When Pharaoh Forgets His Bestie
Starting the book of Exodus today, I was drawn to a significant transition in the narrative. Joseph, once a central figure in Egypt’s history, is gone. The alliances he cultivated and the trust he built have faded. A new Pharaoh has risen, one who doesn’t remember Joseph or the role he played in Egypt’s survival. This shift marks the beginning of a new and much harsher chapter for Joseph’s descendants.
Time has a way of erasing even the most impactful contributions. This idea feels both universal and unsettling. It makes me wonder: How often do we see this pattern in our own lives? Bonds that seemed unshakable weaken over time. Relationships, once central, drift into the background. Alliances, personal or professional, can dissolve when circumstances or leadership change. The question becomes: How do we navigate such transitions?
Pharaoh's Amnesia: The Fragility of Memory and Alliance
The phrase “A new king... who did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8) captures how quickly the thread of memory can snap. It’s not just the people of Egypt who forgot—time itself eroded the shared history. This shift reminds me that while connections and alliances might feel permanent in the moment, they are often tied to individuals or specific contexts. When those contexts shift, the alliances can falter.
In our own lives, similar changes can leave us feeling untethered. Old friendships might fade as paths diverge. Professional relationships might falter when leadership changes or priorities shift. It can be disorienting to realize that something once steady no longer feels solid. What do we do with that realization?
When the Ground Shifts: Navigating Change
The beginning of Exodus raises a broader question: What happens when the foundations we’ve relied upon no longer hold? For the Israelites, the loss of Joseph’s legacy meant the loss of safety and security. They were left to adapt to a new, harsher reality. This echoes the broader challenge of finding footing when the world around us changes.
One step might be acknowledging what’s been lost. It’s natural to grieve when connections fade or when familiar structures shift. Acknowledging this loss can provide clarity and allow space to consider the next step.
Another response could involve seeking new ways to adapt. The Israelites’ story reminds us that survival often depends on moving forward rather than looking back. Building new connections or finding alternative paths can be essential when the old ones no longer serve.
Finally, moments of change invite reflection on what’s most important. For the Israelites, their shared identity became an anchor during a period of upheaval. In modern contexts, grounding ourselves in personal values or core priorities can help steady us when circumstances shift.
Time Marches On, But What Grounds Us?
While time and change are inevitable, the stories we tell—and the connections we nurture—can help us navigate the unknown. What anchors you when the familiar fades away?