fear and ignorance in Egypt

today's readings: Gen 50:1 - Exodus 2:10, Matt 16:13 - 17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6

we've moved into Exodus! the year is flying by, isn't it?

so today, we get Joseph's inspirational sentiment to his brothers that they shouldn't be afraid (365 times the Bible says this! Twice in today's readings!) because what they meant for Joseph's harm, God meant for his good.

every time I read that idea, it makes me remember that the same is true in my life. when people do things that hurt me (whether they intend to or not), God can and will work them for my good, as long as I trust Him and try to cooperate with His work in my life.

but the thing that really stood out to me today was what the new Pharaoh said. he looked at the Hebrews and said "They've outnumbered us and they're stronger than us. If we don't do something, they'll take over."

there is so much to learn from this. first, the Hebrews were greater in both number and strength to the Egyptians. if they had stood up to the Egyptians, they would never have been enslaved.

second, fear and ignorance once more created a monster. it's arguable that fear and ignorance create more monsters than anything else. even greed and hate are born in fear and ignorance. (Pharaoh was afraid of the Hebrews because they were strong, and ignorant of history, not knowing how good Joseph had been to Egypt)

so more love and more education will drive out fear and ignorance, just like light drives out darkness and heat drives out cold.

I pray that God will give us the courage to stand up to the fear and ignorance in our culture and overpower them with love and education.