~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Genesis 48:1-49:33 ~ Matthew 15:29-16:12
Psalm 20:1-9 ~ Proverbs 4:20-27
Old Testament - Today in Genesis Chapter 48 we read about Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh! One thing I thought about when reading this chapter and the next chapter was how interesting it is that blessings had so much importance and significance back in the days of the patriarchs. And I wonder - do we have blessings today that are as significant? Do fathers bless kids or grandkids these days? Maybe so... I guess I just haven't noticed it in my family... :) I do think there are still some "blessings" today that hold some incredible significance today. Wedding vows come to mind and the blessings that come from the pastor/priest/minister during this time. Church ceremonies or rituals come to mind - Communion, Baptism, Funerals, etc. And then certainly above all else, there is the amazing and eternal blessing we receive from Jesus himself - the free blessing and free gift of salvation. What else is there today that I'm missing? Have you been "blessed" by others in some way, like we read about in today's 2 chapters? Have you "blessed" others? Please share in the Comments section below. Below is a painting by the American artist Benjamin West from the early 19th century of Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh - and with his arms appropriately crossed as per the text :) -
In Genesis chapter 49 we read about Jacob blessing his sons - and these are some very accurate blessings he gives as we will see as we continue through the Bible this year. Perhaps Predictions or Prophecies might be the better term for Jacob's blessings in this chapter. Verse 10 is awesome: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will obey." This verse can apply to 2 descendants of Judah - King David and then ultimately and eternally to Jesus. In verse 22 we read this about Joseph: "Joseph is a fruitful tree," And this is certainly true, as his descendants will include Joshua, Deborah & Gideon & Jephthah (3 judges of Israel), and Samuel the prophet. Below is an image of Jacob blessing his 12 sons:
Below is a map that should be helpful to review based on today's blessing from Jacob of his sons. Obviously we still need to get through the Exodus and a few other things before the twelve tribes have this land below :), but this is a nice overview for now of where things are going and correlate with Jacob's blessing in today's readings:
Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 48 titled "The View from the Graveyard" is at this link and commentary on chapter 49 titled "The Purpose of Prophecy" is at this link.
New Testament - In Matthew chapter 16 verses 11 & 12 stood out to me today: "So again I say, `Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' " Then at last they understood that he wasn't speaking about yeast or bread but about the false teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees." And I wonder today - are there false teachings that we should beware of today? I believe there are... and there have been times in my life where I have bought into false teaching's. How can we know if a teacher is false? That is a great question. I would say that each of you are doing an amazing thing to help discern whether a teacher is false by reading the entire Bible. I believe the Bible to be the ultimate Truthful teaching that we can read - and thus, if you come across teachers that differ radically or go against the teachings of the Bible, you need to be wary. Don't get me wrong - every pastor / minister / priest is going to have some different takes or views or interpretations of the Bible. By slight degrees... If there are major differences, then you should be worried. In addition to knowing the Bible relatively well, the key to discerning false teachers will be the Holy Spirit. If you are getting bad "gut feelings" (hopefully coming from the Holy Spirit) over and over again about a teacher, there might be an issue. Pray to God about this and ask for his guidance. I realize this can be a sensitive issue! I'd say don't freak out about this and start wondering if your pastor is a false teacher.... :) But, be aware. I do believe there are still false teachers out and about today unfortunately. If you ever feel like you are being confused by someone today, keep your eye on the way out of confusion through God's Word!
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 15 titled "A Lesson in Hermeneutics" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 20 is a prayer for a king as he goes out into battle - check out verses 1 through 5 again and you can imagine a group of people saying these words to the king. Maybe another way to read this Psalm, personally, is as a prayer for yourself as you go out into battle against a sin or a struggle in your life. And this verse 5 then is for you as you go into this battle: "May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers." Amen! Let the banners fly soon in your life!
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 4 verse 23 holds so much truth... "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." Check out yesterday's posting below for tons more reflections on why it is so critical for us to guard our hearts. How are you doing on guarding your heart these days?
We would do well to obey the teaching of verse 24: "Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech." I have found it sometimes far too easy to be pulled into perverse talk - even if I didn't start it. (look at me - blaming others here! :) I do think we really need to be aware of situations where talk amongst our peers or friends is going in the wrong direction and to realize that we need to get ourselves out of these situations as quickly as possible. Sure, try to do it gracefully. Try to change the subject if you can. But if not, just excuse yourself and get out of Dodge...
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Proverbs verses 25 & 26 are powerful and bring up a question I'd love feedback on: "Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe." One thing that stood out to me in these verses is the ideas of setting goals. Are you a goal setter? I honestly am not really. I mean, I kind of set short-term goals - work projects, ministry projects, etc. But I don't really sit down and write down any big lifetime type goals. Part of my thinking on this is that I want to be as flexible as possible - if Jesus calls me to do something, I don't want to be hung up on some other goal... :) But, I'm not sure if this is the best thinking. This Proverb verse kind of makes me wonder if setting goals helps us keep looking straight ahead? If goals help us mark out a straight path for our feet? And to stay on it? So, let me know in the Comments section below if you are a goal-setter? And to the extent you can share how you set goals? How often? In writing? How often do you check back in on your goals? Do they make a difference in your life? In your spiritual life? I am really curious on this one... I am thinking I might need to be setting some goals here! :) 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
On looking straight ahead...
It's tough to look straight ahead when we really don't know where we're going...although we may have an idea where we are being led. And to me this is where FAITH comes in, SOMEONE "holding me by the hand" and leading me the way.
Long term goals? Sometimes our own goals do not work out . Why have them? I do agree with Mike about setting short term ones and staying flexible...and being open to what is! I think that's pretty much what my life has been for all those years. Did I ever plan on any of these? I don't think so--- who would ever think I'd end up here in NY from a simple rural community back home. Where to next? Only God knows... He opens the door for us, it is up to us to respond knowing that it is the right time, the right place... and His PRESENCE will always be there!
Posted by: Rosyln | January 23, 2007 at 08:46 PM
Just a few thoughts on goals since this is today's question.........
I was in prayer once and asked God for direction in my life. Often times I get one word answers to my prayers. This time what I felt God lead me to was to set goals. I know that had to come from Him because He always has the best options and they are usually options I don't think of myself.
I have made goals and usually follow through and complete them with the help of the Lord. One verse comes to mind in Psalm 27:11 Teach me your way, O lord: lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. One of my biggest oppressors is my self and my self doubt, especially when it comes to confidence. I am still trying to figure out what God really wants from me and what I am really going to "be" when I grow up. The problem is my life is already half over as 50 is not too far around the corner. Thank God we have the the Lord in our life to lean on.
I was skimming through proverbs today in my application study bible and found something on diligence and laziness. Proverbs makes it clear that diligence-being willing to work hard and do one's best at any job given to him or her is a vital part of wise living. We work hard not to become rich, famous,or admired (although those may be by products),but to serve God with our very best during our lives. I think I needed to read that today.
Have a blessed and wonderfull day everyone.
Posted by: Laura | January 23, 2007 at 08:47 PM
goals are just steps that can be measured as progress toward the objective - failure or success can be a communication or conviction with God on your direction.
Posted by: Henry | January 23, 2007 at 08:51 PM
Because I live in Australia I do the reading assignment earlier than many of you and get to read comments after I have done mine.
I have realized that many of us share similar comments and reflections and this indicates that we confirm and edify one another in our core beliefs. We have been guided by the Spirit and will know the truth from the false.
Posted by: Jit | January 23, 2007 at 09:26 PM
In the picture of Jacob blessing his sons,there's a big difference between the way Joseph looks and the way his brothers look.Joseph and his brothers ate separate from the Egyptians because the Hebrew shepherds were detested...they were also separated by location because of the same reason...they looked down on......:)haven't posted for a while so I'm summarising my thoughts.....
Joseph looked like the Egyptians,not too sure if they didn't look down a bit on his background but they needed him so he had to be accepted.Joseph was proud of where he came from,he lived in Egypt but his eyes were set on God.He may have done a few things wrong like practise divinity,but a friend once told me,you'll never reach God's standard here on earth....you'll still be influenced a bit by the sinful nature of the world,you'll still be striving for perfection without ever really getting there but God will still love you.
Joseph,did save the remnant of Egypt,in spite of being far from God's people and God's ways....God was still never far from his mind...and never left his heart.
Reading the bible daily is a great way to protect ourselves from false teachers cos they're out there...Like Judas was planted with the disciples of Christ,so are false teahers hanging around in these last days....evil's becoming more and more as knowledge is increasing....I guess my goal now is to keep on keeping on because work/other activities drown out the time I need to put aside for God....
God bless you all
Posted by: Anka | January 23, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Yes I have been blessed by people in my church. There are many examples:-
Just recently one family at the church that I go to are going to give me their really good bunk beds as they are going to upgrade. They know I could use them.
I was given $$ at Christmas time to help pay for our dinner again another blessing.
Those are just 2 examples where I have been blessed by another
Matthew 16
Discernment a friend and I were just talking about this the other day and she too said one of the ways to know what is truth and what is not is by reading the bible.
2If the sky is red in the evening, you say the weather will be good. 3But if the sky is red and gloomy in the morning, you say it is going to rain.
My mother (not a Chrsitain) use to quote this all the time when I was growing up. It was surprising when I became a Christain and found it came form the bible
Proverbs 4:20-27
Love the way verse 20 starts it’s a privilege to one of God’s children
25Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside.
26Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground.
27Don't make a mistake by turning to the right or the left. Keep your eyes focus upon Jesus and the light at the end of the tunnel of life.
When thinking about a goal it could be to keep up our Christain walk so that we can be asured of one day going home to live with Jesus in Heaven.
As for short term goals. I think back to the time when I went to uni a couple of years ago as a mature student. I had always wanted to be a teacher and God led me there through allowing me to meet the right people both at uni and while applying to get in. I also remember prayng to Him every time I handed an assignment in that it would be good enough - He never let me down
Posted by: jen | January 23, 2007 at 10:30 PM
Mike, I believe goal setting is a wonderful tool for keeping our minds set and our hearts undivided. Your propensity to set goals will largely depend on your personality type. I am a driver and therefore love setting goals AND thrive on the satisfaction of reaching goals. I have a friend who is an Expressive and hates goals.
Thank you for pointing out v25-26. I have made note of them to add to my scripture memorization. God bless you as I have really enjoyed this journey so far!
Posted by: John H | January 24, 2007 at 02:57 AM
Genesis 49:5 Jacob gives blessings to Simeon & Levi. The map does not show Levi and I believe his descendants became the priests. When did this happen?
Posted by: Patricia | January 24, 2007 at 08:28 AM
I believe goal-setting is absolutely critical. Without setting goals, it's too easy to wander through life without a focus on the things that are important. In the past, I've been good about goal-setting in particular areas, like saving money or contributing to a ministry. But this year I took it a step further.
I created a spreadsheet with six categories. I prayed over each category and listed several goals for each. Examples are:
- Career (earn $x per month, etc.)
- Financial (save for a new car, update wills, etc.)
- Spiritual (daily Bible reading, etc.)
- Physical (exercise 5x per week, lose X pounds, etc.)
- Family (plan special family activity each week, have weekly game night, etc.)
- Social (volunteer activities, etc.)
To some people, this kind of planning and goal-setting may seem off-the-charts. But think about it ... how busy is life these days? How many distractions are there?
Each week, I review my list of goals and note where I have, and haven't, made progress. I then use my goal spreadsheet as a foundation for prayer, thanking God for my triumphs and asking for help with my shortcomings.
I think God wants us to live deliberately ... focusing on certain things, and avoiding others. With a goal-based system like this, I can live deliberately, and spend my time more productively for Him.
Posted by: Lesley | January 24, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Lesley, great idea. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: Keysha | January 24, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Oh, Lesley. I hope that this is not off the wall but would you mind sharing your spreadsheet? Let me know. Thanks!
Posted by: Keysha | January 24, 2007 at 09:08 AM
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
Last year, I wondered why a repeat of basically the same story as the feeding of 5,000.
I beleive the answer is in the crowds Jesus was feeding. Some say the lesson was different - 5,000 to rely on the Lord, 4,000 to have compassion for the people. Maybe.
What is known is: the first crowd was made up of Jewish people. The second crowd was in the Decapolis region (Gentiles).
To me the overall lesson is keyed by the leftover baskets. In the first instance - there were twelve. In the second - seven.
The 5,000 were in a remote place and hungry - perhaps symbolizing spiritual emptiness in Israel at the time. Jesus, the bread of life, provided that food for them and more. Jesus can provide for the Jews what they need and more. The twelve baskets of leftover scraps representing the twelve tribes of Israel. God's grace and provision is overflowing for the nation of Israel.
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So what about the 4,000?
Matt 15:32
"Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat." NIV
Jesus had compassion for both crowds, but anytime "three days" is mentioned I think of the Resurrection. Perhaps this is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion. The cross is not enough - the ressurection makes it complete. Without the ressurection, we would just be a bunch of forgiven sinners running around, but still not filled.
Jesus, the bread of life, provided that fulfilment with the Resurrection. When we take in (receive) Jesus, we will no longer be (spiritually) hungry. Does this mean since Israel rejected Christ that this story indicates salvation is only for the Gentile?
Perhaps the answer is in the seven baskets of leftovers. Seven is the Biblical number for complete or whole. I believe that the seven baskets represent the "complete or whole" world. God's grace and provision is overflowing for the "whole" world. (Israel is certainly a part of the whole world - so, no, they would not be left out.)
Note: Last night as I was going to bed - it struck me that most of the world teaches there are seven continents. So, perhaps, the seven baskets can be viewed as representing the continents. Again, God's salvation is for the whole world.
Posted by: John | January 24, 2007 at 10:04 AM
THE BLESSINGS
I think Bob Deffingbaugh's commentaries are good, and if you have time should be read at the links Mike provided above in his comments.
A few things:
1)Going to come back to these blessings as events unfold in Israel later in OT.
2)Some say the prophecies were not completely fulfilled. Perhaps Gen 49:1 was not completely read:
"Then Jacob called for his sons and said: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come."
"days to come" is "last days" (KJV). It is the same Hebrew word used by Isaiah and Micah when referring to "end times". So the whole stroy has not unfolded yet regarding these blessings.
3) Joseph ends up with the birthright blessing - a double portion through his sons.
4) Judah is the royal line from which Jesus is born. Why Judah? I believe it is because he is the one son who repented and submitted himself (offering himself) taking responsibility for the safety of Benjamin on the second trip to Egypt.
5) The importance of the father's blessings. Bob Deffingbaugh explains this pretty well. It struck me, that as adopted children of God how much more so we should lean on and heed the (spiritual) blessings that our Father has bestowed on us.
It begins with the Gospels - John 3:15
"that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
And continues through the rest of the New Testament. Salvation is not the end of the journey - it is the beginning. God has purposes and plans for us that are embedded in his spiritual promises to us.
Eternal life does not begin in heaven, but begins when we are one with Christ.
2Cor 3:18
"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." NIV
Posted by: John | January 24, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Proverbs 4:20-27 really spoke to me today. Once again I have been reminded that no matter what I need to keep my eyes fixed on the Lord. It is easy to forget that sometimes and lose sight of him. I have to remind myself of this daily because it is so, so easy to get caught up in the things of this world. Getting caught up in gossip and people's drama, etc.
I am so amazed at how much people gossip in the church and try to use prayer as a way to be able to tell others peoples business (if that makes sense). I was so disappointed when I realized this.
Mike, your insight on vs 24 was great.My struggle is to learn how to get out of these conversations gracefully and not seem rude.
"Guard our hearts because it determines the course of our lives" I thought that this verse was awesome. I ask God to check my heart everyday because I see how important it is to have a clean (right) heart. Our hearts detemine a lot of our actions and even the words that we speak. I know that somewhere in Matthew it says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. When I start speaking crazy things I check my heart.
Anyway, proverbs said a lot of different things to me today.
Posted by: Keysha | January 24, 2007 at 11:53 AM
I read the Psalm first today; what a beautiful benediction!
Then, in reading Genesis it struck me that what we prophesy to our children (e.g. you're a "bad boy" they believe and attempt to fulfill ); as I read the blessings of Jacob to his children I could see how many of them were fulfilled. Conversely, when we prophesy good things to our children, they try to live up to THAT!
And finally I was surprised to see that Leah, the one who consistently sought Jacob's love and favor was buried with the patriarchs and their wives, and Rachel was buried elsewhere.
Just a few thoughts that went through my brain in today's reading.
May we all recognize our many blessings!
Posted by: SissySue | January 24, 2007 at 01:34 PM
Jen, My family too would say many things that I did not know until later came from the Bible. As I listened to the state of the union address last night President Bush said, "To whom much is given, much is required." I know this comes from the Bible but I wonder how many of the people listening last night know that. I use to wonder why God did not "speak" to me-I thought I had to hear Him out loud, person to person. One day I did hear Him speak to me, out loud, 2 words, "Be Patient!" And in hearing that I suddenly realized that He speaks to me everyday in a million small ways and I have learned(and am still learning)to listen for the "still small voice" which may only be in my heart, or what I see, or what I read, or what I hear, or even how I feel.
I am continuously blessed by my family, friends, a few coworkers and my church family. When I was a child my grandmother would say " Bless your heart" to me whenever I pleased her. Now I say it to my friends and family hoping that it may mean as much to them as it did to me when I was young. When my sons were Boy scouts they were told to always leave a place better than they found it. I want to try to leave my coworkers, friends, clients, at the end of the day feeling better than they did at the start. That is what Jesus does for us if we ask Him. When we pray to Him, He will leave us feeling better at the Amen, than when we started-When I am finished praying sometimes I am in tears of joy knowing I have a savior who loves me.Me! I am nothing!, but with Him I am everything!!!
Posted by: Cheryl K. | January 24, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Pv. 29:18 Where there is no vision the people perish. I believe in goals big and small. I encourage everyone in my family to set goals, tend them, review them, alter them if they no longer fit. I am not afraid of goals, even if I fail; it is a way to move forward and acheive things. There are many kinds of goals: family, household, professional, academic, spiritual. This year, my family is working on a goal wiki. We all contribute stated goals and comment on each other's goals.
Posted by: Kathryn | January 24, 2007 at 10:21 PM
I'm a goalsetter, but not writing them down. I keep them in my head & heart. Before I was married, I was a huge goalsetter, writing them down and I would do anything to achieve them. It didn't make me a nice person; it made me a neurotic controllfreak and too competitive. When I met my husband I had to take a step back and be a 'healthy goalsetter', I had to get rid of my neurotic and competitive side, in order not to loose this guy! Most of my goals now are pretty 'regular close to home'-goals. For example: live my life like a Christian, follow God's word, being a good mother etc ... There a couple of other goals I have, wich I like to keep for myself, but I'm not sure if I can ever achieve those. I'll try to ... I know it's not the time yet, so maybe in the future?
Psalm 20:5 stood out for me "May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers." ~ Makes me think about next Saturday and look forward to it even more!!! I'm going to spread the Word again with a couple of brothers and sisters. This time we go to Amsterdam ... that's a real challenge. Knowing that Amsterdam is the center of extremes! A family from our church went to Amsterdam to pioneer. So were going to spread the Word to get people to their church. I'm excited about it! 'Flying banners to honor our God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'.
Posted by: Mae | January 25, 2007 at 10:01 AM
It is amazing to read about Jacob blessing his children. At the church I grew up in when a person accepted Christ and was baptized, the senior pastor pronounced a blessing for each person. As a teen, I was honored to be blessed, and found it important to live up to that blessing.
I am thankful for this profile and appreciate having these blogs to read. Keep up the good job.
A blessing for you:
May you be blessed in everything your hand touches. The Lord fill your family and your life with joy and peace. May God's love abound to you all. May God's salvation come to all those in your household, your friendships, and those to whom you reach out. May you have the boldness and wisdom to spread the Good News to the lost and lead thousands upon thousands to Him. God bless you spiritually, physically, socially, mentally and financially. Amen.
(If you read this - the blessing is for you!)
Posted by: PM | January 25, 2007 at 10:01 AM
I believe God definately wants us to have goals, aspirations..but many times our goals dont work the way we plan. We have to be flexible in this, planning and considering IF it's God's will then this is what i'd like to accomplish. God calls us to be hard workers and definately keeping ourselves busy about our Father's business. i dont really write them down, but i have them in my heart, but they are written in pencil ;). God may have something else in store for me, many times He does! So we need to keep in mind He will direct our paths if we trust in Him and ackowledge Him in all our ways.
Goals to me are a way to organize and focus, have a structure/order and God is a God of order and structure. we cant lose heart if our plans dont pan out, God has far greater things in store for us! i can be spontaneous in some regards, but in others, i have goals n if God gives me that peace, to stay on that path, i stick to it. Its perserverence and determination and God doesnt want us to bum around, waiting for Him to drop food in our mouths.
Like Joseph...God warned Him about the famine, so Joseph planned and prapared n was ready when it came. Like Noah, he set out to build an ark, and he was prepared wen the time came. Whether it be a godly goal or a goal such as getting through college, getting a job, losing weight, getting in shape, whatever it is we have something to work for and thats good. But we still must put God first...not my will but Yours be done!
Posted by: Jenny | January 25, 2007 at 10:01 AM
The blessings -
Earlier on in Genesis didn't Jacob bless his youngest over his oldest? If I am not confusing the story which I have been known to do I find it amazing how history even repeats itself in scripture...
Posted by: Laverne | January 28, 2007 at 04:33 PM