Auspicious Beginnings Ex. 1:8-2:10
January 12th 
Christine Bailey
 

Ice breaker:

What's the longest journey you've ever made?
If it was a physical, geographic journey, where did you go and how did it affect you?
If it was a metaphorical journey through varying circumstances, how different were you at the end, compared with the beginning?

Study

Today we begin a new series of studies on the book of Exodus. This book takes us on a journey, with a group of people, through many changes of circumstances. They begin in a country where they are held captive, and end in freedom on the verge of a 'Promised Land'. They begin as a group of people descended from one family, and end as an identifiable nation. They begin with an ethnic identity and finish as a people with an identity of faith and commitment to their God, YHWH.
It's one epic journey! - but it begins with silent hiding.

Read: Ex. 1:1-2:10
Q: Why might v7 be a problem? Can we hear echoes of this in our current political situation?
Without bringing up party politics[!], think about how the Egyptians might have felt.

Q: v8 What does it mean that the new king 'did not know Joseph'? What is the role of history in understanding where we are now?

Q: v11-14 describes the gradual subjugation of an ethnic group. Do we think the world is any different today?

Q: 15-21 Women against systematic genocide! Discuss!

Q: v22 But evil finds another way. What other Bible stories echo this?
[ Ex.12.29ff and Matt 2.16-18]

Q: 2.1-10 This remarkable story features a number of courageous and compassionate women, who join the midwives of ch 1. Discuss the various roles they play in securing the
safety of this baby. Notice their intelligent plans, and clever answers.
Have you ever been involved in something like this: a subterfuge to bring about good from evil?

Q: In what ways is this an auspicious beginning to the life of Moses?
His rescue plan may be auspicious, but the very beginning of the chapter is rather more inauspicious. Was Moses' un-named mother literally 'clutching at straws'?
Her faith was justified in the end.
Do you have stories to share of acting in faith, against the odds?

Moses will become the first, and possibly the greatest, Old Testament prophet. Matthew, in his Gospel, is thought to be addressing a Jewish audience mainly. He repeatedly portrays Jesus as 'a greater than Moses'. Reflect back on the story of the Massacre of the Innocents and the flight into Egypt, from Matt ch 2.