Scripture: Genesis 46:28-34
Observation: Joseph sends Judah his brother ahead to Goshen and goes to see his father. He embraces and cries over him, and Jacob is now ready to die, knowing his son is alive. Joseph then tells his family that he will go and tell Pharaoh that they are now in Egypt. They are to tell Pharaoh and his men that they are shepherds, since this is an abomination to the Egyptians, so that they may be allowed to settle in Goshen.
Application: Joseph's brothers had tried to dispose of him, yet now Joseph seeks to settle his brothers and their families in a safe haven. It was important to Joseph to keep his family apart from the Egyptians so they would not forget the Lord by mixing in with pagans. Jesus calls us to also be separate from the world. The apostle Paul also urged Christians not to conform to this world, but to be transformed instead. Joseph knew the importance of not being part of this world. Do I?
Prayer: Father, it's easy to get caught up in the things the world considers important: fame, fashion, money, career, material possessions. But what do these things bring me? Temporary happiness, and many times not even that. Your promises are eternal, and they bring me peace and contentment. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You and not on what the world offers. Your offers are secure; everything else, as Solomon stated, is vanity and striving after the wind. I want to strive after You and Your kingdom. They are the only thing worthwhile. Thank You Father for Your everlasting presence in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Genesis 46
Scripture: Genesis 46:1-27
Observation: As Jacob is traveling to Egypt, the Lord appears to him in a vision. The Lord promises to make Israel a great nation in Egypt, and tells him not to fear. They continued on to Egypt, Jacob, his sons, their wives, and all his grandchildren, which are named by lineage.
Application: All in all, 215 years have passed since God made the promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation. It may take time, but God's promises never fail. Abraham did not see the promise come to fruition in his lifetime, yet he still trusted God. Even when I don't see the answers to my prayers right away, and even when the promises seem to never happen, I can trust that God's word never returns to Him void.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Word is true. We have the promises from the past for our future, and just as You kept Your Word to Abraham and his descendants, I trust You to keep Your Word that You made 2,000 years ago. Whether in my lifetime or not, I trust that the Kingdom will come, and that Your Will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I rest secure in that promise. Thank You Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: As Jacob is traveling to Egypt, the Lord appears to him in a vision. The Lord promises to make Israel a great nation in Egypt, and tells him not to fear. They continued on to Egypt, Jacob, his sons, their wives, and all his grandchildren, which are named by lineage.
Application: All in all, 215 years have passed since God made the promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation. It may take time, but God's promises never fail. Abraham did not see the promise come to fruition in his lifetime, yet he still trusted God. Even when I don't see the answers to my prayers right away, and even when the promises seem to never happen, I can trust that God's word never returns to Him void.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Word is true. We have the promises from the past for our future, and just as You kept Your Word to Abraham and his descendants, I trust You to keep Your Word that You made 2,000 years ago. Whether in my lifetime or not, I trust that the Kingdom will come, and that Your Will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I rest secure in that promise. Thank You Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Genesis 45
Scripture: Genesis 45:16-28
Observation: Pharaoh hears that Joseph's brothers have come, and he is pleased. He tells Joseph to get his animals and go to the land of Canaan to bring back his father and the rest of the family. And so Joseph gives his brothers silver and new clothes, though he gives a larger share to his youngest brother Benjamin. When they reach Jacob and tell him that his son Joseph is alive, he faints. He doesn't believe them until they tell him everything Joseph has said. When he hears about Joseph and sees all that has been sent to bring him to Egypt, he is convinced Joseph is alive, and he is determined to see his son before he dies.
Application: A picture of Christ is seen in the love and forgiveness Joseph extends to his brothers. Jesus expects that same kind of love from each of us: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35). Joseph held no grudge; instead he gave generously to his brothers and sent them off telling them not to quarrel or be troubled. Jesus sends us off with the same command: to love one another, and to be forgiving.
Prayer: Father, sometimes our brothers and sisters in Christ offend us, hurt us, and it's difficult to forgive those that have caused us pain. Then I read this story of Joseph, who could have been mean to his brothers after they'd treated him so cruelly, yet he forgave them. I know that You have forgiven me for my transgressions as well. Help me to see my brethren the way You see them, and forgive them when they offend me, just as You have forgiven my multitude of offenses. Remove from me any anger or unforgiveness so that You may be glorified because of the love You have taught me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Pharaoh hears that Joseph's brothers have come, and he is pleased. He tells Joseph to get his animals and go to the land of Canaan to bring back his father and the rest of the family. And so Joseph gives his brothers silver and new clothes, though he gives a larger share to his youngest brother Benjamin. When they reach Jacob and tell him that his son Joseph is alive, he faints. He doesn't believe them until they tell him everything Joseph has said. When he hears about Joseph and sees all that has been sent to bring him to Egypt, he is convinced Joseph is alive, and he is determined to see his son before he dies.
Application: A picture of Christ is seen in the love and forgiveness Joseph extends to his brothers. Jesus expects that same kind of love from each of us: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35). Joseph held no grudge; instead he gave generously to his brothers and sent them off telling them not to quarrel or be troubled. Jesus sends us off with the same command: to love one another, and to be forgiving.
Prayer: Father, sometimes our brothers and sisters in Christ offend us, hurt us, and it's difficult to forgive those that have caused us pain. Then I read this story of Joseph, who could have been mean to his brothers after they'd treated him so cruelly, yet he forgave them. I know that You have forgiven me for my transgressions as well. Help me to see my brethren the way You see them, and forgive them when they offend me, just as You have forgiven my multitude of offenses. Remove from me any anger or unforgiveness so that You may be glorified because of the love You have taught me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Genesis 45
Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15
Observation: Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers. He explains the reason God sent him to Egypt was to save the people, and therefore they mustn't be afraid. God had a purpose for Joseph, and He worked everything for good. He tells them they must go to their father and bring him to Egypt along with their entire family, and reside in the land of Goshen. He tells them to tell Jacob about all that has happened and all the good that has come out of his being in Egypt. Then he throws his arms around his brothers and kisses them, and especially weeps over Benjamin.
Application: Again we see a similarity with Joseph's life and Jesus's. Just as Joseph was sent to Egypt to do a task necessary to keep the people alive, Jesus was sent to earth to do an even greater task: give His life as a ransom for all mankind. It may have seemed to the disciples that all their hopes were shattered when Jesus hung on the cross, but it was exactly the opposite. Jesus' death promised life to His disciples, and to us today, if we choose to accept His gift of salvation.
Prayer: And what a wonderful gift You have given us Father! Just as Joseph's life must have seemed like a failure to those around him, Jesus' death must have seemed like a failure to His disciples, yet in both cases You turned what was bad into something great! Joseph was used by You to save the people of his time from the famine, and Jesus saved us from eternal damnation by taking our place on the cross. Thank You Lord for this most magnificent gift! Let me never forget what a huge sacrifice was made for me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers. He explains the reason God sent him to Egypt was to save the people, and therefore they mustn't be afraid. God had a purpose for Joseph, and He worked everything for good. He tells them they must go to their father and bring him to Egypt along with their entire family, and reside in the land of Goshen. He tells them to tell Jacob about all that has happened and all the good that has come out of his being in Egypt. Then he throws his arms around his brothers and kisses them, and especially weeps over Benjamin.
Application: Again we see a similarity with Joseph's life and Jesus's. Just as Joseph was sent to Egypt to do a task necessary to keep the people alive, Jesus was sent to earth to do an even greater task: give His life as a ransom for all mankind. It may have seemed to the disciples that all their hopes were shattered when Jesus hung on the cross, but it was exactly the opposite. Jesus' death promised life to His disciples, and to us today, if we choose to accept His gift of salvation.
Prayer: And what a wonderful gift You have given us Father! Just as Joseph's life must have seemed like a failure to those around him, Jesus' death must have seemed like a failure to His disciples, yet in both cases You turned what was bad into something great! Joseph was used by You to save the people of his time from the famine, and Jesus saved us from eternal damnation by taking our place on the cross. Thank You Lord for this most magnificent gift! Let me never forget what a huge sacrifice was made for me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Genesis 44
Scripture: Genesis 44:18-34
Observation: Judah, Jacob's fourth son, comes forward in defense of his youngest brother Benjamin. He explains that it was with difficulty that they'd been able to bring Benjamin to Egypt at all, since their father did not want them to take him. If they return to Canaan without their brother, their father will surely die. Judah had promised Jacob that he would bring Benjamin back, and now he presents himself to Joseph as a slave to him in his youngest brother's place, to keep his father from suffering to his death.
Application: It's no wonder that Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah, as we see Judah being the intercessor now between Joseph (whom he doesn't know as his brother) and Benjamin. Judah promised himself as surety for his brother, just as Jesus is surety for all who accept Him as their Savior. It was a hard lesson Judah had to learn, but his repentance for the pain he caused his father is clear in his defense of his brother. I too, have had hard lessons to learn in life, but I'm thankful for my Intercessor, my Mediator between myself and my Father.
Prayer: Lord, I am grateful to You because you gave Yourself as surety for me. You paid the price for my sins, a gift of which I am completely undeserving, but because of Your great love for me and for Our Father in heaven You gave Your life in exchange for mine. I'm humbled by Your mercy; that You, a righteous God, should die for me, a sinner, is something I cannot understand, but something for which I will be eternally thankful. I am glad to be in Your debt, because I know You love me more than I even love myself. I am safe in Your holy arms. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Observation: Judah, Jacob's fourth son, comes forward in defense of his youngest brother Benjamin. He explains that it was with difficulty that they'd been able to bring Benjamin to Egypt at all, since their father did not want them to take him. If they return to Canaan without their brother, their father will surely die. Judah had promised Jacob that he would bring Benjamin back, and now he presents himself to Joseph as a slave to him in his youngest brother's place, to keep his father from suffering to his death.
Application: It's no wonder that Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah, as we see Judah being the intercessor now between Joseph (whom he doesn't know as his brother) and Benjamin. Judah promised himself as surety for his brother, just as Jesus is surety for all who accept Him as their Savior. It was a hard lesson Judah had to learn, but his repentance for the pain he caused his father is clear in his defense of his brother. I too, have had hard lessons to learn in life, but I'm thankful for my Intercessor, my Mediator between myself and my Father.
Prayer: Lord, I am grateful to You because you gave Yourself as surety for me. You paid the price for my sins, a gift of which I am completely undeserving, but because of Your great love for me and for Our Father in heaven You gave Your life in exchange for mine. I'm humbled by Your mercy; that You, a righteous God, should die for me, a sinner, is something I cannot understand, but something for which I will be eternally thankful. I am glad to be in Your debt, because I know You love me more than I even love myself. I am safe in Your holy arms. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Genesis 44
Scripture: Genesis 44:1-17
Observation: After their meal, Joseph instructs his stewards to fill his brother's sacks with grain and once again to return their money to them. He also tells them to put his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. They were allowed to leave the next day. Once they'd left the city, Joseph sent his steward after them, accusing them of stealing his silver cup and returning evil for good. When the steward overtakes them and accuses them, they vehemently deny having done any wrong. They are so sure of their innocence they proclaim that if the cup is found on any of them, that brother should die or become a slave. The steward accepts, and proceeds to check each sack. Lo and behold, the cup is found in Benjamin's sack, and the youngest brother is taken as a slave, but his brothers tear their clothes and return with Benjamin and the steward. Joseph then accuses them, and Judah states that they will all stay as slaves, since God has found out their iniquity. Joseph, however, states that only Benjamin need stay on as slave. The rest may leave in peace.
Application: Joseph was testing his brothers. He wanted to see if they still hated Rachel's sons, or if they had changed. Our faith also is tested in our circumstances and by those around us. How will I fare? Will I trust in the Lord and do what is right? Or will I succumb and compromise my beliefs out of fear? Let it not be so! Jesus was faithful in giving His life to pay for my sins. How can I be ungrateful for that gift of salvation? My trust must always be in Him alone.
Prayer: That is my prayer Father, that my faith be found strong in You, that I not trust in myself but believe entirely in Your truth, Your mercy and grace, and in Your Words which You have spoken. Let me not fear men Lord, but give me a boldness to speak Your truth in all situations, never faltering or wavering. May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed (Psalm 119:80). In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: After their meal, Joseph instructs his stewards to fill his brother's sacks with grain and once again to return their money to them. He also tells them to put his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. They were allowed to leave the next day. Once they'd left the city, Joseph sent his steward after them, accusing them of stealing his silver cup and returning evil for good. When the steward overtakes them and accuses them, they vehemently deny having done any wrong. They are so sure of their innocence they proclaim that if the cup is found on any of them, that brother should die or become a slave. The steward accepts, and proceeds to check each sack. Lo and behold, the cup is found in Benjamin's sack, and the youngest brother is taken as a slave, but his brothers tear their clothes and return with Benjamin and the steward. Joseph then accuses them, and Judah states that they will all stay as slaves, since God has found out their iniquity. Joseph, however, states that only Benjamin need stay on as slave. The rest may leave in peace.
Application: Joseph was testing his brothers. He wanted to see if they still hated Rachel's sons, or if they had changed. Our faith also is tested in our circumstances and by those around us. How will I fare? Will I trust in the Lord and do what is right? Or will I succumb and compromise my beliefs out of fear? Let it not be so! Jesus was faithful in giving His life to pay for my sins. How can I be ungrateful for that gift of salvation? My trust must always be in Him alone.
Prayer: That is my prayer Father, that my faith be found strong in You, that I not trust in myself but believe entirely in Your truth, Your mercy and grace, and in Your Words which You have spoken. Let me not fear men Lord, but give me a boldness to speak Your truth in all situations, never faltering or wavering. May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed (Psalm 119:80). In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Genesis 43
Scripture: Genesis 43:18-34
Observation: As Joseph's brothers are led into the house, they begin to speculate as to why they're getting this special attention. They assume it's because of the money that was returned to them in their sacks the first time they came to buy food. At the first opportunity they tell Joseph's steward what had happened, and inform him that they've brought the money back, but the steward tells them not to worry, and gives the credit to God for them getting their money back. The brothers are given water to wash their feet, food for their donkeys, and made ready to have lunch with Joseph. When Joseph arrives, the brothers hand him the gifts they brought, bowing before him. He asks after their father, then sees Benjamin. He is so overcome with emotion that he has to leave in order that his brothers don't see him break down and weep. Once he's composed himself, he returns and sits down to eat with the men, but he makes sure Benjamin is served five times more than the rest. They all eat and drink, and are merry.
Application: Joseph wanted to see how differently his brothers would treat his younger brother. He remembered how jealous they had been of him, so he had lots of food given to Benjamin and watched his brother's reactions. They'd learned their lesson: to be content. That is a lesson the Lord teaches me daily. Be happy with what I have; after all, everything I have is a blessing from God. To be discontent is to tell God we're not grateful, something He surely does not deserve.
Prayer: Father, Your generosity is beyond words. Everything I have is actually Yours, and You graciously provide me and my family with everything we could possibly need. We have a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, food in our pantry, transportation, beds, all the things needed to live, but if that weren't enough, You also give us things that are wants because You love us and want to see us enjoy our lives. How can I possibly not be completely content with all You've blessed me with? Yet at times I ask for more and get upset when You say no. Lord, I am undeserving of Your generous provisions. Help me to be grateful for all You do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: As Joseph's brothers are led into the house, they begin to speculate as to why they're getting this special attention. They assume it's because of the money that was returned to them in their sacks the first time they came to buy food. At the first opportunity they tell Joseph's steward what had happened, and inform him that they've brought the money back, but the steward tells them not to worry, and gives the credit to God for them getting their money back. The brothers are given water to wash their feet, food for their donkeys, and made ready to have lunch with Joseph. When Joseph arrives, the brothers hand him the gifts they brought, bowing before him. He asks after their father, then sees Benjamin. He is so overcome with emotion that he has to leave in order that his brothers don't see him break down and weep. Once he's composed himself, he returns and sits down to eat with the men, but he makes sure Benjamin is served five times more than the rest. They all eat and drink, and are merry.
Application: Joseph wanted to see how differently his brothers would treat his younger brother. He remembered how jealous they had been of him, so he had lots of food given to Benjamin and watched his brother's reactions. They'd learned their lesson: to be content. That is a lesson the Lord teaches me daily. Be happy with what I have; after all, everything I have is a blessing from God. To be discontent is to tell God we're not grateful, something He surely does not deserve.
Prayer: Father, Your generosity is beyond words. Everything I have is actually Yours, and You graciously provide me and my family with everything we could possibly need. We have a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, food in our pantry, transportation, beds, all the things needed to live, but if that weren't enough, You also give us things that are wants because You love us and want to see us enjoy our lives. How can I possibly not be completely content with all You've blessed me with? Yet at times I ask for more and get upset when You say no. Lord, I am undeserving of Your generous provisions. Help me to be grateful for all You do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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