Day 32 - Exodus 1-2 & Psalm 32

 Julie

As we enter in this new book, it is said that we need to focus on the covenant God has made with Israel and his family. As we see in these first two chapters, we are reminded in words that God has continued to fulfill that covenant, as well as the Israelites (Hebrews) show their fear of God. Although they have been brought into slavery and the midwives are being told to kill the boys that are born (because Pharoah fears the Hebrews), their fear of God keeps them from doing as Pharaoh says. We are also getting into the beginning of Moses part of the story and we will watch unfold how God protects him.

Psalm 32 is called a "thanksgiving hymn" which makes sense it is thanking God for forgiving sins. It's a beautiful reminder that God forgives us and as such we should be just as forgiving. He loves us in spite of the things we do and accepts us as who we are, and we should remember to treat others in kind.

Jackie

Another book, a new beginning, as I read today's reading it reminded me that God is always with us.  Sometimes we are asked to do things because others say but we have to remember that if it does not go with what God says then we have to believe and trust that he is in control and will take care of us if we go against what others are saying.  

The Psalm reminds me that God forgive us of our sins, and sin of avoidance, running, hiding or just being just plain lazy in our faith.  He still loves us and will accept us even when we fault, and he will bring us back to his loving kindness continue to grow us.  

Michelle

So upon reading this passage, I came away with more questions.  The preface says it’s been 4 centuries and that the Israelites are laboring as slaves.  When we ended Genesis they had become slaves after the famine and selling themselves to the Pharaoh and Joseph for food. Now we start to find them oppressed.  I get that over time things have changed and the promises have faded from memory.  And now they are many and the newest Pharaoh isn’t a believer so he asks for terrible things to happen.  But when they cry out for help from God he is there.  

The psalm  is another that says call out to the lord and he will be there for you.  

So I read this passage again this morning and had a realization.  God seems to use sinners more than others to do his work.  As at the end of 2 it says Moses killed an Egyptian and hid him.  I guess that’s a reminder that God uses all kinds of people and that we are not perfect.