Jimbo's Jots

I’m reading through the Bible again this year. This time, I’ve chosen to read it chronologically. So, on January 1, I ventured back in to Genesis 1. Then, long about chapter 12, detoured to Job, and then came back to finish Genesis. I’m now, as we are halfway through February, in Exodus – just after the exodus out of Egypt.

My brain started thinking . . . as I’m reading through the exodus out of Egypt and the travels of the Israelites out of slavery. It almost as if God is “raising” Israel like they are a child. Admittedly, we have called the children of Israel or children of God. But “raising” Israel is different.

Here’s what I mean – by the time the end of Genesis (Joseph’s death) happens and the beginning of Exodus, there is a span of 400 years. Exodus 1:8-10 is key here: “Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” (NIV)

So God empowers Moses and Aaron to go before the Pharaoh to set the Israelites free. After several persuasive measures, the Israelites were finally free. But they didn’t know God as did their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. So God had to teach and show them his provision and protection.

He gave them good water to drink (Exodus 15:23-25). God gave them food in manna and quail (Exodus 16). Then starting in Exodus 20, he began to set boundaries for his people. To which the people quickly broke several while Moses was receiving the law from God.

Sound familiar? You feed and provide to take care of your children. You teach and guide them as they are growing up. Then they turn around and break a rule you have. As you parent, you are getting to know your children. Or even if you’re married, dating, engaged, you’re still trying to get to know the other person.

It’s like this: today is the day you’ve been given with this person. Yesterday, they acted this way. Today they are acting this way. Tomorrow may be totally different. But today is where we are focusing. Like Jeremiah said that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning. So use today to find a way to reconnect with your child. Because you have been given today! Plus, know with great confidence, that God looks at us as His child and continues to call us His, even when we have a “bad day”.

Be blessed child of God! And be a blessing to the other children as well!