From Blessings to Burdens: A Call to Perspective

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound transformation of blessings into burdens and how this theme is woven throughout the story of the Hebrew people in Egypt, as recounted in the book of Exodus. Initially, the Hebrews were welcomed into Egypt as a blessing, thanks to Joseph's foresight and leadership during a time of famine. However, as time passed and a new Pharaoh came to power, the Hebrews were no longer seen as a blessing but as a threat and a burden. This shift in perception led to their enslavement and harsh treatment.

This narrative is not just a historical account but a reflection of a recurring pattern in human societies. We often welcome people, ideas, or changes as blessings, only to later perceive them as burdens when they challenge our comfort zones or cultural norms. This is evident in our own communities and nations, where immigrants and those who are different are sometimes viewed with suspicion and treated as burdens rather than blessings.

The story of Moses' birth and survival is a powerful illustration of seeing beyond the immediate circumstances. Moses' mother, Jochebed, saw potential and hope in her child, even in the face of oppressive laws. She placed him in a basket, strategically positioning him where Pharaoh's daughter would find him. This act of faith and foresight led to Moses being raised in Pharaoh's household, ultimately becoming a leader who would deliver his people.

This story challenges us to reconsider how we view those around us, especially those who are different or who we might initially see as burdens. It calls us to recognize the blessings in our lives, even when they come in unexpected forms. We are reminded that God's perspective is often different from ours, and we are encouraged to see others as God sees them—valuable, loved, and full of potential.

Key Takeaways:

- Transformation of Perception: The story of the Hebrews in Egypt illustrates how blessings can become perceived as burdens over time. This transformation often occurs when new leadership or societal changes challenge existing norms and comfort zones. We are called to remain open to seeing the enduring blessings in our lives, even when circumstances change. [03:52]

- Faith and Foresight: Jochebed's actions in saving Moses demonstrate the power of faith and strategic foresight. By placing Moses in the reeds, she trusted in God's provision and saw potential in a dire situation. This teaches us to act with faith and wisdom, trusting that God can turn our burdens into blessings. [14:39]

- Seeing Beyond Differences: The narrative encourages us to look beyond cultural, linguistic, and societal differences to see the inherent value in every person. Just as Pharaoh's daughter saw Moses as a blessing, we are called to see others as God sees them, embracing diversity as a gift. [20:34]

- Children as Catalysts for Change: Children often lead us to see the world differently, as they did in the story of Moses and in Jesus' teachings. Their innocence and perspective can reveal truths we might overlook, reminding us of the importance of humility and openness to learning from the least expected sources. [16:52]

- Embracing God's Abundance: The message concludes with a reminder of God's abundant provision. Despite societal narratives of scarcity, we are encouraged to trust in God's sufficiency and to view others not as competitors for resources but as fellow recipients of God's blessings. [23:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:11] - Blessings Turned Burdens
- [03:52] - New Pharaoh, New Perceptions
- [05:01] - The Hebrews' Growing Threat
- [05:50] - Pharaoh's Oppressive Plans
- [07:18] - Modern Parallels
- [08:43] - Community and Perception
- [09:40] - Moses' Birth and Survival
- [10:29] - Jochebed's Faithful Plan
- [11:50] - Pharaoh's Daughter's Compassion
- [12:54] - The Burden of Labels
- [13:37] - Seeing God's Glory in Others
- [14:39] - Strategic Placement of Moses
- [16:06] - Children as Blessings
- [18:30] - Jesus' View on Children
- [20:34] - Embracing Diversity
- [21:41] - Personal Reflection
- [22:56] - Prayer and Blessing
- [30:32] - Amen: A Universal Affirmation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Exodus 1:22-2:10
- Isaiah 11:6
- Mark 10:13-16

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Observation Questions:

1. How did the perception of the Hebrew people change from being a blessing to a burden in Egypt? What were the factors that contributed to this shift? [03:52]

2. What actions did Jochebed take to protect her son Moses, and how did these actions demonstrate her faith and foresight? [10:29]

3. How did Pharaoh's daughter respond upon discovering Moses, and what does this reveal about her character? [14:39]

4. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the recurring pattern of blessings turning into burdens in modern society? [07:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What might the story of Moses' survival teach about the importance of seeing potential and hope in dire situations? How does this relate to the concept of faith and foresight? [14:39]

2. How does the narrative of the Hebrews in Egypt challenge societal norms regarding immigrants and those who are different? What lessons can be drawn about embracing diversity? [20:34]

3. In what ways do children serve as catalysts for change, both in the story of Moses and in Jesus' teachings? How can this perspective influence our view of children today? [16:52]

4. How does the sermon encourage us to view others as God sees them, and what implications does this have for our interactions with people who are different from us? [21:41]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you initially saw someone or something as a blessing, but later perceived it as a burden. What changed, and how might you view the situation differently now? [07:18]

2. Consider the people in your life who you might view as burdens. How can you begin to see them as blessings, and what steps can you take to change your perspective? [21:41]

3. How can you practice faith and foresight in your own life, especially in challenging situations? What specific actions can you take to trust in God's provision? [14:39]

4. Identify a person or group in your community who is different from you culturally or linguistically. How can you embrace and celebrate their diversity as a gift? [20:34]

5. Think of a child in your life who has taught you something valuable. How can you nurture and encourage their perspective to bring about positive change? [16:52]

6. Reflect on the concept of God's abundant provision. How can you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance in your daily life and interactions with others? [23:49]

7. How can you actively work to see others as God sees them, recognizing their inherent value and potential? What practical steps can you take to apply this perspective in your relationships? [21:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation of Perception
The story of the Hebrews in Egypt serves as a powerful reminder of how perceptions can shift over time. Initially welcomed as a blessing due to Joseph's leadership, the Hebrews eventually became perceived as a threat and burden under a new Pharaoh. This change in perception led to their enslavement and harsh treatment. This narrative reflects a recurring pattern in human societies, where people, ideas, or changes initially seen as blessings can later be viewed as burdens when they challenge comfort zones or cultural norms. It calls us to remain open to recognizing the enduring blessings in our lives, even when circumstances change. [03:52]

Exodus 1:8-10 (ESV): "Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, 'Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.'"

Reflection: Think of a situation or relationship in your life that you initially saw as a blessing but now view as a burden. How can you shift your perspective to see the enduring blessing in it today?


Day 2: Faith and Foresight
Jochebed's actions in saving Moses demonstrate the power of faith and strategic foresight. Despite the oppressive laws of the time, she saw potential and hope in her child. By placing Moses in a basket among the reeds, she trusted in God's provision and strategically positioned him where Pharaoh's daughter would find him. This act of faith and wisdom led to Moses being raised in Pharaoh's household, ultimately becoming a leader who would deliver his people. This teaches us to act with faith and wisdom, trusting that God can turn our burdens into blessings. [14:39]

Hebrews 11:23 (ESV): "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict."

Reflection: Consider a challenging situation you are facing. What is one step of faith you can take today, trusting that God can turn this burden into a blessing?


Day 3: Seeing Beyond Differences
The narrative encourages us to look beyond cultural, linguistic, and societal differences to see the inherent value in every person. Just as Pharaoh's daughter saw Moses as a blessing, we are called to see others as God sees them, embracing diversity as a gift. This perspective challenges us to reconsider how we view those around us, especially those who are different or who we might initially see as burdens. It calls us to recognize the blessings in our lives, even when they come in unexpected forms. [20:34]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is different from you in some way. How can you intentionally see and appreciate the value they bring to your life today?


Day 4: Children as Catalysts for Change
Children often lead us to see the world differently, as they did in the story of Moses and in Jesus' teachings. Their innocence and perspective can reveal truths we might overlook, reminding us of the importance of humility and openness to learning from the least expected sources. This narrative invites us to embrace the perspective of children, recognizing their potential to catalyze change and reveal deeper truths about God's kingdom. [16:52]

Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Reflection: Spend time with a child today, whether in person or through a memory. What can you learn from their perspective that might change how you view a current situation?


Day 5: Embracing God's Abundance
The message concludes with a reminder of God's abundant provision. Despite societal narratives of scarcity, we are encouraged to trust in God's sufficiency and to view others not as competitors for resources but as fellow recipients of God's blessings. This perspective challenges us to embrace a mindset of abundance, trusting in God's provision and recognizing the blessings in our lives, even when they come in unexpected forms. [23:49]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel scarcity. How can you shift your mindset to trust in God's abundance and see others as fellow recipients of His blessings today?

Quotes

"And in that story, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, at one point, was receiving, the Hebrew people, into his country, as blessings. If you remember what happened, there was a big famine that was foretold in Pharaoh's dream. And Pharaoh couldn't understand it. But Joseph, one of the Hebrew people, was able to interpret the dream and tell Pharaoh, Pharaoh, this dream means a big famine is coming, and we have to prepare for it. So Joseph, the Hebrew, was put in charge of preparing for the famine. And when everybody ran out of food, they could come to Egypt and be provided, by food, because of this Hebrew man, Joseph." [00:02:19]

"And then Joseph found out that his family was in need. They were hungry, too. His dad thought he was dead, but he was alive. And so, Joseph went to Pharaoh and said, hey, my family, they need a place to live. And Pharaoh said, that's great. We would love to have your family come. This is awesome. We will set a land aside for your people, and they can be shepherds. They can be shepherds in our land, and they can shepherd our animals, and they will be a huge. Blessing to us." [00:03:59]

"And so, Joseph's family, the Hebrew people, they moved into Egypt, and people were excited when they moved in, because they were shepherds, they were Joseph's family, and they were as a huge blessing to the land of Egypt. But then, something happened. The Pharaoh died. A new Pharaoh took over. New ruler. New regent. New regime. New politics. And the book of Exodus says it like this. That a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt." [00:05:19]

"He did not know him. But it wasn't that he forgot about him. It was that this new Pharaoh. This new king chose to forget about Joseph. He chose to forget about the Hebrew people. He chose to forget about the history and the blessing that the Hebrew people brought. Because when they came, they were a blessing. But something began to happen. They began to multiply. They began to have families and big families. And they brought with them their own culture, their own food, their own language, their own music, and their own culture." [00:06:21]

"And while they started out as a blessing to the Pharaoh, started to become a burden. They became scary. A threat. Because when they came, they didn't adopt to the Egyptian culture. They didn't adopt the Egyptian gods. They didn't adopt the Egyptian language. And so Pharaoh became scared that his culture and his people were going to be taken over by, by the Hebrews. And so he came up with a plan. And the plan was to enslave them. And make them work hard. And to make them work so hard that at the end of the day, they were too tired to have babies." [00:07:01]

"And so this made Pharaoh even more mad. And so then he came up with another plan. And he said, you know what? This is the plan. I'll just make a rule. I'll just tell everyone on the wall. Everybody, if you are Hebrew and you have a boy, it is now the law that you take your Hebrew boy and you throw him into the Nile. That's it. That's it. But the thing about this story is that this still happens today, where people who are blessings begin to be looked at as burdens." [00:06:32]

"In fact, it's a story that plays out in almost every nation that has ever been. In fact, it's a story that plays out in almost every nation that has ever been. And our own nation isn't immune. Our own nation has a history of welcoming immigrants and rejecting immigrants, welcoming, rejecting, seeing them as blessings. Right now in Los Angeles, we have Mexican firefighters who have come over voluntarily to help with the fires. Blessings, right? Blessings, right? Blessings." [00:07:15]

"If we look at our own lives, there may be people who are doing things for us. There may be people that we look at as burdens. Maybe some of us have been taught so much that we look at ourselves as a burden and not us. I like how this story plays out. So let's read out. You know the story. So in Exodus chapter 1, starting at the last verse there, verse 22. Pharaoh gave this order to his people. Every Hebrew. Every Hebrew boy that is born, you must throw to the Nile, but let every girl live." [00:09:23]

"Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman. She became pregnant. She gave birth to a son. And when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. Anyone know who this child is? Moses. Anyone know what Moses' mom's name is? Jacob. Jacob. Jacob. Miriam is his sister, yes. Jacob. Jacob. Yeah. But when she could hide him no longer, because babies are loud. Amen? Amen." [00:09:52]

"She got a patner's basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. And she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bed. bank of the Nile. His sister, Miriam, stood at a distance to see what would happen. Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it, saw the baby, he was crying, and felt sorry for him." [00:10:44]

"And she knows that the Hebrew babies are supposed to be tossed in the Nile. But the Hebrew baby is crying. And she looks at this baby and doesn't see a burden. She sees. A blessing. Now children can be burdensome. Amen? I mean, you have to feed them. You have to clothe them. And they keep growing and they keep eating. They don't pay any bills. Right? They question your authority. They leave messes everywhere they go. I mean, there are a bunch of freeloaders in your house. Right?" [00:15:56]

"Jacobin was willing to look at Pharaoh's daughter, not just as an oppressor, not just as an evil person, but to look at them as a human being and she saw something in her that gave her hope. And Pharaoh's daughter saw something in this Hebrew baby boy that also changed her heart. And this is how smart Jacobin was. This was the plan. Because the minute she sees the baby, what does Miriam do? Miriam comes out like she was rehearsed. Like mom told her. Last few nights, over and over and over again." [00:17:32]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?