Genesis 39:1-41:16 ~ Matthew 12:46-13:23 ~ Psalm 17:1-15 ~ Proverbs 3:33-35
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Old Testament – Today in Genesis chapter 37 we read about Joseph in Potiphar's house! Verse 5 stood out to me in this chapter: "From the day Joseph was put in charge, the LORD began to bless Potiphar for Joseph's sake. All his household affairs began to run smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished." I found it fascinating that God was blessing Potiphar for Joseph's sake. It reminded me of God blessing Laban for Jacob's sake earlier in Genesis. And I wonder – does God today continue to bless others around those who love God? For the sake of those who love God? I will admit that there are definitely times in my work life, where I feel like some very positive things are happening that are beyond me. Things I am not "controlling" on my own – it's something more. I do try to pray about my work life and pray that God will bless my business dealings – mostly to keep me honest & moral in my business dealings. And that God will allow me to love and serve others during the day. And big crazy good things continue happen – something happened just today that was unbelievable to me. It did not happen because of my own wits or power. Below is an image from a modern day production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" of Joseph in Potiphar's house:
Verses 8 & 9 also stood out to me in today's readings, demonstrating Joseph's strong moral integrity when being approached by Potiphar's wife: "But Joseph refused. "Look," he told her, "my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do! He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I ever do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God."" I admire this so much. Joseph was gaining more and more favor with Potiphar and more and more "power" so to speak. And here we see a situation where Joseph could have abused his favor and power. But he did not. He stood strong with his moral convictions. And I wonder about this in our lives. As we maybe gain more and more favor in our work or personal or ministry lives, do we also gain more and more "power" so to speak? And when this happens, do the temptations maybe even somehow seem to get bigger and bigger and our opportunity to abuse our favor or power get easier and easier? And in light of all this, will we stand strong by our moral convictions? Will we realize, like Joseph, that our favor or power only comes from God – and it can be taken away in an instant if we sin against God? If we give in to the temptation that pursues us… Below is an oil on canvas painting by Rembrandt from 1655 titled "Joseph Accused by Potiphar's wife":
In Genesis chapter 41 we read about Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph is called from prison to interpret them. The cup-bearer finally remembered Joseph 2 years later! :) Verse 16 is powerful for us to consider as Pharaoh calls for Joseph to interpret his dreams: ""It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied. "But God will tell you what it means and will set you at ease."" What I like about this reply from Joseph is that he is giving credit to God for his "gift" of being able to interpret dreams! And really, it is God interpreting the dreams, and letting Joseph know what to say. I wonder about this in our lives today. Do we have some unique gifts in our lives? Things that we are really good at? And do we give credit to God for these gifts in our life? Or do we claim them as gifts we developed on our own? Do you believe that God is truly the Gift-Giver of all your skills and talents and wisdom in your life? Below is an image of Joseph before Pharaoh interpreting his dreams:
Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 39 titled "From the Penthouse to the Prison" is at this link and commentary on chapter 40 titled "How to Get Out of the Pits" is at this link.
New Testament – Matthew 12 verses 48 through 50 are powerful: "Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!"" I read an interesting commentary that said that these words from Jesus were stating that spiritual bonds are as strong as physical bonds. And that in this teaching Jesus was paving the way for a new community of believers – the church! Very cool… Are you a brother and sister and mother of Jesus?
Matthew chapter 13 verses 11 & 12 are important for us to consider: "Then he (Jesus) explained to them, "You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them." There is so much truth in these last 2 sentences. This is why personally I feel so blessed to be reading the One Year Bible each and every day – currently in my 6th year of doing so – and God-willing, for all of my years to come. I personally absolutely need the grace and wisdom that comes from being in God's Word every day – and truly, more and more understanding and knowledge of God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit does come my way I believe each day – even if (and especially if!) I am reading the Bible again for the 6th time. The repetition is not repetitive, but really allows for insights to soak in and to be revealed. I can't quite say that I feel like I have an abundance of knowledge… :) But – I know that I am on that road by reading the Bible each day and I so look forward to gaining more and more knowledge of God's story as I go. And – to grow deeper into relationship with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So – the knowledge itself is great, but the relationship and peace and grace that comes from the Trinity – even better. I pray that you too see the value in reading the Bible each day and being open to Jesus' teachings so that more understanding will come your way?
Verse 22 in this chapter is convicting for me, as I have experienced this in my life in the past…. "The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced." …. and I still struggle with the "cares of this life" crowding out the Good News in my life today! I think in some ways this might be a life long struggle. How are you doing on this verse? Where is God's seed of the Good News being sown in your life? In the good soil of your heart?
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 13 titled "The Parable of the Sower and the Seed" is at this link and "The Parables of Matthew 13" are at this link.
Psalms – In Psalm 17 David appeals to God as Judge when he is being attacked by foes. Verse 7 is a great prayer and comfort! "Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. You save with your strength those who seek refuge from their enemies." Do you seek refuge with God from whatever might attacking you? Do you believe that God will show you his unfailing love in wonderful ways? Have you been saved by God's strength? Have you sought refuge with God from your "enemies"?
Proverbs – Proverbs 3:33 is a great reminder to be upright, 3:34 is a great reminder to be humble and 3:35 a great reminder to be wise! How are you doing on being upright, humble, and wise these days? (I think this owl below has got two out of three of these attributes… I'm not so sure about humble though… 🙂
Worship God: Our readings in Matthew today, including the parable of the sower, reminded me of the song "Undo" by Rush of Fools:
Have you been Undone? Click here for a spiritual "Undo"!
Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50 TNIV
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on my comments above related to our readings in Genesis about God blessing Potiphar for Joseph's sake – I wonder – does God intervene and bless our work lives? I think He does. I'd love to get your opinions on this – do you pray about your work life regularly? Do you think God blesses your work life? And like Joseph, does God maybe bless those around you, even if they aren't necessarily in relationship with God? And maybe does He do this for your sake? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
7 responses to “January 19th One Year Bible Readings”
Does God intervene and bless our work lives? I believe he does and others see that “the fruit that God produces in our lives.” Do you pray about your work life regularly? I work at a Christian school, I am a preschool teacher, I always pray for my class and that our day be a blessing, sometimes, we as humans get busy in our day and forget to pray for everyone we work with, but they too are important and its so simple to just include everyone in the prayer, a few minutes can manifest wonderful blessing to all throughout the day. Do you think God blesses your work life? I believe he does. I believe that when I seek him “First” in the morning and rely on Him alone, my flows very well as opposed to being late, waking up too late, getting in a bad mood, that only sets you up for the enemy to steal you day and can lead to mayhem. And like Joseph, does God maybe bless those around you, even if they aren’t necessarily in relationship with God? I sure hope and pray that some of the goodness that others see maybe from a righteous walk that I am to seek, however it all comes from God and if others are in prayer mode as All of our staff should be since this is a Christian school and everyone actively prays, then the fruit should be rolling from everyones lives. Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? All verses were good, however it was nice to see that whatever Joseph was doing or whatever situation he was in, God was pleased with him and gave him favor in all that he did.
Comment on Matthew 12:46-50 “The True Family of Jesus”.
It always bothered me that Jesus would reject or deny his earthly family because we know from the scripture that Jesus encouraged families to have respect for and hold tight to each other and that he loved his own family. Otherwise, why when he was on the cross would he ask John to take care of his mother? I read a commentary that put a different light on this scripture. It said that Jesus was constantly being hounded by mobs wanting to hear his word, needing healings or seeking his blessings. Even at night when Jesus should have been resting the crowds were there and would not give him time to himself. Jesus had no time either eat or sleep and his family was worried about him. They came as a family unit to try to get Jesus to pull away from the crowds and take better care of himself physically. Jesus knew that his ministry years would be few and he had much to do to fulfill the prophecy and the will of the Heavenly Father. He didn’t reject his family out of disrespect for them or because he didn’t love them, he rejected his family because he could not do what they were going to ask of him. Jesus had to refuse the wants of his earthly family at that time only because he was needed by his Heavenly Father to increase the size of the family that would reside with him eternally in the Heavenly Kingdom.
I don’t know where the commentator came up with this because neither Matthew nor Luke gives this additional information but it makes sense to me and it gave me new insight on the scripture. It is how a typical close family would react and it how I see my Savior reacting to their request. It helped me reconcile these verses with the other teachings and actions of Christ. It brought me peace, and that’s why I want to share it with you this morning.
God Bless!
Pat
Thanks Pat for your insight. The brothers James and Jude did not become believers until later on, perhaps after the cross – so I always thought this was a type of intervention of some kind. Your take makes sense, especially since Mary was there and she knew Jesus’ calling and that He was the Son of God.
Matthew 13
Would like to address Jesus’ family and the seven parables as a group in tomorrow’s comments.
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Sower and types of ground/soil
Jesus explains this parable – so their is no need to go in depth here.
Just want you to know how three words are used metaphorically or what their root word meanings are:
1)Way side/path: In Greek this word often means way of feeling, deciding things. Encompasses disposition and intellect.
2)stony places/rocky places: In Greek metaphorically and by root words indicate a strong presence firm of resolve and secure in his soul.
3)thorns: by the Greek root word means in the moment, now.
4)good ground needs no explanation 🙂
I know I have the good ground in my heart. The questionis: How much of the other soil/situations are there in my heart?
Are there times when I hear God’s word, and I think I already know it intellectually (wayside) and I am predisposed to think about it a certain way? Hence rejecting the teaching.
Are there times when I appear outwardly secure in my faith – looking good, and God’s word here does not apply to me, and hence it does not take root?
Are there times when I am so busy in the world that God’s Word comes to me and it just gets choked off because I am in the moment (thorns)?
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16But blessed are your eyes because they see,
Same Greek construction as the early verses in Beatitudes. [Blesses] no verb in text [noun].
Which again is the idiom: Congratulations!!!! There are people who hear and people who see, but the nation – leaders and most people do not, and they will not get the parables.
If you get the parables – on your own or through teaching – Congratulations!!! It is a sign of a believer and yours is the kingdom of heaven.
Gen 39
Satan does not miss a trick: Joseph is a servant of God, but Joseph is vulnerable:
1) You are vulnerable when you are away from home, and no one will know your actions. Joseph could have had an affair and no one in his family would know.
2)You are vulnerable when you are successful and good looking. Joseph was an excellant worker whose work was blessed by God. Joseph was good-looking. Potiphar’s wife found Joseph desirable (vs.7).
3)You are vulnerable when you are with an emotionally needy woman. Potiphar was away a lot. Potiphar may not have been the most sensitive guy in Egypt. This woman seems to need attention and intamcy and thought she could have it with Joseph.
4) You are vulnerable when you are emotionally needy. Joseph was probably lonely. No one of his background at Potiphar’s house, rejection by his brothers, far away from home, etc. Joseph could have found some companionship from a person who found him desirable.
God allowed Joseph to be tested, and satan tempted Joseph using Potiphar’s wife:
– flattery and direct surprise approach: Lie with me.
– Persistence – wife came on to him day after day (39:10)
– the ambush where Joseph had a split second to give in or flee.
Joseph had made a commitment to integrity:
– He always said no.
– Joseph recognized that sin is always against God. God is the source of morals. When we sin another may be involved but first and foremost we sin against God.
– Joseph fled when necessary.(1Cor6:18;2Tim2:22)
In the end be willing to pay the price for your convictions.
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Potiphar’s wrath was kindled, but interestingly it does not say who Potiphar was mad at in this situation.
Based on wife’s accusations – Potiphar could and probably should have had Joseph executed. I believe Potiphar was mad at his wife. But to keep peace in the house Joseph was put out of sight in prison.
Through God’s kindness Joseph was shown favor by the chief jailer. Some say that chief jailer was also Potiphar, but extra-Biblical sources indicate that it would have been next to impossible to run a jail and perform the duties to Pharoah that Potiphar had on his “to do” list.
No, Joseph gained favor because Joseph kept the same attitude he always had – good worker, good attitude, and one to be trusted.
No matter the circumstances Joseph was consistent. Joseph could have moped, complained or been angry with God – But Joseph did not change, and God honored that in Joseph.
Gen 40-41
WHY WAS JOSEPH IN JAIL?
The quick easy answer is to meet the baker and cup bearer and eventually be brought before Pharaoh.
Maybe? But I believe there is something more here. Yes, Joseph is a type of Christ. Yes, Joseph seems to be doing all the right things. But in OT all characters are flawed.
Joseph has flaws, and God works with all believers to make their walk closer to God and more into the image and characteristics of Christ (God). Remember Abraham wandered around a long time before he matured in faith. Isaac spent a lot of time with Abimelach. Jacob was gone twenty years before he was called back to Bethel. On a relative basis, Joseph’s few years in prison were less down time than the ones listed above in this paragraph.
What were Joseph’s flaws, and what was God doing with Joseph during the time in prison?
Flaws (pure speculation on my part since it is not explicit in the text):
– Perhaps there was some pride in Joseph’s life. Telling his dreams to family, wearing of the coat when meeting brothers, his work with Potiphar??????
-Perhaps although he said no to Potiphar’s wife – Joseph may have mentally considered it with pleasure.
-Perhaps his prayer life and focus on God was not all it could be.
I don’t know, but I believe Joseph’s extended stay in prison was meant to bring Joseph to a total dependance on God. Like the dislocating of Jacob’s hip in the wrestling match.
Joseph may have had high spirits initially in prison, but there was disappointment. Joseph probably expected to get out when the cup bearer was released, but two full years passed.
I believe it is in that time of disappointment that God honed Joseph, and broke him down until he was totally dependant on God. Then Joseph was ready for the works God had established for him before time began.
I believe you can see the subtle difference in Joseph after two years of God working in him by looking at his response to dream interpretation requests:
1) when in prison with court officers Joseph said interpretaions belong to God, TELL ME, and the implication is Joseph was going to get the meaning and tell them the meaning.
2) When Pharaoh asks – Joseph says it is not in him, BUT God shall give Pharaoh an answer.
It is subtle, but in the first case Joseph is a functional part of the process, and Joseph proclaims the meaning. In Pharaoh’s case it is all about God – there is no TELL ME. Joseph is totally dependant on God for the knowledge and to proclaim the message (through Joseph).
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Ps 17 spoke to me today. Not sure why. Hearing David cry out to God for help while at the same time affirming his decision to follow Godly ways struck a chord in my heart.
I would like to be able to say like David ” 3 Go ahead, examine me from inside out,
surprise me in the middle of the night—
You’ll find I’m just what I say I am.
My words don’t run loose. ”
*talk about surprise tests on your character*
or
“4-5 I’m not trying to get my way
in the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way,
your Word’s way.
I’m staying on your trail;
I’m putting one foot
In front of the other.
I’m not giving up. ”
*I’m taking baby steps at getting to know God more and getting closer to Him. And I’m NOT giving up either”
Mike, thanks for the lovely personal reply to my request. I’ll be doing this one day behind the rest of you. Which really makes no difference in how the Word of God will speak to me. 🙂
my goal for this week is to read everyday in the morning regardless of whether I ‘feel’ like doing this or not. I missed one day last week. 🙁