Good morning,
Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.
Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.
We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.
God blesses Israel Psalm 105
b) God blesses Israel
1) Abrahamic Covenant v 9-11 Key verse 11
Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:
2) God’s protection v 12-15 Key verse 15
When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
3) Famine and Joseph v16-22 Key verses 21-22
Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.20 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:22 To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
4) Israel enters Egypt and increased His people v23-24
23 Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.24 And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.
5) God’s signs to Egypt through Moses v 25-38 Key verses 37-38
He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilely with his servants.26 He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.29 He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.30 Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.32 He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.33 He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.34 He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number,35 And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.36 He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.38 Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.
6) God leads His people v 39
He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
7) God provides food and water v 40-41
The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.
8) God keeps His promise to Abraham v 42-45 Key verse 42
For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:44 And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labor of the people;45 That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.
When God makes covenant with Israel, it is irrevocable. God never goes back on His word. Through the whole process God took care of Israel. Even when they were slaves in Egypt, God protected them. God put up with their rebellion, whining, and ungratefulness, and brought them into the promised land. Just as He promised.
God does the same for us. The Bible is filled with promises. Do we know what they are? Do we understand them in the context of the Scriptures? Do we claim them? It is so exciting to watch God work in our lives.
Several caveats though.
First, we must be walking with God. Salvation, then, reading and studying the Bible.
Second, determine who the promise was meant. Israel, the church, specific individuals.
Third, be careful what promises we claim. It might change our lives.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com