Reading through the beginning of the plagues against Egypt causes me to reflect on the question of who is really in control in the world. In Pharaoh's mind, he is the one who ultimately has the control, and it never ceases to amaze me how Pharaoh can consistently harden his heart against God. There could be some theological debate about who does the ... [Continue Reading]
God’s vision for Israel (Exodus 4-6)
There are so many good lessons here that I almost don't know where to begin. Here's an outline of what it means when God gives us a vision for something as He gave to Moses: 1. Don't ever say, "but God" If God gives you vision and direction, then you don't need to worry about whether or not you're talented to get the job done. Moses came up with various excuses for ... [Continue Reading]
Greatness forgotten (Exodus 1-3)
Every time I read Exodus 1 I am reminded that Joseph, even though he was one of the greatest leaders in the Bible, was forgotten when his days were over. He died, Pharaoh died, and a new government took over: a government that didn't recognize Joseph or his accomplishments in saving Egypt from dying of starvation. In a matter of a few years this ... [Continue Reading]
Questioning forgiveness (Genesis 48-50)
I can't help but wonder how Joseph must have felt when his father died and his brothers sent a message to him asking him to forgive them for their actions years and years ago. Obviously it was painful for Joseph because Genesis tell us that he wept in response to their message. Surely they knew he had forgiven them; why wouldn't they trust him? ... [Continue Reading]
Perspective (Genesis 46-47)
As I read this portion of scripture I was struck by a couple of things. First, it's incredible to me that Joseph was able to store up enough food during the years of plenty that Egypt and the surrounding peoples did not end up going hungry. He obviously knew what he was doing. Secondly, I started to question Joseph's actions when he began taking the ... [Continue Reading]
Bible Reading Plan (for those starting late)
In case you missed the August 1 start of reading through the bible and don't think you can catch up, there is an alternate reading plan that starts on September 1. It doesn't cover quite as much of the Bible as the one year plan, but you will be back on track with the rest of us on November 1, and then you can pick up the normal reading schedule. Download ... [Continue Reading]
Caught! (Genesis 43-45)
If Joseph's brothers were concerned when the cup was found in Benjamin's things, I can only imagine their feelings of dismay when Joseph revealed himself to them: Joseph, alive? How could it be? How could he be the one in charge? How will he respond to us? We sold him into slavery; surely he resents us! Thankfully Joseph ... [Continue Reading]
Joseph ‘ s rise to fame (Genesis 41-42)
Finally, at the age of 30, Joseph makes it out of prison! It is very possible that it was at least 12 years from the time he was sold into slavery to the time he was finally set free! We go through trials in life, and we think we can't make it more than a couple of months; Joseph made it for 12 years! Unbelievable! God has humorous timing ... [Continue Reading]
The struggle for power (Genesis 38-40)
In each chapter there is a struggle for power. In 38, Onan does not want to fulfill his duties as Tamar's brother-in-law and provide her with offspring. Judah fails to fulfill his obligations, so Tamar resorts to tricking him into a sexual encounter where he is unaware of the identity of the woman with whom he sleeps! When he finds out of ... [Continue Reading]
How much is your brother worth? (Genesis 35-37)
It doesn't seem at all surprising to me that Jacob expressed favoritism to his children in a similar manner that he received favoritism from his mother. What is sad to me is how much Jacob's favoritism played into the ill feelings that Joseph's brothers felt toward him. Though Jacob had his family rid themselves of foreign gods, it doesn't ... [Continue Reading]
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