Today in the Word: January 28, 2013

Today marks the 28th day in which I have followed the ESV Chronological One-Year Bible Reading Plan. It is the same plan Ray Comfort is using this year. And I'm enjoying the accountability of others who are using the same reading plan.

My friend Saad, who has put together the accountability group, has asked me to share what I'm gleaning from God's Word this year. So, to the extent that I'm able, and with what little wisdom I have, I'm going to try to share some thoughts each day, here. Some days I might write a page. Other days I might write but a few paragraphs. Still other days I may write just a couple sentences. Don't expect anything too profound. These "Today in the Word" posts will simply be me thinking aloud about the Word of God.

Genesis 46:1-47:31

"Then he said, 'I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes" (Genesis 46:3-4).

One thing that stood out to me in this passage is how God identified Himself to Israel. God did not simply say, "I am the God of your father." He said, "I am God, the God of your father (emphasis mine)." Had God simply said, "I am the God of your father," the casual (or hostile), unregenerate reader could walk away with the blasphemous notion that there are multiple gods ruling the universe. But God spoke with authority and emphasis. "I am God, the God of your father." God begins by asserting He alone is God and then follows by reminding Israel that He is the God of his fathers.

There is only one God. There is no other (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; 1 Kings 8:60; Isaiah 45:5-6, 18, 21-22; 46:9).

While other gods are mentioned throughout Scripture, even a cursory reading of the texts reveals that these false gods are either inanimate objects created by the hands and imaginations of sinful men (Isaiah 45:14-25) or they are demonic beings presenting themselves as a god or a representative of God (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Romans 3:30; Galatians 3:20; James 2:19).

Something else that stood out to me in today's reading was the sovereignty of God.

I wonder if Israel, old and nearing death, thought only of God's provision and protection to enter Goshen, the choicest land of Egypt? After all, God told him not to be afraid to enter. God promised to be with Israel as he entered the land.

God also told Israel, "I will also bring you up again." God told Israel He would be with him as he entered, but He said something different in reference to Israel one-day leaving the land. He said, "I will also bring you up again."

God told Israel he would enter the land of his own volition. But Israel (as a people group) would not leave Egypt the same way they entered. God would be the one to bring them out. And that's what would happen to Israel 430 years after they entered Egypt. The people, now a nation, who would walk into Egypt would be carried out by the Lord God Almighty. Yes, they would leave Israel on foot, just ad they entered, but not by their own power. It would be the power of God, the will of God, the sovereignty of God that would set Israel free from their Egyptian oppressors.

Thank you, Lord, for showing these things to me in Your Word, today.