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.
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