Scripture Focus: Exodus 1:1–7

“Brothers and sisters, today we embark on a journey through the Book of Exodus, a book of deliverance, redemption, and the unfolding of God’s mighty hand in the lives of His people. But before we dive into the miraculous signs and wonders, we must begin at the beginning—setting the stage for God’s work. Let us read together from Exodus 1:1–7.

The opening verses of Exodus serve as a bridge between the story of Genesis and the dramatic events that will follow. In Genesis, we see God’s covenant with Abraham—His promise to make Abraham the father of a great nation, to bless him, and to give his descendants a land of their own. But at the end of Genesis, the story takes an unexpected turn. Abraham’s descendants, through Joseph, find themselves in Egypt, a foreign land. And it is here, in Egypt, that the Book of Exodus begins.

Exodus 1:1–7 recounts how Jacob’s family, just seventy people strong, came to settle in Egypt. What began as a family has now grown into a nation. Verse 7 tells us, ‘The Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers, and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.’ This is a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2: ‘I will make you into a great nation.’ Even in a foreign land, surrounded by challenges, God’s covenant is being fulfilled.

But we must not overlook the setting. Egypt, though initially a place of refuge during famine, is not the land God promised to Abraham. The Israelites are far from the Promised Land, and as the story unfolds, we will see their growing adversity under Pharaoh. Yet, even here, God’s faithfulness shines. His people multiply and thrive, laying the foundation for the great deliverance to come.

What can we learn from this introduction to Exodus? First, we see that God’s promises are unshakable. When He spoke to Abraham, He declared a future for His descendants, and even in Egypt—far from the Promised Land—God’s word is being fulfilled. This reminds us that God is faithful, even when we find ourselves in difficult or unexpected places.

Second, this passage highlights how adversity often precedes deliverance. The Israelites would soon face oppression in Egypt, but God was at work, preparing to show His power and glory through their deliverance. In our own lives, we may find ourselves in seasons of challenge or uncertainty, but these times are often the soil in which God grows His greatest works.

As we reflect, I encourage you to consider this question: How has God been faithful to you during challenging times? Perhaps He sustained you when you thought you couldn’t go on. Perhaps He provided in ways you didn’t expect. Take a moment to think about the ways God’s hand has been at work in your life, even in seasons of adversity.

Let us pray. Father, thank You for Your faithfulness that endures through every generation. Just as You fulfilled Your promises to Abraham, You are faithful to us, even in the midst of challenges. Help us to trust You when life feels uncertain, knowing that You are always at work, preparing the way for deliverance and blessing. Strengthen our faith and remind us of Your unshakable promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.”