Genesis 42:18-43:34 ~ Matthew 13:47-14:12 ~ Psalm 18:16-36 ~ Proverbs 4:7-10
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Old Testament – Hi everyone – I’m a bit short on time today, so here is a brief OT post. Bible.org’s commentary on Genesis chapter 42 titled “The Proper Use of Power” is at this link and commentary on Genesis chapter 43 titled “The fears of Jacob and the tears of Joseph” is at this link.
New Testament – Today in Matthew chapter 13 verse 54 we read about Jesus going to his hometown of Nazareth where he was raised as a child. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as we know, but raised in Nazareth, where Mary & Joseph met and married and returned after their flight to Egypt after Jesus’ birth. Below is a NASA photo courtesy of ebibleteacher.com that shows where Nazareth is located in comparison to Bethlehem and Jerusalem:
In verse 57 we read this when Jesus was in Nazareth: “Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”” This verse remind me that sometimes when we really move forward in our faith, our friends (“hometown” from the verse above) and our relatives can sometimes not understand what is going on with us. I think there are phases of our walk with God where really it becomes very personal – between us and God – and through that process God will transform us. And our friends and relatives sometimes may not appreciate our change for various reasons – just as Jesus’ friends and relatives did not appreciate his ministry in this verse. I hope that this verse can be of comfort to you if by chance you are having challenges reconciling your faith and your changed heart with your friends & relatives expectations of who you were in the past. Know that you are on the right path. As long as you are staying focused on God and his will for your life, you may have to accept some loss of “honor” (per the verse above) in your status with your friends and relatives. You may not seem to be as “cool” or “fun” or whatever as you once were in your friends’ eyes. But – if in God’s eyes you are loving Him with all of your heart and you are loving your neighbors as yourself, then you are eternally cool and fun in the Kingdom of Heaven. And that’s where it really counts. Where are you seeking “honor” in your life today? In the eyes of your friends and relatives – or in God’s eyes?
Today we read about the beheading of John the Baptist. I found this painting below by the Italian artist Caravaggio from the year 1610 titled “Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist.” I almost hesitated to post this painting up, but I think it’s worth us considering. This is what happened to the man who proclaimed Jesus’ ministry was coming. This is what happened to the man who baptized Jesus in the Jordan. And of course this brutality pales in comparison to what Jesus went through on the road to Golgotha. This painting below and thinking about Jesus’ passion, suffering, and death just made me think that sometimes following God does not lead strictly to “health and wealth.” But sometimes truly following God leads to suffering and poverty. But – and here’s the key but – it also leads to eternal life! So, no, perhaps many/most/all of us will not go through what John went through in today’s readings or in this painting below. But you know what, if we are truly following God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I think we need to realize that this type of thing can happen. But if this type of thing happens while pursuing and loving Jesus with all that you are, then it’s of course worth it because Jesus will raise you up on the other side!
Psalms – There are so many great verses today for us to meditate upon in Psalm 18! I love verses 25 through 27: “To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud.” Are you showing yourself to be faithful to God? Are you living with integrity? Are you showing yourself to be pure? Is God showing you these things as well?
I really love verse 28: “LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.” Has Jesus brought light into your life? Does God light up your darkness?
Proverbs – I love Proverbs 4:7 today! “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” How simple and yet profound is that first sentence? The beginning of wisdom = get wisdom. Can’t argue with that! 🙂 The question then becomes how do we get wisdom? Or, where do we get wisdom. I will say simply, The Bible is the best fount of Wisdom I know of. So, reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis = wisdom. Then the second sentence in the verse above is great too – though it cost all you have, get understanding. Where does understanding come from? Again, I’d say the Bible. But I’ll also say that I think understanding comes from investing in a community of people and being invested in by other people. We can’t really get understanding on our own, being a “lone ranger.” We need others in our life so that iron sharpens iron. I hope and pray you are in a local church community? And I hope and pray you are in a small group of some sort? We need others to do life with and to gain understanding. Will you find a church or a small group in this next month if you’re not part of a church or small group yet?
YouTube: Our readings today in Matthew about the beheading of John the Baptist reminded me of the song “Jesus Freak” by DC Talk:
Please join me in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on my comments above in Matthew, have you ever lost some “honor” with your friends or family as you’ve moved forward in your faith? If you did lose honor with your friends did you gain honor with God? Do you think you sometimes base your decisions more on what other people will think? Or do you base your decisions on what God will think? At times in your faith walk have you had to distance yourself from some old friends so that you can move forward in your faith walk? Has this been hard? Has it been worth it? 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
8 responses to “January 21st One Year Bible Readings”
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“…have you ever lost some “honor” with your friends or family as you’ve moved forward in your faith? If you did lose honor with your friends did you gain honor with God? Do you think you sometimes base your decisions more on what other people will think? Or do you base your decisions on what God will think? At times in your faith walk have you had to distance yourself from some old friends so that you can move forward in your faith walk? Has this been hard? Has it been worth it?”
I think that in the beginning they thought it was just a phase I was going through but now after 28 years they know that isn’t the case. My family still more or less is just indifferent about it. At the time I got saved I had already distanced myself from my friends anyway because I was tired of the way I had been living and the things we had been doing together. Becoming a born again Christian just made it a permanent separation. I never gave a thought about what either my family or friends thought about me becoming a Christian. It wouldn’t have made any difference to me if they had thought less of me because of it. I have never regretted for one moment that I became a follower of Jesus Christ and I have not looked back.
GENESIS 42:18-43:34
Joseph’s brothers thought that divine retribution had come upon them because of how they treated their brother and because they thought he was dead because of it ( 42:21-28 ). Said Reuben, “ Behold, also his blood is required “ ( 42:22 ) and “ their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us? “ ( 42:28 ). They were right to be afraid because of what they had done. They must have been aware of God’s words to Noah and his family after The Flood:
“And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
– Genesis 9:5-6 ( KJV )
Anti-Semitism was already beginning to take root in the world at this time ( 43:32 ). The Hebrews were a different race being the descendant’s of Noah’s son Shem while the Egyptians were descendants of Noah’s son Ham, therefore, it was an “abomination” for the Egyptians to eat with the Hebrews. These racist attitudes no doubt contributed to the oppression and eventual enslavement of the Hebrews by the Egyptians some years later. Of course, Satan was doing his part as always to stir up contempt and hatred of Israel among the nations.
MATTHEW 13:47-14:12
To me Jesus is the “pearl of great price” ( 13:46 ). The merchant in this parable who sold all he had to buy this pearl reminds me of the rich young ruler to whom Jesus said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” ( 19:23 ). The rich young ruler wasn’t willing to do that but the merchant in the parable represents those who are willing. The lesson to be learned is that we must value Jesus and the Kingdom above all else. Actually He saw value in us first and so Jesus bought us with His own blood. He now owns us ( 1 Corinthians 19:20 ) and we are His jewels ( Malachi 3:17 ).
“ For ye are BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:20 ( KJV )
PSALM 18:16-36
As Christians, being obedient to the Lord’s commandments and keeping ourselves from falling into sin, apostasy and backsliding ( vv. 21-23 ) is at least partially dependent on continuing in the Word of the Lord. When we read and study the Bible we are keeping His judgments and statutes always before our eyes ( v.22 ) and we are less likely to slip because God will make our feet will as “hinds feet “ ( v.33 ).
PROVERBS 4:7-10
This passage speaking of wisdom promises “… a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee”
( v.9 ). According to 1 Peter 5:4, the “crown of glory” is a reward which seems to be especially reserved for pastors who are faithful in feeding their flocks the wisdom of God found written in His Word which they shall receive at the Lord’s appearing.
Yes, I have had to change friends in the past. I am taking this journey to strengthen my walk with God & to break free of some of the besetting sin in my life. I know God wants me to have life & have it abundantly. Sin in our lives places a wedge between God & us. At least that has been my experience.
Great comment about John the Baptist. The walk we have following Christ is not always without cost.
I have lost friends over this…but it actually wasn’t that hard (for this I am very blessed), because it wasn’t necessarily literally because of my faith, but because my faith dictates certain morals and convictions that I now have, which have in turn changed my relationships. What I learned though, and the reason why it was not as difficuly losing these friends, is that these were not true friends in the first place. My true friends (even if they are not a part of my faith) are still with me. I realized when I lost friends that I did not even miss them, because they were never good to have in my life.
One of the people who has stayed with me (of course) though this is my boyfriend. He doesn’t think it’s wierd or complain about it or anything, but he does not share my faith, which has been something I have been praying about and asking God what I should do. I share everything with him that I am learning, but he doesn’t believe. God willing, someday we will be able to share faith in God and become even closer. 🙂
Matthew 13
The Seven Parables
[Was out of town yesterday, but thought this was important enough to post a bit late.]
WARNING: THIS MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN ANYTHING YOU HAVE HEARD ON THESE PARABLES.
Pray about it, meditate on it, and decide for yourselves.
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THE 7 PARABLES
This year when I looked at these parables as a group I saw a pattern. Let me outline it for you, and then I will explain.
Parabele 1: The overall method of spreading the kingdom. The backdrop.
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Parable 2: Judgment
Parable 3: Problems in the Church
Parable 4:Problems in Israel
Parable 5: How God views Israel.
Parable 6: How God views the Church
Psrsble 7: Judgment
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Pairings
Under the Umbrella of how the Word is sown in men’s hearts are three groups. Judgment, Church, and Israel. The center of these six parables (#4,5) is Israel. Israel is at the core. The ONLY nation that God ever said was His.
The Lord explained parables 1 and 2, and 7 is the same as two and represent the overall issue. Do you accept God and spend eternity with Him,or do you reject God’s plan and choose to go to the furnace of fire.
I want to concentrate on the parables on Church and Israel.
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Parable 3: Problems in the Church. Mustard seed.
The kingdom of heaven IS the mustard seed. Started small, and was sown in the world (field). When it matures on a natural basis it is a nice full bush about three feet high. It never grows into a tree.
BUT SOMETHING HAPPENS. There is something unatural, abnormal and ungainly. The intended beautiful shrub has turned unaturally into a tree. So what would unnatural growth be? It would be loftiness, pride, ambition, domination of others, concern for self. That is unnatural growth from this kind of seed. (When a tree is used symbolically in Scripture it always stands for authority and power and dominion. In the book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar is symbolized by a tree. Pharaoh, in Exodus, is symbolized by a tree. These were men of power and authority.)
That is how the Chruch has grown, and it is not pretty as an entire entity. The birds of the air (satan’s minions) are comfortable at being in the midst of the church and staying there (lodged in branches).
Parable 6: How God Views the Church. The Pearl.
Luckily God does not view the Church as it is on earth – (the tree). God sees the church as the pearl. He sees the finished product. The Bride of Christ who will be perfectly sanctified in the end.
Jesus gave all He had on the cross to own the Church – to be it’s head and we are the body.
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, … that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. {Eph 5:25b, 5:27 RSV}
AND that is the pearl, it does not start out that way, but grows through irritation adding layer upon layer of splendor. And so it is in our walk with the Lord.
Matthew 13 (cont)
The 7 Parables
Parable 2: Judgment
Parable 3: Problems in the Church
Parable 4:Problems in Israel
Parable 5: How God views Israel.
Parable 6: How God views the Church
Psrsble 7: Judgment
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Parable 4: Problems in Israel. Leavened bread.
Three measures of meal with Sarah in Genesis and in Jewish feast days symbolizes fellowship with God. Leaven is never to be used.
When a woman is used symbolically in Scripture it always means the same thing — some religious authority either out of place or doing the wrong thing, some misuse of a relationship with God.
The Jewish religious authority structure from the Temple had introduced sin (leaven) into the meal (fellowship) until the loaf was all puffed up (full of pride and self).
Israel’s fellowship with God has been corrupted by pride and self to the point they did not see God in their midst.
Psrable 5: How God views Israel. Treasure.
It is not about anything we do. God is sovereign, and He sees the begiining and the end all at the same time. Through His grace His view of Israel is as a treasure.
“Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people:” {cf, Exod 19:5a KJV}
For the Lord hath chosen Jacob [another name for Israel] unto himself … for his peculiar treasure. {cf, Psa 135:4 KJV}
God does not see Israel as the leavened loaf. He sees it as His peculiar treasure.
God does not take the treasure (because they rejected him), but put it back in the field (world). He purchased the field (world) on the cross, so that He had the right to come back and redeem his treasure (which He does in Revalation).
When you buy something you get the title, and that title was in th book with seven seals and only one was worthy to open the book – The Lion of Judah – Oor Lord. (Rev 5)
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That is how I see it. It can be argued that the Church also has been puffed up with pride, but the symbols in that parable are peculiarly Jewish, and the pairings of the parables make me lean toward Israel.
Hello Everyone,
I’m here and trying to catch back up with the rest of you…I’ve been away on a family trip.
With regard to losing friends, I fortunately came to faith in Christ at a transitional point in my life. My future husband was a new Christian and we kind of walked into the faith together. I do think of friends of mine who married and then came to faith, or who married men who were not (and some still are not) believers. This has got to be very difficult. I am thankful to be married to a Christian man who seeks the Lord and pray that our children will be blessed with marriages marked by mutual faith as well.
I do remember my husband’s comment when we were dating that he would only marry a Christian woman. At the time, I thought that was extremely narrow-minded (and told him so!) Now, I understand his thinking completely because if you are in such a marriage, you must feel torn between two worlds…
Anyway…off to catch up more….
Matthew
Jesus’ family.
I was raised in a Christian sect that believed Jesus was an only child. We never saw these passages or others (and back then ww were not encouraged to read the Bible) as we were strictly fed from the pulpit.
I became a born-again (from above) Christian 40 years after I walked out of that Church. I believe Jesus had four brothers and some sisters.
I could use logic, Greek, and the Lord’s own words here to assert that Jesus had family. But it is much easier to just refer to Paul and Galatians.
Gal 1:19 I saw none of the other apostles-only James, the Lord’s brother.
Genesis
A few notes:
These brothers are to be the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were a hard bunch who had deceived, murdered, and looted at Shecem. Reuben had slept with Jacob’s concubine, Judah had married Canaanites, produced evil sons, and was with Tamara. All the brothers except Benjamin had participated in selling Joseph into slavery.
The brothers were a hard lot with nary a mention of God from their lips. They had 22 years to forget about what they did to Joseph.
God needed to prick their conscience and reawakeen their realization of who they were – much like Jacob wrestiling with God.
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The brothers received reciprocal treatment to what they did to Joseph: harsh treatment, did not listen to protests, unfounded accusation, and time in the “cistern/jail”.
Memories were awakened.
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28 “My silver has been returned,” he said to his brothers. “Here it is in my sack.” Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said, “What is this that God has done to us?”
When Grace is given, the heart of a hardened person reacts strangely. The brothers were afraid (like Jacob after the dream), and thought it was a bad thing.
However, it is the first acknowledgment of God since we have been reading about the brothers.
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Jacob acts poorly
Jacob is unreasonable, fearful, scheming (making a gift to Egypt like he did with Esau – both were uneccesary), and accusatory.
Jacob should have learned after all these years to just trust in the Lord.
We will see. There is hope for Jacob coming around as he is called Israel (God prevails) in chapter 43.