I’m so looking forward to hearing more from Dr Freddy Hedley PhD tonight for a WTC Theology evening. Freddy is Dean of Studies and teaches Biblical Studies, with a specific focus on the Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew. He came along to our Ivy staff team meeting this morning and brought some great reflections on how we should think biblically into our ‘YEAR OF EXPANSION.” Below are some thoughts from my notes.
Year of Expansion: Trusting God’s Plan Over Pharaoh’s Striving
“The Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.” — Exodus 1:7
This verse sums up hundreds of years in a single moment—painting a picture of extreme expansion. The choice of words is deliberate, setting up what’s about to unfold.
From one perspective, it’s one of the greatest moments of God’s salvation. From another, it prepares us for how God will act—sometimes in ways that may seem difficult for us to justify —to bring His purposes to pass.
Expansion Is Built into Creation
The command to be fruitful and multiply isn’t new. It echoes back to the very beginning:
Genesis 1:26-28
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'”
God’s original design for humanity was fruitfulness—multiplication, abundance, and authority.
But what does it mean to be made in the image of God?
Some theologians have debated whether it means we look like Him, but perhaps it’s more about carrying His impression—being His representation on Earth.
The Temple and the Image of God
Genesis 1 is structured like a temple.
Ancient creation narratives often move from a basin of washing (sea), to lights, to a god – at rest.
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “image” is most commonly used for an idol—something placed in a temple to represent a deity. In contrast, God places us in His creation to carry His presence and blessing into the world, from a place of rest.
The Broken Pattern of Expansion
Genesis 3 describes how humanity distances itself from God, choosing to live by the one wrong tree instead of anywhere else they could go, in trust. Notice:
- Before the serpent even speaks, they’re already near the tree.
- They invent new rules (“We must not touch it”), adding fear instead of faith.
- The man remains silent, as sin enters.
- Blame follows, and now multiplication will only come with toil.
God then enacts a covenant. Covenants in the Old Testament create pathways back to God, but they don’t restore His presence within humanity. Expansion now requires struggle—as authority comes through domination not dominion.
Pharaoh’s Expansion vs. God’s Expansion
Fast forward to Exodus, and the Israelites are indeed multiplying. But now, they’re under Pharaoh’s authority, not God’s.
- Pharaoh sees their growth, and assumes it’s a threat because that’s how Pharaoh types think.
- He projects his own power-hungry mindset onto them.
- His solution? More oppression. Less straw!
Egypt operates under a false god—the god of toil and endless striving. But Yahweh is the God of Sabbath, of presence, of blessing.
Even today, we face “Pharaohs”—systems and mindsets that push us to strive harder. But in a Year of Expansion, we are not called to make it happen by force. We are called to trust God and confront Pharaoh.
The Key to True Expansion: Sabbath as Resistance
Walter Brueggemann, in Sabbath as Resistance, challenges us to take Sabbath seriously—not as an obligation, but as a radical way to resist the Pharaohs of this world. By orienting our lives around God’s presence, we step back into true life and fruitfulness.
How This Challenges Me:
- Where in my life am I striving instead of trusting? Are there areas where you’re living under Pharaoh’s mindset instead of resting in God’s abundance?
- How can I practice Sabbath as an act of resistance? What practical steps can you take to prioritize God’s presence in your daily routine? By the way I had written another blog on Sabbath – scheduled for tomorrow, which will be mine! While you’re here why not subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss any? Thanks!