He increased His people greatly, and made them stronger than their enemies. He turned their heart to hate His people, to deal craftily with His servants. (Psalm 105:24-25)

It has been addressed in a previous devotion that, generally speaking, the people of God have grown and multiplied outside of the Land of Promise rather than within. Jacob went to Syria and returned twenty years later with wives, children and servants. Later in life, he went down into Egypt with seventy family members, and in two centuries, that number had grown into millions. The Bible records that, during that time in Egypt, “the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them” (Exodus 1:7). In fact, their numbers and might began to overshadow that of the Egyptians prompting their hosts to fear them; as it is written, “the more they multiplied and grew, they were in dread of the children of Israel” (Exodus 1:12).

It was at this point that Pharaoh and his ministers began to plot against them, eventually enslaving them. According to the psalmist, this was all part of God’s plan and purpose hence the statement, “He turned their heart to hate His people.” The question that arises is, “Why?” Why would God cause these people to turn against His people and force them into bondage? We may never fully understand the mind of God in this matter on this side of eternity, but we can make an observation. If Pharaoh had not molested the people of Israel, and had the Hebrews continued to grow mighty, prosperous and comfortable, it is likely they would have never left Egypt for Canaan — something that had to happen.

Suffice it to say that we are no different than they were; when we get comfortable, we have a tendency to become lazy — not just physically but spiritually as well. While Egypt most definitely served its purpose in providing a temporary sanctuary, it was never intended to be the final resting place for God’s people. That’s why, according to Stephen, “when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham … another king arose who did not know Joseph” (Acts 7:17-18). Likewise, when the appointed time draws near for us to fulfill our purpose, God will allow us to become uncomfortable with what we though we wanted. He will allow those we thought we knew to become agitated with us because, in the end, His desire is that we would desire His perfect will.

As I said, we may never fully understand the mind and purpose of God, but we can rely on this: His will is in our best interests. If He allows us to be alienated and castigated by those we have lived among, it is His way of setting us apart for His glory and purpose. So, don’t get too comfortable with things and ideas that are destined to fade away; focus on His Kingdom and pursue it with all your might.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill