Much of our Christian theology formulaically equates obedience with blessing. While many take solace in this, the opening story of Exodus shows a different picture. Despite the Israelites fulfilling the commission of Genesis, it is their very "fruitfulness" and "multiplying" that brings upon them oppression, making them a target for the powers that be. Many of us experience this, that our lives do not fit the "formula." So, what do we do? Let's take a look, again, at this story.