Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. (Genesis 47:27 ESV)
Blessings and Safety
An odd thing happened in Egypt because of Joseph’s God. All of Egypt, in a way, was blessed and survived a drought because Joseph was Chief Administrator. But while the Egyptians lived, they surrendered they possessions, income, and property. They became slaves of the Pharaoh.
In a way, God was giving them over to their foolish choice to follow other gods… slaves to their spiritual deafness, God made them slaves to Pharaoh. Slaves to their wealth and power, God made them slaves to Pharaoh’s wealth and power. Slaves to their short-sightedness, God made them slaves to Pharaoh’s vision.
And meanwhile Israel, technically outside of Egypt, remained free, retained their possessions, and were at peace for 400 years.
For one reason… God loved them.
Years later, Pharaoh cast his greedy eyes unto Goshen as well… but this happened only because it was time for God to manifest His love by taking the people to their home.
God in His love of His people, arranged tragedy and political turmoil and tyranny right next door to Israel. But God’s love provided for them, protected them, nurtured them, and kept them.
Just like He promised.
His love does the same thing for His people today. Troubles around us are meant to draw our eyes to the Lord. Tragedy and political turmoil and tyranny right next door are nothing more than opportunities for us to remember that we are HIS.
He provided a spiritual savior for us, of course. But He also remembers His people physically. Let us not mistake what God is doing to the world with what He does for us.
He loves us.