh is presented so far as a mild gentle monarch. but let the Bible tell you who Pharaoh really is …

Eze 29:3 Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.

Without God on your side and without His help … put plainly you do not stand a chance. The great dragon has sent wagons and a lavish entourage to receive you … you are foolish to be impressed and lured into a scenario that has not been checked with God. It is time to rise up to glory – but not before hearing from God and receiving His assurances.

Song.

Call Jehovah thy salvation, Rest beneath th’Almighty’s shade,

In His secret habitation – Dwell and never be dismayed:

There no tumult shall alarm thee, thou shalt dread no hidden snare;

Guile nor violence can harm thee, in eternal safeguard there.

From the sword at noonday wasting, from the noisome pestilence,

In the depth of midnight blasting, God shall be thy sure defense:

He shall charge His angel legions watch and ward o’er thee to keep;

Tho’ thou walk thro’ lonesome regions, tho’ in desert wilds thou sleep.

Since with pure and firm affection, thou on God hast set thy love,

With the wings of His protection He will shield thee from above:

Thou shalt call on Him in trouble, He will hearken, He will save;

Here for grief reward thee double, crown with life beyond the grave.

Prayer: Lord, Speak …thy servant listens. Guide me as I rise up again. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa