Trust in God vs Trust in People

Today's Reading
Exodus Chps 12 to 14

Through direction by God, Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt. Pharaoh then chases the Israelites, who are overcome with fear as they see Pharaoh's army rushing towards them. They quickly turn on Moses:

¹⁰ As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. ¹¹ They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? ¹² Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:10-12)

Unless we develop a deep relationship with Him, our faith will always be fickle, just as it is for the Israelites here - see also Sermon on the Mount.

After God parts the Red Sea and saves the Israelites from Pharaoh's army, the Israelites have renewed faith in God, and trust in Moses:

And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. (Exodus 14: 31)

What is important here is while the Israelites trust in Moses, they first trust in God. As we will see in the forthcoming chapters, when we stop trusting in God, we quickly fall prey to false Gods and lose both direction and purpose.

My Prayer: Lord, please help me maintain trust in you and help my trust in you be unwavering.

How a Leader Is Made...By God

Today's Reading
Exodus Chps 3 to 12

Many of us see gifts in others as something that we cannot attain, ignoring the greatness of God and the power God has to use ordinary people to do great things. The story of Moses is of course a great example of how God takes an man, saves his life at birth, and uses his experiences and weaknesses to draw the man closer to Him to perform God's will. In the process, the man slowly begins to recognize both the fullness of God's powers and how God IS with us and can work THROUGH us, despite what weaknesses we have, to achieve His will.

Early in Exodus, Moses is constantly questioning God, why me? Moses questions God's plan in Exodus chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 before Moses begins to confidently serve as only God knew he could.

My Prayer: Lord, help me understand my God-given will for my life, help me understand that I can achieve your purpose for my life, and help me submit to your will obediently. Help me understand and be patient when I believe that your will for my life is not possible - help me be persistent. And when I stray, help me come back to you.

God IS Always Watching Over Us

Today's Reading
Exodus Chps 1 to 2

Here we see Moses saved from death by his mother then raised by the Pharaoh's daughter (of course with the help of Moses' biological mother). Moses kills an Egyptian and is then forced to flee. The Israelites during this time endure great hardship as slaves in Egypt.

During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. [24] God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. [25] So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. (Exodus 2:23-25)

I often wonder whether God is even listening to our prayers or if he cares. These verses remind me that He IS always listening and He always cares. I pray that I can always be mindful of this and pray like I know that He is listening and caring...although I suppose being human this might not always be the case.

Joseph Remains Humble

Today's Reading
Genesis Chps 49 to 50

Jacob (or Israel as he is now known) is near death and he blesses his children as they and their descendants become the twelve tribes of Israel. Upon Jacob's death, he is buried in the same place where his father and his father's father are buried. Per Jacob's instructions, Joseph attends to the details of his father's burial.

Upon Joseph's return to Egypt and Goshen, where his brother's remained, Joseph is met by his brothers who are fearful of revenge by Joseph now that their father has died - they actually attempt deception by sending word of Jacob's desire to have Joseph forgive his brothers. When Joseph returns, the brothers throw themselves at Joseph's feet seeking mercy. No need for any deception here as Joseph is humble:

His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. We are your slaves, they said.

But Joseph said to them, Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Gen 50:18-21)

Clearly Joseph has an opportunity to be vengeful and to take advantage of his now lofty position, yet he his humble.

My Prayer: Lord, help me remain humble - in all circumstances. Help me avoid abusing any power or position or resources you place in my trust. Above all, let me be the servant of your will.

Be Mindful of God's Plan

Today's Reading
Genesis Chps 46 to 48

Joseph has finally made himself known to his brothers and his brothers have returned home to tell their father Jacob. Jacob of course is ecstatic and will come to Egypt to reunite with his son, whom Jacob thought was dead. Upon the reunion of course their is much joy and Jacob and all of the family settle in Goshen. Jacob is near death and in chapter 48 he blesses Joseph and two grandsons Ephraim (younger) and Manasseh (older).

As Jacob blesses Ephraim, Joseph is "displeased".

When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim's head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. Joseph said to him, "No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head. (Gen 48:17-18)

However, Jacob indicates that he is led that this is part of God's plan and that both will be blessed and that Ephraim has a "greater" role in God's plan.

But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations." ²⁰ He blessed them that day and said, In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh. So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.

I can't imagine that Joseph would have a hard time with the younger playing a greater role than the older son. We don't need to look any further than Joseph's own life where he even boasted to his older brothers (and own father!) about his special abilities and gifts given to him from God.

I am reminded here how we need to be mindful of God's plan and how we need to submit to his will. As part of this we need to be mindful of how we are SO inclined to have things our way - we are human are we not. Stay close to Him and pray that we can lean on Him and focus on His will...this is my prayer.

Joseph: Proud, Vengeful, and Manipulative - But Not in Control

Today's Reading
Genesis Chps 42-45

We know that Joseph sometimes acted "holier than thou" (he told on his brothers in Gen 37:2) and his own father had to be mindful of this (Gen 37: 10-11). Here we see that Joseph is vengeful in that he has an opportunity to immediately forgive his brothers and to reunite with them and in particular his father, yet he manipulates the situation to bring about fear and ultimately shame from his brothers.

Joseph's "control" and manipulation of the situation eventually came to a head:

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, Have everyone leave my presence! So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. (Gen 45:1)

Here we are reminded that despite all of our best efforts we cannot control everything, and ultimately we must cede control to God. Joseph is reminded of this:

So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Now hurry back to my father and say to him, 'This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. (Gen 45:8-9)

Too often I find myself trying to control situations and taking credit for things big and small that should be attributed to God.

My Prayer: Lord, forgive me and my tendency to control situations as I know that ultimately you are in control. Help me give up control to you in all areas of my life.

Giving God the Glory

Today's Reading
Genesis 41

Here we find that Joseph has an opportunity to interpret the dreams of Pharaoah, and he does so only after giving the glory to God by indicating that it is not through his own powers but through those of God.

Pharaoh said to Joseph, I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it. I cannot do it, Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires. (Gen 41:15-16)

He does so again here:

Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, the dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. (Gen 41:25)

And again here:

It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. ³¹ The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe. The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. (Gen 41: 28-32)

It then became abundantly clear to Pharaoah, that Joseph was a man after God's heart.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. (Gen 41:39-40)

God then blessed Joseph through Pharaoah by putting Joseph in charge of all of Egypt.

My Prayer: Lord, help me be a man after your heart as Joseph was. Help me recognize on a daily basis how your never-ending love, provision, care, and protection work in my life and the life of my family. I am blessed and it is not through me but it is through you. Help me give all the glory to you and have it be clear to others that I am a man after your heart and that you are my strength. How great you are...

God Responds...On His Time

Today's Reading
Genesis 40

Joseph continues to be a faithful servant of God as in this chapter he interprets dreams for the Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, both of whom were thrown into prison. He correctly intreprets the dreams of the two men and I am left with how God gives Joseph this gift and uses it for his glory. Yet Joseph still desires to be released from prison (I would too!):

But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon. (Gen 40:14-15)

Despite Joseph's desires and request, the cupbearer does not mention Joseph to the Pharaoh and he remains in prison:

The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. (Gen 4:23)

This is of course how it goes with God, we pray and it is up to God when and how he responds. We must listen closely for what God's response is because we will often miss it! For example, we often say if we don't get what we prayed for then God did not respond. This is not so - God responds and says "be patient", or "not now", or "no" or somewhere in between. We need to listen carefully for God's response and be able to submit to His will.

My Prayer: Lord, help me listen. I am often talking and asking, and many times demanding and too often I am not listening...so help me listen and forgive me when I am not! Help me also understand your response and your words for me and help me submit to your will. I know that you have great plans for me!

We Exist To Glorify Him, Regardless of Our Circumstances

Today's Reading
Genesis 39

This morning I am struck by verses 2-6:

The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

...and again with verses 20-23 while Joseph is in prison for allegedly (but falsely accused of) sleeping with his master Potiphar's wife.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

Over the past several months I have been struggling with interest in my job and I know I am not glorifying God with my work. There are those whose work life is much more difficult and stressful, including those who cannot find work enough to sustain their family. I really need to go to God with this, to ask Him for my forgiveness and to work hard to glorify Him.

My Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my selfishness. You have provided me with a job - and I have not only not proven grateful for this, I have not glorified you with my work. Please forgive me. Help me focus on working for you and your glory. Rid me of my bad attitude. I want to love you with all of my heart and have this show in my work.

Mercy Only Goes So Far...We Must Fear God

Today's Reading
Genesis Chp 38

While it is not clear why Judah left his brothers after Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites/Midianites, one commentary indicates that Judah was excommunicated by his brothers, holding him responsible for Joseph's fate. Regardless, Judah finds himself marrying the daughter of Shua, a Canaanite man - something previously not held in high regard.

We've seen God's mercy in Genesis and we have seen God's harsh punishment, and here we see an example of God's harsh punishment.

Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the LORD's sight; so the LORD put him to death. (Gen 38:6-7)

And again:

Then Judah said to Onan, Lie with your brother's wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to produce offspring for your brother. But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay with his brother's wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the LORD's sight; so he put him to death also. (Gen 38:8-10)

While God's mercy is typically reserved for those in God's eyes who are righteous (Noah, Abraham, Lot, etc.) what we need to remember is that this is righteousness in God's eyes. While we may view ourselves as righteous, this is not a judgment we can make. We must continue to seek Him and fear Him. For if we don't, we may falsely assume that our sin - and of course we will sin - is worthy of God's mercy and we may escape harsh punishment. I know I certainly don't want to make this mistake.

My Prayer: Lord, help me draw near to you and both love you and fear you. This is a healthy fear, one that respects your awesome power over everything and everyone. Help me remember that I cannot claim to be righteous; I can only strive to be more like you and pray for your protection and ask for forgiveness from sin. I may be forgiven but this may not help me escape punishment. Help me submit to your will.

Hardness of Hearts Restricts Flow of Love

Today's Reading
Genesis chps 37

I am struck by the following verse:

"When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him". (Gen 37:4)

My own perspective - not that I have not been guilty of this myself to some extent - is that when you harden your heart, you restrict the flow of love both to and from yourself. I suppose this would work in the same way blood flow would work and if you have a blockage in your heart you have a similar restriction.

Further, when I am angry at somebody, I am likely to not love, but rather lash out and harm (either in person or not). I am also likely to block any gestures of goodwill or love from this person.

My Prayer: Lord I pray that I may love others regardless of how they act towards me. This may be very difficult in certain situations but I know that this is your will - that I love others as you love us. Help me so that I not harden my heart - forgive me when I do, and instead help me be you to others.

God's Love Never Stops

Today's Reading
Genesis chps 35

What strikes me here is how Jacob returns to God. Jacob clearly understood how the atrocity of Shechem and that he needed to be "purified". God led Jacob's family out of Shechem and even protected them.

Then they set out, and the terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them. (Gen 35:5)

God then repeated the same blessing Jacob has received several times previously.

After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. God said to him, "Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel". So he named him Israel.And God said to him, "I am God Almighty ^f]">[f] ; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you. (Gen 35:9-12)

I am reminded of how God is constant...life takes its twists and turns...and this was certainly true of Jacob. Yet through it all, God never ceased watching over Jacob and God never went back on the promise to bless Jacob. God is great.

My Prayer: Help me focus on your love and protection of me and how this will never cease or waver - when life takes its twists and turns, help me return to you for comfort and strength.