Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 37, 38, Matthew 4
When a Story Begs for More and Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
In Genesis Chapters 37 and 38 we have two stories that beg for more. I love
stories, I love writing because I can create the narrative. If I want to know
more, I can write more I an answer my questions. Sometimes in the Bible we have
stories that beg for more. The story of Joseph and his amazing Dream Coat and
the story of Judah and Tamar are two such stories.
In the story of Joseph, his brothers get upset at him because of his pride him
being declared his fathers favorite. Then there are his dreams of ruling over
his older brothers. It is a fascinating story where much is left out. Of course
many will know the ending of the story but can you imagine him being taken by
his brothers, whom some were wanting to kill him out of jealousy and then ultimately
being sold into slavery by those brothers?
What was Joseph's response to all of this? What was he thinking? What
did he tell those he was being sold into slavery to? All questions that
scripture doesn't answer but one can imagine. If anyone ever had a right to
complain or question God about their Joseph would be in the top 5. Did he
complain? We don't know. What we do know is more of the story is to come. Stay
tuned in or go ahead and read ahead because there are some incredible aspects
of love and forgiveness about to come forth.
There is also the story of Judah and
Tamar, lost love, sex with "prostitutes," abandonment, hypocrisy and
so much more. When I read this story I think of things like Ying and Yang or
Karma. While they are concepts I don't accept they certainly are concepts that
at times, seems to be real. Such is this story and again, a story that leaves
much to the imagination.
There are also aspects here about life in the womb, when does it occur and
what constitutes birth. Interesting points of discussion as we live in a world
and time when abortion is available in late stages and even in the place where
some support what is called partial birth abortion. Yet, we see the value God
and the people of the Bible placed on the life of a child, even with tying a
red string around the wrist of a child who was sort of born but not out of the
womb yet.
Today, the concept that the Bible can be an interesting book that leaves much
to the imagination is an encouragement to read the Bible. All have a purpose
and while we may not see the immediate benefits, ultimately we will.
Matthew 4
If there was ever a passage for today, Matthew 4 is it. There are so many
lessons and teachings getting ready to take place and we see the start of them
here. It is so easy for people to want to do things their way, taking shortcuts
and not thinking things through.
We know that Jesus is the Son of God but how quickly we forget that while He
was fully God, He was also fully human. In this story, taking place shortly
after being baptized by John the Baptist, He goes into the wilderness to
prepare for ministry by spending 40 days fasting and spending time with the
Father. I believe He is also contemplating His ministry. During this time of
getting ready, we see Satan doing all he can, to tempt in the most serious of
ways, Jesus to essentially, abandon His calling. Jesus recognizes those
temptations, even in a time of weakness. His getting ready is one of the things
that gives Him strength to overcome. In today's world we experience those same
pains and difficulties. Have we prepared
to overcome those things? Do we spend
time in prayer and fasting? Do we study the Bible? Or, do we just give in and
only do those things when we "have to." Realize, it is the doing these things first
that we have the power to overcome now, otherwise, we may fail and it will make
life more difficult.
We see another part of the story, Jesus getting ready for ministry. He knows
what the next 3 years has for Him. He gets ready and surrounds Himself with
people to help along that journey but to also train to train others once He is
gone. Do we, do I, surround ourselves with people to assist through the
journey. Sure they may, as we all do have weaknesses, but are we surrounding
ourselves with people to do the work effectively, to the purpose of why we do what
we are called to do?
There are lessons here, even massive lessons for me. If I want to be effective,
have an effective ministry, I have to prepare and surround myself with people
who will help me on my journey, so should you.
To see Genesis Chapter 37 and 38 and Matthew 4 Click the following link:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+37%2C+38%2C+Matthew+4&version=CEV
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