January 20th One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 41:17-42:17 ~ Matthew 13:24-46 ~ Psalm 18:1-15 ~ Proverbs 4:1-6
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Old Testament - Today in Genesis chapter 41 we read about Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams - and not just interpreting them, but offering a solution!  Joseph suggests finding a wise man to administer a program to collect crops during the 7 years of plenty to save up for the 7 years of lean.  Verses 39 & 40 in this chapter tell us: "Turning to Joseph, Pharaoh said, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, you are the wisest man in the land! I hereby appoint you to direct this project. You will manage my household and organize all my people. Only I will have a rank higher than yours.""  Notice that Joseph did not ask for this position.  He probably could have, in light of interpreting the dream and offering a solution.  But he didn't.  The position was simply thrust upon him.  And I wonder in our lives - are we like Joseph - humbly offering our gifts and skills with no need of a payback?  Or, do we expect something in return?  Do we want to be put in charge?  I do wonder this about myself - if I was put in charge of all of Egypt, would I still remember God?  Or would the power go to my head and would I think it is all about me?  And then I wonder if there are similar, smaller temptations like this in my life - in my work or ministries or in my social circles. Are there times where I offer my skills & gifts, and expect to be put in charge of something, forget about God, and think it's all about me? How about you? Do you give freely and humbly from your God-given gifts with no need of a payback?  Payback... This would be like me suggesting this blog is free and then later coming back to you looking for a handout through your monitor! :)

Below is an image from a modern day production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" of Pharaoh appointing Joseph to be #2 in the land (and giving him his signet ring... and dressing him... and giving him the royal gold chain... and giving him the chariot... and renaming him... and giving him a wife...  think all this would possibly inflate one's ego?  It really does scare me to think about me being put in this type of position...)

In Genesis chapter 42 Jacob sends Joseph's brothers to Egypt for grain.  Verse 4 stood out: "Jacob wouldn't let Joseph's younger brother, Benjamin, go with them, however, for fear some harm might come to him." As you'll recall both Benjamin and Joseph were Rachel's only sons.  And Jacob loved Rachel dearly.  It seems that in light of Jacob already losing one of Rachel's sons, he didn't want to lose the other.  Or - I wonder - did Jacob maybe have some sort of mistrust in the back of his mind of the other 10 brothers?  (as obviously Joseph disappeared when going to find the 10 brothers many years back) This is outside of the text I realize.  Just a thought.  Below is a cute etching by Rembrandt from 1637 of Jacob and his son Benjamin:

Verse 6 also stood out: "Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of the sale of the grain, it was to him that his brothers came. They bowed low before him, with their faces to the ground."  This fulfilled the dreams Joseph had in Genesis chapter 37 verse 6 & 7! "He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had:  We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it."  And verse 6 was 21 years after Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers at the age of 17 - Joseph has spent 11 years as a slave, 2 years in prison, and 7 to 8 years in charge of Egypt (through the 7 fat years of the harvest, and now they are likely in the first year of the famine).  And even after 21 years Joseph recognized his brothers immediately.  I read a commentary that his brothers probably didn't recognize Joseph because he was decked out in Egyptian robes & garb, he may have been speaking through an interpreter, and he was likely clean shaven - Egyptians shaved, whereas Hebrews typically wore beards.  So now, Joseph's reunited with his brothers and what takes place next is coming up in our readings tomorrow...  Below is a painting from 1745 by the Austrian painter Franz Anton Malbertsch of Joseph meeting his brothers once again after 21 years apart:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings on Genesis chapter 41 titled "From the Pit to the Palace" is at this link and commentary on chapter 42 titled "The Proper Use of Power" is at this link.

New Testament - In today's Matthew readings we go through 5 parables that begin "The Kingdom of Heaven is like..."   Great way to start these parables!  They do indeed give us a glimpse of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.  Do these parables speak to you as you read through them?  I know they do for me.  Sometimes in encouraging ways.  Sometimes in convicting ways.  I love verses 31 & 32: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches."  I think if we cultivate the seed that Jesus plants in our hearts - the Gospel - we will see an amazing plant grow that will ultimately bless others.  From the tiniest beginnings, with patience and faith, can come the largest of plants.  If you haven't yet, will you let Jesus plant a mustard seed in your heart?  And will you be patient and allow the seed time & space to grow?  And will you water and care for the seed of the Gospel planted in your heart so that one day it will be a beautiful tree of life for yourself and others you come in contact with?  Will you allow Jesus to grow a mustard seed tree with your life?

I love the last 2 parables in today's readings!  The treasure buried in a field and the pearl of great price.  And the thought of being willing to give up absolutely everything to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven.  How about for you?  Are you willing to give up absolutely everything to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven?  Is there a price too high that you would not be willing to pay?   I will share with you this somewhat related tangent.  I had this really interesting jog several years ago.  And it was before I was a Christian, so I didn't equate my thinking with the "Kingdom of Heaven" at this time.  But, here were my thoughts that night on the jog.  As I was jogging I thought to myself - I am a "billionaire"!  Why?  Because I am blessed with this opportunity to jog, and to check out the beautiful night air around me, and more than anything because of this wonderfully complex thing in my skull called the brain. :)   The brain that allows me to do all these things and to simply think and enjoy life.  And I thought to myself - at what price would I give up the ability to use my brain?  Would I sell my brain for 1 billion dollars?  And the answer is obviously no - because there would then be no point to living in this life without the brain.  So - I reasoned with myself, well - "Then I am a billionaire!"  I have a billion dollar asset in my skull!  :)   I hope this isn't too random of a tangent.  Maybe you'll realize that you are a billionaire today too though?  :)  To tie this back to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Would I sell of my rights to the Kingdom of Heaven for 1 billion dollars.  No.  So - I guess then technically, I am a multi-billionaire now!  1 billion asset value for the brain + 1 billion asset value for the Kingdom of Heaven!  The point being...   or maybe the question to you.  Which would you prefer  - 1 billion in cash, or the Kingdom of Heaven?   Is there any price you would place on giving up the Kingdom of Heaven?   If not - will you pursue the Kingdom of Heaven with all of your worth?  And will you then share this amazing "pearl of great price" with others around you?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 13 titled "The Parables of Matthew 13" are at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 18 is an amazing one!  We'll get it for the next 3 days of readings, which is great.  And then comes Psalm 19 which is off the charts awesome!   Verse 1 today is so beautiful: "I love you, LORD; you are my strength."  How often do you tell God that you love him?  One thing that one of my former pastors does when he prays publicly, which absolutely moves me, is that he closes out just about every prayer with "God we love you.  And we pray all of this in the name of your son Jesus."   The last line of course is the powerful line!  But, that second to last line... is just beautiful.  Just telling God that we love him.  I'm not sure I tell God that I love him often enough.  God may not "need" to hear it.  But I think that I need to say it more often.  I love you God!

Proverbs - Proverbs 4 today are some wonderful verses from Solomon reminiscing on instructions he received from his father David!  Below is a stained glass image of David giving instructions to Solomon - we can imagine that David was even telling Solomon verses 4 through 6 in this image below: "My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you."

Worship God: Psalm 18 verse 1 in today's readings and Proverbs today reminded me of the beautiful Hillsong United song "From the Inside Out:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-afZJ9_TIM

Have you been changed from the inside out?  Click here for Inside Out!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week:  "I love you, Lord; you are my strength." Psalm 18:1 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you would love God every moment of every day. Pray that you would say "I Love You God" daily. Pray that God is your strength.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Okay, back to all of my fretting above about if I was given all that Joseph was given by the Pharaoh in today's readings... :)  What are your thoughts on this - if you were given all of these things, would it inflate your ego possibly?  Would you possibly forget about God?   It's interesting to reflect upon the devil's temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, from our earlier readings this year in Matthew - the devil was tempting Jesus with a lot of "stuff" - and Jesus refused it all!  I'm just wondering if even today in our modern world if we need to be careful about being tempted by too much wealth or power or pride, etc.?  But then I also wonder if sometimes God elevates us to important positions, like Joseph, so that we may be a blessing to many?  I do think this is possible for sure - I just think maybe the richer we get or the more powerful we get, the more we need to pray and stay as absolutely close to God as possible.  Would you want to be in Joseph's type of situation today?  Think you could handle it?  I pray that each of us could, and will, no matter what position in this life we are called to by God! 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

Comments

[Ramona]

Mike-You ask a tough question and if I were to give you an answer off of the top of my head, I would say, “Certainly, if given the opportunity and asked to lead I would lead just like Joseph, but alas I don’t think that is true. I have heard it said that a really great leader knows how to lead because he learned his leadership craft in serving others. So I think the question should first be, “Have I learned how to serve others with joy even in the dungeon?”

“If the purpose of a thing is not understood abuse is inevitable.” Quote from Myles Monroe author of the book, “Pursuit of Purpose.”

Truthfully it can only be in the role of a servant that one would learn the purpose of leadership and it would take great wisdom to weald that power with an eye for the Big Picture and not ones own personal agenda. Great leaders cannot rule from a place of pain or resentments they may have developed while in servitude. A great leader would have to operate in forgiveness. A great leader would have to be a great servant. I don’t think I’ve been that great of a servant, in fact I’ve been a lousy one.

Grace and peace, she said, with a lot of self-reflection to do during the day.

Ramona

[Raeann]

If I had been given ALL that Joseph was given it would have gone to my head. At first it horrified me to read what Josephs brothers did to him in the fields, then I realized that if GOD using his brothers as his instruments had NOT sent Joseph to Eygpt then God would have had no way to save Israel from the forth coming famine. EVERYTHING GOD does has a purpose or reason.

[Debbie Smith]

What caught my attention about the story of Joseph and Pharaoh was that Pharaoh found a man that he could give that much authority to and know that he could trust Joseph to lead well. I am a co-founder of a small non-profit organization and how much I would like a Joseph to lead the ministry.

[Frederick Y]

Re: Joseph and John A's comments on yesterday

Joseph became the second in command in Egypt when he was 30. This gives us some clues why God allowed Joseph to be in prison for that 'long'. God knew that Joseph had the potential and ability to be the second in command in Egypt. But we may reflect from our own development. It may be a disaster to let a person who is well built, handsome and full of ability and knowledge to be the second in charge of a nation. Unless that person is humble and respect God, he/she will fall in Satan's temptations. God is actually crushing and re-shaping Joseph so that in her 30s, he had learnt the 'foundation' course from God.

A bit of side-tracking, thinking of the first two Kings of Israel--Saul and David. Saul was anointed and became the first King of Israel. Burt Saul failed soon.

As for David, he went through a long period of hardship (training from God) before he became the second King of Israel. David was also 30 when he became King. So, be patient when you are under God's training.

(What a coincidence! Joseph became the second in charge when he was 30. David became king when he was 30. Jesus started his mission in public when he was 30. God has His timing.)

[DeeDee]

It made me think of past situations with favoratism with Isaac in relation to Esau and Jacob and God promising his covenent to pass towards Jacob instead of Isaac's chosen favorite, Esau, the deception and trickery of Rebekah and Jacob brought about God's promises, and the story of Rahab(which we haven't gotten to yet) but her protecting those spies and lying to the people of Jericho about their whereabouts and using that red cord in her window as her protection and covenent that the God's spies made with her and with God, her own demise became her own salvation(significance of the cord), and now we are on favoritism of Jacob for his beloved Joseph and the promises God spoke to Joseph in the dream coming to reality, however, it had to be brought about through the deception and trickery of his brothers selling Joseph to bring about the promises of God. Now under another note, does God deal in trickery an dishonesty, Absolutely Not! However, he uses the weak and dumb to confound the wise! What the enemy does for evil, God turns around and brings goodness out of it! What an awesome God we have!! God bless you all~ deedee

[John A.]

Frederick Y

Outstanding! Great observation.

I don't know if you think we are differ on Joseph's time in prison. I do not. My post is a micro position, your idea is a macro view. I pointed out an example - what Joseph said regarding how the dreams would be interpreted in prison. You presented a picture of overall development of which my point is just a part. Good job!

Also remenber the priests from the tribe of Levi could not begin priesthood until they were 30. (Jesus is our High priest.)

[John A.]

Matthew 13

The Seven Parables

WARNING: THIS MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN ANYTHING YOU HAVE HEARD ON THESE PARABLES.

Pray about it, meditate on it, and decide for yourselves.
======================================================
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
======================================================
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.
======================================================
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.

[John A.]

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
======================================================
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)
======================================================
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.

[John A.]

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 we 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.

[John A.]

Genesis 41:17-42:17

Pretty straight forward stuff today - unless anyone has any questions we can work on, or observations of their own.
======================================================
Coins with Joseph's name and picture on them found in Egypt.

Article in Al-Ahram

[Al-Ahram (Arabic: الأهرام, literally "The Pyramids"), founded in 1875, is the most widely circulating Egyptian daily newspaper, and the second oldest after Al-Waqae'a Al-Masreya ("The Egyptian Events", founded 1828). It is majority owned by the Egyptian government.]

States some coins were fouund in a box in a museum that have Josephs name and picture on them.

"Joseph's name appears twice on this coin, written in hieroglyphs: once the original name, Joseph, and once his Egyptian name, Saba Sabani, which was given to him by Pharaoh when he became treasurer. There is also an image of Joseph, who was part of the Egyptian administration at the time."
http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/3663.htm

Originally they were thought to be charms, but on further investigation by Egyptologists they are now thought to be coins.

Sorry, there used to be a picture of the coins in the link.

There has been no further news that I have seen, but personally I am a little sceptical. However, if it is true, how fascinating. Some extra-biblical proof that Joseph existed. The same Joseph that many skeptics say is just a myth.

[Rita Paren]

In this certain period of my life, the Lord is teaching me humility and faith. humility in the aspect of letting go of myself--all me plans, expectations and dreams, and faith in the aspect of allowing God to move in the ministry..i don't have to double time my efforts, it's about just doing what i intend to do which may sound easy but definitely difficult! i can relate with Joseph being given a great responsibility..will i allow those responsibility to develop a pride in my heart or will i handle it with humility and faith that Christ is the One moving not me, He is Sovereign and faithful and i am just an instrument, a steward? i think i still cannot handle a great responsibility such of Joseph..because with what i have right not as a missionary, i'm still in the learning process..but i'm looking forward for that certain position in my life..for i know that if the Lord has sntrusted to me a very big responsibility,His grace is far more greater to sustain me! Godbless everyone!I LOVE YOU GOD! I LOVE YOU JESUS CHRIST!AMEN