Monthly Archives: January 2017

Genesis 46-47, Psalms 50

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In Genesis 46-47 we read of Jacob’s journey down to Egypt, along with his household. God appears to Jacob to reassure him that this is the right thing to do, despite the problems that Abraham and Isaac experienced in Egypt. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation”.

God would continue to bless the household of Jacob as they grew into a great nation, despite being settled in Egypt, a country unfamiliar with God, a country that despised occupations such as shepherds.

There are a lot of similarities to our calling. We live in a spiritual Egypt, a place that isn’t familiar with God, that doesn’t understand the things that God’s children must do. But God has promised that He will watch over us and bless us, just as He did for Israel.

We can be confident that God is in control, as Psalm 50 describes. “The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting”.  He wants to be involved in our lives, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

 

Romans 1-2

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In Romans 1-2 we find the start of a letter designed to encourage and also cause the reader to reflect on their lives. Paul longed to be in Rome to meet these believers face to face, but he had been unable, so he writes this letter, “that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith”.

It encourages us to patiently seek for glory, honour and immortality, to be a true child of God, a spiritual Jew. This attitude is one that affects the inner person, “a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter” of the law.

Paul also reminds us of the power of the gospel. It reveals the righteousness of God, and it is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”. It is up to us, through our manner of life, to share this knowledge and hope.

 

Psalm 46, Matthew 28

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In Psalm 46, David writes “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

Matt 28 gives us another reason to trust in God.  Jesus was no longer in the tomb when the two Marys went to find him, because “he has risen, as he said”.  This phrase encompasses the hope we’ve been given. Firstly, that Jesus’ words were true, and secondly, that he was indeed raised from the dead.  God kept His promise to Jesus, that he would not “let [Jesus] see corruption”, and through that promise, extends a glorious hope to us all.

Therefore, no matter what happens in the earth, we have no need to be afraid. God is our refuge and strength too, willing and able to help us through the troubles of this life.  “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”.

Genesis 41, Matthew 27

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In Genesis 41 we read Joseph was in prison for 2 years after Pharaoh’s cupbearer was restored to his position and the chief baker hanged. Pharaoh had his two famous dreams about the cows and the corn, and Joseph was called upon to interpret them.

Joseph hadn’t lost his faith in those 2 years; he attributes the interpretation of the dream to God, “God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do”. In a land that knew very little about the God of Abraham, Joseph is not afraid to speak openly of his faith. So Joseph is elevated to second in charge, and the dreams come to pass as Joseph had said. Even in this elevated position Joseph doesn’t forget God, naming his 2 sons after the blessings provided by God.

In Matthew 27 we read of another faithful Joseph, who risked his life begging for the body of Jesus, prepared the body and placed it in his own tomb.  Both Josephs demonstrated their faith despite the personal risks, an example to encourage us and remind us to show our faith in action.

Genesis 39-40, Psalm 44

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In Genesis 39-40 we read of Joseph in the land of Egypt, a foreign country with foreign gods and customs. Yet Joseph doesn’t abandon his faith in God, and 4 times we read that God was with Joseph, that God “caused all that he did to succeed”.  Joseph’s life was not easy, and his temptations and trials are recorded for us, along with the consequences he faced from holding onto his beliefs and integrity.

Sitting in prison “for some time”, Joseph still had the hope of the visions he had seen of him ruling over his brothers. There are many similarities to our lives today. We’re in a prison of sin, with our faith in God and the hope of a better future to strengthen us.

In Psalm 44 we read of a nation who trusted in God like this, “For not in my bow do I trust,
nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us”. We too can trust in God rather than our own strength, knowing that God will set us free, just as He did to Joseph, and to Israel.

Genesis 38, Psalms 41-43

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Genesis 38 describes the awful consequences of Judah leaving his brothers and pursing his own desires. Two of Judah’s children were put to death by God for their wickedness, and Judah’s daughter-in-law acts as a prostitute in order to blackmail Judah into allowing her to marry Judah’s final son. A very graphic story, but a reminder of what happens when we leave God behind.

By contrast, David’s “soul thirsts for God”, even when he was mourning and suffering at the hands of his enemies. God sustains and restores David when he is sick, and even though David repeatedly refers to his soul being cast down, his hope remains sure, “For you are the God in whom I take refuge… Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God”.

 

Psalm 39-40

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In Psalms 39-40, David progresses from a man distressed, distant from God, to a man encouraged and strengthened. He finds keeping silent does not help. “I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.” The only remedy was to turn to God, “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears”.

David finds comfort and security in his relationship with God. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” He finds comfort and mercy, “O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me“, and ensures others know also, “I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation…I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness“.

David is a great example for us; someone who realises their error, seeks help from God, and rejoices at the support and comfort he finds during his trials.

Genesis 36, Matthew 23

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In Genesis 36 we find genealogies of Esau. There is a little comment “These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites”. Israel was never supposed to have a king, their leader was God. By contrast, the Edomites served many gods, and had great and mighty leaders that led them into battle. They were focused on appearances.

Jesus warns of the dangers of appearances in Matthew 23. He tells the crowds and disciples to beware of the scribes and Pharisees, to do as they say but “not the works they do”. Jesus condemns them as hypocrites. He also tells the crowds where our focus should be, “you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Rather than being like the Edomite kings, exalting oneself above all others, Jesus highlights the importance of following his instruction, and of serving others.

 

Psalm 37

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Psalm 37 contrasts the wicked and the righteous, their way of life and destiny. Both receive a reward appropriate to their way of life. David writes this Psalm as encouragement, “fret not yourself because of evildoers…they will soon fade like the grass“.  Instead, “Trust in the Lord, and do good… commit your way to the Lord…refrain from anger.“

The righteous have an inheritance to look forward to, “those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land“, but have little now “better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked“.

We have a refuge from the cares of this life, a God who can deliver us from anything the world does to us. “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble… he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him“.

Genesis 32-33, Psalm 36

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Jacob wrestled all night with an angel, refusing to let go until the angel had blessed him. The struggle left him with a limp for the rest of his life. This was at a time in Jacob’s life when he was afraid for the safety oh his household – he had just prayed to God for deliverance from the hand of Esau.

Jacob did receive a blessing from the angel, and the meeting with Esau was a peaceful one. Afterwards, he buys land and sets up an altar to worship God.

God was a central part of Jacob’s life, time and again he demonstrated his trust and reliance on God. God was also central in David’s life, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings… Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart!”