Scripture to Read: Exodus 1:8–14
In Exodus 1:8–14, we find that after Joseph and his brothers died, a new king came into power in Egypt and this king did not know Joseph. This new king was concerned about making sure the Israelites did not join another nation and wage war against Egypt. So, the new king put in place taskmasters over the Israelites and forced them into hard labor. God had Moses write this in Exodus 1:12, “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel.” God gave the nation of Israel His favor and multiplied them and the Egyptians feared this fast-growing nation. Fear and anger will arise when we are threatened. Also, when we are fearful or threatened, we will fight or run. The king of Egypt and even the people of Egypt felt threatened by the way the nation of Israel continued to grow in number, so the king fought against them by enslaving them and putting them through hard labor. We have an enemy (Ephesians 6:12) that battles against all Christians every day of our lives. These spiritual forces of darkness seek to enslave us to our past, our weaknesses, and our fleshly desires. We must not fear but surrender to our Lord’s work and will for us (Ephesians 6:10–18) and not be surprised by the battle we are in (1 Peter 4:12–13) but rejoice in our Lord knowing our victory is found in Him (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Challenge & Application
· How do you prepare for the spiritual battlefield each day so that you can walk in victory?
· Just as the Egyptians enslaved Israel, the devil and demons seek to enslave us to our past; so, how do you overcome?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!