Saturday, August 4, 2018

Wander or Wonder - Israel in Egypt


If you know anything about the Old Testament you know that Israel spent time in the wilderness – 40 years in fact. Most also know that Israel spent time in Egypt. Do you know how long they were there? Four hundred and thirty years!

Israel’s time in Egypt started on purpose. You may know the story. Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers. He wound up in Egypt and became the second in command to Pharaoh himself. God gave him a vision about a coming famine. The famine is what brought Isaac (who’s name was changed to Israel) to Egypt. The family was reunited with Joseph and they stayed there.

However, their journey to paradise soon turned into forced servitude. After Israel (Isaac) died and Joseph died and the Pharaoh was gone that knew Joseph, the new leadership of Egypt felt threatened by Israel’s presence and forced them into slavery. In essence they entered their first wilderness experience. It is not known exactly how much of the four hundred and thirty years were spent in slavery, but it was a long time.

Long enough that most Israelites did not even see it as wilderness. They forgot about Jehovah. They forgot about the promise made to Abraham. They forgot that they did not belong in Egypt. They came to accept the wilderness as normal; separated from everything they were supposed to possess.

The reason I call this a wilderness is because Israel lost their wonder and began to wander. In simple terms, I believe that defines the difference between a journey and roaming in the wilderness: you lose your wonder and begin to wander. Stay focused while you travel through life. Keep your wonder!

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