PODCAST
Dangerous Prosperity
August 29th, 2011
Exodus 1:1-14
Prosperity can be dangerous; it certainly was for the Israelites living in Egypt. Pharaoh invited them to settle in Goshen during Joseph’s day. Over the intervening centuries they “were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous” (v. 7). This caused concern to the new Pharaoh and dread in the heart of the Egyptians.
A plan of action was devised. Slave masters were put over the Israelites. They were forced into hard labor. The harder they oppressed, however, the more the Israelites grew.
Jesus had the same experience. The Pharisees cried, “Look how the whole world has gone after him!” (John 12:19). They felt threatened by his popularity. A plan was devised leading to death on a cross. In Jesus’ resurrection their words of fear were transformed into a prophecy still being fulfilled today.
God will take care of his people. True power is always on the side of those who serve the living God.
