A New Chapter Begins

Scripture – Exodus 1:6-10: 6Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, 7but the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them. 8Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt. 9“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. 10Come, 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.”

Reflection: Greetings, everyone! Happy Thanksgiving! This is a day to stop and appreciate the many ways the Lord has blessed us. I know I should do that every day. Still, the fact is it’s far easier to focus on the bad things in life. I have to consciously remember that there are still many good things. And for those I give thanks to God.

Today also marks a change of pace for us in this Mini-Journal. As you can see, we’re shifting to the Old Testament. As we begin in the book of Exodus, we see there’s a new king in town. He doesn’t remember the old promises and alliances. He’s a take-charge kind of guy. He seems to recognize the Egyptian economy rests in large part on the Israelites. So he begins hatching a plan to keep them from leaving. (It sort of makes me wonder why our country’s political leaders are giving the car companies so much hassle. But that’s a different story.)

This is the beginning of a new chapter in Israel’s story – and in ours, as well. Over these next few weeks be open to what the Lord will be saying – in the Exodus story and in your own life.