A New Beginning
Exo 1:1 Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6 And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
Beginnings tend to be deceptive. They could like the end has come …beginnings sometimes resemble endings and we need to look closer to see fresh starts when your senses observe only sad closures. The book of Exodus starts with an account of the number that entered Egypt. God is concerned about details, the Bible says even the strands of hair is numbered to God. God does not miss any detail. The entire generation of 70 souls died.
Deu 1:11 (The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!)
The Lord can multiply that which is placed obediently in His hand. The Children of Israel multiplied and they became renowned and influential. I believe God can take that ministry, that vision …that business concept …whatever seems to be starting in death is about to suddenly explode in fantastic multiplication and growth. Just remain in His purpose … do not stray from where He has positioned you. Take your eyes off the corpse of Joseph and look to His God. What looks like the end is really a blessed new beginning. A nation cannot be a nation if the citizens are few. The nation of Israel is incubated (not in Canaan) …becomes a people in the least likely place … in Egypt. God wants you to know that He is unlimited by location … only your disobedience frustrates your destiny. Be still in Him. Soon all that pertains to you will be a thousand times more.
Song.
O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne – Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.
Thy Word commands our flesh to dust, “Return, ye sons of men:”
All nations rose from earth at first, And turn to earth again.
A thousand ages in Thy sight – Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night – Before the rising sun.
Prayer : Lord Jesus, be our security, our help and shield in all situations. 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
