“And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.” -Exodus 2:23-25

In the above passage, we find that Israel had come under great oppression and slavery, and the entire nation groaned for release: and we see a very important phrase at the very end: “and God had respect unto them.” That is to say, God gave regard to their situation, and respected the cries which they made unto Him.

And in all stations and walks of life, God listens to the prayers and cries of those who are weak, oppressed, or in need. He delights to answer such prayers, and to triumph over the proud.

“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;” -Exodus 22:21-23

We who are Christians ought to be the friends and allies of God, and not put ourselves in a position that would in any way resist Him. If the above statements from Scripture are all true, then we need to ask ourselves: are we the helpless and needy, or are we the ones who are working oppression upon others?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” -Matthew 5:3-12

• The Iron Furnace
• Deception of Forgetfulness
• God’s Comfort for the Afflicted
• Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus Christ
• Praying: On the Fly

Filed under:
Christian Devotions/Bible Study by Dean