That turn that happens at the end of Genesis and the beginning of Exodus occurs in a matter of milliseconds, yet it represents a time gap of 400 years and a massive change in direction.
At the end of Genesis, Joseph has encouraged his whole family to relocate to Egypt and settle with him there. At the start of Exodus, we get Moses seeing the oppression of his people and leading that same (yet extremely enlarged) family out of Egypt.
Who was right? Had Joseph got it wrong? Was Moses rubbishing the Word of God to Joseph?
Of course – we all know that none of this is the case. Both men were mighty men of faith, hearing from God and leading the people as they felt directed. It just happened that a new season, meant a new direction for the people of God – and their job was to look to God, obey and take steps of faith in trusting Him. Even when that start of one journey was a near death experience and slavery, and the other was near death and wilderness.
As a church we are also heading into a season of change. Changing name, changing venue, changing office, changing leadership in key areas. It’s a new chapter into the next phase of church life. What encourages me most about all this, is that whilst these things are new for us and surprises too – none of it is a surprise to the Lord. He is the same God that we have served and loved and He’s leading us on to great things as He always has done.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Let’s all take a moment to thank God for all that He’s done in us thus far, and for all that He continues and will do through us as we turn the page together.
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