SOAP Journal 04-14-2008 (Psalm 105:17, 43-45)

Scripture:

Psalm 105:17 He sent a man ahead of them – Joseph was sold as a servant.

Psalm 105:43-45 When he led his people out, they rejoiced; his chosen ones shouted with joy. He handed the territory of nations over to them, and they took possession of what other peoples had produced, so that they might keep his commands and obey his laws. Praise the Lord!

Observation:

The progression of standing from the first-arrived slave to the triumphant delivered people is the story of God's move among all people. Joseph chose none of the details of his move into Egypt, he would have chosen none of them. Yet God knew who he was from his first insignificant day and how He was going to use Joseph's favor to bring salvation to "the land of Ham". And God's purpose was to fulfill the promise made to Joseph's great grandfather Abraham - to give Canaan to his offspring. His purpose in this is that He would have a distinct people who would keep his commands.

Application:

We start out as slaves and if we're not careful, we will pick up slavery's yoke again and put it on. We end up as God's servants - bonded to the only Master worth serving. For in serving Him, we are the enriched ones - the called out ones - the ones who bear His name. And so it goes, slaves drawing close to freedom - a freedom found in serving.

Prayer:

God, let me know the joy of serving You as Master and King. I want to be found faithful in Your house and among Your people. Forgive me my sin and forgive me, for I need to know You new mercies this day. In Jesus' name, amen.