From: January 22, 2016
Judah, the fourth son of Jacob’s twelve, now acts as spokesman. This is an early indication of Judah’s rise to leadership. Reuben, the eldest, lost his birthright through sexual misconduct with Jacob’s concubine Bilhah (Gen. 35:22), and the bloody revenge taken by Simeon (son #2) and Levi (son #3) following the rape of Dinah (Gen. 34), led to Jacob’s curse over them (Gen. 49). Judah, who had been against killing Joseph, now offers himself as ransom for his brother, Benjamin (Gen. 44:33). Even though Joseph is their rescuer during this time of famine, Judah is the brother whom Jacob later blesses as the “lion’s cub” and the one to whom the “scepter shall not depart,” speaking of his later kingship (Gen.49). Judah is the tribe to which King David and King Jesus are born.
From: January 22, 2015
Perhaps you’ve heard someone say, “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.” This mantra is offered to encourage us to have a risk-taking kind of faith like Peter’s. Yet, it overlooks Peter’s first step. His first step wasn’t to get his feet wet. His first step was to ask permission from Jesus to join Him on the sea. Peter asked to walk on the water to Jesus. And Jesus said, “Come.” So, during the 4th watch of the night (3-6AM), Peter got to practice his gait on the Galilee. What unexpected joy awaits those who will follow Jesus wherever He leads!
From: January 22, 2014
Joseph saw God’s purpose for his life even though it led him through much pain and suffering. He not only forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery, he saw it as his mission to care for all of them. The life of Joseph points to the life of Christ. He is a Christological type, preparing the Jewish people to recognize Christ’s Person and ministry.
From: January 22, 2013
Joseph sees God’s purpose in being sold into slavery in Egypt. He forgives his brothers and welcomes them to live under his care. There is a foreshadowing of Christ in Joseph– the way he suffers betrayal and injustice before rising to become their savior and lord. The dreams he had as a boy of them bowing before him came true, but he did not rub it in. He sees God’s purpose and forgives. Joseph is a bright spot among Jacob’s brood. Ironically, the children of those who sold Joseph into slavery will become slaves themselves during the next 400 years in Egypt. Then, God will send another deliverer, Moses, to set them free. In all this, God is preparing them to recognize the coming Christ.
From: January 22, 2012
Joseph forgives his brothers and offers to care for them during the famine. In spite of the years of slavery and prison, Joseph trusted God’s sovereignty. Instead of kicking against our circumstances and blaming others, we can learn from Joseph. We can trust that God is in charge, leaving the results up to Him.
From: January 22, 2011
That the Creator of the universe would even take notice of us is surprising. That He would feel compassion is miraculous. What joy! That our God loves us so.