No More Pharaohs

Exodus 1:8-12

Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

These verses indicate the Hebrews were not physically enslaved until after a new king (Pharaoh) arose; these are the descendants of Joseph and his brothers (verses 1-6). We know the story of how Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and was taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:18-36). Over the course of many years of favor and prison, Joseph would finally come into the manifestation of the dreams God had given him (Genesis 39-45).

Pharaoh saw that the Hebrews were greater in number and strength; this was a threat to him and his kingdom. He saw in them what they did not see in themselves. He decided to use their strength for his advantage, so he enslaved them. The Hebrews were treated with cruelty as they built cities for Pharaoh, but it did not stop them from multiplying and this really vexed the Egyptians. When you are chosen by God, no man can stop you!

 When I read these verses, the Lord began to remind me of the many Pharaohs in our lives: relationships, jobs, careers, spouses, and sad to say...pastors and ministries. Pharaoh sees your strength and abilities, but sometimes all you see is your weakness and inabilities. Pharaoh has studied you and knows that the day you wake up and find out who you are, they will not be able to hold you back! But until that time they will use your strength and abilities to make them successful or more successful and you will become their personal slave!

We read in Genesis 1:27: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Since we are made in His likeness and image, we should see ourselves as He sees us. When God created us, He gave us everything to succeed in this life. We were born with "purpose" in us, but it is only when our mind is transformed (Romans 12:2) from the lies of the enemy that we can truly walk in freedom. We don't have to be a slave to anyone or anything: "If the Son has set you free, you are truly free "(John 8:36)