The Importance of History
Joseph saved the nation of Egypt, and as a result was seen as a hero. The Pharaoh at the time knew this, and promoted Joseph to the highest position possible and promised the Israelites that they would be taken care of.
However, several generations later, Joseph, the pharaoh and everyone who was alive at that time died and the history of what happened came to an end.
The current pharaoh wasn't aware of what had happened and could only see the facts that were before him - that the Israelites outnumbered the Egyptians and had the potential to be very powerful.
So something that was good for the Israelites turned into slavery.
Application
This passage seems to emphasize the importance of history. The importance of understanding what our forefathers did and why things are the way they are. Often, we see a problem (being outnumbered) and we make a change without a regard for the reason why things are that way.
In many ways the past is just as important as the future. If we don't understand what has happened in the past, what will happen tomorrow may not be as significant as it could have been.
We can make judgements with an inaccurate assessment of the situation. This is something that I need to work on. To spend just as much time studying why something is the way it is as I do looking for ways to improve things tomorrow.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this perspective on this problem. Lord, help me to be understanding of this fact and to place a greater emphasis on history. I love you Lord.
Created over 1 year ago
