The Parable of the Shrewd Master - Being Faithful in the Little Things

Today's Reading:

• Luke 16:1 - 18

Read Bible Passages Online

Luke 16:1 - 18
Today's passage contained the Parable of the Shrewd Master.  In this parable, a manager was fired for wasting his employer's money.  The manager then called in all the people who owed his employer money and lowered all their debts.  By doing this he ensured that he would have people to take him in when he lost his home.

Jesus goes on to say that children of the world (i.e., unsaved) are more shrewd in dealing with this world than the children of light (the saved).  He tells us to use our resources to benefit others and to make friends, and that way we will have an "eternal" home when all our earthly resources are gone.

I don't believe that Jesus is telling us to steal from others in order to make friends.  He's just pointing out how a shrewd child of the world would not hesitate in using his position to gain friends and resources.  Jesus is telling us to benefit others and gain friends, but in a generous way.

Jesus then goes on to say that those who are faithful in the small things will be faithful in the large things, and if you are untrustworthy with worldly wealth, then you wouldn't be trusted with the riches of heaven.  He also says that if we are not faithful with other people's things, how could we be faithful with our own things?

That single passage I described above has so many different meanings and implications to me.  First of all, it confirms that Jesus doesn't want us to steal to benefit others, as that would mean we were being unfaithful with the things of others.

The passage also tells me that we need to faithfully (and with a happy heart) manage the responsibilities that the Lord has given us.  For example, there are many people who expect that God has this BIG calling for their lives.  They keep passing up all the smaller opportunities around in search for that BIG one.  But if God cannot trust us to take on a small opportunity, how could we expect him to give us a large opportunity?

Another thing I see in that passage involves the management of our worldly wealth.  Jesus used the phrase (in my NLT translation) "untrustworthy of worldly wealth" (16:11).  So what would constitute being untrustworthy of our worldly wealth?  Well, to me that would mean failing to use our money (ie, our resources - as Jesus covered in the parable) to benefit others.  We need to be givers, we need to help others.  We need to tithe to our local church.  When we are faithful with our money we are given more responsibility to work with.  The more responsibility we are given, the more friends we make who will be with us should we suddenly lose all our own earthly possessions.

Should we lose our earthly possessions? That can be one of people's biggest fears.  And you would have to wonder, if I'm being faithful, why would I lose all my earthly possessions?  Well I can't answer that now, although it could be one of many reasons.  But it does tie in with the very last sentence Jesus speaks of this parable (16:13):

"You cannot serve both God and money."

While we might definitely be hurting if we lost our possessions and lost our money, it would be but temporary.  You can't live with the fear of losing your money (or giving it away to someone in need), because that would not be trusting in the Lord to provide for you should you need it, and then would be serving money.  And the Lord will provide for you, and quite possibility through those glorious friends you made along the way as you helped others out.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Today's Reading:

• Luke 16:19 - 17:10

Read Bible Passages Online

Luke 16:19 - 17:10
Today I read the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.  In this story there is a rich man who lives in luxury, denying himself nothing.  A poor diseased man named Lazarus laid at the rich man's gate, wishing for scraps - but instead dogs would lick his open sores as he laid there suffering.  Both men died, and Lazarus went to be with Abraham while the rich men went to be with the dead in suffering.  The rich man implored Abraham to let Lazarus come and relieve some of his suffering, and asked him to send Lazarus to his family so that they might repent.

Abraham told Lazarus a few things: First, he said that the divide between the the rich man and Lazarus was a chasm that none could cross.  That serves as a reminder that your state, once you are dead, is permanent.  Abraham also told the man that he had everything he wanted in life with Lazarus had nothing - and thus Lazarus was being comforted while the rich man was in anguish.  I am conflicted about this part of the story -- after all, all my needs are met, as are many of my wants.  Does that mean that I will be in anguish after I die?  I don't think that's quite what this story is saying, and I will say why as I continue.

When the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his family, Abraham also refused.  The rich man wanted to warn his family to repent and turn to God.  To me this implies they are in a completely unsaved state to begin with.  Lazarus didn't say to repent and tell them to not indulge themselves - no, he knew that they would wind up with him if they didn't turn to God.  Now, that's not to say that a person who is a Christian should have everything they want -- far the opposite.  But I would assume that if the rich man had turned to God, that he wouldn't allow Lazarus, the man who lay right outside his gate, to remain in suffering and poverty.

There's a lot to be said about that too.  After all, poverty will be a condition of this world until Jesus Christ comes back -- so how do Christians draw the line between helping those who are in need and managing their own lives?  It's a fine line, I think, that every Christian has to make for himself.  I will say this, however -- if there is someone in suffering at your door, you should do all you can to help them.  After all, the Lord brought them to you so that you could help them.

Finally, Abraham makes a point to the rich man.  He says that if the rich man's family did not believe Moses and the prophets, then nothing -- not even a man risen from the dead -- would cause them to believe.  I don't know about you, but for me it's easy to think that if God would just show this person this one thing then they will believe.  But the bible is telling us right here that isn't so.  And if you want more proof, look to Moses and the people of Israel!  How many miracles did the Lord show those people, yet they continued to doubt, and gripe, and debate God's greatness?  These people had the visible presence of God living in their camp, had encountered many many miracles, yet still failed to truly believe.  In the end, I think people will believe what they want to believe, no matter what they are shown.

The Parable of the Lost Son

Today's Reading:

• Luke 15:1 - 32

Read Bible Passages Online

Luke 15:1 - 32
The Pharisees were angry that Jesus was associating himself with notorious sinners.  Jesus responded with a series of parables about finding the lost.  In the first parable, Jesus talked about a shepherd who left all 99 sheep in search of the 1 that was lost, and the shepherd rejoiced when the 1 was found.  In another parable, a woman looked all over house in search of 1 coin that missing, and rejoiced when the coin was found.

The most powerful parable, however, was the Parable of the Lost Son.  Jesus talks of a man who begged his father for his inheritance and went off to squander it and live in sin.  Meanwhile the man had a faithful son who stayed by his side.  The wayward son spent all his money and came close to starving to death.  That is when the son decided to go back to his father, and beg to be a servant in his house so that he might have enough to eat.  When the son returned, humbled, the father rejoiced and embraced him as his son once again.  The other son was angry, for he had been faithful the entire time, but the father responded that they need to rejoice - for his son was lost and dead, and now he is found and alive.

Here are the things that I take away as key points in this parable:

1. The son returned completely humbled.  He confessed his sins to his father, repented of his behavior, and asked only to be a servant again. (Luke 15:18 - 15:19)
2. The father was watching for this man's coming from far off -- though he was lost, the father was always watching, always waiting for his son's return.  (15:20)
3. The father rejoiced immediately when he saw his son coming.  The son's sins had been forgiven and the father was just relived that his son had come back. (15:22 - 24)
4. The son was dead, but now he had returned to life.  He was lost, but then he was found.  (Without Jesus, without the Lord, we are all lost, we are all dead, our life is only temporary).  (15:24)
5. The other son was angry -- this is an emotion to be expected.  After all, he had been faithful the entire time.  But the father responded with the words "Everything I have is yours".  So even though the faithful might not be celebrated, they still share in everything the father has (15:31).

 This parable is so powerful, for both the lost and for the faithful.  When we are lost, when we are afraid that the Lord could never take us back, we must remember that the Lord is ALWAYS watching for our return, and when we return He will rejoice.  For those who are faithful already - everything the Lord has is already yours to share with him.  Rejoice in that.

Sin in Ignorance vs. Intentional Sin

Today's Reading:

• Luke 12:35 - 12:59

Read Bible Passages Online

Luke 12:35 - 12:59 
Today's reading is a short one, but it comes with a dire warning that sticks out.  Jesus is talking about being prepared for the Lord's return.  He tells the disciples to be ready, for He will come when least expected.  Jesus also gives a short example of the behavior of a servant while his master is away.  Jesus says the following:

47  And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.

48  But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly.

 Sin done in ignorance is still, no doubt, sin.  But Jesus says here that is treated lightly compared to the wrath that occurs when sin is intentionally done.  It seems to me that the more of God's word we read and study, the more we are required to discipline ourselves and follow the Lord's instructions for us.  Once we know, we are no longer ignorant.  We must obey.  That is how we show the Lord that we love him.  It can seem like a lot to take in and a lot to live up to, and I have a LONG way to go.  But the rewards are well with it -- Every time I crack open this bible and I am losing a tad bit of my foolishness and replacing it with life-giving wisdom.

The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus are Foretold by Gabriel

Today's Reading:

• Luke 1:1 - 25
  
• Luke 1:25 - 56

Read Bible Passages Online

Luke 1:1 - 56
I started reading Luke with the expectation that the reading would begin with an account of Jesus (his birth, his baptism, etc) but instead, Luke opens up with the story of how John the Baptist was conceived. 

The parents of John the Baptist were Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth -- a relative of Mary, mother of Jesus.  Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were getting old, and the couple had been unable to have children, yet continued to serve the Lord. 

Zechariah was serving the Lord in the temple when Gabriel, the Lord's angel, appeared to him.  Gabriel told Zechariah that his wife would soon give him a son.  This son would be named John, and would be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth.  John would be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah.  John would turn people towards the Lord and prepare people for the coming of the Lord. 

After Gabriel told Zechariah all of this, Zechariah's response was one of doubt.  He asked Gabriel how he could be sure of this -- after all, him and his wife were old.  Gabriel rebuked Zechariah for his lack of faith, and as punishment, Zechariah would be mute until John was born.

My reading for today technically stopped here, but I didn't want to stop, so I kept on.  Next, we told how Mary received Gabriel and was told of the pregnancy.  She was to name the baby Jesus, and the Lord would give Jesus the throne of his ancestor David and would be called the Son of the Most High. 

When Mary asked how this was to happen, she was told that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and therefore the baby would be holy and called the Son of God.  Gabriel then tells Mary that her relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son.  That surprised me, because until then I was unaware that Mary and the mother of John the Baptist were related.  I tried to find out what their exact relationship was, but my version only says relative.  My study bible notes that the KJV says "cousin", but that the Greek term actually written was more general, so the word "relative" was chosen instead for this translation.  Regardless, they were related.

Mary then visited Elizabeth,  We are told that as soon as Mary arrived to greet Elizabeth, the baby inside Elizabeth jumped and filled her with the Holy Spirit, causing her to prophecy.  She told Mary that she had been blessed above all other women, and the child inside her would be blessed.  The reading then ends with Mary praising the Lord, in Psalm-like fashion.

I learned a lot today in 56 short verses -- less than a chapter in the Gospel of Luke.  It still amazes me that the bible can continually teach me so many things in such a short time frame.  When I started Luke, my thoughts were that I'd pretty much have a rehash of what I've read so far in Matthew and Mark.  Right off the bat I saw that I was wrong.  And I'm thankful for that.  It's exciting to learn all the little things that I otherwise wouldn't know, like Mary and Elizabeth being related, or Zechariah being struck mute for not believing the angel.  I can't wait to learn more!

Come be a Fisher of Men

Today’s Reading:
• Mark 1:1 - 28
• Psalm 35:1 - 16

Read Bible Passages Online

Mark 1:1 - 28
The opening of Mark jumps right into the life of Jesus.  It begins with the brief introduction of John the Baptist, followed by the baptism of Jesus Christ and gives a brief mention to the temptation of Christ in the wilderness for 40 days.

We then meet Simon, Andrew, James and John as they drop all to become fisher of men, instead of fishermen.  Immediately after that we jump into a story where Jesus was teaching at a synagogue in Capernaum.  There we are told he was confronted by an evil spirit inside a man.  Jesus drew the evil spirit and everyone was amazed by this man called Jesus, who taught with authority.  This apparently was something new for the people, they weren't used to teachers who could speak out evil spirits and taught the word of God with such authority.

I immediately like how Mark is setup.  In Matthew, we are given the very important details -- the holy conception of Jesus and his early teachings and life.  We are then introduced to the idea that he is actually the son of God.  But in Mark, I immediately see the hints that this man, Jesus of Nazareth, is indeed the Messiah.  I can't wait to keep studying this book!

Psalm 35:1 - 16
Here David tells of how people he has grieved and prayed for -- his family, his friends, as well as everyone else -- have viciously turned against him.  He talks of how people are testifying falsely against him, spreading lies and deceit.  He is at the end of his rope, and is calling to the Lord to vindicate him.

 It's so depressing to think that people can be so malicious as to spread lies against people.  I know there are people who love to gossip.  And of course it's hard not to want to hear (and spread) the latest news against people.  That is bad enough and truly hurts people.  But who are these people who make up these lies, who agree to testify against someone out of spite?  It's a sad state that some people live in. 

It's discouraging knowing that the world has more than its fair share of these types of people.  But at least the Lord has our backs.  As long as we are righteous and not the ones doing the evil, the Lord is there for us.  We are told time and time again how the Lord is there for us.  So thank you Lord for being there for me!

Forgiving Others; Walking Through the Valley of Death

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 18:21 - 19:12
• Psalm 23:1 - 6

Matthew 18:21 - 19:12
Today's reading opens up with Peter asking Jesus just how many times a man should forgive another.  Jesus told Peter that the number was an astonishing 70 times 7 (18:22).  Jesus then tells Peter a story about a king who forgave his servant of a tremendous debt, only for the servant to turn around and throw another servant into jail for a much smaller debt.  The king heard about this and got angry because his servant refused to forgive another for the exact same thing he was just forgiven for.  The king's servant was thrown in jail.

Forgiving one another is a tremendous task and just saying the words doesn't account for anything.  Jesus says we must forgive from our hearts (18:35).  There are people in my life that have done me and my family some terrible wrongs.  I am certain that I am not the only person on this Earth who has had people seriously sin against them.  How do we get past that? 

I know that there are things that I am not yet past.  I do make a conscious effort to release the anger, but even though I'm not as angry anymore it doesn't mean that I have been able to forgive them yet.  How can we turn to the Lord and ask forgiveness for our sins, yet still hold our forgiveness from others?  I think this one takes a lot of praying, self reflection, and a lifetime to truly master.

Psalm 23:1 - 6
This is a very well known Psalm.  It is a favorite because of how well it demonstrates the comfort and protection of being with the Lord.  It tells of how the Lord protects us and meets our needs.  The Lord is with us -- regardless of what happens on this Earth, regardless of what happens to our bodies, regardless of who hurts us and regardless of how we die. 

This life we live is a split second in a time span that ranges all eternity.  It is brief and it is filled with suffering; but irrespective of all of that, the Lord is there to walk us through the end -- through the valley of death.

Humble as Children, All Will Bow Before the Lord

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 18:1 - 20
• Psalm 22:18 - 31

 Matthew 18:1 - 20
These few short verses of Matthew taught quite a few lessons.  First Jesus tells us that if we are not as humble as little children we will not get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus also says that those who welcome someone in His name is indeed welcoming Christ himself.  Jesus then tells us that those who cause those who trust in him to fall into sin would be better off being drowned.  And, once again, we are told that it is better to cut off a sinful part of your body -- be it a hand or your own eyes -- then to let that part sin and keep you from the Kingdom of Heaven.  We are also told that those who are lost are given more attention than those who obey, and they are rejoiced over far more than those who have been obedient all along.


After reading these verses I have to evaluate myself to see how humble I am.  The problem is that I first need to figure out what exactly these verses mean by being humble.  What aspect(s) of my life does this refer to?  To me, right now, with what little study I've done, it seems to mean that I should have a child like belief in God. 

I think of my eldest daughter, who has an absolute love of the Lord.  I once had someone tell me that she suffered from "magical thinking".  Really?!  Obviously I don't find an utter belief in God to be "magical thinking" -- it's called Faith.  My daughter doesn't think that God is some magical genie who is going to grant all her wishes.  She thinks of Him as being the one, the only, the true God -- the God who created the universe and all in it, including us.  She doesn't have a doubt in her little head. 

So many people have to work at having faith and work against their doubts.  I am lucky, because like my daughter, I have always known God to be true.  I have never had to find Him and realize that yes, He does exist.  All of this faith doesn't matter one bit, however, unless I align my life with how God wants me to live it. 

It's not enough just to believe in God and his son Jesus -- if I don't follow God's rules for my life, if I don't find and fulfill my purpose in Him -- then what am I really living for?  What will my life be worth when I stand before the Gates of Heaven? One thing is for sure, by finally committing myself to truly study the Word of God I know that I am finally on the right track.

 Psalm 22:18 - 31
The beginning of this Psalm that I read a couple days ago was filled with David's suffering at the hands of his enemies.  Even though David was suffering so badly, still he had tremendous praise and reverence for the Lord.   It touches my heart just to read those words of powerful praise. 

David then proclaims that the entire world will bow before the Lord (22:27) and that future generations will all hear about the wonders of the Lord (22:30).  How true is that?  How many generations has it been since David walked the Earth, and more people than ever know the Lord.  And when Jesus returns every single person will know the truth.  I am glad I know the truth now instead of later.  Please remember that there is not always a later, so change your life now.  Change it today -- there might not be a tomorrow.

Difficulties of Wealth, King of Glory

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 19:13 - 30
  
• Psalm 24:1 - 10
  

Read Bible Passages Online

Matthew 19:13 - 30  
The majority of this reading had to do with people who are wealthy entering the Kingdom of Heaven.  I think that many people believe that becoming wealthy will solve all their problems.  Sure, it will make big things in their lives easier.  So many people struggle just to pay their bills and keep food on their tables and keep the utilities on and keep a roof over their heads.  So yes, of course having wealth does make life easier. 

I think the problem with wealth and salvation is coming to depend on your wealth.  Your wealth might make you powerful in today's world, but Jesus says the following about the times after His return:

many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. (19:30)

You can't buy your way into Heaven.  Likewise, your wealth cannot become more important to you than God is.  Do not let money become your God.  Thou shalt have no other Gods before God almighty, and that doesn't just mean people.  It means anything that becomes more important to you than God is. 

I think it's hard for people who work so hard and work their way up to wealth to remember that they would be nothing without God.  There's a lot to be said for hard work and being self sufficient.  Just don't lose sight of God while you're getting there and once you are there. 

If you lost it all today, where would you stand with God?  Evaluate yourself and evaluate your motives. Because when you die, that's where you are going to be -- standing before the Lord with none of your wealth or possessions to hide behind.  Are you strong enough to stand on your own before the Lord Almighty?


Psalm 24:1 - 10
Psalm 24 tells us to let the King of Glory enter into our hearts.  It says that only those people"whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies" (24:4) can have a relationship with the Lord. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I know that is true, because I feel the riff each time I choose to sin and then have to come back to the Lord and beg for forgiveness.  I know that intimacy lacks between me and the Lord until I can get myself right with Him again.  I much prefer the feeling of being close to the Lord over sensing the widening of the chasm between us. 

So I must open my gates and let the King of Glory in.  I don't know why I think that any sin is ever worth losing that.  I guess that's the condition of having human flesh.  It's a constant battle, but I intend to come out on top of this one!

Jesus Reveals Himself as the Son of God

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 16:13 - 17:9
• Psalm 21: 1 - 13

Read Bible Passages Online

Matthew 16:13 - 17:9
Jesus revealed that he was the Son of the Living God to his disciples.  Simon Peter was the first to be given this knowledge -- not through Jesus, but instead revealed to him through God himself.  Jesus then told his disciples that they must keep this news quiet and not tell anyone.

Jesus told his disciples that he must suffer and that he would die.  Peter found this incredulous and took Jesus aside to tell him so.  After all, Jesus was the Messiah.  He should take his worldly throne and rule.  Jesus recognized this as an attack from Satan and rebuked it.  Of course Jesus would be tempted to take this route, he is both man and God in nature.  Satan had tempted Jesus many times throughout his entire life and he always failed.

It had to be devastating for the disciples to learn what was going to happen.  It had finally been revealed to them the true nature of Jesus Christ -- he was the son of God Himself!  And then they learn that he is going to be killed and suffer greatly? 

It has been a couple millennium since Christ came to this earth so we have the benefit of hindsight.  We know that in order for us to have a relationship with God we must go through Jesus Christ, who lived a completely sinless life before being sacrificed.  The disciples didn't truly understand that, they wanted to know why Jesus, the son of God, didn't use his powers to avoid that fate.

Jesus then took Peter, James and John to a mountain.  There the face and clothing of Jesus were transformed.  The face of Jesus shone and his clothing became pure white.  Then Moses and Elijah appeared and began to talk with Jesus.  Peter was enthused and proclaimed so (did he interrupt, I wonder? It doesn't say).  Then the voice of God boomed down and proclaimed to them that Jesus was His Son.

I often wonder what it would have been like if I were alive to meet Jesus.  I can't even begin to fathom being on a mountain top with Jesus, Moses and Elijah all at once.  And then to literally hear the voice of God at the same time is just awe inspiring in thought. 

I often think how great that would be, but then I recall all the tribulations the disciples went through.  Am I happier here, living my comfy life, writing about things I already know in my heart to be truths, even though I haven't physically heard the voice of God or seen Jesus perform a miracle? 

Or would I be happier having those truths revealed to me through great miracles, visions, and by hearing the voice of God Himself and then suffering greatly for sharing what I had seen?  Even today many people suffer by spreading God's Word, many are still martyred for doing so, but from where I sit here I have the freedom to share the word of God and my thoughts without physical harm coming to me. 

It doesn't really matter, I live the life I live; I was born when God deemed me to be born into the times and country and situations He deemed me to be born into.  I will take what I have, which is a true knowledge in my heart of the existence of God and Jesus, and do what I can to share that with others.  I still know Jesus Christ, and I still know God.  I might not physically tremble as His voice booms above me, but His voice still speaks to my heart. 

Psalm 21: 1 - 13 
In this Psalm the people of the kingdom of David rejoice in the Lord for granting David's victory against their enemies.  The people proclaim that the Lord is truly great to David.  He grants David a long life, victory over his enemies, blessings, splendor and majesty.  They talk of how others who scheme against the Lord run away as soon as they realize that God is going to strike against them.  The verse further affirms how I feel -- there is no side to be on but on the side of God Almighty. 

Miraculous Signs, Seven Verses to Guide One's Life

Today's Reading:

• Matthew 15:29 - 16:12
• Psalm 20:1 - 9

Matthew 15:29 - 16:12

Today I read about two more miracles Jesus performed.  A large group of gentiles had followed Jesus into the wilderness.  They brought all their sick -- the crippled, the blind, the deaf, the mute.  Jesus healed every single one of them.  He then fed the crowds of 4,000 men (and an additional undisclosed amount of women and children) with only 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish.

Later, his disciples argued about how had forgotten to bring any bread with them on a trip.  Jesus then stopped them from arguing, reminding them of the thousands of people he fed with very little.  It is astonishing to me that these disciples who walked with Jesus and saw all of the miracles he performed would be concerned with something as small as food.  They had seen Jesus feed thousands, with more leftover than they started with!  How can you see something like with your own eyes yet still doubt?

In 16:1 the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign.  Jesus refused.  He said that the only sign he would give them was the "sign of the prophet Jonah" (16:4).  I am a bit clueless as to what that means.  Can anyone fill me in?  It seems I have not yet read far enough in the Old Testament to understand this at the moment.

Proverbs 4:20 - 27

Pay attention to what the Lord says, hold it deep in your heart.  These words will bring you to life and keep your body healed and whole.  Keep your feet from following evil, fix your eyes on what lies in front of you.  Guard your heart above all else, watch what comes out of your mouth.  Those are the lessons of these 7 short verses from Proverbs.  

I think those 7 verses are enough to guide your whole life by.  Read the bible, absorb the Word. Keep it in your heart, protect your heart, let your heart guide you.  Watch what comes out of your mouth, for the words that come out of the mouth are initiated by what is in your heart.  Make good decisions, let your feet keep you away from bad situations.  Always pay attention to what is in front of you to ensure you follow the right path.  Enough said!

Conclusion

Are you waiting for a miraculous sign before following the Lord?  Beware, because for most people that is never enough and is soon forgotten.  Are you studying the Word? What has the Lord shown or told you through the Word?  Are you following it with both with your heart and with your feet? 

Jacob Migrates to Egypt, Do Not Do as the Wicked Do

Today's Reading:
• Genesis 46:1 - 47:31
• Proverbs 4:14 - 19

Read Bible Passages Online

Genesis 46:1 - 47:31

Joseph's family moved from Canaan to the land of Goshen in Egypt.  The NLT version of the bible says that there were 70 total descendants of Jacob and that all made the journey to Egypt.  When they arrived they were given the very best land of Egypt to choose from.  I can hardly comprehend how well regarded Joseph was; to have Pharaoh tell Joseph to take the best of all his land had to offer for a full 70 people is extreme.  No doubt about it, Joseph was highly blessed for his faithful service.

Jacob was 130 years old when he moved to Egypt.  Then he lived 17 more years after that!  I noticed how Jacob said that he was old, but not as old as his ancestors (47:9).  I wonder what the average lifespan was?  Was it only Jacob who was especially blessed with long life?  We think about how much the lifespan has increased in the last century or two, and we feel accomplished to have an average lifespan of 78+ years.  Yet the bible tells of these incredibly long lives.  I have already seen it mentioned many times that if you follow the Lord wholeheartedly and listen to His wisdom and live right, you will be blessed with long life.  I wonder what the correlation is between current long life and being a Christian.  I'm not sure how we would even being to test that though, since we cannot see into a person's heart to see their true relationship with God.

The famine continued to worsen, and Joseph doled out food to all.  First the people spent all their money on the food.  Then they spent all their livestock.  Finally, they sold Joseph all their land and promised their work to Pharaoh.  By the time the famine was done, Joseph obtained all the money of Egypt, all the livestock, and all of the land except that of the priests for Pharaoh.  Joseph also gave the people seed to grow crops, and told them they could keep all but one-fifth of their produce -- that part would be given to Pharaoh.

Such overwhelming responsibility was given to Joseph when he was told to prepare for this famine, yet he succeeded with flying colors.  How could he not, when the Lord chose him?  Through all of Joseph's major trials in life, never did he give up and never did he lose his spirit.  Some might argue say that they're tired of hearing the old story of Joseph, but Joseph was such an amazing example of how we should always trust the Lord and never give up.   Even in the worst situations in life, the Lord is there with us.  And the Lord has something planned for us that is better than we could ever have imagined. 

Proverbs 4:14 - 19
The message of these few verses are direct and simple: do not do as the wicked do.  Turn away, walk away in righteousness.  Being wicked is like being in complete darkness.  Or, like so many of our parents like to say: "If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?"  Don't let the wickedness of others, the sins of others, the wrong doing of others, influence you to do what you know that you should not.  

Joseph Reveals Himself to his Brothers: True Forgiveness

Today's Reading:
• Genesis 44:1 - 45:28
• Proverbs 4:11 - 13

Read Bible Passages Online

Genesis 44:1 - 45:28
Finally I got to read about how Joseph told his brothers who he really was.  I thought perhaps the telling would be full of vengeance.  After all, Joseph was tormenting his brothers quite a bit by constantly baiting their bags with stolen goods.  He had manipulated them into bringing Benjamin to Egypt and then tried to keep Benjamin in Egypt as a slave.  But when Joseph confronted his brothers, he didn't even let them take any blame.  He told them not to be angry with themselves, for God did this so that they might have food to eat and not starve to death.  That is perfectly true forgiveness and serves as an example to us all.

Proverbs 4:11 - 13
These few versus from Proverbs tells us that if we listen to the Lord, learn and obey his teachings, and walk His straight path, that the Lord will give us a long good life.  Amen to that!

Having Faith in the Lord

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 8:1-17
  
• Psalm 9:13-20

Read Bible Passages Online

Matthew 8:1-17
Here we read about the amazing healing powers of Jesus. How could people not believe in a man who could remove sickness and diseases with a touch of a hand? I don’t remember where I heard this, but I have heard that healers were a dime a dozen back then. But surely none came close to the true power Jesus had to heal. It amazes me how people can be faced with the truth and yet turn their eyes away and act like it never happened.

My favorite part of this passage came in chapter 24, where a soldier came up to Jesus and asked him to heal his servant without ever seeing him. He had such faith that Jesus could do that; faith that apparently Jesus had not yet seen in Israel. We take that kind of faith for granted – today we must have faith that the Lord can act without his physical presence. People in the old days got to literally walk next to the Lord. They got to converse with him, they were literally touched by Jesus! Today we have to believe that the Lord can perform these miracles from afar.

 I think it makes it easier for people to deny the Lord's works today, because if they don’t SEE the Lord do it, it can be dismissed as “coincidence.” But it's still heartening that Jesus remarked on the faith the soldier had – faith that Jesus can perform miracles when he’s not right next to someone – faith that we all must have now because we have no other choice if we are to believe.  

Psalm 9:13-20
I read the first part of this Psalm (1:12) a couple days ago.  It consisted of David praising the Lord for overcoming his enemies.  David continues this Psalm by praying for mercy from and vindication to his tormentors.  It then ends with another cry for the Lord to judge the wicked. 

I know that this Psalm is supposed to be a song but it's really hard for me to look at words and imagine them as music -- especially when they don't rhyme!  Yeah, I should know better, but I don't.  I'm sure that if I heard it sung it would be a very powerful hymn.