Divine Guardianship

Scripture Reading: Exodus 1:1-7

Key Verse: Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died  (Exodus 1:6)

Mediation: In Bible class we often hear, "that we are immortal until our work for God is done," and "God buries his workmen and carries on the work." In youth I accepted these slogans and even gained comfort in the concept of God's sovereignty over my life. I confess now that when a friend is taken early in his life I am tempted to question an idea so easily accepted.

When Joseph, the great-grandson of Abraham, died in Egypt some must have questioned the timeliness of his death. Joseph outlived 11 brothers who had come with their father to Egypt to escape the worldwide famine. As that generation who had experienced living in the land of Canaan died, there was no "heir apparent" to lead them back. Even more alarming Israel seemed quite contented in Egypt enjoying the good life in the fertile land of Goshen. From the human perspective, everything seemed at a standstill as far as God was concerned.

Biblical history shows that the period between the death of Joseph and the emergence of Moses spanned 400 years. How did Israel remember its destiny during this long period? We have no record of any new revelations or ministry of prophets in the many decades. While we do not want to give simple answers to complex questions, the story of Joseph's death followed by four centuries of silence assures us that when the important people in our lives pass away prematurely, God has a continuing plan and it is right on His schedule.

Thought for the Day: The ultimate protection of any moment is not in man, but in God who continues the work.