‘But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They started to dread the children of Israel. The Egyptians ruthlessly made the children of Israel serve, and they made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve. ‘ Exodus 1:12-14
Spending time in nature
Spending time in nature can be fun this week. Go outside to a river or stream where there are thick grasses or a favorite park, or build a hide and seek space in your house or yard. Only you are going to play a game called sardines. One person in the family hides everyone seeks the hidden individual. Once they find them, they too will cozy up in the hiding spot. The game is over once everyone has spotted the missing person. This game goes out, in part, to Miriam. She was hiding among the reeds, spying on her little brother, not an easy task for youngsters. Think about how it was waiting for everyone to find you. Once everyone is in the same place, brainstorm as a family how you could hide a baby for three months. Play the game again, let each family member take a turn hiding.
Tip
This week’s tip is more of a fun fact. Grass, well Dragon bamboo, can grow up to 45 meters in height. Grass has up to 33 calories per 100 grams and 3.3 grams of carbs, along with 2.2 grams of protein and 4.6 grams of fiber. Although I don’t recommend eating grass. It’s just amazing how what I see on my lawn comes in so many heights and textures.
Do Something Creative
The Egyptians wanted to use the Israelites to build storehouses that would hold treasures here on Earth. As Christians, we know that God is providing our every need here on Earth. For today’s craft, use the Mod Podge to seal some old pages of a book onto the old cans. First, apply a thin layer of the Mod Podge to the cleaned tin can. Take the pages and smooth them on the outside of the can. Once the can is covered and you are happy with the text that is showing, apply another layer of Mod Podge and let the sheets dry to the can. You can use the cans to display art supplies or plants. The idea behind this craft is to pick books that reminded us that our time on Earth, though precious, is not the end of the story; it is only a page or two. The Israelites were tasked over 400 years with harsh servitude; their existence would be more than anything the imagination can bring to life.
What you will need:
- An old book that can be destroyed
- Various sizes of tin cans
- Mod Podge or a slightly watered down glue mixture
- Newspapers to keep surfaces clean
- Paintbrushes to apply Mod Podge
Family worship idea
For worship, weave a blanket out of paper or ribbon; don’t make the weave tight. Take a lantern and hide it under the weave. Read Exodus 1 to Exodus 2: 10. As you read, remove a strip of paper or ribbon from the weave every time a female helped Moses. You’ll remove one ribbon, for each of the midwives, for Jochebed, Miriam, and Pharaoh’s daughter. As you remove part of the weave, more of the light will shine through. By the end of the story, there might only be a small amount of light exposed. This small amount of light has the power to make a big difference in very dark places. Remind the family that our light is not meant to be hidden under a basket (Matthew 5:15). Baby Moses was found in a vessel of papyrus on the water. In Isaiah 18:2 the prophet is preparing those who might hear to “Go to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!” Moses would grow up and go to a nation similar to the one described. Maybe we, too, will go to such a nation. “All you inhabitants of the world, and you dwellers on the earth, when a banner is lifted up on the mountains, look! When the shofar is blown, listen!” (Isaiah 18: 3) This will be our call when the message of God’s love is complete. There will be difficult times as the word of God is pushed out of homes, but God does not leave us in the dark (Zechariah 9:14, Joel 2:1, Revelation 10: 7, Amos 3:7).
Personal thoughts
Some time had passed, and the new ruler of Egypt did not know Joseph. The Israelites were given taskmasters over them to afflict them; they were tasked with building storehouses. These storage cities were for the kings of this earth. The Israelites would never be able to enjoy the riches that were in the storehouses. Their work was in vain because all that was stored will remain here on earth. The burden laid on them by man might not have been a life-threatening task. It did, however, keep them from keeping God’s commandments. Later, we learn Moses had to help the people become reacquainted with the Sabbath. This is not uncommon. When we take on the burdens of this world or man’s traditions, the weight is too much. Jesus promises a lighter load. This weight is not lighter because the task can be done effortlessly. It’s easier because Jesus carries the burden for us. When Sampson was pushing the mill, he grew someone else’s wealth, walking in circles and going nowhere. Once he was committed to God’s work, he was not only successful; his strength was enough. Once we allow someone to be over us, we find out how difficult it becomes to be obedient to God. Once we allow God to be over us, we find even in persecution with dirt floors, we are content because our treasure is greater.
Hiding His word in your ❤
‘ “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”’
Matthew 11:28-30
Sabbath Catalyst 