Egypt is mentioned in both the New and Old Testaments under different circumstances but for a similar reason. It started with Joseph when he was sold into slavery. It was followed with the birth of Moses. Both became Egyptian royals though Jews. Jesus the messiah was taken to Egypt on God’s instructions, Matthew 2:13-15. Jesus was also a royal though not of this world. These events were by God’s design.
God’s providence
Psalms 37:3 says trust in the Lord, and be kind so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Joseph, Moses and Jesus entered Egypt for security reasons under God’s favour. Joseph was honest to the houses of Potiphar and Pharaoh, Genesis 39:1-4. Moses had a good heart with faith in God. Jesus had a good heart of love as the Saviour of the world, John 4:42; Acts 5:31. For their good hearts, they enjoyed God’s promised security Egypt even in a strange or foreign land. God does not consult our wishes in order to provide our security needs be it health, life, power, job, relationship, children, peace, etc.
Land of leadership
Egypt was noted for producing great leaders. Egyptian culture was one of resilience, discipline, vision and faith in gods. Joseph and Moses were some of such icons of faith and successful leaders having been exposed to the Egyptian qualities of leadership. Jesus is associated with these qualities as a born leader. They were all saviours in different respects. Joseph saved his people from famine. Moses saved his people from slavery. Jesus saved the world from sin and eternal death.
Their association with Egypt was a confirmation of divine leadership. Leaders lead the way. God said about Jesus, this is my beloved son listen to him, Mark 9:7. The people also asked Jesus to show them the way, Luke 20:21. Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me, John 14:6. Our leader must be Christ Jesus to show us the way.
Land of security
God used Egypt as a place for security to save his people for his purpose. The lives of Joseph, Moses and Jesus were endangered from infancy so God saved them in Egypt. God can use anybody to save us from harm. What God has blessed let no man call unclean. God provides peace for us within our walls and security within our towers, Psalms 122:7; 61:3. The Lord is our spiritual wall and tower, Proverbs 18:10. In Isaiah 39:8 it is written, I am oppressed; be thou my security.
Let us allow God to work out his security plan for us in our spiritual Egypt. God knows how to make everything beautiful in its time, Ecclesiastes 3:3-8, 11. We only need to abide in Christ so when we ask it shall be done for us, John 15:7.
Land of hope
Though Egypt was noted for slavery, it remained a land of hope where immigrants had the opportunity to excel. Joseph was a slave boy and Moses was from a slave descent but both became royals. Psalms 14:6 said the Lord is the refuge of the poor and would confound his plans. Jesus in Egypt confirmed his mission of hope for the poor, rejected and the Gentiles. Paul says there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave not free, there is neither male nor female, because you are all one in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:28. Let us show love and give hope to others and to those who do not share faith with us.
Land of stability
Egypt was largely a stable society because of its culture of strength and hard work. The merchants who bought Joseph had economic power. Joseph’s family migrated to Egypt for economic reasons so they did not return after the famine. Their royals including Joseph and Moses ensured hard work for a stable economy though they used slaves and military might most of the time.
Jesus in Egypt epitomized stability in life with him. Hebrews 12:28 says let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Our lives cannot be shaken with Christ if we will seek first the kingdom and its righteousness, Matthew 6:33. Jesus came to correct our misplaced priority and notion about economic power. We need Jesus for a stable life. Let us not look elsewhere for solutions. Jesus is the only way.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we need a stable life, security and your leadership. Grant us your providence to make us comfortable in your bosom. In your holy name we pray, Amen!!
