The lectionary starts reading today from the second book of the Bible, Exodus. Genesis ended with the family of the patriarch Jacob, renamed Israel, moving to Egypt at the invitation of one of his sons, Joseph, who exercised power there. Exodus fast forwards 4oo years to a time when “a new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to power in Egypt.” (Probably not a surprise given the time gap!) Apparently the Hebrews, as they were known, never assimilated with the native population of Egypt. They kept their identity as children of Abraham and worshippers of his God against the Egyptian pantheon. This separation set them up to be exploited by the majority culture. Christians today are finding that the values we hold set us apart as well. While we in the United States experience only minor inconveniences as a result, the Biblical lesson is to cling to faith in God no matter the cost.
JULY172023
By Church Staff
