6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Exodus 1
Luke 4
Job 18
1 Corinthians 5
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“But the more they oppressed them, the more they multiplied and spread so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.”
Exodus 1:12 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
In Exodus 1, a new book and a new chapter began in the history of Israel. Joseph had passed off the scene. The new Pharaoh didn’t remember Joseph and saw the Israelites as a threat. So, he determined to make them the slaves of Egypt.
But, a funny happened. As he determined to squash the Israelites in his midst, they thrived. As he tried to push them down, they rose up.
We can learn a powerful lesson from this illustration.
As much as we don’t like difficulties in life, they are typically the time when we have the opportunity to grow the most. As long as things are going well, we may not have the motivation to depend upon the Lord. But, when life falls apart, we cry out to the Lord and find strength in that relationship. Bad times really can be good for us.
Just listen to these next two verses:
Romans 8:28-29 (CSB): “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
In the first line, we see that “all things work together for the good.” It seems to me that “all things” is especially highlighting the bad stuff that happens because that’s when we need the assurance. We don’t really need to be told that all good things work for our good. We already know that.
So, if we were to elaborate on Romans 8:28, it might say:
“We know that all things (of course the good things but especially the bad things) work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Well, what’s the “good” that they work toward? All we need to do is look at verse 29. It tells us what the “good” is.
“… conformed to the image of His Son …”
God wants to make us more like Jesus. He wants us to become more like Him in how we pray, how we relate to others, how we love His Word, how we see ourselves, how we see our purpose in life, etc. And the way that God brings this about is typically through the tough times.
1 Peter 2:21 (CSB): “For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
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Lord Jesus, I want to know You, experience You, enjoy You, and follow You more. I want to join the Father’s work in making me more like You. Please remind me of this desire when life gets tough. Help me to remember that it is typically during the tough times that I learn the most powerful lessons. But You are worth it! Amen.
Matt’s Musings 