Escape from Egypt

By Mary Vee
Exodus 2:15-

“Moses.  Moses where are you?  You can't hide forever.  There isn't a place in all of Egypt to hide. We're going to find you.”

Another guard.  I ducked behind a pile of garbage.  How am I going to get out of this mess?  I can’t hide in the shadows for long.  Those guards will kill me.  If only I hadn’t killed that taskmaster.

Two women walked by me with fresh meat from the marketplace.  That’s right.  I haven’t eaten since breakfast yesterday.  I looked around the garbage and found a piece of bread to choke down. 

One woman put her hand close to her face. “Did you hear Moses killed a taskmaster?”

The other woman laughed.  “I’ll bet Pharaoh’s daughter is mad.  Can you imagine having a son who is a murderer?”

“I heard Pharaoh sent soldiers to find him—and kill him on site.”

The women walked further away where I couldn’t hear any more.  I scoured the garbage for food to stuff in my pouch and threw everything but my clothing away.  Underneath a pile of fish bones, I found a torn piece of cloth and wrapped it around my head.   The smell made my eyes tear.

A group of people walked away from a market booth up the road.  I ran to catch up to them hoping to blend in and escape.  One person turned and scowled at me, the others continued to chatting. They turned a few corners and fortunately headed toward the eastern gate of the city. 

As they turned down the last street, a group of foreigners walked toward the gate to leave the city.  I stepped close enough to make others think I belonged to the group and walked right out the city gate.

I had no clue where to go.  I followed the group until they turned to the north. 

I’d never been alone before. 

What will I eat?  I’m hungry.  I can't eat sand.

Where will I sleep?  I’m sleepy.  Bugs and snakes will crawl on me if I lay on the ground.

What will I do?  I’m lost. I have no plan. My whole life is in Egypt.

Who will be my friend?  I’m lonely. Everyone I know is back at the palace.

I walked for days toward the morning sun.  I found wild berries and figs.  Somehow I always found a well to get water.  Perhaps someone--somewhere is helping me.

*****

Since Moses had been raised in the palace with Pharaoh’s family, he probably didn’t know about the Hebrew God.  This part of Moses’ life shows how God takes cares of us even when we  don’t realize it.  How do you think Moses escape without being caught by Pharaoh’s trained soldiers?  Moses was a city kid, how did he know what to do to survive away from the city?  Why didn’t Moses get hurt while walking in the desert?

Baked Goods For Pharaoh

By Mary Vee
Genesis 40: 16-20

A cool breeze swooped through the prison window. Joseph shivered. The butler did as well, but only for a moment. The good news about being released from the dungeon in three days made him laugh and clap his hands.

The baker slapped the butler on the back. "Great news. I suspect my fortune will be the same." He turned to Joseph. "I had this weird dream that I was in as well. Let me tell you what happened so you can give me my good news."

The butler smiled. "Yeah. Hurry and tell him. Then we can celebrate together."

The baker rubbed his hands together as clouds blocked sun rays from shining in through the prison window. A brisk wind whistled through the bars. The baker faced Joseph. "Three white baskets sat upon my head. The top basket had all kinds of warm breads and freshly baked goods ready to serve Pharaoh. Suddenly a flock of birds swooped down on me and ate the food right out of the basket." He folded his arms together and nodded. "Now, tell me of my good fortune."

Once again God gave Joseph the meaning of the dream. Joseph gazed into the baker's eyes and sighed. "This is the interpretation of your dream. The three baskets are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree. The birds will flock to you and eat your flesh from you."

The baker took two steps back and fell to the ground. "Please let it not be so. I didn't mean to do what I did."

The butler's jaw dropped. "It was you! It was you all along? I'm in this dungeon because of you?"

The baker held his hands together. "Honest. I didn't think Pharaoh would find out. What are you mad about, anyway? You get to go back to Pharaoh's service, but in three days I'm--I'm--"

Joseph turned and closed the door. He bolted the lock. The baker's lamenting seeped through the door and followed Joseph up the stairs.

Three days later the captain of the guard opened the window of the outer prison door. "Joseph. Bring me the butler and the baker. Seems Pharaoh decided to celebrate his birthday by throwing a party for his servants."

"He is?"

"You know Pharaoh. He does what he wills. Now, bring me the butler and the baker. They are to attend the party."

Joseph hurried to their cell and unbolted the door. "You've been invited to Pharaoh's birthday party. He's decided to honor all his servants, don't ask me why."

Suspicious looks fell on their faces. Then the baker wiped sweat from his brow and smiled. "Look's like you were wrong, Joseph." He swiped his hands together. "Let's go to a party."

The butler shrugged. "Maybe you're free. Still, I'd much rather not have spent these last three days in the dungeon."

Joseph opened the outer door. I hope the butler remembers me when he is restored to service.

Will the butler be restored to Pharaoh's service? Was Joseph wrong about the baker's dream? Will the baker get away with his crime? Will the butler remember to mention Joseph to Pharaoh? Stop by to read the next story to find out.