Members phkrause Posted July 16, 2012 Author Members Posted July 16, 2012 July 16, 2012 Genesis 22:1-19 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 22:1-19: God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham obeys, but Isaac is spared and God blesses Abraham because he chose to honor and obey God. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 22:12 “Don’t hurt the boy or do anything to him,” he said. “Now I know that you honor and obey God, because you have not kept back your only son from him.” Today’s Reading 1 Some time later God tested Abraham; he called to him, “Abraham!” And Abraham answered, “Yes, here I am!” 2 “Take your son,” God said, “your only son, Isaac, whom you love so much, and go to the land of Moriah. There on a mountain that I will show you, offer him as a sacrifice to me.” 3 Early the next morning Abraham cut some wood for the sacrifice, loaded his donkey, and took Isaac and two servants with him. They started out for the place that God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham saw the place in the distance. 5 Then he said to the servants, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there and worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6 Abraham made Isaac carry the wood for the sacrifice, and he himself carried a knife and live coals for starting the fire. As they walked along together, 7 Isaac spoke up, “Father!” He answered, “Yes, my son?” Isaac asked, “I see that you have the coals and the wood, but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide one.” And the two of them walked on together. 9 When they came to the place which God had told him about, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. He tied up his son and placed him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he picked up the knife to kill him. 11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” He answered, “Yes, here I am.” 12 “Don't hurt the boy or do anything to him,” he said. “Now I know that you honor and obey God, because you have not kept back your only son from him.” 13 Abraham looked around and saw a ram caught in a bush by its horns. He went and got it and offered it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 Abraham named that place “The LORD Provides. ” And even today people say, “On the LORD's mountain he provides. ” 15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, 16 “I make a vow by my own name—the LORD is speaking—that I will richly bless you. Because you did this and did not keep back your only son from me, 17 I promise that I will give you as many descendants as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand along the seashore. Your descendants will conquer their enemies. 18 All the nations will ask me to bless them as I have blessed your descendants—all because you obeyed my command. ” 19 Abraham went back to his servants, and they went together to Beersheba, where Abraham settled. Reflect In ancient times, offering a burned sacrifice was a way to worship God. In response to God’s command, Abraham is prepared to offer his son, the child of God’s promise, as a sacrifice to God. To what do you attribute Abraham’s willingness to do what God commanded? Reread verses 17 and 18. What does God promise Abraham? Pray Holy God, whenever I feel that my faith is being tested, I know that I can trust in you. Teach me to be obedient to your will. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 25:1-34: Abraham’s son Isaac becomes the father of twins. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 18, 2012 Author Members Posted July 18, 2012 July 17, 2012 Genesis 25:1-34 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 25:1-34: Sarah had died at the age of 127 (Genesis 23:1). Abraham then married Keturah by whom he had six sons. He died at the age of 175, and his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in Hebron beside Sarah. Isaac had married Rebecca (Genesis 24), and Rebecca becomes pregnant with twins. From the time Esau and Jacob were in their mother’s womb, there was a foreshadowing of rivalry between the two brothers. Esau is the firstborn and years later he sells his birthright to Jacob. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 25:11 After the death of Abraham, God blessed his son Isaac, who lived near “The Well of the Living One Who Sees Me.” Today’s Reading 1 Abraham married another woman, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan, and the descendants of Dedan were the Asshurim, the Letushim, and the Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were Keturah's descendants. 5 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac; 6 but while he was still alive, he gave presents to the sons his other wives had borne him. Then he sent these sons to the land of the East, away from his son Isaac. 7-8 Abraham died at the ripe old age of 175. 9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in Machpelah Cave, in the field east of Mamre that had belonged to Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. 10 It was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites; both Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried there. 11 After the death of Abraham, God blessed his son Isaac, who lived near “The Well of the Living One Who Sees Me.” 12 Ishmael, whom Hagar, the Egyptian slave of Sarah, bore to Abraham, 13 had the following sons, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 They were the ancestors of twelve tribes, and their names were given to their villages and camping places. 17 Ishmael was 137 years old when he died. 18 The descendants of Ishmael lived in the territory between Havilah and Shur, to the east of Egypt on the way to Assyria. They lived apart from the other descendants of Abraham. 19 This is the story of Abraham's son Isaac. 20 Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebecca, the daughter of Bethuel (an Aramean from Mesopotamia) and sister of Laban. 21 Because Rebecca had no children, Isaac prayed to the LORD for her. The LORD answered his prayer, and Rebecca became pregnant. 22 She was going to have twins, and before they were born, they struggled against each other in her womb. She said, “Why should something like this happen to me?” So she went to ask the LORD for an answer. 23 The LORD said to her, “Two nations are within you; You will give birth to two rival peoples. One will be stronger than the other; The older will serve the younger.” 24 The time came for her to give birth, and she had twin sons. 25 The first one was reddish, and his skin was like a hairy robe, so he was named Esau. 26 The second one was born holding on tightly to the heel of Esau, so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born. 27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skilled hunter, a man who loved the outdoors, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. 28 Isaac preferred Esau, because he enjoyed eating the animals Esau killed, but Rebecca preferred Jacob. 29 One day while Jacob was cooking some bean soup, Esau came in from hunting. He was hungry 30 and said to Jacob, “I'm starving; give me some of that red stuff.” (That is why he was named Edom. ) 31 Jacob answered, “I will give it to you if you give me your rights as the first-born son.” 32 Esau said, “All right! I am about to die; what good will my rights do me?” 33 Jacob answered, “First make a vow that you will give me your rights.” Esau made the vow and gave his rights to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave him some bread and some of the soup. He ate and drank and then got up and left. That was all Esau cared about his rights as the first-born son. Reflect What was Isaac’s prayer and how was his prayer answered? What did the LORD say to Rebecca (verse 23)? Israel and other cultures in the ancient Near East gave special honor and privileges to the oldest son in every family. This “birthright” included a special share in the family inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:15-17), but these special rights could be transferred, as when Esau sold his birthright to Jacob. Why did Esau agree to sell his birthright to his brother? What does today’s reading reveal about the relationship between the two brothers? Pray Ever-living God, you hear my prayers. You comfort me when I am troubled and strengthen me when I am weak. Daily will I thank and praise you as I remember your steadfast love and kindness. Amen. Prayer Concern Families experiencing sibling rivalries Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 27:1-29: Isaac blesses Jacob Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 18, 2012 Author Members Posted July 18, 2012 July 18, 2012 Genesis 27:1-29 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 27:1-29: Rebecca plans to gain the blessing of the first-born for Jacob. Isaac is deceived and his blessing to Jacob involves both agricultural and political success. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 27:28a “May God give you dew from heaven and make your fields fertile!” Today’s Reading 1 Isaac was now old and had become blind. He sent for his older son Esau and said to him, “Son!” “Yes,” he answered. 2 Isaac said, “You see that I am old and may die soon. 3 Take your bow and arrows, go out into the country, and kill an animal for me. 4 Cook me some of that tasty food that I like, and bring it to me. After I have eaten it, I will give you my final blessing before I die. ” 5 While Isaac was talking to Esau, Rebecca was listening. So when Esau went out to hunt, 6 she said to Jacob, “I have just heard your father say to Esau, 7 ‘Bring me an animal and cook it for me. After I have eaten it, I will give you my blessing in the presence of the LORD before I die. ’ 8 Now, son, ” Rebecca continued, “listen to me and do what I say. 9 Go to the flock and pick out two fat young goats, so that I can cook them and make some of that food your father likes so much. 10 You can take it to him to eat, and he will give you his blessing before he dies. ” 11 But Jacob said to his mother, “You know that Esau is a hairy man, but I have smooth skin. 12 Perhaps my father will touch me and find out that I am deceiving him; in this way, I will bring a curse on myself instead of a blessing. ” 13 His mother answered, “Let any curse against you fall on me, my son; just do as I say, and go and get the goats for me.” 14 So he went to get them and brought them to her, and she cooked the kind of food that his father liked. 15 Then she took Esau's best clothes, which she kept in the house, and put them on Jacob. 16 She put the skins of the goats on his arms and on the hairless part of his neck. 17 She handed him the tasty food, along with the bread she had baked. 18 Then Jacob went to his father and said, “Father!” “Yes,” he answered. “Which of my sons are you?” 19 Jacob answered, “I am your older son Esau; I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of the meat that I have brought you, so that you can give me your blessing.” 20 Isaac said, “How did you find it so quickly, son?” Jacob answered, “The LORD your God helped me find it. ” 21 Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come closer so that I can touch you. Are you really Esau?” 22 Jacob moved closer to his father, who felt him and said, “Your voice sounds like Jacob's voice, but your arms feel like Esau's arms.” 23 He did not recognize Jacob, because his arms were hairy like Esau's. He was about to give him his blessing, 24 but asked again, “Are you really Esau?” “I am,” he answered. 25 Isaac said, “Bring me some of the meat. After I eat it, I will give you my blessing.” Jacob brought it to him, and he also brought him some wine to drink. 26 Then his father said to him, “Come closer and kiss me, son.” 27 As he came up to kiss him, Isaac smelled his clothes—so he gave him his blessing. He said, “The pleasant smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed. 28 May God give you dew from heaven and make your fields fertile! May he give you plenty of grain and wine! 29 May nations be your servants, and may peoples bow down before you. May you rule over all your relatives, and may your mother's descendants bow down before you. May those who curse you be cursed, and may those who bless you be blessed. ” Reflect What role does Rebecca play in today’s reading? What are your thoughts about what she does? Is it an attempt to achieve on her own what is up to God to determine based on what God told Rebecca when the twins were in her womb (Genesis 25:23)? Why or why not? Why does Jacob go along with Rebecca’s plan? What is the blessing that Isaac bestows on Jacob? Pray Lord God, help me put aside any thoughts of jealousy or anything that hinders me from focusing on you and your never-ending love and grace. In your mercy, forgive me when my thoughts, words, and actions lead me to disobey and stray from you. Draw me close to you and restore me to a right relationship with you. Amen. Prayer Concern Families undergoing strife Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 27:30-45: Esau begs for Isaac’s blessing. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 19, 2012 Author Members Posted July 19, 2012 July 19, 2012 Genesis 27:30-45 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 27:30-45: Esau learns that his brother Jacob has tricked their father into giving him the blessing meant for Esau as the first-born son. He pleads with Isaac for a blessing and plots to kill Jacob. Rebecca overhears Esau’s plan and tells Jacob to escape his brother’s fury by staying with her brother Laban in Haran. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 27:38 Esau continued to plead with his father. “Do you have only one blessing, father? Bless me too, father!” He began to cry. Today’s Reading 30 Isaac finished giving his blessing, and as soon as Jacob left, his brother Esau came in from hunting. 31 He also cooked some tasty food and took it to his father. He said, “Please, father, sit up and eat some of the meat that I have brought you, so that you can give me your blessing.” 32 “Who are you?” Isaac asked. “Your older son Esau,” he answered. 33 Isaac began to tremble and shake all over, and he asked, “Who was it, then, who killed an animal and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came. I gave him my final blessing, and so it is his forever.” 34 When Esau heard this, he cried out loudly and bitterly and said, “Give me your blessing also, father!” 35 Isaac answered, “Your brother came and deceived me. He has taken away your blessing.” 36 Esau said, “This is the second time that he has cheated me. No wonder his name is Jacob. He took my rights as the first-born son, and now he has taken away my blessing. Haven't you saved a blessing for me? ” 37 Isaac answered, “I have already made him master over you, and I have made all his relatives his slaves. I have given him grain and wine. Now there is nothing that I can do for you, son!” 38 Esau continued to plead with his father: “Do you have only one blessing, father? Bless me too, father!” He began to cry. 39 Then Isaac said to him, “No dew from heaven for you, No fertile fields for you. 40 You will live by your sword, But be your brother's slave. Yet when you rebel, You will break away from his control.” 41 Esau hated Jacob, because his father had given Jacob the blessing. He thought, “The time to mourn my father's death is near; then I will kill Jacob.” 42 But when Rebecca heard about Esau's plan, she sent for Jacob and said, “Listen, your brother Esau is planning to get even with you and kill you. 43 Now, son, do what I say. Go at once to my brother Laban in Haran, 44 and stay with him for a while, until your brother's anger cools down 45 and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send someone to bring you back. Why should I lose both of my sons on the same day? ” Reflect The spoken blessing was like an arrow shot at a target. Once it was released, it could not be taken back. Esau also wanted a blessing, but Isaac could not undo the blessing he had already given Jacob, which gave Jacob the right to rule over Esau. Recall that Esau had earlier sold his birthright to Jacob (Genesis 25:27-30). Is Esau justified in saying that he has been cheated twice by his brother (verse 36)? Why or why not? In what way do Isaac’s words to Esau fulfill what Rebecca had been told by God when the twins were in her womb (see Genesis 25:23)? Pray Merciful and loving God, help me to understand your ways and teach me to be obedient to your will. As you have forgiven me my offences, teach me to forgive others. Amen. Prayer Concern Children at the center of custody struggles Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 27:46—28:22: Isaac sends Jacob to Mesopotamia. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 21, 2012 Author Members Posted July 21, 2012 July 20, 2012 Genesis 27:46—28:22 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 27:46—28:22: Isaac instructs Jacob to marry one of his uncle Laban’s daughters. As Jacob journeys to Haran, he dreams one night of a stairway reaching to heaven. God reiterates the promise made to Abraham and promises to be with Jacob. Jacob dedicates the stone on which he slept to God as a memorial and names the place Bethel, which in Hebrew means “House of God.” Today’s Scripture: Genesis 28:16 Jacob woke up and said, “The LORD is here! He is in this place, and I didn’t know it!” Today’s Reading 46 Rebecca said to Isaac, “I am sick and tired of Esau's foreign wives. If Jacob also marries one of these Hittites, I might as well die.” 1 Isaac called Jacob, greeted him, and told him, “Don't marry a Canaanite. 2 Go instead to Mesopotamia, to the home of your grandfather Bethuel, and marry one of the young women there, one of your uncle Laban's daughters. 3 May Almighty God bless your marriage and give you many children, so that you will become the father of many nations! 4 May he bless you and your descendants as he blessed Abraham, and may you take possession of this land, in which you have lived and which God gave to Abraham! ” 5 Isaac sent Jacob away to Mesopotamia, to Laban, who was the son of Bethuel the Aramean and the brother of Rebecca, the mother of Jacob and Esau. 6 Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Mesopotamia to find a wife. He also learned that when Isaac blessed him, he commanded him not to marry a Canaanite woman. 7 He found out that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Mesopotamia. 8 Esau then understood that his father Isaac did not approve of Canaanite women. 9 So he went to Ishmael son of Abraham and married his daughter Mahalath, who was the sister of Nebaioth. 10 Jacob left Beersheba and started toward Haran. 11 At sunset he came to a holy place and camped there. He lay down to sleep, resting his head on a stone. 12 He dreamed that he saw a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with angels going up and coming down on it. 13 And there was the LORD standing beside him. “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham and Isaac, ” he said. “I will give to you and to your descendants this land on which you are lying. 14 They will be as numerous as the specks of dust on the earth. They will extend their territory in all directions, and through you and your descendants I will bless all the nations. 15 Remember, I will be with you and protect you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done all that I have promised you. ” 16 Jacob woke up and said, “The LORD is here! He is in this place, and I didn't know it! ” 17 He was afraid and said, “What a terrifying place this is! It must be the house of God; it must be the gate that opens into heaven.” 18 Jacob got up early next morning, took the stone that was under his head, and set it up as a memorial. Then he poured olive oil on it to dedicate it to God. 19 He named the place Bethel. (The town there was once known as Luz.) 20 Then Jacob made a vow to the LORD: “If you will be with me and protect me on the journey I am making and give me food and clothing, 21 and if I return safely to my father's home, then you will be my God. 22 This memorial stone which I have set up will be the place where you are worshiped, and I will give you a tenth of everything you give me. ” Reflect What promise does God make to Jacob while he is dreaming (verses 13-15)? What is Jacob’s vow to God (verses 20-22)? Are there promises that you have made to God? Pray Lord God, you are always near and are with me wherever I go. Surround me with your love and keep me close to you. Guide me in the way of your truth. I promise to serve you faithfully. Amen. Prayer Concern Those preparing to make an extensive journey Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 32:1-32: Jacob prepares to meet Esau. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 22, 2012 Author Members Posted July 22, 2012 July 21, 2012 Genesis 32:1-32 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 32:1-32: After years of being estranged, Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau. Fearing that Esau plans to attack him, Jacob sends his brother selected livestock in the hopes of appeasing him. The night before they are to meet, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious assailant (either God or an angel) and asks for a blessing. Jacob names the place Peniel, which in Hebrew means “face of God.” Today’s Scripture: Genesis 32:28 The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won, so your name will be Israel.” Today’s Reading 1 As Jacob went on his way, some angels met him. 2 When he saw them, he said, “This is God's camp”; so he named the place Mahanaim. 3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the country of Edom. 4 He instructed them to say: “I, Jacob, your obedient servant, report to my master Esau that I have been staying with Laban and that I have delayed my return until now. 5 I own cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, and slaves. I am sending you word, sir, in the hope of gaining your favor. ” 6 When the messengers came back to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you. He has four hundred men with him.” 7 Jacob was frightened and worried. He divided into two groups the people who were with him, and also his sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. 8 He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks the first group, the other may be able to escape.” 9 Then Jacob prayed, “God of my grandfather Abraham and God of my father Isaac, hear me! You told me, LORD, to go back to my land and to my relatives, and you would make everything go well for me. 10 I am not worth all the kindness and faithfulness that you have shown me, your servant. I crossed the Jordan with nothing but a walking stick, and now I have come back with these two groups. 11 Save me, I pray, from my brother Esau. I am afraid—afraid that he is coming to attack us and destroy us all, even the women and children. 12 Remember that you promised to make everything go well for me and to give me more descendants than anyone could count, as many as the grains of sand along the seashore. ” 13-15 After spending the night there, Jacob chose from his livestock as a present for his brother Esau: 200 female goats and 20 males, 200 female sheep and 20 males, 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows and 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys and 10 males. 16 He divided them into herds and put one of his servants in charge of each herd. He said to them, “Go ahead of me, and leave a space between each herd and the one behind it.” 17 He ordered the first servant, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, “Who is your master? Where are you going? Who owns these animals in front of you?” 18 you must answer, “They belong to your servant Jacob. He sends them as a present to his master Esau. Jacob himself is right behind us.” ” 19 He gave the same order to the second, the third, and to all the others who were in charge of the herds: “This is what you must say to Esau when you meet him. 20 You must say, “Yes, your servant Jacob is right behind us.” ” Jacob was thinking, “I will win him over with the gifts, and when I meet him, perhaps he will forgive me.” 21 He sent the gifts on ahead of him and spent that night in camp. 22 That same night Jacob got up, took his two wives, his two concubines, and his eleven children, and crossed the Jabbok River. 23 After he had sent them across, he also sent across all that he owned, 24 but he stayed behind, alone. Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he was not winning the struggle, he hit Jacob on the hip, and it was thrown out of joint. 26 The man said, “Let me go; daylight is coming.” “I won't, unless you bless me,” Jacob answered. 27 “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he answered. 28 The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel.” 29 Jacob said, “Now tell me your name.” But he answered, “Why do you want to know my name?” Then he blessed Jacob. 30 Jacob said, “I have seen God face-to-face, and I am still alive”; so he named the place Peniel. 31 The sun rose as Jacob was leaving Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Even today the descendants of Israel do not eat the muscle which is on the hip joint, because it was on this muscle that Jacob was hit. Reflect In Hebrew, one meaning for “Israel” is “one who wrestles with God.” Today’s reading therefore introduces us to the name by which the descendants of Jacob will be known. What are your thoughts regarding Jacob’s struggle with the mysterious assailant and his change in name? Does it imply that a transformation may occur? Why or why not? Pray God of transformation, renew me each day by the power of your love and grace. Whatever struggles I may be called upon to face today, I know that you will be with me, helping and strengthening me. Thank you, Lord God, for your everlasting care. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling to transform their lives Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 33:1-20: Jacob and Esau meet. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 22, 2012 Author Members Posted July 22, 2012 July 22, 2012 Genesis 33:1-20 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 33:1-20: Jacob and Esau are reunited in a joyful reunion. Jacob urges Esau to accept the gifts he offers and seeks to gain his brother’s favor. Esau proposes that they travel together to Edom, but Jacob says that he prefers to remain with his children and his flocks. Esau goes on to Edom, and Jacob travels to Sukkoth and then arrives in Shechem in Canaan. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 33:10 Jacob said, “…if I have gained your favor, accept my gift. To see your face is for me like seeing the face of God, now that you have been so friendly to me.” Today’s Reading 1 Jacob saw Esau coming with his four hundred men, so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two concubines. 2 He put the concubines and their children first, then Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph at the rear. 3 Jacob went ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. 4 But Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. They were both crying. 5 When Esau looked around and saw the women and the children, he asked, “Who are these people with you?” “These, sir, are the children whom God has been good enough to give me,” Jacob answered. 6 Then the concubines came up with their children and bowed down; 7 then Leah and her children came, and last of all Joseph and Rachel came and bowed down. 8 Esau asked, “What about that other group I met? What did that mean?” Jacob answered, “It was to gain your favor.” 9 But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have.” 10 Jacob said, “No, please, if I have gained your favor, accept my gift. To see your face is for me like seeing the face of God, now that you have been so friendly to me. 11 Please accept this gift which I have brought for you; God has been kind to me and given me everything I need. ” Jacob kept on urging him until he accepted. 12 Esau said, “Let's get ready and leave. I will go ahead of you.” 13 Jacob answered, “You know that the children are weak, and I must think of the sheep and livestock with their young. If they are driven hard for even one day, the whole herd will die. 14 Please go on ahead of me, and I will follow slowly, going as fast as I can with the livestock and the children until I catch up with you in Edom. ” 15 Esau said, “Then let me leave some of my men with you.” But Jacob answered, “There is no need for that for I only want to gain your favor.” 16 So that day Esau started on his way back to Edom. 17 But Jacob went to Sukkoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock. That is why the place was named Sukkoth. 18 On his return from Mesopotamia Jacob arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan and set up his camp in a field near the city. 19 He bought that part of the field from the descendants of Hamor father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of silver. 20 He put up an altar there and named it for El, the God of Israel. Reflect As he approaches his brother, Jacob bows down to the ground seven times, an ancient act of showing honor and humility toward another. What thoughts might have been going on in Jacob’s mind? How does Esau greet Jacob? Did Esau’s action surprise you? Why does Jacob urge Esau to accept his gift? Why does Jacob seek to gain his brother’s favor (verse 15)? In Hebrew, the word for “gifts” can also mean “blessing.” This may be Jacob’s attempt to return at least a part of the “blessing” he stole from his brother (Genesis 27:1-40). Pray God of reconciliation, you welcome and receive me into your presence even when I have sinned. I thank and praise you for favoring me with your generous and abundant love and mercy. Amen. Prayer Concern Families planning reunions Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 35:1-21: God blesses Jacob at Bethel. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 27, 2012 Author Members Posted July 27, 2012 July 23, 2012 Genesis 35:1-21 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 35:1-21: God tells Jacob to return to Bethel and appears to him again, reiterating the blessing of land and descendants. Jacob is told that from now on his name will be Israel. Rachel dies after giving birth to Benjamin, Jacob’s twelfth son. Chapter 35 concludes the narrative about Jacob. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 35:3b “I will build an altar to the God who helped me in the time of my trouble and who has been with me everywhere I have gone.” Today’s Reading 1 God said to Jacob, “Go to Bethel at once, and live there. Build an altar there to me, the God who appeared to you when you were running away from your brother Esau.” 2 So Jacob said to his family and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that you have; purify yourselves and put on clean clothes. 3 We are going to leave here and go to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who helped me in the time of my trouble and who has been with me everywhere I have gone. ” 4 So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods that they had and also the earrings that they were wearing. He buried them beneath the oak tree near Shechem. 5 When Jacob and his sons started to leave, great fear fell on the people of the nearby towns, and they did not pursue them. 6 Jacob came with all his people to Luz, which is now known as Bethel, in the land of Canaan. 7 He built an altar there and named the place for the God of Bethel, because God had revealed himself to him there when he was running away from his brother. 8 Rebecca's nurse Deborah died and was buried beneath the oak south of Bethel. So it was named “Oak of Weeping.” 9 When Jacob returned from Mesopotamia, God appeared to him again and blessed him. 10 God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but from now on it will be Israel.” So God named him Israel. 11 And God said to him, “I am Almighty God. Have many children. Nations will be descended from you, and you will be the ancestor of kings. 12 I will give you the land which I gave to Abraham and to Isaac, and I will also give it to your descendants after you. ” 13 Then God left him. 14 There, where God had spoken to him, Jacob set up a memorial stone and consecrated it by pouring wine and olive oil on it. 15 He named the place Bethel. 16 Jacob and his family left Bethel, and when they were still some distance from Ephrath, the time came for Rachel to have her baby, and she was having difficult labor. 17 When her labor pains were at their worst, the midwife said to her, “Don't be afraid, Rachel; it's another boy.” 18 But she was dying, and as she breathed her last, she named her son Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin. 19 When Rachel died, she was buried beside the road to Ephrath, now known as Bethlehem. 20 Jacob set up a memorial stone there, and it still marks Rachel's grave to this day. 21 Jacob moved on and set up his camp on the other side of the tower of Eder. Reflect What does Jacob say he will do when he arrives in Bethel? What does he tell his family and all who are with him to do in preparation for worshiping God? How do you prepare yourself for worshiping God? Pray Almighty God, you are with me wherever I go and whatever I do. I thank and praise you for your steadfast presence. Knowing you are always there is my source of comfort, strength, and joy. Amen. Prayer Concern Women in labor Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 37:1-36: Joseph is favored by his father Jacob. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 27, 2012 Author Members Posted July 27, 2012 July 24, 2012 Genesis 37:1-36 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 37:1-36: Chapter 37 begins what is referred to as the Joseph narrative, and the story of Joseph, with the exception of chapter 38, comprises the remaining chapters in Genesis. Joseph is Jacob’s favorite son, and this sets the stage for the conflict between Joseph and his brothers. When Joseph tells his brothers about dreams he has had, they hate him all the more and plot to kill him. Judah convinces them to sell Joseph to a caravan of traders on their way to Egypt. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 37:3a Jacob loved Joseph more than all his other sons, because he had been born to him when he was old. Today’s Reading 1 Jacob continued to live in the land of Canaan, where his father had lived, 2 and this is the story of Jacob's family. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, took care of the sheep and goats with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's concubines. He brought bad reports to his father about what his brothers were doing. 3 Jacob loved Joseph more than all his other sons, because he had been born to him when he was old. He made a long robe with full sleeves for him. 4 When his brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them, they hated their brother so much that they would not speak to him in a friendly manner. 5 One time Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him even more. 6 He said, “Listen to the dream I had. 7 We were all in the field tying up sheaves of wheat, when my sheaf got up and stood up straight. Yours formed a circle around mine and bowed down to it. ” 8 “Do you think you are going to be a king and rule over us?” his brothers asked. So they hated him even more because of his dreams and because of what he said about them. 9 Then Joseph had another dream and told his brothers, “I had another dream, in which I saw the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowing down to me.” 10 He also told the dream to his father, and his father scolded him: “What kind of a dream is that? Do you think that your mother, your brothers, and I are going to come and bow down to you?” 11 Joseph's brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept thinking about the whole matter. 12 One day when Joseph's brothers had gone to Shechem to take care of their father's flock, 13 Jacob said to Joseph, “I want you to go to Shechem, where your brothers are taking care of the flock.” Joseph answered, “I am ready.” 14 His father told him, “Go and see if your brothers are safe and if the flock is all right; then come back and tell me.” So his father sent him on his way from Hebron Valley. Joseph arrived at Shechem 15 and was wandering around in the country when a man saw him and asked him, “What are you looking for?” 16 “I am looking for my brothers, who are taking care of their flock,” he answered. “Can you tell me where they are?” 17 The man said, “They have already left. I heard them say that they were going to Dothan.” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. 18 They saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted against him and decided to kill him. 19 They said to one another, “Here comes that dreamer. 20 Come on now, let's kill him and throw his body into one of the dry wells. We can say that a wild animal killed him. Then we will see what becomes of his dreams. ” 21 Reuben heard them and tried to save Joseph. “Let's not kill him,” he said. 22 “Just throw him into this well in the wilderness, but don't hurt him.” He said this, planning to save him from them and send him back to his father. 23 When Joseph came up to his brothers, they ripped off his long robe with full sleeves. 24 Then they took him and threw him into the well, which was dry. 25 While they were eating, they suddenly saw a group of Ishmaelites traveling from Gilead to Egypt. Their camels were loaded with spices and resins. 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother and covering up the murder? 27 Let's sell him to these Ishmaelites. Then we won't have to hurt him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood. ” His brothers agreed, 28 and when some Midianite traders came by, the brothers pulled Joseph out of the well and sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. 29 When Reuben came back to the well and found that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes in sorrow. 30 He returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is not there! What am I going to do?” 31 Then they killed a goat and dipped Joseph's robe in its blood. 32 They took the robe to their father and said, “We found this. Does it belong to your son?” 33 He recognized it and said, “Yes, it is his! Some wild animal has killed him. My son Joseph has been torn to pieces!” 34 Jacob tore his clothes in sorrow and put on sackcloth. He mourned for his son a long time. 35 All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “I will go down to the world of the dead still mourning for my son.” So he continued to mourn for his son Joseph. 36 Meanwhile, in Egypt the Midianites had sold Joseph to Potiphar, one of the king's officers, who was the captain of the palace guard. Reflect How does Jacob demonstrate his love for Joseph? Why do Joseph’s brothers hate him? What were Joseph’s dreams? What do the brothers tell their father about Joseph? Pray Lord God, you are with me always, guiding me and watching over me. Deepen and strengthen my faith as I continue to grow in knowledge of you. Amen. Prayer Concern Victims of slave trafficking Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 39:1-23: Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 27, 2012 Author Members Posted July 27, 2012 July 25, 2012 Genesis 39:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 39:1-23: When Joseph is brought to Egypt, he is sold to Potiphar, one of the king’s officials, and becomes Potiphar’s personal servant. Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce him, and when Joseph refuses her advances, she brings false charges against him for which he is imprisoned. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 39:23b The LORD was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did. Today’s Reading 1 Now the Ishmaelites had taken Joseph to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, one of the king's officers, who was the captain of the palace guard. 2 The LORD was with Joseph and made him successful. He lived in the house of his Egyptian master, 3 who saw that the LORD was with Joseph and had made him successful in everything he did. 4 Potiphar was pleased with him and made him his personal servant; so he put him in charge of his house and everything he owned. 5 From then on, because of Joseph the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian and everything that he had in his house and in his fields. 6 Potiphar turned over everything he had to the care of Joseph and did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Joseph was well-built and good-looking, 7 and after a while his master's wife began to desire Joseph and asked him to go to bed with her. 8 He refused and said to her, “Look, my master does not have to concern himself with anything in the house, because I am here. He has put me in charge of everything he has. 9 I have as much authority in this house as he has, and he has not kept back anything from me except you. How then could I do such an immoral thing and sin against God? ” 10 Although she asked Joseph day after day, he would not go to bed with her. 11 But one day when Joseph went into the house to do his work, none of the house servants was there. 12 She caught him by his robe and said, “Come to bed with me.” But he escaped and ran outside, leaving his robe in her hand. 13 When she saw that he had left his robe and had run out of the house, 14 she called to her house servants and said, “Look at this! This Hebrew that my husband brought to the house is insulting us. He came into my room and tried to rape me, but I screamed as loud as I could. 15 When he heard me scream, he ran outside, leaving his robe beside me. ” 16 She kept his robe with her until Joseph's master came home. 17 Then she told him the same story: “That Hebrew slave that you brought here came into my room and insulted me. 18 But when I screamed, he ran outside, leaving his robe beside me. ” 19 Joseph's master was furious 20 and had Joseph arrested and put in the prison where the king's prisoners were kept, and there he stayed. 21 But the LORD was with Joseph and blessed him, so that the jailer was pleased with him. 22 He put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and made him responsible for everything that was done in the prison. 23 The jailer did not have to look after anything for which Joseph was responsible, because the LORD was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did. Reflect Why do both Potiphar and the jailer entrust Joseph with important responsibilities? What reversals of fortune in Joseph’s life are recorded in this chapter? Have you ever experienced a time in your life when an outcome to a situation was not what you had anticipated? Pray Lord God, you are with me and help me day by day. Whatever troubles I may encounter, I know, Lord, that you are there, walking beside me and leading the way. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are falsely accused and facing trial Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 40:1-23: Joseph interprets the prisoners’ dreams. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 27, 2012 Author Members Posted July 27, 2012 July 26, 2012 Genesis 40:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 40:1-23: Two of the king’s officials – the wine steward and the chief baker – are imprisoned where Joseph is being kept. Each has a dream which Joseph interprets for them. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 40:8b “It is God who gives the ability to interpret dreams,” Joseph said. “Tell me your dreams.” Today’s Reading 1 Some time later the king of Egypt's wine steward and his chief baker offended the king. 2 He was angry with these two officials 3 and put them in prison in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same place where Joseph was being kept. 4 They spent a long time in prison, and the captain assigned Joseph as their servant. 5 One night there in prison the wine steward and the chief baker each had a dream, and the dreams had different meanings. 6 When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were upset. 7 He asked them, “Why do you look so worried today?” 8 They answered, “Each of us had a dream, and there is no one here to explain what the dreams mean.” “It is God who gives the ability to interpret dreams,” Joseph said. “Tell me your dreams.” 9 So the wine steward said, “In my dream there was a grapevine in front of me 10 with three branches on it. As soon as the leaves came out, the blossoms appeared, and the grapes ripened. 11 I was holding the king's cup; so I took the grapes and squeezed them into the cup and gave it to him. ” 12 Joseph said, “This is what it means: the three branches are three days. 13 In three days the king will release you, pardon you, and restore you to your position. You will give him his cup as you did before when you were his wine steward. 14 But please remember me when everything is going well for you, and please be kind enough to mention me to the king and help me get out of this prison. 15 After all, I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here in Egypt I didn't do anything to deserve being put in prison. ” 16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation of the wine steward's dream was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I had a dream too; I was carrying three breadbaskets on my head. 17 In the top basket there were all kinds of baked goods for the king, and the birds were eating them. ” 18 Joseph answered, “This is what it means: the three baskets are three days. 19 In three days the king will release you—and have your head cut off! Then he will hang your body on a pole, and the birds will eat your flesh. ” 20 On his birthday three days later the king gave a banquet for all his officials; he released his wine steward and his chief baker and brought them before his officials. 21 He restored the wine steward to his former position, 22 but he executed the chief baker. It all happened just as Joseph had said. 23 But the wine steward never gave Joseph another thought—he forgot all about him. Reflect In the ancient world, dreams were thought to have specific meanings and could predict the future if they were correctly interpreted. How did Joseph interpret the dreams of the wine steward and the chief baker? What did Joseph ask the wine steward to do for him? Pray Holy God, you bestow a variety gifts on your people in the form of talents and skills. Help me to discern the gifts you have given me and to use my talents and skills to benefit others and give glory to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those being released from prison today Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 41:1-36: Joseph interprets the king’s dreams. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 28, 2012 Author Members Posted July 28, 2012 July 27, 2012 Genesis 41:1-36 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 41:1-36: The king of Egypt has disturbing dreams, and his magicians and wise men are unable to interpret them. The wine steward tells the king about Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams, and the king sends for Joseph. Joseph informs the king of the meaning of the dreams – that the country will have seven years of great plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph then advises the king on a course of action. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 41:25 Joseph said to the king, “The two dreams mean the same thing. God has told you what he is going to do.” Today’s Reading 1 After two years had passed, the king of Egypt dreamed that he was standing by the Nile River, 2 when seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the river and began to feed on the grass. 3 Then seven other cows came up; they were thin and bony. They came and stood by the other cows on the riverbank, 4 and the thin cows ate up the fat cows. Then the king woke up. 5 He fell asleep again and had another dream. Seven heads of grain, full and ripe, were growing on one stalk. 6 Then seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the desert wind, 7 and the thin heads of grain swallowed the full ones. The king woke up and realized that he had been dreaming. 8 In the morning he was worried, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. He told them his dreams, but no one could explain them to him. 9 Then the wine steward said to the king, “I must confess today that I have done wrong. 10 You were angry with the chief baker and me, and you put us in prison in the house of the captain of the guard. 11 One night each of us had a dream, and the dreams had different meanings. 12 A young Hebrew was there with us, a slave of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us. 13 Things turned out just as he said: you restored me to my position, but you executed the baker. ” 14 The king sent for Joseph, and he was immediately brought from the prison. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came into the king's presence. 15 The king said to him, “I have had a dream, and no one can explain it. I have been told that you can interpret dreams.” 16 Joseph answered, “I cannot, Your Majesty, but God will give a favorable interpretation.” 17 The king said, “I dreamed that I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18 when seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the river and began feeding on the grass. 19 Then seven other cows came up which were thin and bony. They were the poorest cows I have ever seen anywhere in Egypt. 20 The thin cows ate up the fat ones, 21 but no one would have known it, because they looked just as bad as before. Then I woke up. 22 I also dreamed that I saw seven heads of grain which were full and ripe, growing on one stalk. 23 Then seven heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the desert wind, 24 and the thin heads of grain swallowed the full ones. I told the dreams to the magicians, but none of them could explain them to me. ” 25 Joseph said to the king, “The two dreams mean the same thing; God has told you what he is going to do. 26 The seven fat cows are seven years, and the seven full heads of grain are also seven years; they have the same meaning. 27 The seven thin cows which came up later and the seven thin heads of grain scorched by the desert wind are seven years of famine. 28 It is just as I told you—God has shown you what he is going to do. 29 There will be seven years of great plenty in all the land of Egypt. 30 After that, there will be seven years of famine, and all the good years will be forgotten, because the famine will ruin the country. 31 The time of plenty will be entirely forgotten, because the famine which follows will be so terrible. 32 The repetition of your dream means that the matter is fixed by God and that he will make it happen in the near future. 33 Now you should choose some man with wisdom and insight and put him in charge of the country. 34 You must also appoint other officials and take a fifth of the crops during the seven years of plenty. 35 Order them to collect all the food during the good years that are coming, and give them authority to store up grain in the cities and guard it. 36 The food will be a reserve supply for the country during the seven years of famine which are going to come on Egypt. In this way the people will not starve. ” Reflect After interpreting the king’s dreams, what advice does Joseph give the king? As in yesterday’s reading, to whom does Joseph attribute his ability to interpret dreams? What does today’s reading teach you about God? Do you sense the hand of God at work in tasks that you perform? Pray All-wise and loving God, forgive me those times when I fail to put my trust in you and rely on superstition or ways of thinking that are not in keeping with your will. Deepen my faith so that I am obedient to your will, trusting in your guidance in all aspects of my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Parts of the world threatened by famine Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 41:37-57: Joseph is made governor over Egypt. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 29, 2012 Author Members Posted July 29, 2012 July 28, 2012 Genesis 41:37-57 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 41:37-57: Joseph is made governor over Egypt and oversees the collection and storage of grain before the famine. The king gives Joseph symbols of royal authority and gives him an Egyptian name which may mean “God speaks, he lives.” Joseph marries, and he and his wife have two sons. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 41:38b “We will never find a better man than Joseph, a man who has God’s spirit in him.” Today’s Reading 37 The king and his officials approved this plan, 38 and he said to them, “We will never find a better man than Joseph, a man who has God's spirit in him.” 39 The king said to Joseph, “God has shown you all this, so it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else. 40 I will put you in charge of my country, and all my people will obey your orders. Your authority will be second only to mine. 41 I now appoint you governor over all Egypt. ” 42 The king removed from his finger the ring engraved with the royal seal and put it on Joseph's finger. He put a fine linen robe on him, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 43 He gave him the second royal chariot to ride in, and his guard of honor went ahead of him and cried out, “Make way! Make way!” And so Joseph was appointed governor over all Egypt. 44 The king said to him, “I am the king—and no one in all Egypt shall so much as lift a hand or a foot without your permission.” 45-46 He gave Joseph the Egyptian name Zaphenath Paneah, and he gave him a wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in the city of Heliopolis. Joseph was thirty years old when he began to serve the king of Egypt. He left the king's court and traveled all over the land. 47 During the seven years of plenty the land produced abundant crops, 48 all of which Joseph collected and stored in the cities. In each city he stored the food from the fields around it. 49 There was so much grain that Joseph stopped measuring it—it was like the sand of the sea. 50 Before the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons by Asenath. 51 He said, “God has made me forget all my sufferings and all my father's family”; so he named his first son Manasseh. 52 He also said, “God has given me children in the land of my trouble”; so he named his second son Ephraim. 53 The seven years of plenty that the land of Egypt had enjoyed came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every other country, but there was food throughout Egypt. 55 When the Egyptians began to be hungry, they cried out to the king for food. So he ordered them to go to Joseph and do what he told them. 56 The famine grew worse and spread over the whole country, so Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. 57 People came to Egypt from all over the world to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere. Reflect The symbols of royal authority given to Joseph were a ring with the king’s symbol, a special robe, and a golden neck chain. Riding in a royal chariot was a sign of great power. Why did the king honor Joseph in this way? At the beginning of the Joseph narrative, who else had given Joseph a special robe and why (see 37:3)? What was the scope of Joseph’s authority in Egypt? In naming his first-born son, why did Joseph say “God has made me forget all my sufferings and all my father’s family” (verse 51)? Pray All-powerful God, fill me with your spirit and guide my thoughts, words, and deeds this day. May all I do and say be pleasing in your sight and give glory to you. Amen. Prayer Concern State governors Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 42:1-38: Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt to buy grain. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 29, 2012 Author Members Posted July 29, 2012 July 29, 2012 Genesis 42:1-38 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 42:1-38: The famine was widespread and extended to Canaan. Jacob sends his sons, with the exception of Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain. When they arrive, Joseph recognizes them but pretends not to know them. He accuses them of being spies and agrees to spare their lives if they will return with their youngest brother. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 42:6a Joseph, as governor of the land of Egypt, was selling grain to people from all over the world. Today’s Reading 1 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why don't you do something? 2 I hear that there is grain in Egypt; go there and buy some to keep us from starving to death. ” 3 So Joseph's ten half brothers went to buy grain in Egypt, 4 but Jacob did not send Joseph's full brother Benjamin with them, because he was afraid that something might happen to him. 5 The sons of Jacob came with others to buy grain, because there was famine in the land of Canaan. 6 Joseph, as governor of the land of Egypt, was selling grain to people from all over the world. So Joseph's brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. 7 When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he acted as if he did not know them. He asked them harshly, “Where do you come from?” “We have come from Canaan to buy food,” they answered. 8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. 9 He remembered the dreams he had dreamed about them and said, “You are spies; you have come to find out where our country is weak.” 10 “No, sir,” they answered. “We have come as your slaves, to buy food. 11 We are all brothers. We are not spies, sir, we are honest men. ” 12 Joseph said to them, “No! You have come to find out where our country is weak.” 13 They said, “We were twelve brothers in all, sir, sons of the same man in the land of Canaan. One brother is dead, and the youngest is now with our father.” 14 “It is just as I said,” Joseph answered. “You are spies. 15 This is how you will be tested: I swear by the name of the king that you will never leave unless your youngest brother comes here. 16 One of you must go and get him. The rest of you will be kept under guard until the truth of what you say can be tested. Otherwise, as sure as the king lives, you are spies. ” 17 With that, he put them in prison for three days. 18 On the third day Joseph said to them, “I am a God-fearing man, and I will spare your lives on one condition. 19 To prove that you are honest, one of you will stay in the prison where you have been kept; the rest of you may go and take back to your starving families the grain that you have bought. 20 Then you must bring your youngest brother to me. This will prove that you have been telling the truth, and I will not put you to death. ” They agreed to this 21 and said to one another, “Yes, now we are suffering the consequences of what we did to our brother; we saw the great trouble he was in when he begged for help, but we would not listen. That is why we are in this trouble now.” 22 Reuben said, “I told you not to harm the boy, but you wouldn't listen. And now we are being paid back for his death.” 23 Joseph understood what they said, but they did not know it, because they had been speaking to him through an interpreter. 24 Joseph left them and began to cry. When he was able to speak again, he came back, picked out Simeon, and had him tied up in front of them. 25 Joseph gave orders to fill his brothers' packs with grain, to put each man's money back in his sack, and to give them food for the trip. This was done. 26 The brothers loaded their donkeys with the grain they had bought, and then they left. 27 At the place where they spent the night, one of them opened his sack to feed his donkey and found his money at the top of the sack. 28 “My money has been returned to me,” he called to his brothers. “Here it is in my sack!” Their hearts sank, and in fear they asked one another, “What has God done to us?” 29 When they came to their father Jacob in Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them: 30 “The governor of Egypt spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying against his country. 31 “We are not spies,” we answered, ‘we are honest men. 32 We were twelve brothers in all, sons of the same father. One brother is dead, and the youngest is still in Canaan with our father. ’ 33 The man answered, ‘This is how I will find out if you are honest men: One of you will stay with me; the rest will take grain for your starving families and leave. 34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I will know that you are not spies, but honest men; I will give your brother back to you, and you can stay here and trade. ’ ” 35 Then when they emptied out their sacks, every one of them found his bag of money; and when they saw the money, they and their father Jacob were afraid. 36 Their father said to them, “Do you want to make me lose all my children? Joseph is gone; Simeon is gone; and now you want to take away Benjamin. I am the one who suffers!” 37 Reuben said to his father, “If I do not bring Benjamin back to you, you can kill my two sons. Put him in my care, and I will bring him back.” 38 But Jacob said, “My son cannot go with you; his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. Something might happen to him on the way. I am an old man, and the sorrow you would cause me would kill me.” Reflect Reread verses 21 and 22. To what do the brothers attribute their suffering? Do our actions today have consequences for the future? Explain. When the brothers return home, what do they tell their father? How does Jacob react when told his sons must return to Egypt with Benjamin? Why is he reluctant to let Benjamin accompany his brothers to Egypt? Pray Dear God, there are times when I may not know or be aware of how you are at work in my life. Grant me patience and faith, trusting that you are guiding me. Amen. Prayer Concern Missing children Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 43:1-34: Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 31, 2012 Author Members Posted July 31, 2012 July 30, 2012 Genesis 43:1-34 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 43:1-34: The famine in Canaan worsens, and Jacob tells his sons to return to Egypt to buy more grain. Judah persuades Jacob to let them return with Benjamin. Joseph welcomes his brothers, inquires about their father, and prepares a feast for them but does not reveal his identity. When he sees his brother Benjamin, he is overcome with tears. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 43:29 When Joseph saw his brother Benjamin, he said, “So this is your youngest brother, the one you told me about. God bless you, my son.” Today’s Reading 1 The famine in Canaan got worse, 2 and when the family of Jacob had eaten all the grain which had been brought from Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Go back and buy a little food for us.” 3 Judah said to him, “The man sternly warned us that we would not be admitted to his presence unless we had our brother with us. 4 If you are willing to send our brother with us, we will go and buy food for you. 5 If you are not willing, we will not go, because the man told us we would not be admitted to his presence unless our brother was with us. ” 6 Jacob said, “Why did you cause me so much trouble by telling the man that you had another brother?” 7 They answered, “The man kept asking about us and our family, “Is your father still living? Do you have another brother?” We had to answer his questions. How could we know that he would tell us to bring our brother with us? ” 8 Judah said to his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will leave at once. Then none of us will starve to death. 9 I will pledge my own life, and you can hold me responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you safe and sound, I will always bear the blame. 10 If we had not waited so long, we could have been there and back twice by now. ” 11 Their father said to them, “If that is how it has to be, then take the best products of the land in your packs as a present for the governor: a little resin, a little honey, spices, pistachio nuts, and almonds. 12 Take with you also twice as much money, because you must take back the money that was returned in the top of your sacks. Maybe it was a mistake. 13 Take your brother and return at once. 14 May Almighty God cause the man to have pity on you, so that he will give Benjamin and your other brother back to you. As for me, if I must lose my children, I must lose them. ” 15 So the brothers took the gifts and twice as much money, and set out for Egypt with Benjamin. There they presented themselves to Joseph. 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the servant in charge of his house, “Take these men to my house. They are going to eat with me at noon, so kill an animal and prepare it.” 17 The servant did as he was commanded and took the brothers to Joseph's house. 18 As they were being brought to the house, they were afraid and thought, “We are being brought here because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time. They will suddenly attack us, take our donkeys, and make us his slaves.” 19 So at the door of the house, they said to the servant in charge, 20 “If you please, sir, we came here once before to buy food. 21 When we set up camp on the way home, we opened our sacks, and each man found his money in the top of his sack—every bit of it. We have brought it back to you. 22 We have also brought some more money with us to buy more food. We do not know who put our money back in our sacks. ” 23 The servant said, “Don't worry. Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, must have put the money in your sacks for you. I received your payment.” Then he brought Simeon to them. 24 The servant took the brothers into the house. He gave them water so that they could wash their feet, and he fed their donkeys. 25 They got their gifts ready to present to Joseph when he arrived at noon, because they had been told that they were to eat with him. 26 When Joseph got home, they took the gifts into the house to him and bowed down to the ground before him. 27 He asked about their health and then said, “You told me about your old father—how is he? Is he still alive and well?” 28 They answered, “Your humble servant, our father, is still alive and well.” And they knelt and bowed down before him. 29 When Joseph saw his brother Benjamin, he said, “So this is your youngest brother, the one you told me about. God bless you, my son.” 30 Then Joseph left suddenly, because his heart was full of tender feelings for his brother. He was about to break down, so he went to his room and cried. 31 After he had washed his face, he came out, and controlling himself, he ordered the meal to be served. 32 Joseph was served at one table and his brothers at another. The Egyptians who were eating there were served separately, because they considered it beneath their dignity to eat with Hebrews. 33 The brothers had been seated at the table, facing Joseph, in the order of their age from the oldest to the youngest. When they saw how they had been seated, they looked at one another in amazement. 34 Food was served to them from Joseph's table, and Benjamin was served five times as much as the rest of them. So they ate and drank with Joseph until they were drunk. Reflect What does Judah say to Jacob to convince him to let Benjamin return to Egypt with them? How does Jacob respond? Reread verse 11. Bringing gifts to someone who had superior power or position was an ancient custom. What gifts did Jacob send with his sons? At the feast that Joseph prepared for his brothers, what was it that amazed them (verse 33)? Pray Gracious God, you are the true source of life. You move and act in ways that are beyond my understanding. I place my hope in you, trusting in your goodness and wisdom. I thank and praise you for your steadfast faithfulness in my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Family members who are estranged Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 44:1-34: Joseph’s brothers are accused of stealing Joseph’s silver cup. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 31, 2012 Author Members Posted July 31, 2012 July 31, 2012 Genesis 44:1-34 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Genesis 44:1-34: Joseph instructs his servant to conceal his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 44:32 [Judah said] “I pledged my life to my father for the boy. I told him that if I did not bring the boy back to him, I would bear the blame all my life.” Today’s Reading 1 Joseph commanded the servant in charge of his house, “Fill the men's sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man's money in the top of his sack. 2 Put my silver cup in the top of the youngest brother's sack, together with the money for his grain. ” He did as he was told. 3 Early in the morning the brothers were sent on their way with their donkeys. 4 When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to the servant in charge of his house, “Hurry after those men. When you catch up with them, ask them, ‘Why have you paid back evil for good? 5 Why did you steal my master's silver cup? It is the one he drinks from, the one he uses for divination. You have committed a serious crime! ’ ” 6 When the servant caught up with them, he repeated these words. 7 They answered him, “What do you mean, sir, by talking like this? We swear that we have done no such thing. 8 You know that we brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money we found in the top of our sacks. Why then should we steal silver or gold from your master's house? 9 Sir, if any one of us is found to have it, he will be put to death, and the rest of us will become your slaves. ” 10 He said, “I agree; but only the one who has taken the cup will become my slave, and the rest of you can go free.” 11 So they quickly lowered their sacks to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 Joseph's servant searched carefully, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 13 The brothers tore their clothes in sorrow, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city. 14 When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph's house, he was still there. They bowed down before him, 15 and Joseph said, “What have you done? Didn't you know that a man in my position could find you out by practicing divination?” 16 “What can we say to you, sir?” Judah answered. “How can we argue? How can we clear ourselves? God has uncovered our guilt. All of us are now your slaves and not just the one with whom the cup was found.” 17 Joseph said, “Oh, no! I would never do that! Only the one who had the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back safe and sound to your father.” 18 Judah went up to Joseph and said, “Please, sir, allow me to speak with you freely. Don't be angry with me; you are like the king himself. 19 Sir, you asked us, “Do you have a father or another brother?” 20 We answered, “We have a father who is old and a younger brother, born to him in his old age. The boy's brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother's children still alive; his father loves him very much.” 21 Sir, you told us to bring him here, so that you could see him, 22 and we answered that the boy could not leave his father; if he did, his father would die. 23 Then you said, “You will not be admitted to my presence again unless your youngest brother comes with you.” 24 When we went back to our father, we told him what you had said. 25 Then he told us to return and buy a little food. 26 We answered, “We cannot go; we will not be admitted to the man's presence unless our youngest brother is with us. We can go only if our youngest brother goes also.” 27 Our father said to us, ‘You know that my wife Rachel bore me only two sons. 28 One of them has already left me. He must have been torn to pieces by wild animals, because I have not seen him since he left. 29 If you take this one from me now and something happens to him, the sorrow you would cause me would kill me, as old as I am. ’ 30-31 “And now, sir,” Judah continued, if I go back to my father without the boy, as soon as he sees that the boy is not with me, he will die. His life is wrapped up with the life of the boy, and he is so old that the sorrow we would cause him would kill him. 32 What is more, I pledged my life to my father for the boy. I told him that if I did not bring the boy back to him, I would bear the blame all my life. 33 And now, sir, I will stay here as your slave in place of the boy; let him go back with his brothers. 34 How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I cannot bear to see this disaster come upon my father. ” Reflect Joseph’s servant accuses the brothers of committing a serious crime by taking Joseph’s silver cup, claiming that the cup was used to practice divination, or telling future events by reading objects that are put into liquid in the cup. What was Joseph’s purpose in planting the cup in Benjamin’s sack? Judah offers to take Benjamin’s place as a slave in order to fulfill the promise he made to Jacob to bring Benjamin safely back home (43:8, 9). When Judah pleads for Benjamin, what does he say to Joseph? Pray Loving God, I come into your presence, trusting in your mercy and grace. You know my thoughts and what is in my heart this day. In faith I turn my cares over to you, knowing that with you all things are possible. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are burdened with worry Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 45:1-28: Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 2, 2012 Author Members Posted August 2, 2012 August 1, 2012 Genesis 45:1-28 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Genesis 45:1-28: After Judah pleads with Joseph for the release of Benjamin, Joseph is no longer able to control his feelings and he reveals his identity to his brothers. Joseph tells them to return home and then to come back to Egypt with their father Jacob, their families, and all their possessions. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 45:5b It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people’s lives. Today’s Reading 1 Joseph was no longer able to control his feelings in front of his servants, so he ordered them all to leave the room. No one else was with him when Joseph told his brothers who he was. 2 He cried with such loud sobs that the Egyptians heard it, and the news was taken to the king's palace. 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But when his brothers heard this, they were so terrified that they could not answer. 4 Then Joseph said to them, “Please come closer.” They did, and he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 Now do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here. It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people's lives. 6 This is only the second year of famine in the land; there will be five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor reaping. 7 God sent me ahead of you to rescue you in this amazing way and to make sure that you and your descendants survive. 8 So it was not really you who sent me here, but God. He has made me the king's highest official. I am in charge of his whole country; I am the ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and tell him that this is what his son Joseph says: ‘God has made me ruler of all Egypt; come to me without delay. 10 You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me—you, your children, your grandchildren, your sheep, your goats, your cattle, and everything else that you have. 11 If you are in Goshen, I can take care of you. There will still be five years of famine; and I do not want you, your family, and your livestock to starve. ’ ” 12 Joseph continued, “Now all of you, and you too, Benjamin, can see that I am really Joseph. 13 Tell my father how powerful I am here in Egypt and tell him about everything that you have seen. Then hurry and bring him here. ” 14 He threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and began to cry; Benjamin also cried as he hugged him. 15 Then, still weeping, he embraced each of his brothers and kissed them. After that, his brothers began to talk with him. 16 When the news reached the palace that Joseph's brothers had come, the king and his officials were pleased. 17 He said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers to load their animals and to return to the land of Canaan. 18 Let them get their father and their families and come back here. I will give them the best land in Egypt, and they will have more than enough to live on. 19 Tell them also to take wagons with them from Egypt for their wives and small children and to bring their father with them. 20 They are not to worry about leaving their possessions behind; the best in the whole land of Egypt will be theirs. ” 21 Jacob's sons did as they were told. Joseph gave them wagons, as the king had ordered, and food for the trip. 22 He also gave each of them a change of clothes, but he gave Benjamin three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothes. 23 He sent his father ten donkeys loaded with the best Egyptian goods and ten donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and other food for the trip. 24 He sent his brothers off and as they left, he said to them, “Don't quarrel on the way.” 25 They left Egypt and went back home to their father Jacob in Canaan. 26 “Joseph is still alive!” they told him. “He is the ruler of all Egypt!” Jacob was stunned and could not believe them. 27 But when they told him all that Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to take him to Egypt, he recovered from the shock. 28 “My son Joseph is still alive!” he said. “This is all I could ask for! I must go and see him before I die.” Reflect How did Joseph’s brothers react when Joseph told them who he was? What did Joseph tell them?How did the king react to the news that Joseph’s brothers had arrived in Egypt? How do you envision the reunion between Joseph and his brothers? Have you experienced a time when you became aware of the hand of God at work in your life? Pray Gracious God, you invite all humanity to be a part of your family. I thank and praise you for your steadfast love. Being in your presence fills me with joy and perfect peace. Amen. Prayer Concern Family members who are reunited after a long period of separation Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 46:1-27: Jacob and his family go to Egypt. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 3, 2012 Author Members Posted August 3, 2012 August 2, 2012 Genesis 46:1-27 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Genesis 46:1-27: Jacob and his family relocate to Egypt. Today’s reading lists the names of the family members who accompanied Jacob. They are listed according to the offspring of each of Jacob’s four wives. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 46:3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go to Egypt; I will make your descendants a great nation there.” Today’s Reading 1 Jacob packed up all he had and went to Beersheba, where he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 God spoke to him in a vision at night and called, “Jacob, Jacob!” “Yes, here I am,” he answered. 3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go to Egypt; I will make your descendants a great nation there. 4 I will go with you to Egypt, and I will bring your descendants back to this land. Joseph will be with you when you die. ” 5 Jacob set out from Beersheba. His sons put him, their small children, and their wives in the wagons which the king of Egypt had sent. 6 They took their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan and went to Egypt. Jacob took all his descendants with him: 7 his sons, his grandsons, his daughters, and his granddaughters. 8 The members of Jacob's family who went to Egypt with him were his oldest son Reuben 9 and Reuben's sons: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 10 Simeon and his sons: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. 11 Levi and his sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12 Judah and his sons: Shelah, Perez, and Zerah. (Judah's other sons, Er and Onan, had died in Canaan.) Perez' sons were Hezron and Hamul. 13 Issachar and his sons: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron. 14 Zebulun and his sons: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 15 These are the sons that Leah had borne to Jacob in Mesopotamia, besides his daughter Dinah. In all, his descendants by Leah numbered thirty-three. 16 Gad and his sons: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arod, and Areli. 17 Asher and his sons: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. Beriah's sons were Heber and Malchiel. 18 These sixteen are the descendants of Jacob by Zilpah, the slave woman whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah. 19 Jacob's wife Rachel bore him two sons: Joseph and Benjamin. 20 In Egypt Joseph had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, by Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, a priest in Heliopolis. 21 Benjamin's sons were Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 22 These fourteen are the descendants of Jacob by Rachel. 23 Dan and his son Hushim. 24 Naphtali and his sons: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 25 These seven are the descendants of Jacob by Bilhah, the slave woman whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel. 26 The total number of the direct descendants of Jacob who went to Egypt was sixty-six, not including his sons' wives. 27 Two sons were born to Joseph in Egypt, bringing to seventy the total number of Jacob's family who went there. Reflect While Jacob offers sacrifices to God, God speaks to him in a vision (verses 2-4). What does God promise Jacob? These verses recall the promise God made earlier to Jacob when Jacob left Beersheba for Haran (Genesis 28:15). God promises to be with Jacob wherever he goes. In what ways do you sense God’s presence in your life? Pray God of promise and hope, guide me each day as I journey in faith. You are always with me, and I trust in your love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern Families moving to new locations Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 46:28—47:12: Joseph is reunited with his father. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 3, 2012 Author Members Posted August 3, 2012 August 3, 2012 Genesis 46:28—47:12 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Genesis 46:28—47:12: Jacob and Joseph are reunited, and Joseph makes arrangements to settle Jacob and his family in Egypt. The king allows them to settle in Goshen in the northeastern part of Egypt in the Nile Delta. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 46:30 Jacob said to Joseph, “I am ready to die, now that I have seen you and know that you are still alive.” Today’s Reading 28 Jacob sent Judah ahead to ask Joseph to meet them in Goshen. When they arrived, 29 Joseph got in his chariot and went to Goshen to meet his father. When they met, Joseph threw his arms around his father's neck and cried for a long time. 30 Jacob said to Joseph, “I am ready to die, now that I have seen you and know that you are still alive.” 31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and the rest of his father's family, “I must go and tell the king that my brothers and all my father's family, who were living in Canaan, have come to me. 32 I will tell him that you are shepherds and take care of livestock and that you have brought your flocks and herds and everything else that belongs to you. 33 When the king calls for you and asks what your occupation is, 34 be sure to tell him that you have taken care of livestock all your lives, just as your ancestors did. In this way he will let you live in the region of Goshen. ” Joseph said this because Egyptians will have nothing to do with shepherds. 1 So Joseph took five of his brothers and went to the king. He told him, “My father and my brothers have come from Canaan with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own. They are now in the region of Goshen.” 2 He then presented his brothers to the king. 3 The king asked them, “What is your occupation?” “We are shepherds, sir, just as our ancestors were,” they answered. 4 “We have come to live in this country, because in the land of Canaan the famine is so severe that there is no pasture for our flocks. Please give us permission to live in the region of Goshen.” 5 The king said to Joseph, “Now that your father and your brothers have arrived, 6 the land of Egypt is theirs. Let them settle in the region of Goshen, the best part of the land. And if there are any capable men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock. ” 7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob and presented him to the king. Jacob gave the king his blessing, 8 and the king asked him, “How old are you?” 9 Jacob answered, “My life of wandering has lasted a hundred and thirty years. Those years have been few and difficult, unlike the long years of my ancestors in their wanderings.” 10 Jacob gave the king a farewell blessing and left. 11 Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt, giving them property in the best of the land near the city of Rameses, as the king had commanded. 12 Joseph provided food for his father, his brothers, and all the rest of his father's family, including the very youngest. Reflect Egyptians thought that wandering sheep-herders from the east were inferior and did like to associate with them. What did Joseph instruct his brothers to say to the king? How did the king respond? How do you envision the reunion between Joseph and his father? Have you ever experienced a reunion with a loved one? Pray Lord God, keep me close to you. Under your watchful eye, I am in your loving care and you provide for my daily needs. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Military personnel returning home Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 47:13-31: The famine in Egypt and Canaan becomes more severe. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 5, 2012 Author Members Posted August 5, 2012 August 4, 2012 Genesis 47:13-31 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Genesis 47:13-31: As the famine becomes more severe, Joseph administers the distribution of grain. Jacob and his family remain in Egypt; and as Jacob approaches death, Joseph promises his father that he will bury Jacob with his ancestors. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 47:16 Joseph answered, “Bring your livestock; I will give you food in exchange for it if your money is all gone.” Today’s Reading 13 The famine was so severe that there was no food anywhere, and the people of Egypt and Canaan became weak with hunger. 14 As they bought grain, Joseph collected all the money and took it to the palace. 15 When all the money in Egypt and Canaan was spent, the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food! Don't let us die. Do something! Our money is all gone.” 16 Joseph answered, “Bring your livestock; I will give you food in exchange for it if your money is all gone.” 17 So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. That year he supplied them with food in exchange for all their livestock. 18 The following year they came to him and said, “We will not hide the fact from you, sir, that our money is all gone and our livestock belongs to you. There is nothing left to give you except our bodies and our lands. 19 Don't let us die. Do something! Don't let our fields be deserted. Buy us and our land in exchange for food. We will be the king's slaves, and he will own our land. Give us grain to keep us alive and seed so that we can plant our fields. ” 20 Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for the king. Every Egyptian was forced to sell his land, because the famine was so severe; and all the land became the king's property. 21 Joseph made slaves of the people from one end of Egypt to the other. 22 The only land he did not buy was the land that belonged to the priests. They did not have to sell their lands, because the king gave them an allowance to live on. 23 Joseph said to the people, “You see, I have now bought you and your lands for the king. Here is seed for you to sow in your fields. 24 At the time of harvest you must give one-fifth to the king. You can use the rest for seed and for food for yourselves and your families. ” 25 They answered, “You have saved our lives; you have been good to us, sir, and we will be the king's slaves.” 26 So Joseph made it a law for the land of Egypt that one-fifth of the harvest should belong to the king. This law still remains in force today. Only the lands of the priests did not become the king's property. 27 The Israelites lived in Egypt in the region of Goshen, where they became rich and had many children. 28 Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, until he was a hundred and forty-seven years old. 29 When the time drew near for him to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “Place your hand between my thighs and make a solemn vow that you will not bury me in Egypt. 30 I want to be buried where my fathers are; carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried. ” Joseph answered, “I will do as you say.” 31 Jacob said, “Make a vow that you will.” Joseph made the vow, and Jacob gave thanks there on his bed. Reflect Twice the people come to Joseph, begging him to “do something” (verses, 15, 19). What actions does Joseph take to ensure that the people continue to receive food? What measures are in place in your community to provide for those in need of food? Pray Gracious God, open my eyes to those around me who are hurting and in need. As you have blessed me, may I be a channel of your blessings to someone today. Amen. Prayer Concern Parts of the world suffering from drought and famine Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 48:1-22: Jacob blesses Joseph’s two sons. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 5, 2012 Author Members Posted August 5, 2012 August 5, 2012 Genesis 48:1-22 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Genesis 48:1-22: In blessing Manasseh and Ephraim, Jacob bestows on his grandsons a status that is equal to his own sons and thus legitimizes their descendants as being numbered among the recognized twelve tribes of Israel (Numbers 26; Joshua 13-19). Jacob crosses his hands, placing his right hand on the head of Ephraim, Joseph’s younger son, and his left hand on Manasseh, the older son. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 48:15 Then he blessed Joseph: “May God, whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac served, bless these boys! May God, who has led me to this very day, bless them!” Today’s Reading 1 Some time later Joseph was told that his father was ill. So he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and went to see Jacob. 2 When Jacob was told that his son Joseph had come to see him, he gathered his strength and sat up in bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “Almighty God appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me. 4 He said to me, “I will give you many children, so that your descendants will become many nations; I will give this land to your descendants as their possession forever.” ” 5 Jacob continued, “Joseph, your two sons, who were born to you in Egypt before I came here, belong to me; Ephraim and Manasseh are just as much my sons as Reuben and Simeon. 6 If you have any more sons, they will not be considered mine; the inheritance they get will come through Ephraim and Manasseh. 7 I am doing this because of your mother Rachel. To my great sorrow she died in the land of Canaan, not far from Ephrath, as I was returning from Mesopotamia. I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath. ” (Ephrath is now known as Bethlehem.) 8 When Jacob saw Joseph's sons, he asked, “Who are these boys?” 9 Joseph answered, “These are my sons, whom God has given me here in Egypt.” Jacob said, “Bring them to me so that I may bless them.” 10 Jacob's eyesight was failing because of his age, and he could not see very well. Joseph brought the boys to him, and he hugged them and kissed them. 11 Jacob said to Joseph, “I never expected to see you again, and now God has even let me see your children.” 12 Then Joseph took them from Jacob's lap and bowed down before him with his face to the ground. 13 Joseph put Ephraim at Jacob's left and Manasseh at his right. 14 But Jacob crossed his hands, and put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, even though he was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, who was the older. 15 Then he blessed Joseph: “May God, whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac served, bless these boys! May God, who has led me to this very day, bless them! 16 May the angel, who has rescued me from all harm, bless them! May my name and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac live on through these boys! May they have many children, many descendants!” 17 Joseph was upset when he saw that his father had put his right hand on Ephraim's head; so he took his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to the head of Manasseh. 18 He said to his father, “Not that way, father. This is the older boy; put your right hand on his head.” 19 His father refused, saying, “I know, son, I know. Manasseh's descendants will also become a great people. But his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become great nations.” 20 So he blessed them that day, saying, “The Israelites will use your names when they pronounce blessings. They will say, “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.” ” In this way Jacob put Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Then Jacob said to Joseph, “As you see, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will take you back to the land of your ancestors. 22 It is to you and not to your brothers that I am giving Shechem, that fertile region which I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow. ” Reflect The right side was the place of greater authority or power; and when Jacob crosses his hands and gives the blessing of the firstborn to Ephraim, Joseph becomes upset. The incident recalls the time when Jacob himself, instead of his older brother Esau, received the blessing of the firstborn from his father Isaac (Genesis 27). How does Jacob respond when Joseph seeks to reverse what Jacob had done? In what ways have you been blessed? Pray Almighty God, your mercies and your blessings are new every day. Open my heart and mind to an awareness of your daily presence and grace. May all I do and say this day give glory to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Grandparents Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 49:29—50:26: Jacob dies and Joseph arranges for Jacob’s burial in Canaan. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 10, 2012 Author Members Posted August 10, 2012 August 6, 2012 Genesis 49:29—50:26 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Genesis 49:29—50:26: After blessing his sons, Jacob dies and Joseph arranges for his father’s body to be embalmed and then buried in Canaan. Afterward, everyone returns to Egypt and Joseph reassures his brothers that he will take care of them and their families. Joseph dies in Egypt at the age of 110. Today’s reading concludes the book of Genesis. The relocation of Jacob’s descendants in Egypt sets the stage for what is recorded in the book of Exodus concerning the growing number of Israelites and the threat they pose to a new king who knew nothing about Joseph. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 50:20 [Joseph said] “You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened.” Today’s Reading 29 Then Jacob commanded his sons, “Now that I am going to join my people in death, bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 at Machpelah east of Mamre in the land of Canaan. Abraham bought this cave and field from Ephron for a burial ground. 31 That is where they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah; that is where they buried Isaac and his wife Rebecca; and that is where I buried Leah. 32 The field and the cave in it were bought from the Hittites. Bury me there. ” 33 When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he lay back down and died. 1 Joseph threw himself on his father, crying and kissing his face. 2 Then Joseph gave orders to embalm his father's body. 3 It took forty days, the normal time for embalming. The Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. 4 When the time of mourning was over, Joseph said to the king's officials, “Please take this message to the king: 5 “When my father was about to die, he made me promise him that I would bury him in the tomb which he had prepared in the land of Canaan. So please let me go and bury my father, and then I will come back.” ” 6 The king answered, “Go and bury your father, as you promised you would.” 7 So Joseph went to bury his father. All the king's officials, the senior men of his court, and all the leading men of Egypt went with Joseph. 8 His family, his brothers, and the rest of his father's family all went with him. Only their small children and their sheep, goats, and cattle stayed in the region of Goshen. 9 Men in chariots and men on horseback also went with him; it was a huge group. 10 When they came to the threshing place at Atad east of the Jordan, they mourned loudly for a long time, and Joseph performed mourning ceremonies for seven days. 11 When the citizens of Canaan saw those people mourning at Atad, they said, “What a solemn ceremony of mourning the Egyptians are holding!” That is why the place was named Abel Mizraim. 12 So Jacob's sons did as he had commanded them; 13 they carried his body to Canaan and buried it in the cave at Machpelah east of Mamre in the field which Abraham had bought from Ephron the Hittite for a burial ground. 14 After Joseph had buried his father, he returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone with him for the funeral. 15 After the death of their father, Joseph's brothers said, “What if Joseph still hates us and plans to pay us back for all the harm we did to him?” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph: “Before our father died, 17 he told us to ask you, “Please forgive the crime your brothers committed when they wronged you.” Now please forgive us the wrong that we, the servants of your father's God, have done. ” Joseph cried when he received this message. 18 Then his brothers themselves came and bowed down before him. “Here we are before you as your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid; I can't put myself in the place of God. 20 You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened. 21 You have nothing to fear. I will take care of you and your children. ” So he reassured them with kind words that touched their hearts. 22 Joseph continued to live in Egypt with his father's family; he was a hundred and ten years old when he died. 23 He lived to see Ephraim's children and grandchildren. He also lived to receive the children of Machir son of Manasseh into the family. 24 He said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will certainly take care of you and lead you out of this land to the land he solemnly promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph asked his people to make a vow. “Promise me,” he said, “that when God leads you to that land, you will take my body with you.” 26 So Joseph died in Egypt at the age of a hundred and ten. They embalmed his body and put it in a coffin. Reflect What did Joseph’s brothers fear after the death of their father? How does Joseph reassure them? Reread verses 19 and 20. Can you think of any examples of God causing good results to come out of a bad situation? Pray Lord God, trusting in your love and mercy, I come to you knowing I am forgiven and free. Align my heart to your will and guide my words and actions this day. Amen. Prayer Concern Funeral directors Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 1:1-22: The Israelites are treated cruelly in Egypt. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 10, 2012 Author Members Posted August 10, 2012 August 8, 2012 Exodus 2:1-25 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 2:1-25: A baby boy is born to a Hebrew couple who keep their child hidden for three months. The baby is then placed in a basket by the edge of the river where he is discovered by the king’s daughter who adopts him and names him Moses. As an adult, Moses witnesses the harsh treatment of the Hebrew people at the hands of the Egyptians. He kills an Egyptian and flees to Midian. The chapter concludes with Moses’ marriage to Zipporah and the birth of their son. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 2:23b, 24 Their cry went up to God, who heard their groaning and remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Today’s Reading 1 During this time a man from the tribe of Levi married a woman of his own tribe, 2 and she bore him a son. When she saw what a fine baby he was, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could not hide him any longer, she took a basket made of reeds and covered it with tar to make it watertight. She put the baby in it and then placed it in the tall grass at the edge of the river. 4 The baby's sister stood some distance away to see what would happen to him. 5 The king's daughter came down to the river to bathe, while her servants walked along the bank. Suddenly she noticed the basket in the tall grass and sent a slave woman to get it. 6 The princess opened it and saw a baby boy. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. 7 Then his sister asked her, “Shall I go and call a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby for you?” 8 “Please do,” she answered. So the girl went and brought the baby's own mother. 9 The princess told the woman, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So she took the baby and nursed him. 10 Later, when the child was old enough, she took him to the king's daughter, who adopted him as her own son. She said to herself, “I pulled him out of the water, and so I name him Moses.” 11 When Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his people, the Hebrews, and he saw how they were forced to do hard labor. He even saw an Egyptian kill a Hebrew, one of Moses' own people. 12 Moses looked all around, and when he saw that no one was watching, he killed the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand. 13 The next day he went back and saw two Hebrew men fighting. He said to the one who was in the wrong, “Why are you beating up a fellow Hebrew?” 14 The man answered, “Who made you our ruler and judge? Are you going to kill me just as you killed that Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and said to himself, “People have found out what I have done.” 15-16 When the king heard about what had happened, he tried to have Moses killed, but Moses fled and went to live in the land of Midian. One day, when Moses was sitting by a well, seven daughters of Jethro, the priest of Midian, came to draw water and fill the troughs for their father's sheep and goats. 17 But some shepherds drove Jethro's daughters away. Then Moses went to their rescue and watered their animals for them. 18 When they returned to their father, he asked, “Why have you come back so early today?” 19 “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they answered, “and he even drew water for us and watered our animals.” 20 “Where is he?” he asked his daughters. “Why did you leave the man out there? Go and invite him to eat with us.” 21 So Moses decided to live there, and Jethro gave him his daughter Zipporah in marriage, 22 who bore him a son. Moses said to himself, “I am a foreigner in this land, and so I name him Gershom.” 23 Years later the king of Egypt died, but the Israelites were still groaning under their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry went up to God, 24 who heard their groaning and remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 He saw the slavery of the Israelites and was concerned for them. Reflect How did Moses get his name? What advice did Moses’ sister give the princess? Put yourself in the place of Moses’ mother. What are your thoughts regarding the decisions she made to save her child? How can children who are at risk today be protected? Describe what happened to Moses when he arrived in Midian. Pray Loving God, you hear us when we cry out to you. In your mercy, reach down and comfort those who are oppressed in any way and open my eyes and heart to those who are hurting and in need. Amen. Prayer Concern Newborn babies Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 3:1-22: God calls Moses. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 10, 2012 Author Members Posted August 10, 2012 August 9, 2012 Exodus 3:1-22 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 3:1-22: God appears to Moses at Mount Sinai in the form of a flame coming from a bush. God tells Moses that he has been chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God’s divine name is revealed to Moses. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 3:14a, 15b God said, “I am who I am. … This is my name forever; this is what all future generations are to call me.” Today’s Reading 1 One day while Moses was taking care of the sheep and goats of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, he led the flock across the desert and came to Sinai, the holy mountain. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him as a flame coming from the middle of a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire but that it was not burning up. 3 “This is strange,” he thought. “Why isn't the bush burning up? I will go closer and see.” 4 When the LORD saw that Moses was coming closer, he called to him from the middle of the bush and said, “Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Yes, here I am.” 5 God said, “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ” So Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the LORD said, “I have seen how cruelly my people are being treated in Egypt; I have heard them cry out to be rescued from their slave drivers. I know all about their sufferings, 8 and so I have come down to rescue them from the Egyptians and to bring them out of Egypt to a spacious land, one which is rich and fertile and in which the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites now live. 9 I have indeed heard the cry of my people, and I see how the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 Now I am sending you to the king of Egypt so that you can lead my people out of his country. ” 11 But Moses said to God, “I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you, and when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you.” 13 But Moses replied, “When I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors sent me to you,” they will ask me, “What is his name?” So what can I tell them? ” 14 God said, “I am who I am. You must tell them: ‘The one who is called I AM has sent me to you. ’ 15 Tell the Israelites that I, the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sent you to them. This is my name forever; this is what all future generations are to call me. 16 Go and gather the leaders of Israel together and tell them that I, the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, appeared to you. Tell them that I have come to them and have seen what the Egyptians are doing to them. 17 I have decided that I will bring them out of Egypt, where they are being treated cruelly, and will take them to a rich and fertile land—the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 18 My people will listen to what you say to them. Then you must go with the leaders of Israel to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has revealed himself to us. Now allow us to travel three days into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD, our God. ’ 19 I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless he is forced to do so. 20 But I will use my power and will punish Egypt by doing terrifying things there. After that he will let you go. 21 I will make the Egyptians respect you so that when my people leave, they will not go empty-handed. 22 Every Israelite woman will go to her Egyptian neighbors and to any Egyptian woman living in her house and will ask for clothing and for gold and silver jewelry. The Israelites will put these things on their sons and daughters and carry away the wealth of the Egyptians. ” Reflect How does Moses respond to what God asks of him (verse 11)? What assurance does God give Moses (verse 12)? The revealing of God’s divine name (verses 14, 15) is an early form of the Hebrew verb “to be” (hwh). Why does Moses want to know God’s name? What does God tell Moses to say to the people? Pray Almighty God, you are the one who is called I AM, and I know that you are with me always. Guide me this day and lead me in the way of your truth. Amen. Prayer Concern Newly elected national leaders Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 4:1-31: God gives Moses miraculous power. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted August 10, 2012 Author Members Posted August 10, 2012 August 10, 2012 Exodus 4:1-31 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Learn of God’s Mercy and Care Introduction Exodus 4:1-31: Moses continues to voice objections to the commission he has been given by God, prompting God to give Moses miraculous powers and appointing Moses’ brother, Aaron, to be Moses’ spokesperson. Moses and Aaron return to Egypt and meet with the Israelites. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 4:11a, 12 The LORD said to [Moses]: “Now, go! I will help you to speak, and I will tell you what to say.” Today’s Reading 1 Then Moses answered the LORD, “But suppose the Israelites do not believe me and will not listen to what I say. What shall I do if they say that you did not appear to me?” 2 So the LORD asked him, “What are you holding?” “A walking stick,” he answered. 3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” When Moses threw it down, it turned into a snake, and he ran away from it. 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Reach down and pick it up by the tail.” So Moses reached down and caught it, and it became a walking stick again. 5 The LORD said, “Do this to prove to the Israelites that the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to you. ” 6 The LORD spoke to Moses again, “Put your hand inside your robe.” Moses obeyed; and when he took his hand out, it was diseased, covered with white spots, like snow. 7 Then the LORD said, “Put your hand inside your robe again.” He did so, and when he took it out this time, it was healthy, just like the rest of his body. 8 The LORD said, “If they will not believe you or be convinced by the first miracle, then this one will convince them. 9 If in spite of these two miracles they still will not believe you, and if they refuse to listen to what you say, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the ground. The water will turn into blood. ” 10 But Moses said, “No, LORD, don't send me. I have never been a good speaker, and I haven't become one since you began to speak to me. I am a poor speaker, slow and hesitant. ” 11 The LORD said to him, “Who gives man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or dumb? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? It is I, the LORD. 12 Now, go! I will help you to speak, and I will tell you what to say. ” 13 But Moses answered, “No, Lord, please send someone else.” 14 At this the LORD became angry with Moses and said, “What about your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. In fact, he is now coming to meet you and will be glad to see you. 15 You can speak to him and tell him what to say. I will help both of you to speak, and I will tell you both what to do. 16 He will be your spokesman and speak to the people for you. Then you will be like God, telling him what to say. 17 Take this walking stick with you; for with it you will perform miracles. ” 18 Then Moses went back to Jethro, his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go back to my relatives in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” Jethro agreed and told him good-bye. 19 While Moses was still in Midian, the LORD said to him, “Go back to Egypt, for all those who wanted to kill you are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons, put them on a donkey, and set out with them for Egypt, carrying the walking stick that God had told him to take. 21 Again the LORD said to Moses, “Now that you are going back to Egypt, be sure to perform before the king all the miracles which I have given you the power to do. But I will make the king stubborn, and he will not let the people go. 22 Then you must tell him that I, the LORD, say, ‘Israel is my first-born son. 23 I told you to let my son go, so that he might worship me, but you refused. Now I am going to kill your first-born son. ’ ” 24 At a camping place on the way to Egypt, the LORD met Moses and tried to kill him. 25-26 Then Zipporah, his wife, took a sharp stone, cut off the foreskin of her son, and touched Moses' feet with it. Because of the rite of circumcision she said to Moses, “You are a husband of blood to me.” And so the LORD spared Moses' life. 27 Meanwhile the LORD had said to Aaron, “Go into the desert to meet Moses.” So he went to meet him at the holy mountain; and when he met him, he kissed him. 28 Then Moses told Aaron everything that the LORD had said when he told him to return to Egypt; he also told him about the miracles which the LORD had ordered him to perform. 29 So Moses and Aaron went to Egypt and gathered all the Israelite leaders together. 30 Aaron told them everything that the LORD had said to Moses, and then Moses performed all the miracles in front of the people. 31 They believed, and when they heard that the LORD had come to them and had seen how they were being treated cruelly, they bowed down and worshiped. Reflect What three objections does Moses raise (verses 1, 10, 13)? How does God respond to Moses’ objections? Have you ever resisted doing something that you felt God wanted you to do? What were the three signs of the miraculous powers God had given to Moses (verses 3-9)? Pray Sovereign God, guide my speech this day. May my words be a source of comfort and encouragement to others and reflect your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Speech therapists and those with speech impediments Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 5:1-21: Moses and Aaron go before the king of Egypt. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
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