Monday, 1/19/2015

“Grace, on the other hand, means that God is pursuing you. That God forgives you. That God sanctifies you. When you are apathetic toward God, He is never apathetic toward you. When you don’t desire to pray and talk to God, He never grows tired of talking to you. When you forget to read your Bible and listen to God, He is always listening to you. Grace means that your spirituality is upheld by God’s stubborn enjoyment of you." ~ Preston Sprinkle

GENESIS 44, 45 

Joseph devises a final test for his brothers to see if their heart has changed. By putting his silver cup in Benjamin's sack he sets up a scenario for the brothers to abandon their youngest Benjamin. However, when it is revealed, the brothers tear their clothes and go back to Egypt and Judah offers his life for that of Benjamin.

Joseph cannot stand it any longer and asks his attendants to leave them alone.  It is here that he reveals his identity.

Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. (45:14-15)

Pharaoh he sends gifts and animals and gives them the best land in Goshen.

Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours. (45:19-20) 

MATTHEW 14:1-21

John the Baptist is beheaded as a result of his condemning Herod of taking his brother Phillip's wife Herrodias. Jesus is distraught over the news and withdraws to a remote place...however the crowds follow him and he has compassion on them and heals their sick.

As evening approaches the disciples suggest he send the crowds away so that they can get something to eat in the neighboring towns.  Jesus tells them he will feed them. He takes the five loaves and two fish and feeds over 5000. 

JOURNAL

I love the story of Joseph! It is the happy ending of all happy endings.  To see the look on his brothers faces and to know that they have not only been forgiven for what they did to him, but that God used it to save them all.  I can just imagine the look in Jacob's eyes when he sees Joseph and realizes all that God promised has come true.  They didn't just win the lottery, they became like royalty and were now honored in all the land of Egypt. Jacob has his son back and all his family.  What an amazing scene!

On the contrary we have Jesus weeping as John is beheaded, and Jesus just wants to be alone.  Yet the crowds are following him for what he can do for them...heal them, feed them.  Jesus is in mourning and he still ministers to them in compassion.

What an amazing God! So often I have read these stories and never realized my own lake of gratitude and hope. God has given me his word which shows over and over his character and his sacrificing love.  It also reminds me that what I may interpret as a curse, God is orchestrating for blessing.  God is always sovereign...why would I ever question him...and yet many times I do.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippine 4:6-7)