Showing posts with label Genesis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Genesis. Show all posts
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
January in Genesis
- Genesis 1
- Genesis 2
- Genesis 3
- Genesis 4
- Genesis 5 & 6
- Genesis 7 & 8
- Genesis 9
- Genesis 10
- Genesis 11
- Genesis 12 & 13
- Genesis 14 & 15
- Genesis 16
- Genesis 17 & 18 (Imaginative Contemplation Tool too)
- Genesis 19
- Genesis 20
- Genesis 21
- Genesis 22
- Genesis 23
- Genesis 24
- Genesis 25 & 26
- Genesis 27
- Genesis 28
- Psalm 1
- Genesis 29 & 30a
- Genesis 30b & 31
- Genesis 32 & 33
- Genesis 34
- Genesis 35 & 36
- Genesis 37
- Genesis 38
- Genesis 39 & 40
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Put Genesis Back on the Shelf
Congratulations! You have competed your first (and one of the most important) book of the Bible. Celebrate!
Speaking of Joseph, I have debated about recommending this, but the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a musical based on the life of Joseph. It was written in the 60's, but there is a newer version that stars Donny Osmond that is quite good and gets the essence of the story.
Warning: There are some outfits that aren't the MOST appropriate, but they are up on the stage, and you don't see them close up. That is my hesitation about recommending it! You can view a trailer of it at the linked site.
if you are local, it is available at the Corvallis Benton County Library.
Genesis 50 - Get Bitter or Grow Better?
LINK: Genesis 50
BACKGROUND
Even the Egyptians mourned Jacob for seventy days after he died. Some commentators believe this showed the importance of Joseph and his family as the traditional amount of time for mourning for a Pharaoh was seventy-two days.
Jacob's wish to be buried in the land of Canaan with his ancestors at the Cave of Machpelah was granted. Remember this is where Abraham established a beachhead in the Promised Land.
After his death, burial, and mourning were complete, Joseph's brothers began to worry that perhaps Joseph still bore a grudge for the evil they had caused him. Joseph's assurances in Genesis 45 were not enough to assure the brothers that once the father died, Joseph would not deal out his revenge for how they had wronged him in the past. Joseph had to reiterate his complete forgiveness:
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Only One outshines even Joseph, Jesus was mistreated and stands as a perfect picture of forgiveness. Jesus, too, could see the higher plan:
It is SO hard to forgive and trust when we do not understand why evil things have happened to us. I have had to do it more than once in my life, and it is not easy, but I can look back and wholeheartedly say that God really "meant it for good," and He did it for higher purposes to place me where He wanted to place me and used those bad things to equip me for the purposes that He has for me today. I am sitting here today looking at what God is doing, and I stand amazed! He really did mean it for good, and I can honestly say there is not one person that I have not forgiven in my life! It was a process, and it does not mean that it happened instantly either, but I can, honestly, see God's sovereignty in all the bad things that have ever happened to me!
Extending forgiveness is a painful step toward maturity, but in that pain comes freedom from a bitter spirit that could eventually destroy us. There is an old saying that says,
Can you say AMEN to this!!?? It is easier said than done, but we can DO IT with the help of the amazing love of God "awash" in our hearts.
PRAYER
Lord, Joseph was such an example of forgiveness for us. THANK YOU for letting us see the light of Your love as the pages of his story unfolded to us over these last couple of weeks. Lord, we want to be "awash in the ocean of Your love." We know that human love has its shortcomings and forgive us for the expectation that it would satisfy us when only Your love can really satisfy. Give us the supernatural ability to forgive from the deepest parts of our hearts because Your love is overflowing within us. Wash over us, dear Jesus, because You are the ultimate example of love for us, and it is in Your precious and magnificent name that we pray, AMEN!
BACKGROUND
Even the Egyptians mourned Jacob for seventy days after he died. Some commentators believe this showed the importance of Joseph and his family as the traditional amount of time for mourning for a Pharaoh was seventy-two days.
Jacob's wish to be buried in the land of Canaan with his ancestors at the Cave of Machpelah was granted. Remember this is where Abraham established a beachhead in the Promised Land.
After his death, burial, and mourning were complete, Joseph's brothers began to worry that perhaps Joseph still bore a grudge for the evil they had caused him. Joseph's assurances in Genesis 45 were not enough to assure the brothers that once the father died, Joseph would not deal out his revenge for how they had wronged him in the past. Joseph had to reiterate his complete forgiveness:
But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? And for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." (Genesis 50:19-20)Joseph could see God's higher plan. There are not too many people who have been mistreated like Joseph was mistreated, but Joseph's character was free from bitterness even to the end, and God blessed him for the forgiveness that he showed his brothers.
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Only One outshines even Joseph, Jesus was mistreated and stands as a perfect picture of forgiveness. Jesus, too, could see the higher plan:
. . . who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3)REFLECTION
It is SO hard to forgive and trust when we do not understand why evil things have happened to us. I have had to do it more than once in my life, and it is not easy, but I can look back and wholeheartedly say that God really "meant it for good," and He did it for higher purposes to place me where He wanted to place me and used those bad things to equip me for the purposes that He has for me today. I am sitting here today looking at what God is doing, and I stand amazed! He really did mean it for good, and I can honestly say there is not one person that I have not forgiven in my life! It was a process, and it does not mean that it happened instantly either, but I can, honestly, see God's sovereignty in all the bad things that have ever happened to me!
Extending forgiveness is a painful step toward maturity, but in that pain comes freedom from a bitter spirit that could eventually destroy us. There is an old saying that says,
Resentment is like drinking poison
and expecting the other person to die.
and expecting the other person to die.
Chuck Swindoll sums up Joseph's final years with the following application:
APPLICATION
This article on the hard work of forgiveness is a favorite. I bolded some parts for emphasis:
The Thing We Don't Do
Forgiveness is hard work
by Andrée Seu
Forgiving is the hardest thing you will ever do. That's why most people don't do it. We talk about it, cheer for it, preach on it, and are sure we've practiced it. But mostly the illusion of having forgiven is that the passage of time dulls memory. The ruse will come to light with hair-trigger vengeance when fresh offense hurls in to empty out the gunnysack of half-digested grievances.
I asked a few people if they'd ever forgiven anyone, and what it felt like. They gave me answers so pious I knew they'd never done it. I am at the present moment in the maw of temptation, and I can tell you there is nothing exalted about this feeling, this one-two punch to the gut that comes when you even contemplate forgiving, which is as far as I've come.
At first I decided I would forgive the person—and never speak to him again. This felt pretty good, but I saw the dissimulation in it at once. I alternately toyed with going to him to "tell him his fault" (Matthew 18:15), which is my biblical right, so there. I had the decree of rebuke written up in my head, a document of fastidious and plenary detail—all for his own good. A smarmy satisfaction accompanied the plan, so I nixed it. For now.
In C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce, a woman confronted by an angel about forgiving her husband says, "Well, I have forgiven him as a Christian." The phrase is meaningless. She then bulimically seethes for pages about his wrongdoing and her longsuffering.
Keeping one's mouth shut is commendable, and more than I have managed in the past. It will work as long as I don't go near a phone or e-mail. But I am reminded that "Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad" for two whole years after the rape of his sister Tamar, and it ate him alive till in the end he killed the man.
O my brothers, you cannot imagine the exquisite verbal retaliations I have hatched in the idle hours, each more perfect than the last: theologically impeccable, legalistically faultless, poisoned prose polished to a lethal point. Must I now relinquish these? Must I kill the little darlings? Are they not to see the light of day? Such a waste.
Forgiveness is a brutal mathematical transaction done with fully engaged faculties. It's my pain instead of yours. I eat the debt. I absorb the misery I wanted to dish out on you, and you go scot-free. Beware the forgiveness that is tendered soon after injury; be suspicious. Real forgiveness needs a time lag, for it is wrought in private agony before it ever comes to public amnesty. All true acts of courage are thus done in secret.
Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Church in Manhattan shares the following letter from a man who once had to forgive a woman:
"I forgave her and it took me a whole year and I had to forgive her in small sums over that whole twelve months. I paid those sums whenever I spoke to her and kept myself from rehashing the past. I paid them whenever I saw her with another man and refused self-pity and rehearsal inside for what she'd done to me. I paid them whenever I praised her to others when I really wanted to slice away at her reputation. Those were the payments but she never knew them. However, I never knew her payments, but I know she made them. I could tell."
And now the unthinkable: not only to forgive but seek the good. Nature abhors a vacuum and Jesus admits of no middle ground between hate and love. Pray for him.
When you were a child you thought like a child, that pain was something to flee. Now in the adulthood of faith, suck up your hundred denarii, because someone took your ten thousand talents upon Himself (Matthew 18), and like a lamb led to slaughter and a sheep before its shearers was silent (Isaiah 53:7). He did not retaliate but "continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). Be so awash in the ocean of His love, my soul, that the shortcomings of all human loves will, more and more, seem but a trifling thing. (Copyright © 2006 WORLD Magazine, September 30, 2006, Vol. 21, No. 37)
When it comes to forgiving others for evil done against us, we can either get bitter or grow better. The difference in our life is entirely in the choice we make. Joseph made the better choice. I pray you will make that choice too."To grow old, free of bitterness,
is the finest gift we can leave humanity.
To face death, right with God and man,
is the finest way we can enter eternity"
(Joseph: From Pit to Pinnacle, p. 17).
APPLICATION
This article on the hard work of forgiveness is a favorite. I bolded some parts for emphasis:
The Thing We Don't Do
Forgiveness is hard work
by Andrée Seu
Forgiving is the hardest thing you will ever do. That's why most people don't do it. We talk about it, cheer for it, preach on it, and are sure we've practiced it. But mostly the illusion of having forgiven is that the passage of time dulls memory. The ruse will come to light with hair-trigger vengeance when fresh offense hurls in to empty out the gunnysack of half-digested grievances.
I asked a few people if they'd ever forgiven anyone, and what it felt like. They gave me answers so pious I knew they'd never done it. I am at the present moment in the maw of temptation, and I can tell you there is nothing exalted about this feeling, this one-two punch to the gut that comes when you even contemplate forgiving, which is as far as I've come.
At first I decided I would forgive the person—and never speak to him again. This felt pretty good, but I saw the dissimulation in it at once. I alternately toyed with going to him to "tell him his fault" (Matthew 18:15), which is my biblical right, so there. I had the decree of rebuke written up in my head, a document of fastidious and plenary detail—all for his own good. A smarmy satisfaction accompanied the plan, so I nixed it. For now.
In C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce, a woman confronted by an angel about forgiving her husband says, "Well, I have forgiven him as a Christian." The phrase is meaningless. She then bulimically seethes for pages about his wrongdoing and her longsuffering.
Keeping one's mouth shut is commendable, and more than I have managed in the past. It will work as long as I don't go near a phone or e-mail. But I am reminded that "Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad" for two whole years after the rape of his sister Tamar, and it ate him alive till in the end he killed the man.
O my brothers, you cannot imagine the exquisite verbal retaliations I have hatched in the idle hours, each more perfect than the last: theologically impeccable, legalistically faultless, poisoned prose polished to a lethal point. Must I now relinquish these? Must I kill the little darlings? Are they not to see the light of day? Such a waste.
Forgiveness is a brutal mathematical transaction done with fully engaged faculties. It's my pain instead of yours. I eat the debt. I absorb the misery I wanted to dish out on you, and you go scot-free. Beware the forgiveness that is tendered soon after injury; be suspicious. Real forgiveness needs a time lag, for it is wrought in private agony before it ever comes to public amnesty. All true acts of courage are thus done in secret.
Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Church in Manhattan shares the following letter from a man who once had to forgive a woman:
"I forgave her and it took me a whole year and I had to forgive her in small sums over that whole twelve months. I paid those sums whenever I spoke to her and kept myself from rehashing the past. I paid them whenever I saw her with another man and refused self-pity and rehearsal inside for what she'd done to me. I paid them whenever I praised her to others when I really wanted to slice away at her reputation. Those were the payments but she never knew them. However, I never knew her payments, but I know she made them. I could tell."
And now the unthinkable: not only to forgive but seek the good. Nature abhors a vacuum and Jesus admits of no middle ground between hate and love. Pray for him.
When you were a child you thought like a child, that pain was something to flee. Now in the adulthood of faith, suck up your hundred denarii, because someone took your ten thousand talents upon Himself (Matthew 18), and like a lamb led to slaughter and a sheep before its shearers was silent (Isaiah 53:7). He did not retaliate but "continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). Be so awash in the ocean of His love, my soul, that the shortcomings of all human loves will, more and more, seem but a trifling thing. (Copyright © 2006 WORLD Magazine, September 30, 2006, Vol. 21, No. 37)
Can you say AMEN to this!!?? It is easier said than done, but we can DO IT with the help of the amazing love of God "awash" in our hearts.
PRAYER
Lord, Joseph was such an example of forgiveness for us. THANK YOU for letting us see the light of Your love as the pages of his story unfolded to us over these last couple of weeks. Lord, we want to be "awash in the ocean of Your love." We know that human love has its shortcomings and forgive us for the expectation that it would satisfy us when only Your love can really satisfy. Give us the supernatural ability to forgive from the deepest parts of our hearts because Your love is overflowing within us. Wash over us, dear Jesus, because You are the ultimate example of love for us, and it is in Your precious and magnificent name that we pray, AMEN!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Genesis 49 - Israel's Prophecies
LINK: Genesis 49
BACKGROUND
The sins of some of the sons of Israel are remembered as Israel prophesied over each of his sons before his death:
Reuben did not get a glowing prophecy because of sleeping with his father's concubine in Genesis 35:22. He lost his legal status as firstborn. It states that he was "uncontrolled as water," and his descendants were known for their indecision (Judges 5:15-16).
Simeon and Levi's prophecy foretold a scattering of their tribe because of their violence toward the men of Shechem after their sister, Dinah, had been raped in Genesis 34. This was fulfilled in the tribe of Simeon as they were absorbed into the land of Judah (Joshua 19:1, 9). Levi's descendants became the priests of Israel and were dispersed throughout the land.
Judah was blessed. He started down a wrong path in his dealings with Tamar in Genesis 38, but we have seen his leadership emerging throughout the Joseph story. His blessing was the most significant because it relates to the scarlet thread of redemption. Look closely at the prophecy in Genesis 49:10. Judah is declared as the royal tribe that will beget David and eventually Jesus. Stay tuned!
Zebulun was prophesied as living near the seashore. His tribe would be ten miles from the Mediterranean Sea and able to feast on its abundance (Deuteronomy 33:19).
Issachar obtained land that was in the lower part of Galilee. Israel prophesied that he would "bow his shoulder to bear burdens and become a slave of forced labor" (49:15). Many commentators believe this indicated that he would have an agricultural way of life and not try to be dominant politically.
Dan's tribe was prophesied to be a "servant." This is fulfilled in Judges 18 where Danites are treacherous and lead Israel into idolatry. Samson was from this tribe (Judges 14-16).
Gad's tribe lived east of the Jordan River (Joshua 13:24-27) along what is called "the King's Highway" which was a north-south trade route. Israel prophesied that he would be raided by raiders but he would attack at their heels. One example of how this prophecy is played out is how effective Gad is at counterattacking the Ammonites in Judges 11-12.
Asher was prophesied to have rich food. The land of Asher was fertile and near the Mediterranean (Joshua 19:24-30). Being close to the coast would also give this tribe the ability to trade with other places in the Mediterranean world.
Naphtali was prophesied to be a doe let loose who gave beautiful words. Some commentators believe this is about their isolated location in the hills north of Galilee (Joshua 19:32-38).
Joseph was given a beautiful prophecy that tells metaphorically his life story. He was described as a "bow" that "remained firm." He would receive abundant blessing in Israel's prophecy. This would be realized through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
Ephraim's tribe became prosperous and fruitful as they settled in an area with good rainfall and abundant harvests in the central hill country of what is now known as Samaria. Joshua was the most famous person from this tribe. When the tribes split into northern and southern kingdoms, the northern kingdom was referred to as Ephraim (Isaiah 7:2, 5, 8-9; Hosea 9; 13; 12:1, 8). This will be important to remember when we get to the prophecy books! Ephraim means "twice fruitful" and he is also the youngest; according to the blessing in the previous chapter, he did become greater than his older brother, Manasseh. Ephraim's descendants did "run over a wall" as they expanded their territory (Joshua 17:14-18).
Manasseh's tribe was located on each side of the northern part of the Jordan River dividing it into two half-tribes. There was good rainfall and abundant crops.
Benjamin's tribe was described as a "ravenous wolf" (Perhaps because Joseph kept giving him those HUGE portions of food!). Famous Benjaminites included Ehud (Judges 3:12-30), Saul, and Jonathan (1 Samuel 11-15). We will soon see how "ravenous" this tribe was when we get to Judges 19-21!
This chapter concludes with Israel's charge to bury him in the caves at Machpelah where all his ancestors were buried. We learned from Genesis 22 that Abraham had purchased it and made a "beachhead" in the land of Canaan.
APPLICATION
A possible application for those of you with children is to spend part of today blessing and praying for each of your children! For those of you without children, are there spiritual children that you could pray for?
You may not have prophecies like Israel, but God may tell you some things about your children as you pray that you might want to write down. Often, when I pray for my kids, I will write their names next to the Scriptures God leads me to pray for them. It is fun to look back and see how God has fulfilled those prayers, and I try to go back and write the answer next to the verses too.
Several years ago, two of my friends put "31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids" by Bob Hostetler on business-size cards for me. (A big thank you to Kim and MaryAnn!)
God's timing is so perfect! I woke up early this morning with a strong desire to pray for my youngest son, and then I find that Genesis 49 was the chapter for today! I am going to pray through these virtues as they are right next to my computer!
PRAYER
Lord, thank You that all Your prophecies are true. Help us to believe You and Your Word! Bless our children today. Amen.
BACKGROUND
The sins of some of the sons of Israel are remembered as Israel prophesied over each of his sons before his death:
Reuben did not get a glowing prophecy because of sleeping with his father's concubine in Genesis 35:22. He lost his legal status as firstborn. It states that he was "uncontrolled as water," and his descendants were known for their indecision (Judges 5:15-16).
Simeon and Levi's prophecy foretold a scattering of their tribe because of their violence toward the men of Shechem after their sister, Dinah, had been raped in Genesis 34. This was fulfilled in the tribe of Simeon as they were absorbed into the land of Judah (Joshua 19:1, 9). Levi's descendants became the priests of Israel and were dispersed throughout the land.
Judah was blessed. He started down a wrong path in his dealings with Tamar in Genesis 38, but we have seen his leadership emerging throughout the Joseph story. His blessing was the most significant because it relates to the scarlet thread of redemption. Look closely at the prophecy in Genesis 49:10. Judah is declared as the royal tribe that will beget David and eventually Jesus. Stay tuned!
Zebulun was prophesied as living near the seashore. His tribe would be ten miles from the Mediterranean Sea and able to feast on its abundance (Deuteronomy 33:19).
Issachar obtained land that was in the lower part of Galilee. Israel prophesied that he would "bow his shoulder to bear burdens and become a slave of forced labor" (49:15). Many commentators believe this indicated that he would have an agricultural way of life and not try to be dominant politically.
Dan's tribe was prophesied to be a "servant." This is fulfilled in Judges 18 where Danites are treacherous and lead Israel into idolatry. Samson was from this tribe (Judges 14-16).
Gad's tribe lived east of the Jordan River (Joshua 13:24-27) along what is called "the King's Highway" which was a north-south trade route. Israel prophesied that he would be raided by raiders but he would attack at their heels. One example of how this prophecy is played out is how effective Gad is at counterattacking the Ammonites in Judges 11-12.
Asher was prophesied to have rich food. The land of Asher was fertile and near the Mediterranean (Joshua 19:24-30). Being close to the coast would also give this tribe the ability to trade with other places in the Mediterranean world.
Naphtali was prophesied to be a doe let loose who gave beautiful words. Some commentators believe this is about their isolated location in the hills north of Galilee (Joshua 19:32-38).
Joseph was given a beautiful prophecy that tells metaphorically his life story. He was described as a "bow" that "remained firm." He would receive abundant blessing in Israel's prophecy. This would be realized through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
Ephraim's tribe became prosperous and fruitful as they settled in an area with good rainfall and abundant harvests in the central hill country of what is now known as Samaria. Joshua was the most famous person from this tribe. When the tribes split into northern and southern kingdoms, the northern kingdom was referred to as Ephraim (Isaiah 7:2, 5, 8-9; Hosea 9; 13; 12:1, 8). This will be important to remember when we get to the prophecy books! Ephraim means "twice fruitful" and he is also the youngest; according to the blessing in the previous chapter, he did become greater than his older brother, Manasseh. Ephraim's descendants did "run over a wall" as they expanded their territory (Joshua 17:14-18).
Manasseh's tribe was located on each side of the northern part of the Jordan River dividing it into two half-tribes. There was good rainfall and abundant crops.
Benjamin's tribe was described as a "ravenous wolf" (Perhaps because Joseph kept giving him those HUGE portions of food!). Famous Benjaminites included Ehud (Judges 3:12-30), Saul, and Jonathan (1 Samuel 11-15). We will soon see how "ravenous" this tribe was when we get to Judges 19-21!
This chapter concludes with Israel's charge to bury him in the caves at Machpelah where all his ancestors were buried. We learned from Genesis 22 that Abraham had purchased it and made a "beachhead" in the land of Canaan.
APPLICATION
A possible application for those of you with children is to spend part of today blessing and praying for each of your children! For those of you without children, are there spiritual children that you could pray for?
You may not have prophecies like Israel, but God may tell you some things about your children as you pray that you might want to write down. Often, when I pray for my kids, I will write their names next to the Scriptures God leads me to pray for them. It is fun to look back and see how God has fulfilled those prayers, and I try to go back and write the answer next to the verses too.
Several years ago, two of my friends put "31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids" by Bob Hostetler on business-size cards for me. (A big thank you to Kim and MaryAnn!)
God's timing is so perfect! I woke up early this morning with a strong desire to pray for my youngest son, and then I find that Genesis 49 was the chapter for today! I am going to pray through these virtues as they are right next to my computer!
PRAYER
Lord, thank You that all Your prophecies are true. Help us to believe You and Your Word! Bless our children today. Amen.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Genesis 48 - The Blessing of Joseph's Sons
LINK: Genesis 48
BACKGROUND
Israel adopted Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and gave them a double portion. They had effectively replaced Reuben and Simeon as the firstborn sons and 1 Chronicles 5:1 confirms this when it says that "because he [Reuben] defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph." Remember that Reuben presumptively slept with his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22).
We talked about blessing when we talked about Esau and Jacob and when Jacob blessed Pharaoh in the last chapter. The prime blessing was with the right hand; and in keeping with what we have seen throughout Genesis (Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, Joseph over Reuben, and Ephraim over Manasseh), the younger brother was the one who received the primary blessing! God's ways are not always man's ways. Even though Joseph was displeased by this, Jacob meant to do this. There will be fulfillment of this later on in the Scriptures; Ephraim becomes the most powerful of any tribe of the Northern Kingdom (Isaiah 7:2, 5, 8-9; Hosea 9:13; 12:1, 8).
Fact: Luz in 48:3 is another name for Bethel.
APPLICATION
What have you learned about the character of God through your reading of Genesis? How can this affect your praise of and trust in Him?
PRAYER
Lord, continue to establish Your Word in us as that which produces reverence for You (Psalm 119:38). Amen.
BACKGROUND
Israel adopted Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and gave them a double portion. They had effectively replaced Reuben and Simeon as the firstborn sons and 1 Chronicles 5:1 confirms this when it says that "because he [Reuben] defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph." Remember that Reuben presumptively slept with his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22).
We talked about blessing when we talked about Esau and Jacob and when Jacob blessed Pharaoh in the last chapter. The prime blessing was with the right hand; and in keeping with what we have seen throughout Genesis (Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, Joseph over Reuben, and Ephraim over Manasseh), the younger brother was the one who received the primary blessing! God's ways are not always man's ways. Even though Joseph was displeased by this, Jacob meant to do this. There will be fulfillment of this later on in the Scriptures; Ephraim becomes the most powerful of any tribe of the Northern Kingdom (Isaiah 7:2, 5, 8-9; Hosea 9:13; 12:1, 8).
Fact: Luz in 48:3 is another name for Bethel.
APPLICATION
What have you learned about the character of God through your reading of Genesis? How can this affect your praise of and trust in Him?
PRAYER
Lord, continue to establish Your Word in us as that which produces reverence for You (Psalm 119:38). Amen.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Genesis 47 - Family and Famine
LINK: Genesis 47
BACKGROUND
In this chapter, Jacob's family arrived, and the brothers met Pharaoh and introduced themselves as shepherds at which time Pharaoh gave them the good land of Goshen (see yesterday's description of this area) and even commissioned some to oversee his own livestock!
It is interesting to note that Jacob blessed at the beginning of his meeting with the Pharaoh and at the end (47:7, 10). To bless someone is "to endue with power for success, prosperity, fecundity, longevity, etc." (John N. Oswalt, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, p. 132). What is so unusual about this is that it is usually the blessing of a king to a subject, but in this case, it is the other way around, from a foreign visitor to a ruling king! Yet, Jacob was simply fulfilling what God had promised to Abraham in Genesis 12 and 28 that "through Abraham (and his seed) all the nations of the earth would be blessed." And Pharaoh was blessed because, as the famine continued to ravage the land, he prospered and the people were saved from starvation. This Pharaoh is believed to be Sesostris III (1878-1843 B.C.).
In this story, Joseph continued to rule as a wise administrator of the grain that had been stored. Joseph was in the center of God's will, and he was reunited with his family. He must have been a fulfilled man.
Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years and did not return to Canaan when the famine ended. We do not know why. At the end of his life, he had Joseph put his hand under his thigh and promise to bring him back to the Promised Land for his burial at the cave of Machpelah that we learned Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite back in Genesis 23:17-20.
We have discussed the significance of putting the hand under the thigh when making an oath back in Genesis 24. In this ancient world of the patriarchs, the placing of the hand under the thigh close to the circumcised male sex organ was connected with the covenant with Abraham in which circumcision was the sign. It also was connected with the continuation of Abraham's line through Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants.
REFLECTION
Jacob was a worshipper of the one, true God. Pharaoh was a worshiper of many gods, and in later generations, this particular Pharaoh was even worshiped as a god! Jacob and Pharaoh obviously did not see eye-to-eye with one another on their core beliefs. Still, Jacob blessed, and Pharaoh prospered.
This got me thinking about certain elected officials we have had. There are many who do not share my values and core beliefs, but I need to bless them even if I did not vote for them. This is in keeping with the admonition to pray for "kings and all who are in authority" in 1 Timothy 2:2. Did you know that when Paul wrote those words to Timothy, he was asking him to pray for the notoriously evil Roman emperor, Nero, who even executed his own mother and persecuted Christians?
APPLICATION
Spend some time "blessing" the people that "rule" over you in your local, state, and national positions today.
PRAYER
We want to bless YOU Lord and worship You as the King of our lives and hearts. Lord, we pray for a blessing upon our president today. Guide him in making good and wise choices as he leads our nation. Help us to bless and not curse or malign as Your word admonishes us to malign no one (Titus 3:2). We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Genesis 46 - Another Happy Reunion in the Desert
LINK: Genesis 46
(As you read, remember that Jacob and Israel are the same person and are used interchangeably in this chapter.)
BACKGROUND
Israel went to Beersheba. You might remember that Beersheba was a place where Israel (then Jacob) lived with his brother, Esau, and his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, before he left for Paddan-Aram to look for a wife among his relatives (Genesis 28). It was also the place where Abraham and Isaac had worshiped the Lord (21:33; 26:23-25). So, it was fitting that he would offer sacrifices to God there and God would speak to him and give him assurance of His hand over him when he went to Egypt. It must have been strange to leave the place (Canaan) that God had called his grandfather, Abraham. We need to remember that God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:12-16 and said that his descendants would be "strangers in a land that was not theirs." God's promised to return him back to the land, and Israel was not to be afraid. Just as he had promised Isaac, he would make him a great nation there. Consequently, Israel went in faith.
Jacob took all of his family to Egypt, and the total was 66 people. This total did not include Jacob and his wives. When 70 is mentioned, it means 66 people, and Jacob, Joseph, and his two sons.
The highlight of this chapter is the HAPPY REUNION between Joseph and his father! First Jacob sent Judah, who had emerged as the family leader, ahead of his older siblings (Reuben, Simeon, and Levi). Notice that Joseph came out to greet his father. He did not require him to "bow" like the dream (37:10). What an amazing reunion it must have been! They had not laid eyes on each other for 22 years, and Jacob had thought Joseph had been dead all that time. Imagine it! No wonder Joseph wept!
Jacob settled in Goshen. Goshen was the eastern region of the Nile River Delta. It was northeast of Memphis which was the capital city of Egypt. It is linked with Rameses (47:6, 11). It was the most fertile part of Egypt. It was a great place to raise cattle (46:34; 47:6) which is what they would be doing there (46:32-34).
The phrase "all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians" is believed to be based on a social custom of the time. The Egyptians did not have large flocks and herds (Exodus 9:3, 19). Their specialty was plant agriculture. Consequently, those who spent time raising flocks were seen as inferior.
REFLECTION (written in 2008)
The reunion between father and son really gets me. It is another time when there is a meeting in the desert, just like the one Jacob had with Esau all those years ago. That meeting had a happy ending and so does this one. I cannot imagine the absolute joy that they must have felt seeing each other after all those years!
As part of my meditation, I tried to imagine their joy by considering how I would feel if I were seeing my father for the first time after 22 years. Then I realized it has been the exact same amount of time since I saw my dad! What I would not give to see him again and embrace him and tell him how much I love him.
Then I got wild in my meditation and thought about the joy that I would feel in my heart if I got a call and was told that my dad really had not been dead all these years, and I could see him as soon as I packed my bags and took a ride in the limousine he just sent for me! You can bet I would joyfully pack as soon as possible (and I hate packing)!
I have no doubt that Jacob's joy was uncontainable! Wish I could have been a bug on the wall during their meeting in Goshen. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face; a happy reunion indeed!
APPLICATION
"Run out" to meet your heavenly Father today with the same eagerness that Joseph did when he met his earthly father!
PRAYER
LORD, give us that same eagerness to meet You today. I pray for many "happy reunions" with You for all the people in the Bible Book Club. I pray we commune with You as we read Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
(As you read, remember that Jacob and Israel are the same person and are used interchangeably in this chapter.)
BACKGROUND
Israel went to Beersheba. You might remember that Beersheba was a place where Israel (then Jacob) lived with his brother, Esau, and his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, before he left for Paddan-Aram to look for a wife among his relatives (Genesis 28). It was also the place where Abraham and Isaac had worshiped the Lord (21:33; 26:23-25). So, it was fitting that he would offer sacrifices to God there and God would speak to him and give him assurance of His hand over him when he went to Egypt. It must have been strange to leave the place (Canaan) that God had called his grandfather, Abraham. We need to remember that God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:12-16 and said that his descendants would be "strangers in a land that was not theirs." God's promised to return him back to the land, and Israel was not to be afraid. Just as he had promised Isaac, he would make him a great nation there. Consequently, Israel went in faith.
Jacob took all of his family to Egypt, and the total was 66 people. This total did not include Jacob and his wives. When 70 is mentioned, it means 66 people, and Jacob, Joseph, and his two sons.
The highlight of this chapter is the HAPPY REUNION between Joseph and his father! First Jacob sent Judah, who had emerged as the family leader, ahead of his older siblings (Reuben, Simeon, and Levi). Notice that Joseph came out to greet his father. He did not require him to "bow" like the dream (37:10). What an amazing reunion it must have been! They had not laid eyes on each other for 22 years, and Jacob had thought Joseph had been dead all that time. Imagine it! No wonder Joseph wept!
Jacob settled in Goshen. Goshen was the eastern region of the Nile River Delta. It was northeast of Memphis which was the capital city of Egypt. It is linked with Rameses (47:6, 11). It was the most fertile part of Egypt. It was a great place to raise cattle (46:34; 47:6) which is what they would be doing there (46:32-34).
The phrase "all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians" is believed to be based on a social custom of the time. The Egyptians did not have large flocks and herds (Exodus 9:3, 19). Their specialty was plant agriculture. Consequently, those who spent time raising flocks were seen as inferior.
REFLECTION (written in 2008)
The reunion between father and son really gets me. It is another time when there is a meeting in the desert, just like the one Jacob had with Esau all those years ago. That meeting had a happy ending and so does this one. I cannot imagine the absolute joy that they must have felt seeing each other after all those years!
As part of my meditation, I tried to imagine their joy by considering how I would feel if I were seeing my father for the first time after 22 years. Then I realized it has been the exact same amount of time since I saw my dad! What I would not give to see him again and embrace him and tell him how much I love him.
Then I got wild in my meditation and thought about the joy that I would feel in my heart if I got a call and was told that my dad really had not been dead all these years, and I could see him as soon as I packed my bags and took a ride in the limousine he just sent for me! You can bet I would joyfully pack as soon as possible (and I hate packing)!
I have no doubt that Jacob's joy was uncontainable! Wish I could have been a bug on the wall during their meeting in Goshen. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face; a happy reunion indeed!
APPLICATION
"Run out" to meet your heavenly Father today with the same eagerness that Joseph did when he met his earthly father!
PRAYER
LORD, give us that same eagerness to meet You today. I pray for many "happy reunions" with You for all the people in the Bible Book Club. I pray we commune with You as we read Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Genesis 45 - The Great Reveal & Reconciliation
LINK: Genesis 45
BACKGROUND
We ended the last chapter with the testing of the brothers complete. They had fully recognized their wrongdoings. They had changed. Consequently, Joseph revealed himself. Joseph forgave his brothers instantly because He knew God had a sovereign plan. What a fantastic and challenging response on his part:
These words give me chills, "It wasn't you who sent me here, but God." Joseph forgave his brothers because he understood and accepted God's higher plan. If it had not been for Joseph's descent to Egypt, Israel and his descendants would have died in the famine, or if they had stayed in Canaan, they would have not preserved their national identity because of the strong Canaanite influence. Thus, Jacob and his descendants relocated to Egypt where they prospered and multiplied!
God had overruled the evil plan of the brothers. Looking at it from a worldly perspective, Joseph had every right to be bitter and revengeful, but he was gracious and generous, and forgave. He wanted to be reconciled with his brothers, wanted to see his father once more, and wanted his people to be preserved. He looked at the bigger picture and made peace.
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Of course, no one stands out more as the perfect picture of forgiveness than Jesus Himself. He pleaded with His Father to forgive the very people who hung Him on a cross (Luke 23:34). He still pleads for us today as He is seated at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34). Since we have been extended that forgiveness through His death, we can certainly extend that forgiveness to those who have wronged us. It is a decision to forgive and trust, knowing that all the circumstances of life are in His hands.
REFLECTION
God longs for forgiveness and reconciliation. I had a time in my life when everything came crashing in on me. In 1983, I suffered a breakdown. As I explored the "whys" behind that breakdown with a mature older woman, she helped me to see that some of my problems stemmed from the fact that I had been abused, and I had never forgiven my abuser. I had every "right" not to forgive the wrong done to me, but like Joseph, I needed to forgive and see God's larger plan for me. He has used that experience to help me have empathy for people who are in tough situations. He has helped me "to give comfort for those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which I have received from Him" (2 Corinthians 1:4). He has used it for His higher purposes in my life.
Many of us have been victims of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Some of us, like Joseph, have even been abused by family members. There is evil all around us; and sometimes, we become victims of that evil. Forgiveness is the only path to freedom in Christ. I believe that with all my heart.
APPLICATION
Perhaps you have been wrongfully treated in the past. Talk to God right now about how You feel and listen to Him.
What are you prepared to do to forgive that person or persons for their wrong treatment? Perhaps you are unreconciled in a relationship. What are you prepared to do to repair that relationship? Is your desire to be vindicated or reconciled?
PRAYER
Lord, teach us to forgive others as You have forgiven us in Christ Jesus. Lord, we trust that You are sovereign and that You are good. Help us to trust You and not become bitter when bad things happen to us but to get better through the process. Thank You that You are the God of all mercies and all comfort (1 Cor. 1:3) and You comfort us in all our mistreatment and affliction. Amen.
BACKGROUND
We ended the last chapter with the testing of the brothers complete. They had fully recognized their wrongdoings. They had changed. Consequently, Joseph revealed himself. Joseph forgave his brothers instantly because He knew God had a sovereign plan. What a fantastic and challenging response on his part:
Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; ... (Genesis 45:5-8)
These words give me chills, "It wasn't you who sent me here, but God." Joseph forgave his brothers because he understood and accepted God's higher plan. If it had not been for Joseph's descent to Egypt, Israel and his descendants would have died in the famine, or if they had stayed in Canaan, they would have not preserved their national identity because of the strong Canaanite influence. Thus, Jacob and his descendants relocated to Egypt where they prospered and multiplied!
God had overruled the evil plan of the brothers. Looking at it from a worldly perspective, Joseph had every right to be bitter and revengeful, but he was gracious and generous, and forgave. He wanted to be reconciled with his brothers, wanted to see his father once more, and wanted his people to be preserved. He looked at the bigger picture and made peace.
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Of course, no one stands out more as the perfect picture of forgiveness than Jesus Himself. He pleaded with His Father to forgive the very people who hung Him on a cross (Luke 23:34). He still pleads for us today as He is seated at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34). Since we have been extended that forgiveness through His death, we can certainly extend that forgiveness to those who have wronged us. It is a decision to forgive and trust, knowing that all the circumstances of life are in His hands.
REFLECTION
God longs for forgiveness and reconciliation. I had a time in my life when everything came crashing in on me. In 1983, I suffered a breakdown. As I explored the "whys" behind that breakdown with a mature older woman, she helped me to see that some of my problems stemmed from the fact that I had been abused, and I had never forgiven my abuser. I had every "right" not to forgive the wrong done to me, but like Joseph, I needed to forgive and see God's larger plan for me. He has used that experience to help me have empathy for people who are in tough situations. He has helped me "to give comfort for those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which I have received from Him" (2 Corinthians 1:4). He has used it for His higher purposes in my life.
Many of us have been victims of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Some of us, like Joseph, have even been abused by family members. There is evil all around us; and sometimes, we become victims of that evil. Forgiveness is the only path to freedom in Christ. I believe that with all my heart.
APPLICATION
Perhaps you have been wrongfully treated in the past. Talk to God right now about how You feel and listen to Him.
What are you prepared to do to forgive that person or persons for their wrong treatment? Perhaps you are unreconciled in a relationship. What are you prepared to do to repair that relationship? Is your desire to be vindicated or reconciled?
PRAYER
Lord, teach us to forgive others as You have forgiven us in Christ Jesus. Lord, we trust that You are sovereign and that You are good. Help us to trust You and not become bitter when bad things happen to us but to get better through the process. Thank You that You are the God of all mercies and all comfort (1 Cor. 1:3) and You comfort us in all our mistreatment and affliction. Amen.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Genesis 44 - Judah Intercedes for Benjamin
LINK: Genesis 44
BACKGROUND
Joseph sent the brothers away with a silver cup in Benjamin's sack as a test (44:2). Consequently, Benjamin was accused of stealing. The brothers' true repentance and remorse to God are evident as they defend Benjamin and fall down before Joseph. All the haunting memories of their past transgression toward Joseph were in full view. Judah pleaded with Joseph and was willing to be in slavery himself so that Benjamin could go back to Jacob (44:18-33). He had not defended Joseph, but he defended Benjamin.
How appropriate that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Like Judah, He makes intercession for us before our Ruler, and He was willing to be a slave so that we might be set free.
At this point, the testing was complete. The brothers had fully recognized their wrongdoings. They had changed.
APPLICATION
What have you learned about Jesus through this passage? Spend some time in thanksgiving for what He has done for you.
PRAYER
Thank You, God, for sending Jesus so that we might be free to draw near to You through Him. Amen.
BACKGROUND
Joseph sent the brothers away with a silver cup in Benjamin's sack as a test (44:2). Consequently, Benjamin was accused of stealing. The brothers' true repentance and remorse to God are evident as they defend Benjamin and fall down before Joseph. All the haunting memories of their past transgression toward Joseph were in full view. Judah pleaded with Joseph and was willing to be in slavery himself so that Benjamin could go back to Jacob (44:18-33). He had not defended Joseph, but he defended Benjamin.
How appropriate that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Like Judah, He makes intercession for us before our Ruler, and He was willing to be a slave so that we might be set free.
Therefore He is able also to save forever
those who draw near to God through Him,
since He always lives
to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25
APPLICATION
What have you learned about Jesus through this passage? Spend some time in thanksgiving for what He has done for you.
PRAYER
Thank You, God, for sending Jesus so that we might be free to draw near to You through Him. Amen.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Genesis 43 - Dreams Fulfilled
LINK: Genesis 43
BACKGROUND
The brothers had to go back to Egypt because the famine was severe. Simeon had been sitting in jail for over a year. Judah was the one who spoke up to get Jacob to send Benjamin to Egypt. This is significant. Judah would emerge as the spokesman and leader (43:8-10; 44:14-34; 46:28) which is in keeping with the fact that Jacob will confirm Judah as leader of the family in 49:8-10. This is also in keeping with The Scarlet Thread of Redemption theme because Judah is an ancestor of Jesus from the Matthew 1 and Luke 3 genealogies.
Eventually, Jacob was convinced by Judah, and Judah offered himself as surety if Benjamin did not return. Notice that Jacob did not reconsider Reuben's first offer of his firstborn from the previous chapter. This is another confirmation that Judah was taking the leadership role in the family.
Balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds were taken to be presented to Joseph. It was common to present gifts to a superior. Of all these gifts, the balm (oil or gum exuded by fruit or stems of small trees), honey, and nuts (the only mention of pistachio nuts in the Bible) were native to Canaan. All the rest would have been imported and probably very valuable.
Notice that Jacob also acknowledged God as El Shaddai, God Almighty. So far, this was the name connected with the Patriarchs in Genesis 17:1, 28:3, 35:11, and 43:14.
Also notice that the brothers again bowed to Joseph (43:26, 28) in further fulfillment of his dream in 37:7, 9.
I will suspend with a reflection and application today because this chapter is in the middle of an exciting narrative with many life lessons and an application just around the corner. READ ON!
BACKGROUND
The brothers had to go back to Egypt because the famine was severe. Simeon had been sitting in jail for over a year. Judah was the one who spoke up to get Jacob to send Benjamin to Egypt. This is significant. Judah would emerge as the spokesman and leader (43:8-10; 44:14-34; 46:28) which is in keeping with the fact that Jacob will confirm Judah as leader of the family in 49:8-10. This is also in keeping with The Scarlet Thread of Redemption theme because Judah is an ancestor of Jesus from the Matthew 1 and Luke 3 genealogies.
Eventually, Jacob was convinced by Judah, and Judah offered himself as surety if Benjamin did not return. Notice that Jacob did not reconsider Reuben's first offer of his firstborn from the previous chapter. This is another confirmation that Judah was taking the leadership role in the family.
Balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds were taken to be presented to Joseph. It was common to present gifts to a superior. Of all these gifts, the balm (oil or gum exuded by fruit or stems of small trees), honey, and nuts (the only mention of pistachio nuts in the Bible) were native to Canaan. All the rest would have been imported and probably very valuable.
Notice that Jacob also acknowledged God as El Shaddai, God Almighty. So far, this was the name connected with the Patriarchs in Genesis 17:1, 28:3, 35:11, and 43:14.
Also notice that the brothers again bowed to Joseph (43:26, 28) in further fulfillment of his dream in 37:7, 9.
I will suspend with a reflection and application today because this chapter is in the middle of an exciting narrative with many life lessons and an application just around the corner. READ ON!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Genesis 42 - Cruel to be Kind
LINK: Genesis 42
BACKGROUND
The famine was severe, so the ten older brothers went to Egypt to buy grain, but Jacob did not allow Benjamin to go. Somehow, he just did not trust them. I wonder, in his heart, if he had an inkling that Joseph's disappearance was because of them.
When the brothers went to Egypt, Joseph roughly accused them of being spies four times (42:9, 12, 14, 16). Joseph's teenage dream was heading toward fulfillment! He retained Simeon and asked for them to return with Benjamin. If not, Simeon would be killed. Commentators suspect that Simeon was retained because Reuben had tried to save Joseph all those years ago (42:22) and Simeon was Jacob's second son and known to be cruel due to his part in the slaying of the Shechemites (34:25; 49:5-7).
Joseph was not trying to be cruel in return for what they had done to him. I believe he did this to bring the brothers to consider their dastardly deed toward him so long ago. He did it in love, though his tone was harsh. It had the desired effect because it caused the brothers to express remorse for their actions toward Joseph. This touched him (42:24; 43:30; 45:2, 14; 50:1,17). The money in their sacks brought about even further conviction.
The brothers were in a tough spot. Simeon would not be freed unless Jacob gave them permission to take Benjamin to Joseph. Even the offer of Reuben's two sons would not make Jacob bend.
The drama continues to unfold. Stay tuned!
Fun Fact
There is archaeological evidence of the famine during Joseph's time. This is quoted from Pharaohs and Kings
by David Rohl:
Joseph's harshness startles me, but sometimes, harshness leads people to wake up to their sin. I think back to a time when I had a harsh rebuke for a woman in my Bible study. She was being really ornery and out of turn during one of our discussions. I startled myself by my words, but I had to say it came out of me from a place of love deep in my soul. We laugh about it now. She is so thankful for that rebuke. It was a turning point for her.
I believe that Joseph's harshness was a turning point for his brothers too. It led to remorse for their sin and a greater fear of God. Nothing but good can come from that! It is the beginning of one of the most beautiful reconciliations recorded in the Bible. Stay tuned!
Flash forward to the summer of 2010, while meeting with Jennifer, a woman I was discipling. I felt the need to speak truth from a place of love in my heart regarding her discounting my suggestion that she meet my Chinese friend, Jane. My rebuke startled me too. It came from somewhere deep in my soul. I was concerned that I had hurt her by my harshness, and she immediately said, "Carol, that is why I meet with you. You challenge me." Since that time, Jane and Jennifer have become the best of friends, and they have partnered together to impact the lives of several Chinese women on campus! She has said over and over again how thankful she is for my challenge. I am so thankful to meet with teachable women like Jennifer and Jane.
Now that you have heard these stories, you are probably afraid to meet me. LOL! Do not be. I once told a woman in my Bible study, "Just assume I love you," when she seemed afraid of me and my directness. From then on, we settled into a relationship of grace. I really believe that Joseph's harshness paved the road to a relationship of grace with his brothers too. Stay tuned!
APPLICATION
Think of a time when you had to be "cruel to be kind." How did God use it? What lessons can we learn from Joseph in this chapter?
PRAYER
BACKGROUND
The famine was severe, so the ten older brothers went to Egypt to buy grain, but Jacob did not allow Benjamin to go. Somehow, he just did not trust them. I wonder, in his heart, if he had an inkling that Joseph's disappearance was because of them.
When the brothers went to Egypt, Joseph roughly accused them of being spies four times (42:9, 12, 14, 16). Joseph's teenage dream was heading toward fulfillment! He retained Simeon and asked for them to return with Benjamin. If not, Simeon would be killed. Commentators suspect that Simeon was retained because Reuben had tried to save Joseph all those years ago (42:22) and Simeon was Jacob's second son and known to be cruel due to his part in the slaying of the Shechemites (34:25; 49:5-7).
Joseph was not trying to be cruel in return for what they had done to him. I believe he did this to bring the brothers to consider their dastardly deed toward him so long ago. He did it in love, though his tone was harsh. It had the desired effect because it caused the brothers to express remorse for their actions toward Joseph. This touched him (42:24; 43:30; 45:2, 14; 50:1,17). The money in their sacks brought about even further conviction.
The brothers were in a tough spot. Simeon would not be freed unless Jacob gave them permission to take Benjamin to Joseph. Even the offer of Reuben's two sons would not make Jacob bend.
The drama continues to unfold. Stay tuned!
Fun Fact
There is archaeological evidence of the famine during Joseph's time. This is quoted from Pharaohs and Kings
by David Rohl: There is archaeological evidence for a famine preceded by bumper harvests at the time of Joseph. (335)
For 60 years starting with King Amenemhat III the Egyptians monitored the level of the Nile inundation near the 2nd cataract (rapids). (335)
What was different about the inundations to require that they should be so closely monitored? There was a very drastic rise in the Nile flood levels in the reign of Amenemhat III. (337-338)
In Amenemhat's 12th year the flood levels rise 27 feet above the 'good' flood level. There would be 3-4 times the volume of water which would have led to famine. The water would wash away villages, break down dikes and causeways and take longer to subside so the fields can't be made ready for planting season. (p. 340)REFLECTION
Joseph had to be "cruel to be kind." You have no doubt heard the song by that name, but did you know it was originally written by Shakespeare?
To punish me with this, and this with me,Hamlet used this phrase to justify the harsh words toward his mother for indulging her second husband, King Claudius, who murdered his brother to become king and marry her!
That I must be their scourge and minister.
I will bestow him, and will answer well
The death I gave him. So again good night.
I must be cruel only to be kind
Thus bad begins and worse remains behind.
Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 173-179
Joseph's harshness startles me, but sometimes, harshness leads people to wake up to their sin. I think back to a time when I had a harsh rebuke for a woman in my Bible study. She was being really ornery and out of turn during one of our discussions. I startled myself by my words, but I had to say it came out of me from a place of love deep in my soul. We laugh about it now. She is so thankful for that rebuke. It was a turning point for her.
I believe that Joseph's harshness was a turning point for his brothers too. It led to remorse for their sin and a greater fear of God. Nothing but good can come from that! It is the beginning of one of the most beautiful reconciliations recorded in the Bible. Stay tuned!
Flash forward to the summer of 2010, while meeting with Jennifer, a woman I was discipling. I felt the need to speak truth from a place of love in my heart regarding her discounting my suggestion that she meet my Chinese friend, Jane. My rebuke startled me too. It came from somewhere deep in my soul. I was concerned that I had hurt her by my harshness, and she immediately said, "Carol, that is why I meet with you. You challenge me." Since that time, Jane and Jennifer have become the best of friends, and they have partnered together to impact the lives of several Chinese women on campus! She has said over and over again how thankful she is for my challenge. I am so thankful to meet with teachable women like Jennifer and Jane.
Now that you have heard these stories, you are probably afraid to meet me. LOL! Do not be. I once told a woman in my Bible study, "Just assume I love you," when she seemed afraid of me and my directness. From then on, we settled into a relationship of grace. I really believe that Joseph's harshness paved the road to a relationship of grace with his brothers too. Stay tuned!
APPLICATION
Think of a time when you had to be "cruel to be kind." How did God use it? What lessons can we learn from Joseph in this chapter?
PRAYER
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Genesis 41 - Joseph's Triumph and Perfect Timing
LINK: Genesis 41
BACKGROUND
All the magicians and wise men of Egypt could not interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Then, at the proper time, the chief cupbearer remembered Joseph. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and gave God the credit (41:16) which was contrary to what the Egyptians believed about dream interpretation (see yesterday’s background) where a person did interpretation without divine help.
The “east wind” mentioned in 41:6 is the khamsin wind that blew in from the desert (Hosea 13:15; Job 1:19) in the late spring and early fall and could wither vegetation (Jeremiah 4:11; Ezekiel 17:10). Also note that Pharaoh had two dreams and Joseph also had two dreams.
Joseph not only interpreted the dreams but also had a plan of action! For this, Pharaoh set Joseph over all the land of Egypt, gave him his signet ring, arrayed him in fine linen (Joseph is no longer coatless!), and put a gold chain around his neck. All three of these gifts were common items mentioned in actual Egyptian writings.
Joseph’s title has been likened to a Secretary of Agriculture in our society. In Egyptian documents, the title is called “Grand Vizier” and “Overseer of the Royal Estates.” In a letter dated from the fourteenth century B.C. called the “Amarna,” part of a series of letters written by the Canaanites describing the relationship between Canaan and Egypt, a person with the Semitic name of Dudu (or Tutu) was in a similar position in Egypt called “highest mouth in the whole country” so it was possible for a Semite (descendant of Shem) to rise to a high position in Egyptian culture.
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Jesus rose out of the pit of death to be the exalted Ruler seated at the right hand of the throne of God. As Joseph furnished physical bread to the world, Jesus was the Bread of Life (John 6:35). As Joseph saved the world from physical death during this period in history, Jesus is the Savior of the world forever (1 John 4:14)!
REFLECTION
The tide certainly turned for Joseph! At the age of thirty, Joseph rose to a position of authority. Yet, Joseph did not let this exalted position go to his head. His character was refined in that prison and through all of his adversity. He diligently stored up grain during the times of plenty (41:48-49) so that Egypt and all the earth had food during the famine (41:54-57). Amid his prosperity, Joseph still walked in integrity before God and man. His trust in God is evident by the meanings of the names he gave to his sons:
Peter wrote in his epistle:
The key phrase in the life of Joseph is “proper time.” God’s larger plan of preserving Israel is approaching. From this story, we learn that timing is everything in God’s providential ways. During the waiting periods of our life, it is difficult to trust God without panic and to endure the dark dungeon days; but we can trust that God is for us, and He does have a larger plan that will slowly unfold, even though we may not see it at the time. If we only look at the human side of our affliction, we may become bitter and discouraged; but when we look at the Divine side, there can be peace. We can choose to walk by faith rather than walk by sight.
Later on, in the same passage of Peter’s letter, he writes:
APPLICATION
My 80-something mentors, Ginny and Lorraine, have a saying:
You might like to journal about one of those times. Journaling is a great way to remember God’s faithfulness in your life! Feel free to share about it in the comments.
PRAYER
Lord, we praise You as a God of perfect faithfulness and perfect timing! Lord, teach us to wait with the kind of grace and humility we saw in Joseph’s life. Thank You for the ultimate example of grace and humility in the life of Jesus, and it is in His name we pray. Amen.
BACKGROUND
All the magicians and wise men of Egypt could not interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Then, at the proper time, the chief cupbearer remembered Joseph. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and gave God the credit (41:16) which was contrary to what the Egyptians believed about dream interpretation (see yesterday’s background) where a person did interpretation without divine help.
The “east wind” mentioned in 41:6 is the khamsin wind that blew in from the desert (Hosea 13:15; Job 1:19) in the late spring and early fall and could wither vegetation (Jeremiah 4:11; Ezekiel 17:10). Also note that Pharaoh had two dreams and Joseph also had two dreams.
Joseph not only interpreted the dreams but also had a plan of action! For this, Pharaoh set Joseph over all the land of Egypt, gave him his signet ring, arrayed him in fine linen (Joseph is no longer coatless!), and put a gold chain around his neck. All three of these gifts were common items mentioned in actual Egyptian writings.
Joseph’s title has been likened to a Secretary of Agriculture in our society. In Egyptian documents, the title is called “Grand Vizier” and “Overseer of the Royal Estates.” In a letter dated from the fourteenth century B.C. called the “Amarna,” part of a series of letters written by the Canaanites describing the relationship between Canaan and Egypt, a person with the Semitic name of Dudu (or Tutu) was in a similar position in Egypt called “highest mouth in the whole country” so it was possible for a Semite (descendant of Shem) to rise to a high position in Egyptian culture.
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Jesus rose out of the pit of death to be the exalted Ruler seated at the right hand of the throne of God. As Joseph furnished physical bread to the world, Jesus was the Bread of Life (John 6:35). As Joseph saved the world from physical death during this period in history, Jesus is the Savior of the world forever (1 John 4:14)!
REFLECTION
The tide certainly turned for Joseph! At the age of thirty, Joseph rose to a position of authority. Yet, Joseph did not let this exalted position go to his head. His character was refined in that prison and through all of his adversity. He diligently stored up grain during the times of plenty (41:48-49) so that Egypt and all the earth had food during the famine (41:54-57). Amid his prosperity, Joseph still walked in integrity before God and man. His trust in God is evident by the meanings of the names he gave to his sons:
Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, "For,” he said, “'God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”
He named the second Ephraim, "For," he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Genesis 41:51-52)The names of his sons were reminders of God’s activity in his life. He could forget the past, but Joseph did not forget His God, even amid prosperity and advancement.
Peter wrote in his epistle:
Humble yourself therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peters 5:6, 7)Joseph is a beautiful example of someone who humbled himself before God during his difficult circumstances so that God might be the One who exalted him. Joseph came out of the darkness of thirteen years of slavery and imprisonment into the light of being at the right hand of a king! This is quite a step up in the world! Joseph did not do it based on human might but by trusting and waiting on God to exalt him at the proper time. He had endured a very difficult test where many would “curse God and die” as Job’s wife had encouraged him to do when in difficult adversity (Job 2:5).
The key phrase in the life of Joseph is “proper time.” God’s larger plan of preserving Israel is approaching. From this story, we learn that timing is everything in God’s providential ways. During the waiting periods of our life, it is difficult to trust God without panic and to endure the dark dungeon days; but we can trust that God is for us, and He does have a larger plan that will slowly unfold, even though we may not see it at the time. If we only look at the human side of our affliction, we may become bitter and discouraged; but when we look at the Divine side, there can be peace. We can choose to walk by faith rather than walk by sight.
Later on, in the same passage of Peter’s letter, he writes:
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)This is a promise to cling to in our trials. Even though this passage in 2 Peter was written many years later, we can certainly see it was exemplified in Joseph’s life!
APPLICATION
My 80-something mentors, Ginny and Lorraine, have a saying:
“God’s trains are always on time, and they never miss a connection.”Have you seen God’s perfect timing in your own life? Can you recall a time in your life when you had to wait and maybe that waiting involved suffering? Can you look back in hindsight and see God’s purposes in the waiting? I sure can!
You might like to journal about one of those times. Journaling is a great way to remember God’s faithfulness in your life! Feel free to share about it in the comments.
PRAYER
Lord, we praise You as a God of perfect faithfulness and perfect timing! Lord, teach us to wait with the kind of grace and humility we saw in Joseph’s life. Thank You for the ultimate example of grace and humility in the life of Jesus, and it is in His name we pray. Amen.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Genesis 39 & 40 - Joseph's Trials
LINK: Genesis 39 & 40
BACKGROUND
What a contrast we see in the lives of Judah and Joseph! Perhaps this is another reason that God placed these chapters right next to one another. In Genesis 38, we see a man responding to sexual temptation without a second thought, and in Genesis 39, we see his brother, Joseph, resisting the seduction of Potiphar's wife. Joseph's situation is a real-life example of the New Testament admonition to "flee immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Even among the great heroes of the faith like Noah and David, the area of sensual sin did not escape them. Joseph had a wonderful opportunity to quench his sexual passions (he was in his "prime," after all); yet he refused: and what a refusal:
There is a spiritual principle here that needs to be heeded but is sadly a major stumbling block for many believers. It is a simple one: When you see temptation staring you in the face, DROP YOUR COAT AND RUN regardless of the consequences, and in this case, they were severe.
William Cosgrove once wrote, "Heaven has no rage like love turned to hatred, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." Indeed, these pages in Genesis sizzle with her scorn! So, in her humiliation, she falsely accused Joseph and he lands in another "pit." This time it was the pit of Potiphar's prison (Yes, Potiphar was the captain of the bodyguard and the prison was in his house according to 40:3), The customary punishment for Joseph's behavior would have been death. So, one wonders whether Potiphar believed his wife since he did not punish Joseph properly!
The key phrase in all of this is mentioned four times:
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Joseph is a "type" of Christ. Jesus was also tempted by sin, but He withstood the pressure of the devil himself (Matthew 4). He was also arrested having committed no crime (Matthew 26:55). Beyond the life of Joseph, Jesus was crucified even though no guilt was found in Him, and the very people He had come to help wanted to see him dead. He was most definitely an unappreciated servant. Jesus knew the glory that was to be set before Him. Therefore, He was willing to endure the pain of the cross. He knew that it was necessary to fulfill God's sovereign plan of salvation for all mankind.
Fun Facts About...
Pharaoh: Potiphar was captain of the guard under the Pharaoh we think was Sesostris II (1897-1879 BC, click on the link if you are a history buff in addition to being a Bible buff).
Dreams: The Egyptians and Babylonians both regarded dreams as important for predicting the future. There were "experts" who had training based on dream literature that contained keys to dream explanation. Their view was that the gods gave dreams but did not give an interpretation, and this was left up to humans. We know that Joseph relied on God for the interpretation of their dreams (Genesis 40:8).
REFLECTION
Joseph was falsely accused, misunderstood, and incorrectly judged. Once again there is a spiritual challenge for our own lives in how Joseph responded.
Can we accept what is dealt to us even when it is painful and undeserved? Can we ask God, "What can I learn from this trial?" rather than, "Why are you doing this to me?" How often do we look up and cry out to God in anger and question Him saying, "What did I do to deserve this?" The simple answer from God may be that we have not done anything to deserve the unjust treatment or unexplained suffering we are sometimes called upon to endure. We need to put the matter squarely in God's hands in order that His sovereign plan might be fulfilled in our lives. (And we will see that plan continue to unfold for Joseph's life in the remainder of Genesis!)
Joseph's attitude is beautifully reflected in James 1:2-3, and I love it in the Phillips paraphrase of the New Testament:
How would you respond?
Once again, Joseph was still willing to find peace in his situation, and this was the second injustice! Many good-natured people might have found it in their hearts to turn the other cheek when it happened the first time, but twice might just be the thing that breaks even a good-natured person's patience!
APPLICATION
Do you know that God is with you all the time and has your best interest at heart? How do you respond to adversity?
Memorize the Phillips version of the James 1:2-3 passage! Hide it in your heart so it is settled deep when trials come.
PRAYER
Lord, we know that You are trying to grow us and mature us and trials and adversity are often Your means of accomplishing this in our lives. Help us to respond to trials and temptations by welcoming them as friends. It is so counterintuitive to us! Please help us to know that You are with us every step of the way in this journey of life. Thank You for the ultimate example of responding to suffering in the life of Jesus. It is in His name that we pray. Amen
BACKGROUND
"Let no man be sorry he has done good,
because others have done evil!
because others have done evil!
If a man has acted right,
he has done well, though alone;
if wrong, the sanction of all mankind
will not justify him."
he has done well, though alone;
if wrong, the sanction of all mankind
will not justify him."
Henry Fielding
What a contrast we see in the lives of Judah and Joseph! Perhaps this is another reason that God placed these chapters right next to one another. In Genesis 38, we see a man responding to sexual temptation without a second thought, and in Genesis 39, we see his brother, Joseph, resisting the seduction of Potiphar's wife. Joseph's situation is a real-life example of the New Testament admonition to "flee immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Even among the great heroes of the faith like Noah and David, the area of sensual sin did not escape them. Joseph had a wonderful opportunity to quench his sexual passions (he was in his "prime," after all); yet he refused: and what a refusal:
. . . my master does not concern himself with anything in the house and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God? (Genesis 39:8-9)How is that for a rejection? Joseph was not concerned with whether her husband would find out, whether someone else might see them, or whether he would invite Potiphar's wife's wrath in denying her. His only concern was that he would sin against God. How often do we not sin more because of the social consequences and what others might think rather than what God alone, who sees in secret, might think about the matter? Joseph's example so challenges me!
There is a spiritual principle here that needs to be heeded but is sadly a major stumbling block for many believers. It is a simple one: When you see temptation staring you in the face, DROP YOUR COAT AND RUN regardless of the consequences, and in this case, they were severe.
William Cosgrove once wrote, "Heaven has no rage like love turned to hatred, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." Indeed, these pages in Genesis sizzle with her scorn! So, in her humiliation, she falsely accused Joseph and he lands in another "pit." This time it was the pit of Potiphar's prison (Yes, Potiphar was the captain of the bodyguard and the prison was in his house according to 40:3), The customary punishment for Joseph's behavior would have been death. So, one wonders whether Potiphar believed his wife since he did not punish Joseph properly!
The key phrase in all of this is mentioned four times:
"The Lord was with Joseph."
(39:2, 3, 21, 23)
Joseph knew God was with him because we do not have a record of him complaining or having a "why me" pity party even after he was thrown in prison and interpreted dreams and the chief cupbearer forgot him! In all of this, we see Joseph trusting his God and God prospering him even in prison. He would know slavery and then imprisonment for a total of thirteen long years. Yet, he still trusted in His God. Amazing!The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Joseph is a "type" of Christ. Jesus was also tempted by sin, but He withstood the pressure of the devil himself (Matthew 4). He was also arrested having committed no crime (Matthew 26:55). Beyond the life of Joseph, Jesus was crucified even though no guilt was found in Him, and the very people He had come to help wanted to see him dead. He was most definitely an unappreciated servant. Jesus knew the glory that was to be set before Him. Therefore, He was willing to endure the pain of the cross. He knew that it was necessary to fulfill God's sovereign plan of salvation for all mankind.
Fun Facts About...
Pharaoh: Potiphar was captain of the guard under the Pharaoh we think was Sesostris II (1897-1879 BC, click on the link if you are a history buff in addition to being a Bible buff).
Dreams: The Egyptians and Babylonians both regarded dreams as important for predicting the future. There were "experts" who had training based on dream literature that contained keys to dream explanation. Their view was that the gods gave dreams but did not give an interpretation, and this was left up to humans. We know that Joseph relied on God for the interpretation of their dreams (Genesis 40:8).
REFLECTION
"The child of God is often called
to suffer because there is nothing
to suffer because there is nothing
that will convince onlookers
of the reality and power of true religion
of the reality and power of true religion
as suffering will do, when it is borne
with Christian fortitude."
with Christian fortitude."
F.B. Meyer
Can we accept what is dealt to us even when it is painful and undeserved? Can we ask God, "What can I learn from this trial?" rather than, "Why are you doing this to me?" How often do we look up and cry out to God in anger and question Him saying, "What did I do to deserve this?" The simple answer from God may be that we have not done anything to deserve the unjust treatment or unexplained suffering we are sometimes called upon to endure. We need to put the matter squarely in God's hands in order that His sovereign plan might be fulfilled in our lives. (And we will see that plan continue to unfold for Joseph's life in the remainder of Genesis!)
Joseph's attitude is beautifully reflected in James 1:2-3, and I love it in the Phillips paraphrase of the New Testament:
When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. but let the process go on until that endurance has been fully developed and you will find you have become men [or women] of mature character with the right sort of independence.Imagine yourself in Joseph's position: You dream you are supreme above your brothers and the sun, moon, and stars. One minute you are walking around in a stylish coat; and the next minute, you are in a dark pit--coatless. Then, you are sold as a slave. So you decide, "All right, I am going to make the best of this situation." God is with you. As a result, you rise above your circumstances, and you prosper. Then, in an effort to live righteously before God and be a responsible steward of your master's property, your coat gets ripped off (again) by a sex-craved Egyptian woman, and you end up in a dark pit--coatless (again).
How would you respond?
Once again, Joseph was still willing to find peace in his situation, and this was the second injustice! Many good-natured people might have found it in their hearts to turn the other cheek when it happened the first time, but twice might just be the thing that breaks even a good-natured person's patience!
APPLICATION
Do you know that God is with you all the time and has your best interest at heart? How do you respond to adversity?
Memorize the Phillips version of the James 1:2-3 passage! Hide it in your heart so it is settled deep when trials come.
2023 Update
I have found this practice really helpful in becoming more aware that God is with me: Immanuel Journaling
PRAYER
Lord, we know that You are trying to grow us and mature us and trials and adversity are often Your means of accomplishing this in our lives. Help us to respond to trials and temptations by welcoming them as friends. It is so counterintuitive to us! Please help us to know that You are with us every step of the way in this journey of life. Thank You for the ultimate example of responding to suffering in the life of Jesus. It is in His name that we pray. Amen
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