First, please allow me to apologize for the way I handled the RSS on the site. RSS is a silent way for my words to be read. What I mean by that is that I never really know if it's being read or not. I should have known better! Anyway, I discovered what I was looking for on that RSS by category deal for WordPress. The results are on the lower right part of my sidebar.
The address for the daily edition is
http://www.coffeeswirls.com/archives/category/spiritual-growth/daily-bible-reading/feed/
The address for the weekly edition is
http://www.coffeeswirls.com/archives/category/spiritual-growth/weekly-bible-reading/feed/
Of course, there's always the primary RSS feed that covers all of the content
http://www.coffeeswirls.com/feed/rss2/
My thanks and my apologies for this disruption.
The RSS Feeds for the Bible Reading Project are being combined into this one:
http://www.coffeeswirls.com/feed/rss2/
Thanks!
Today's reading is found in Leviticus 27:1 to 27:34 and Numbers 1:1-54.
This passage serves to tell us about the numbers that we're dealing with when we read about the Israelites. The men who were over the age of twenty and able to serve in the army were over 600 thousand! This doesn't include women, children, the disabled, the elderly, or anyone from the tribe of Levi.
All of these people and all of their animals and surroundings belonged to God, and He only asked for a small amount of that to be given to Him or redeemed in some way. This reading also gives instruction on just how that is to be done.
Today's reading is found in Numbers 2:1 to 3:51.
The tribes were also given instructions about how they were to arrange their camps. God had a reason for this, but I don't see it at this time. Not that I don't think his reason was good, mind you. I just don't see it. His ways are not our ways, and even if we don't understand them, we need to respect His wishes.
I do love the idea of the firstborn sons becoming the property of God. The firstfruits are to be His, not the seventh child. Perhaps it's just figurative, but if God isn't getting the first of everything, what are you putting before Him?
Today's reading is found in Leviticus 7:1 to 8:36.
More sacrifices are mentioned here as well as the reminder not to drink blood or eat fat. Hmm. I like my steak a little bit red in the middle. I don't like fat, but a little marbling in the meat is good. Also, many children go through a stage where they like to eat fat. I did once upon a time. Hmm.
Aaron and his sons are ordained to be priests of the Lord then in quite a ceremony, in just the manner that God had commanded. That spirit of submitting to God is really where the glory of these days' readings is coming from. The Israelites have done everything (after the golden calf incident) just as God commanded. In this period, beautiful works were made and the groundwork for a nation's culture was laid. The items that were made are legendary thousands of years later and the nation remains today. After a time of scattering, of course.
Today's reading is found in Leviticus 4:1 to 6:30.
The sin and guilt offerings are described in detail here. Note that only an offering without a blemish may be used. God doesn't want our second-best. Only the best will do. That is why Jesus had to live a sin-free life and why our sins must be atoned for. Who do you know anyone who is blameless? I can't think of anyone, either.
Next came other versions of offering. I've been wondering about something. Why doesn't God seem to like yeast? Was it around before sin entered our nature or did it come about with the thistles and weeds?
Today's reading is found in Numbers 8:1 to 9:14 and Leviticus 1:1 to 3:17.
Do you recall the Levites that killed the idol-worshiping Israelites? Here's where you see how they were fully set apart from the rest of the population. They are declared the property of God. Of course, everything belongs to Him, but they were set apart to a higher degree. Similar to naming, when God declares you His, he'll watch out for you. That's true even today and knowing that God is watching your steps is a blessed thing indeed!
Another point in this is goes back to the Passover of the firstborn of the Israelites while the firstborn sons of the Egyptians were killed. This is mentioned by God in this reading. The firstborn were (are) God's, but the Levites became the atonement for this. That doesn't sound like such a blessing at a first glance, but who made the largest atonement in history? Jesus Christ. Perhaps accepting the punishment of others isn't as much of a burden as it is a blessing. Of course, try telling that to the animals who were to be sacrificed in the prescribed methods!
Today's reading is found in Numbers 7:1-89.
The alter was anointed and gifts from all twelve tribes were given to dedicate it. And what gifts they were! When the gifts were fully collected on the twelfth day Moses once again spoke with God. This time the voice came from the cover of the Ark of the Covenant. Even though he had spoken with God for all of this time, it's a wonder he wasn't overwhelmed by it all!
Today's reading is found in Exodus 39:34 to 40:38 and Numbers 9:15-23.
So how did the Israelites know if their work was done to God's expectations? God came down in a cloud and filled the tabernacle. Now how's that for an "attaboy?" I would have loved to have seen the artistry in the work. These were a people blessed by God, with specific instructions and who had generations of experience making many of the wonders of the Egyptians. I mentioned last week that if I could travel back in time it would be to this period of time, and this is one reason for this.
God's instructions on the building of this temporary structure were incredibly detailed. These people who were on the move for much of their 40 years of wandering found materials and worked them into a very specific arrangement that would contain the most holy of Israel's items and be incredibly holy in itself, and it had to be just so. These meticulous instructions tell us that His way is the only way to come to God. If you think your way will work just as well, you've already lost. God won't take some half-hearted attempt and any improvisation is futile when it comes to the Way to Him. That's powerful!
The Holy of Holies in the back of the Tabernacle was the place where God physically was when the people stopped on their journeys. This tells us that God is with us at all times. Also, for about 37 of the 40 years the people were wandering along with a heavy punishment for their sins. Only a few of them would ever step foot in the Promised Land because of their lack of faith and their sins never stopped throughout. But God remained with them anyway. Their sins included idolatry, witchcraft, sexual blasphemies, and numerous other deplorable sins and yet God was with them. The next time you feel so alone because you really messed up, think about this. God stayed with these people long after I would have abandoned them, and I'm not even holy!
Today's reading is found in Exodus 37:1 to Exodus 39:33.
OK, the work is under way and some famous items are built in this day's reading. I just had a thought, though. Do you know who Deborah Lynn Scott is? Any ideas? OK, I won't keep you guessing. She was the Costume Designer for E.T., Titanic, and a few other movies you've probably heard of and she was found in the credits at the end of the movie. But I'll bet you a nickel you had no idea of that. That's because nobody reads the credits.
A movie is one thing, and I'd be proud to see my name in the credits as they streak up the screen at the speed of light. The Ark of the Covenant is another thing altogether, though. Bezalel and Oholiab are two of the craftsmen mentioned in the Bible. Their names aren't famous, but their work is more famous than any blockbuster ever seen in the theater. I warned you before that I may come up with a random thought here and there, didn't I?
Here's a few links for more information about the Tabernacle:
Today's reading is found in Exodus 35:1 to 36:38.
Moses relayed the instructions given by God and the Israelites set out to make the items needed for the tabernacle and other items. As a matter of fact, they brought more than enough and had to be asked to stop giving! That is a spirit of giving that so many churches could use. Not just the matter of getting more money, but the sense that the people gave so willingly and lovingly! This little-known story should be an inspiration to us all.
I've heard people complain about being expected to give money to the church, then grudgingly give their "fair share." Take note that the Israelites were giving their offerings in a joyful manner that was meant to be a way to worship God. I believe that's all God expects of us. To contribute is good, but to do so in a worshipful manner is the true effect He's wanting of us. So the next time you're at church and the offering comes around, try whispering a word of thanks to the Lord when you give the offering you are presenting. I believe God would rather you gave a penny with a glad heart than a fortune begrudgingly.
Today's reading is found in Exodus 32:1 to Exodus 34:35.
After this holy conversation, we return to the bulk of the Israelites. They saw that Moses had been gone for a while and asked Aaron to build them an idol to worship. Of course, God noticed this and told Moses that He'd destroy them and start over with him. Moses had to argue with God not to do this, but to allow them to live and continue the covenant He had made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel).
Wow! Moses had a way of bringing back order! Making the Israelites drink the grindings of their alter was rough, but no less than they deserved. The Levites went through the camp and killed three thousand of the Israelites, and were set aside by God. How they were set aside will be seen in a later day's reading.
Moses showed leadership quality by offering himself in their place to accept the punishment of God. Punishment is for the guilty in His time, though. Moses may be the most blessed man in the history of creation. He spoke to God face to face and God described him as a friend. Wow! Moses was able to convince God to stay with the Israelites, despite their shortcomings and asked to see God with his eyes and God complied. I wonder if this ever freaked Moses out. The King of Kings, Lord of Lords speaking to him almost as an equal. Once again, wow!
Today's reading is found in Exodus 29:1 to Exodus 31:18.
The consecration of the priests was also to be done 'just so' with various types of offerings done to prepare them for their ordination. This ordination was intended to prepare everything so he could dwell among the Israelites and be their God. If I understand this correctly, this must mean that He would have stayed with them in a more apparent fashion than we see today. I could be way off base here, and if I am, speak up. I see the effects of his intervention in my life and the world around me, but I don't hear his voice as Moses did when they conversed thousands of years before. That's what I'm getting at here.
Then God described the Altar of Incense and it's acceptable and unacceptable uses, followed by Atonement Money. I found it interesting that the same amount was to be collected from each person, be they rich or poor. A Washing Basin was planned as was Anointing Oil and Incense.
God mentioned some of the craftsmen he had blessed to carry out these tasks and reminded Moses that despite all of the work to be done, the Sabbath day was to be remembered. God is the one who designed us and he knows that we need a day of rest each week. The Sabbath is a show of His love for us.
Today's reading is found in Exodus 25:1 to Exodus 28:43.
God told Moses to collect offerings to accumulate raw materials for the Tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, Table and Lampstand, then gave him the instructions on how each is to be built. He wanted everything to be 'just so' and that's fine by me! He is, after all, the God who rescued them from Egypt. The creator of all that we see. A request for a few items from people who know how to use tools is not a big deal at all.
Next came the priestly garments. Once again, this is to be done 'just so' often for the reason of preserving the lives of the priests when they are in God's presence. If I could witness any historical event, this period would be one that would be high on my list of preferred times. Of course, how many stories of the Bible wouldn't be magnificent to behold?
Today's reading is found in Exodus 22:16 to Exodus 24:18.
Responsibility with property or your own and that of others comes into this day's reading, so does social responsibility. I see compassion for the needy and swift punishment for the wicked. Is it just me, or are these themes missing from today's society?
Chapter 23 points more to the basic expectations God has for how they (us) are to live. It's pretty simple stuff, actually. Be honest. Reject bribery. Do not oppress visitors who are unfamiliar with your land. Don't work yourself to exhaustion, rather give yourself a Sabbath. The three festivals are outlined as well. With these rules, he tells Moses that an angel will lead them and fight their battles for them on their walk to the land promised to them. All he asks is that they destroy all evidence of the evils from the conquered land. Once again, this commandment is made to them as a protection. Of course, they all agreed to it, but when Moses was away for forty days, would they truly keep their promise?
Today's reading is found in Exodus 20:1 to Exodus 22:15.
Something big was happening, indeed. Day 3 begins with Ten Commandments. I could go on about any one of these Commandments given to us by God, but I don't want to overload your inbox too badly! Suffice it to say that most of these rules are put there not to restrict us, but to protect us. If you think that adultery commandment is just a spoiler, ask a man who has had no contact with his ex-wife and children for a few years. If the misuse of God's name doesn't seem like such a bad thing, remember the importance of names. Has anybody ever said a variation of your name in a mocking way? How did you feel? I bet God feels the same way, and He's one guy I want to keep happy! All sins are imperfections and God will only accept perfection... or redemption.
I honestly don't feel qualified to write at length about the continuing laws, other than to say that they are a window to God's thinking. Honoring one's parents is pretty high on God's list, so is murder. Much like the Commandments, these are rules meant to protect the Israelites from each other. They set boundaries and a system of reparations when bad things happen, both by accident and on purpose.
Today's reading is found in Exodus 16:1 to Exodus 19:25.
They say that an army marches on its stomach. I guess that same theory must apply to refugees as well, if "refugees" is a good description for the Israelites. Anyway, God proved to them that when he calls on you to do something, He will provide everything you need. Of course, there were those who decided to keep a little extra, just in case God wouldn't provide for them the following day. If they chanced upon a bakery that day, it would be different, but this was manna from Heaven! Show some faith, people!
OK, we have our food. What can we grumble about now? Can you almost hear the Israelites now? Granted, food and water are two of those things that people kind of need, but needs are God's specialty. And so is the impossible. It's impossible to draw water from a rock. It's even more impossible to draw enough water to take care of the thousands of people and animals. But that's how God handled it. Also note that in the battle, the Israelites were victorious only when Moses had his hands up. This shows God's power, but it also may have been a subtle way to raise Moses' stature among everyone. Complainers could easily have conspired to follow a different leader, you know.
This day's reading ends pretty exciting, don't you think? Something big is coming. God descended on Mt. Sinai in smoke and flame to speak with the Israelites. That doesn't happen often, you know. I find it difficult not to continue to tomorow, but I believe the contents of that reading will need to be digested on it's own.
Today's reading is found in Exodus 13:1 to Exodus 15:27.
The events of Exodus 14 are for the Old Testament what Jesus Christ is to the New Testament, for God revealed Himself in redemption and salvation. Note that God is doing his deeds to gain glory and to show the Egyptians that He alone is the Lord. God allows difficulties in our lives to show his glory even now!
The Egyptians had the idea that they had done no wrong. After all, they had just released a nation of slaves. How could they have forgotten the Passover that took the firstborn of each family?
And what about those Israelites? They were recently delivered from generations of slavery and led by God himself with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Then they face the Red Sea as an obstacle to cross if they are to escape the advancing Egyptians and are terrified. This is a lack of faith on a grand scale, but we all show less faith than we ought to, so I have no room to talk.
Today we need excellent leadership like the leadership Israel had in Moses. His response was to stand firm and let God do the fighting. He didn't know how God planned to deliver them, but he had learned to trust God. As God delivered Israel through the Red Sea and then destroyed the Egyptian army, I'm sure the Egyptians were convinced!
But were the Israelites convinced? How long did they remember Gods redemption?
Yes, I know that it's not yet Saturday, but I'll be in traction by then, courtesy of the toboggan at the Men's Retreat. So without further ado, here ya go!
So bring on the locusts! This was a much worse plague than I once realized. With the crops ravaged by hail, there was very little food in the fields remaining, and the locusts would quickly devour what was left. Then at night, they would settle to the ground in layers several inches thick. So why not kill them by rolling stones in a steamroller fashion? The smell of doing this would be unbearable! The suggestion of this plague was enough to cause the court officials to beg Pharaoh to relent and let the Israelites go.
Darkness was also a bigger showing of power than I knew before. If you recall the Egypt section in high school world history, their chief god was Ra, the sun god. The Israelites enjoyed normal light, but the Ra-worshiping Egyptians were shaken with the darkness of their god's crushing. This was a twofold curse to them.
Passover is the most important of the Jewish holidays today and this is where it began. God passed over the homes of His people and killed the firstborn of the Egyptians with impunity. This event has been historically documented, by the way. Inscriptions have been found indicating that Thothmes IV, successor of Amenhotep II, was not his first-born nor heir-apparent. Also that Mernaptah’s first-born met death in peculiar circumstances, and his successor was not his first-born nor heir-apparent. So, whichever the Pharaoh, the Biblical statement is confirmed.
Today's reading is found in Exodus 7:14 to Exodus 9:35.
The plagues begin. The Nile River has always been important to Egypt and that was taken from them for a week as it turned to a channel of blood. Next was a plague of frogs that covered the land of Egypt. This was enough to get Pharaoh to the bargaining table. He agreed to let the Israelites go once the frogs were gone and they all died the following day. What a mess! And just imagine the stench! Pharaoh's heart hardened, though, and the Israelites were forced to stay. And why did God harden his heart? If the feats of God were easy, how could His power be demonstrated?
Next came a plague of gnats and a plague of flies. Pharaoh was ready to allow the Israelites to worship in Egypt, but that wouldn't do. Eventually, he made them stay. A plague killing Egyptian livestock wasn't enough to do it, neither was a plague of boils. The hail, though. That got Pharaoh's attention. But when the plague was ended, he once again refused to release the Israelite slaves he held in Goshen. Obviously Egypt was not governed by a democracy, otherwise there would have been some impeaching going on! This is, however, a testament to the political power of Pharaoh. The very fact that he remained in power as his people suffered suggests the true influence the Pharaohs had over Egypt.
Today's reading is found in Exodus 4:18 to Exodus 7:13.
Moses and Aaron convinced the Israelites easily enough that they were to be rescued, but Pharaoh refused to let them go. In fact, he made their labors more difficult. in fact, the Egyptians were unhappy with their Israelite guests. This fact will make sense when you realize that after 300 years, the Israelites had broken spirits and lacked the fortitude to leave on their own. If they weren't meant to be eventually forced out of Egypt, they may still be there today!
Did you catch that bit about Aaron's staff eating up the staffs of Egypt's wise men and magicians? Note the symbolism that God is greater than any magic found in the world. Does anybody want to put a hex on me? I dare you! ;-)
Today's reading is found in Exodus 1:1 to Exodus 4:17 and 1 Chronicles 6:1-3.
We now return to Exodus, approximately 300-400 years after the death of Joseph. In that time, the children of Israel had multiplied and filled the land of Goshen in Egypt. The new Pharaoh began to feel threatened by their numbers, so they were enslaved. To stem the growth of the slaves, Pharaoh decreed that all newborn slave boys were to be killed. This leads us to one of the most famous rescue stories of all time.
Moses grew up living a charmed life indeed, until he killed an Egyptian and fled for his life. This story could end here with Moses as a shepherd, but God's plans are much grander than that. Naturally, Moses felt unfit for the task given him by God, but God promised to be with him through it. The greatest success stories begin with insurmountable odds and end with God's intervention. This is true today as well.
Moses pleaded again that he was unfit for the task. God reminded him that He makes people able to speak and to hear. When Moses complained yet again, God told him to take Aaron, his brother, as his spokesperson. Truth be known, we are all unfit for the task, but our taskmaster is fit to guide us to victory. Don't ever forget that!
Today's reading is found in Job 40:6 to Job 42:17.
The theme for today must be found in the underlying challenge within what God says. He created the mightiest of the animals and all of them are subservient to Him. When Job thinks of this, his perspective is changed. He repents for his complaining and waits for God's judgment. God chastises Job's friends, tells them to offer sacrifices and has Job pray on their behalf, which God accepts. The rest of Job's life, he is blessed twice as much as he was before he was stricken. All because he was willing to accept God's plan and submit to his will.
On a side note: Scientists claim that the earth is billions of years old, but humans have been around for 100-200 thousand years and this was eons after the dinosaurs died out. Hmm. This doesn't match up with what my Bible reads. Consider the Leviathan that was mentioned in this reading. Scientists often say that this creature was a crocodile, nothing more. If you read the description, it mentions fire coming from it's mouth. When it rises, the mighty are afraid. Crocodiles don't have far to rise up, do they? Could this be the description of a dinosaur? Or dare I say a dragon of some sort? Remember, God said this so a human could be counseled, so that human had to have some knowledge of such a beast.
Today's reading is found in Job 38:1 to Job 40:5.
Finally we hear a response from the Lord. He begins by reminding them that he is wiser and more powerful than all of them. This is done to remind Job, and all of us, that He is in control of everything. Nothing happens without his knowledge and permission. And who are we to question him, much less wish to argue with him?
This silences Job. Frankly, I didn't think anyone could do that!
Today's reading is found in Job 35:1 to Job 37:24.
One of Job's friends (Elihu) says that nothing we do affects God, for he is too powerful to be influenced by our words or deeds. Yes he is more powerful than we could imagine, but perhaps He is saddened by our wrongs and proud when we follow his path. One way we may not be following as close as we believe, and perhaps Job is guilty of this, is by a sense of self-righteousness. I hadn't thought of this until now. Perhaps Job wasn't as Godlike as I thought. Like I said before, I have no theological training and am learning from this reading right beside you.
I guess this is a matter of just how you define the word "affect." We cannot sway the will of God and good works will net us absolutely nothing when it all matters. Pride in ourselves is a sin, but so is the act of mocking someone when they are down. Only God could diffuse this powder keg.
Day Seven is found in Job 32:1 to Job 34:37.
Another friend begins speaking. This one is younger than the rest, and was angry. Job had justified himself rather than God and these three friends had failed to refute Job for this. He throws his anger at Job and says that Job is not only sinful, but rebellious against God. Once again I will ask. What kind of a friend are you when times are hard for another? Do you have any family that is sick? Perhaps in a nursing home? In Hospice? Maybe a loved one is looking at the final months of life and you are not excited to visit for fear that you may have to witness their passing. What kind of a friend are you?
Today's reading is found in Job 30:1 to Job 31:40.
Job continues and insults the fathers of his friends. He then cries out to God. I got quite a tingle up my spine with his plea to God! Over and over he gives examples of terrible things that would warrant this punishment, but states that he did not do any of these things. This happened thousands of years ago, and I really feel for this guy even today.
Day Five is found in Job 26:1 to Job 29:25.
Job's response this time sounds a bit more decisive. He makes it pretty plain that he will never concede to the insults of these friends or deny his integrity in any way. He actually has a lot to say in this section. I don't think I could do it all justice. He does remind them that the fear of God is the path to understanding, and continues, reminding his friends of the respect he had held before.
Day Four is found in Job 22:1 to Job 25:6.
After Job defended himself to one friend, another picked up the fight. He even asked Job if he planned to continued in his evil ways and begged him to submit to God's plan for him. You can't see me now, but I'm shaking my head. The lesson for this story may be to consider what kind of a friend you are. When someone you profess to care about is hurting, what do you do? Is your comfort mixed with accusations and barbs that have no intent of helping the situation or at least providing some comfort? The next time you are in that situation, step back and evaluate your actions and words.
So Job pleaded his case to his friends...again...and one of his friends challenges his claim to righteousness...again.
Today's reading is found in Job 19:1 to Job 21:34.
I like how Job starts this out. "If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone." I translate this into: "Back off and mind your own business." Of course they didn't. The reply is "This is what happens to wicked people." As before the man gets a pretty good tongue-lashing from Job.
Today's reading is found in Job 15:1 to Job 18:21.
One of Job's friends speaks out yet again. This time he asked if Job was smarter than them and proceeded to call Job a wicked man based on the suffering inflicted on him. If you really look at it, this guy lays it down hard on poor Job. I couldn't wait for Job's response. True to form he mentions their lack of comfort they give him with this visit. I'm surprised he didn't tell them to leave a long time ago, to be honest. Then Job actually praises God as he pleads with Him! The response from his friend this time is once again to stop talking and get to know God. I don't know about you, but these guys are getting on my nerves, and I wasn't even there!
Day One is found in Job 12:1 to Job 14:22.
Job reminded his friends that all things happen according to God's will and told them that he was not inferior to them. He desperately wanted to argue his case with God, confidant that he would be found blameless. He then goes on to say that a person's lifetime is finite and he is willing to wait for his renewal to come.
Today's Reading is found in Job 8:1 to Job 11:20.
Another of Job's friends now speaks up, saying that if he is blameless, God will lift him up again to greater esteem and happiness. That's a pretty tentative show of support in my opinion. So Job responds by saying that next to God, nobody could be blameless, no matter how good they were. Were the barbs of Job's "friends" sinking in a bit? His response reminds me of the promise of a savior:
He is not a man like me that I might answer him, that we might confront each other in court. If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, someone to remove God's rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot. -Job 9:32-35(NIV)
And a third "friend" responds, wishing God would speak out against Job and let him know just how Job has wronged him. I tell you, with friends like this, who needs enemies?
Today's Reading is found in Job 5:1 to Job 7:21.
Job is told to repent for his shortcomings, even though he has told his friends that he has not sinned against God. One thing I can say about Job, he didn't pick friends who were good listeners! Sure, they let him speak his peace without interruption, but they didn't hear what he had to say very well, did they? He even responds in a way that that should have reminded them of this:
"A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams, as the streams that overflow" - Job 6:14-15(NIV)
I don't know if these are the sorts that I would count among my friends, much less my brothers! I suppose Job was also a much more patient and forgiving sort than I, huh?
Today's Reading is found in Job 1:1 to Job 4:21.
Job was about as good a man as there was and had found great favor with God for this. Of course, Satan also noticed these attributes and saw Job as a perfect target to exploit, for if he could prove that Job only served God when things went well, he could make a point that God played favorites.
Satan tested Job first by destroying all of Job's property and children. That's harsh, but Satan isn't exactly known for his gentle nature. So in one day, Job went from wealth to poverty. And he continued to praise God, saying that he started with nothing and would one day end up with nothing anyway.
So Satan decided to strike a bit closer to Job's comfort level and afflicted him with painful sores. We're not talking about cold sores, either. There were Satan-inspired wounds that covered Job from head to foot. He was so miserable, his wife told him to curse God and die! But still he retained his integrity and accepted his fate without complaining to God.
Job's friends came to comfort him and could barely recognize the man for all that had happened in such a short time. Finally he speaks. I thought I was long winded! At least he is interesting to "listen to". He curses the day he was born.
The response from his friend sounds less than complimentary. Let's read on.
Today's Reading is found in Genesis 47:28 to Genesis 50:26.
Jacob-Israel was nearing the end of his years in Egypt and blessed Joseph and his sons. The younger of the sons got the greater blessing, and I'm not sure what nation arose from the older yet.
After his death, Joseph's brothers once again feared him, thinking he may now have his revenge on him for what they did and were forgiven for years upon years ago. Joseph eventually died and our reading takes a different course. To summarize Joseph, just remember that God's time, not ours, is when things are meant to happen. Life may hand you a lemon, but the lemonade will be made by God himself.
Today's Reading is found in Genesis 45:16 to Genesis 47:27.
The time came for Joseph to reveal himself to his brothers, for they had passed the test. He explained that they need have no fear for he was sent here to do God's work and save all of their lives in God's time. He then told them to go and return with their father to live in Egypt for the remainder of the famine years. God himself then interveined when Jacob was unsure about the trip. When he and Jacob met again, after at least 22 years, I can only imagine the tears that they shared.
The famine continued and eventually, the Egyptians were out of money to purchase their food with, so Joseph let them trade livestock for grain. When the livestock was gone, they sold their land and their very freedom to avoid starvation. Pharoah was a very powerful man in the world at the beginning of this time. Imagine just how more powerful the planning of Joseph made him!
Today's Reading is found in Genesis 42:1 to Genesis 45:15.
I left off yesterday saying that the entire world was affected by the famine. This included Joseph's family, who hadn't seen him in 20+ years. They were starving, so Joseph's ten older brothers were sent to Egypt to buy grain for the family. Joseph treated them harshly and accused them of being spies. He wanted to test them before revealing his identity to them so he called on them to go home and return with his youngest brother to prove their story that he was still alive.
Jacob didn't want to send Benjamin, his youngest son, to Egypt for fear of losing him as he did Joseph, but hunger prevailed. The brothers were on their way back to Egypt, this time with Benjamin, bring double the silver as before, since their money had been returned to them originally. Joseph immediately had a feast prepared for them and released the brother who had stayed in prison as a retainer for the others. I wonder what was going through their minds by this time!
When the time came for the brothers to leave, Joseph had their bags packed with as much food as they could carry and returned their money yet again. He also had his cup included with Benjamin's sack, so he would have a reason for his final test of his brothers. They were chased down and returned to Egypt when the 'stolen' cup was found. The brothers were to be slaves to Joseph for this crime. The test was far from over. Joseph allowed the brothers to go, leaving Benjamin in Egypt. Like true brothers, they pleaded for Benjamin's release. Judah went so far as to volunteer to take the punishment for Benjamin to save their father the grief of a second loss.
I named this post appropriately, but would like to add that the famine was engineered by God for the sole purpose of this reunion. His strong right hand can use any event, great and small to his purposes!
Today's Reading is found in Genesis 40:1-23, Genesis 35:28-29 and Genesis 41:1-57.
The cup bearer and the baker for Pharaoh were both imprisoned with Joseph for offending him. Was a dinner party ruined for lipstick on his glass and the upside-down cake served rightside-up? The Bible doesn't say, but the Pharaoh was the most powerful man in the world, so whatever his reasons were, they were taken quite seriously. They both had troubling dreams and Joseph interpreted them.
The cupbearer would see his position restored in three days. Joseph only asked that he be remembered and mentioned to Pharaoh for a release ASAP. For the baker, the interpretation wasn't as pleasant. In three days, he was to be hung and his body left for birds to peck at. Hmm, he must have used baking powder instead of baking soda. It's easy to do...trust me.
The cupbearer forgot his promise to Joseph and Joseph was still stuck in prison for a few years. Just remember, God had a plan and would act when the time was perfect. This was two full years later, as a matter of fact, when Pharaoh had a troubling dream that his magicians and wise men couldn't interpret.
Did Joseph rush to Pharaoh to beg for his freedom? No. He got cleaned up and shaved, as were the Egyptian customs at the time. He wanted to put his best foot forward and he also corrected Pharaoh, telling him that God could interpret dreams, but he couldn't. Gutsy move, Joseph!
After his meeting with Pharaoh, he was called to be the number 2 guy in Egypt. That's quite a leap from his earlier situation! He was responsible for everything and started to stockpile food for the coming famine, which would affect the entire world.
Joseph. King of Dreams. No, this isn't an animated movie. This is the true accounting of one of the greatest men ever to live. You will see betrayal, wisdom, compassion, love, and one of the greatest stories of retribution ever told! Does this sound like dry reading? I didn't think so. Let's delve into this story.
Joseph was the favored son of Israel and had been having dreams that alluded to his greatness over the rest of the family. These suggestions and the robe given him by his father created a lot of jealousy from his brothers that turned to hatred. I don't know about you, but I would likely keep these to myself when I had 10 brothers who wanted me dead. When he approached them out among the flocks, they planned to kill him and be done with it. Luckily, he had a couple brothers who were still looking out for him.
Joseph landed on his feet, as he was prone to do, and was sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. While there, Potiphar's household prospered because he let Joseph run the show. Potiphar's wife noticed this also and tried to seduce Joseph several times. When he fled the scene, she kept his robe and used it as "evidence" that he was the one seducing her. He found himself in the king's prison. But did this hurt his station? Not really. True to form, he was soon put in charge of the prison and he was running the show there!
Meanwhile, Judah was building his family, but several of his descendents died for their wickedness. Tamar, his widowed daughter-in-law, covered her face with a veil and slept with Judah as a prostitute, keeping his seal and its cord, and his staff as a retainer for his payment. That came in handy when he learned that she was a prostitute. He was going to have her killed, but she showed him these retainers to show him that he was as guilty as her.
Today's reading is found in Genesis 36:1-43 and 1 Chronicles 1:35 to 2:2.
Descendants, descendants, descendants. It seems like a dry subject, but do remember that each name was a person with a real life. Genealogy is an interesting hobby, but if you begin an in-depth project with no guidelines, it can become very difficult and you end up chasing after the wind. God has an immaculate guideline, but for this day's reading, I haven't figured it out yet. Sure, this passage was among others used to prove the prophesies of Jesus, but other than that? I don't know.
If there are other uses for text that seems to me to be solely there for genealogy, feel free to share! I'm learning just as much as any reader of the Bible.
Today's reading is found in Genesis 32:1 to Genesis 35:27.
The time had finally come for Jacob to make peace with Esau. He sent messengers to him in hopes of an agreeable meeting and Esau returned with 400 men. Uh oh! Jacob prayed to God asking for deliverance and mentions the covenant between them. Good move Jacob!
That night, Jacob wrestled with God and they went all night to a standstill. Because of this God renamed him Israel. Remember the issue of naming somebody or something? That is perhaps the greatest blessing for Jacob/Israel of all!
Did Esau kill Israel then? No. He responded like a true brother and embraced him. He even refused the peace offering from Israel until it was reworded into a gift and nothing more. It's a shame these two groups of people can't make peace like this now.
Israel's daughter then went among the people of the area and was raped by the ruler, Shechem. Talk about sweet revenge, though! Her brothers didn't even let this dish get cold. They had all the men in the area circumcised and let the pain sink in, then they attacked and killed all of the men and took their belongings. I'm not a violent person, but those brothers sure had a way of looking after their own!
Today's reading is found in Genesis 30:25 to Genesis 31:55.
Jacob's 20 years of duty ended and he wanted to be on his way. Due to the prosperity, Laban didn't want him to go, and I can't blame him! He told Jacob to name his price to stay, and Jacob took all of the spotted and striped livestock as his own and his flock multiplied.
Well Laban and his sons saw that Jacob was prospering and their own flocks were not, so God told Jacob that it was time to move on. Laban chased him to make sure nothing was stolen. When they meet, nothing stolen was found, but Rachel had taken some gods from the household. So Laban made a pact with Jacob and left. Now why would Rachel steal those worthless idols?
Today's reading is found in Genesis 28:6 to Genesis 30:24.
So Esau married Ishmael's daughter. It was said that the descendants of Ishmael would have this kind of life: "His hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." It was also said of Jacob and Esau that "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." The trouble in Israel today was foretold and is consummated here. Political leaders can try to talk about peace in that dispute until they are blue in the face and nations can try to wipe out one side or the other, but it won't happen because God has laid out the paths for these nations to walk. I said I'd take the Bible literally. Even though it's not always politically correct, it's always correct.
Jacob dreamed of a ladder or stairway from Earth to Heaven and God speaks to him, renewing the covenant. This is the last time it is necessary to do this, as the future generations seem to understand this truth... not that they always fulfilled their part, but that's a later story.
Jacob traveled to Paddan-Aram and met Rachel, daughter of Laban. He loved her and wanted to marry her, so he made an agreement to work for Laban for seven years as dowry for her hand. When the time came, he was the one who was tricked with Rachel's older sister, Leah. To wed Rachel as well, he would have to stay and work and additional seven years. Maybe I'm a bit bitter at his underhanded ways when he tricked his father and brother, but I say it served him right! Besides, I imagine that after seven years, he would know that the younger sister couldn't be married before the older sister.
Today's reading is found in Genesis 25:27 to Genesis 28:5.
Esau, the hunter in the family, returned one day from an unsuccessful hunt and was hungry. He must have been pretty hungry to trade his birthright for a bowl of red stew. Did he not understand what he had? His grandfather and father before him had enjoyed great success due to the covenant with God that would pass to his generation. It was foretold that his descendants would be ruled by Jacob's descendants, but still, wasn't he listening to his father and grandfather when they mentioned the covenant? Surely it was brought up!
Here's another questionable transaction by Jacob. His father is nearly blind and ready to die. He asks Esau to go and prepare a meal for him so he may eat and then bless his son, but while Esau is out, Jacob, with the help of his mother, tricks Isaac into giving him the blessing instead. Now maybe this isn't such a bad trick. Esau didn't take the birthright any more seriously than a bowl of stew, but the trickery is still apparent in the theft of the blessing. Anyway, Esau is angry and wants to kill Jacob. So what does Jacob, holder of a covenant with God to have countless descendants do? Runs and hides.
Today's reading is found in Genesis 25:1-26 and 1 Chronicles 1:32-34.
This reading starts off a bit dry to me. The Old Testament has several passages that seem to serve to chronical the heritage of the main characters in the Bible. To my unlearned mind, the only use for these passages is to show future prophecies that come true. Jesus was a direct descendant of David and the family trees show this. Am I wrong in this thinking? If so, speak up!
So now, Abraham has an heir to the Covenant he made with God in Isaac and Jacob and Esau are born. It has been prophesied that the younger of the twins (Jacob) will be the master of the older (Esau). But being the firstborn, Esau is expecting to receive his father's blessing. Esau had gained Isaac's favor while Jacob had his mother wanting him to be the better of the two. Sounds like trouble brewing. More of this trouble will be unveiled tomorow.
Today's reading is found in Genesis 21:1 to Genesis 24:67 and Genesis 11:32.
My Sister volunteered to write about this day for us last year and I like what she wrote, so without further ado, here's what Dacia shared:
Just as God promised, Sarah had the long-awaited son. Once again, God is faithful. This theme starts in the beginning of the Bible and continues to the end of Revelation. Do you think God is trying to tell us something about His nature? He is faithful! God cared for Hagar and Ishmael, but He still let Sarah dismiss them. The inheritance would now go to Isaac, but God still provided for and blessed Ishmael. Although Abraham was distressed, he still obeyed God.
Chapter 22 brings Abraham to yet another crossroad in his life. He chooses to trust and obey the Lord. He didn't delay but got up early to start the three-day journey. As you look back on Abraham's life, what do you think he clung to as he went to sacrifice his only son? When you look at your own life, what are your anchor points that you reflect upon to reassure you of God's faithfulness and provision for you? Verse 13 is the first place in the Bible where the idea of substitutionary atonement or sacrifice is mentioned. This is a foreshadowing of God's plan of salvation in the New Testament.
Abraham's wife, Sarah, dies in this chapter. In his conviction to bury her in the land God promised to his descendents, Abraham paid a huge amount to purchase the land for her burial. 400 Shekels of silver is an excessive price for the land (see Jeremiah 32:9), but Abraham, in his grief and haste, purchased the land anyway.
Abraham realizes that Isaac needs a wife, but he doesn't want a Canaanite. He sends a servant to his relatives to bring back a wife for his son. Before the servant finishes his prayer, God is already answering it. Enter Rebekah. She takes the servant back to her parents' home, and he explains his mission. They see that this is of the Lord and agree to send Rebekah back with the servant. She agrees to go, and marries Isaac.
Today's reading is found in Genesis 18:1 to Genesis 20:18.
Now Sarah showed a lack of faith and even laughed off God's promise in his presence, then lied about it. But God is patient and wiser than I. I would be tempted to just step on the both of them and make a covenant with someone else. But I'm not God, am I? Besides, God is a covenant maker and a covenant keeper. If He says it is to be, that's enough for it to happen.
Anyway, God announced his intention to destroy the city of Sodom and all of the inhabitants for their wickedness. Abraham pleaded with Him not to do this. He actually bargained with God to spare the city if just ten righteous people could be found. So two angels went to the city into Lot's house and the men of the city called them out for sodomy (hence the term). Lot tried to protect them from the riot and they escaped. The angels then gave instructions to run for their lives without stopping or looking back. Lot's wife did look back and was turned to a pillar of salt. Why did she look back? Did she want to see the carnage? Did she miss her home? We may never know the answer to that question. We can learn from this, though. If God tells you that you are not where you need to be (figuratively or literally) then you need to run from there without looking back. Keep your eyes on Him at all times!
Am I the only one confused here? Abraham said he wanted Sarah to introduce him as her brother, rather than her husband because she was attractive and he didn't want to be killed (lack of faith here). So the king of Gerar found favor in Sarah, but God kept him from taking it any farther. And out of this, Abraham needed to pray for the King's sin to clear up a curse? In my opinion, Abraham started this fiasco. Or am I missing something?
Today's reading is found in Genesis 15:1 to Genesis 17:27.
It's kinda funny in a way. Abram is speaking with the maker of the heavens and earth and he whines that he has no heir to carry out the covenant with God? What's wrong with this guy? And then to add insult to injury, he takes a servant to produce the heir rather than his own wife? Granted, she hadn't produced any offspring for him, but when God himself tells you to do something, he's not going to ask an impossible task of you. If it's something that you can't do yourself, that's His time to shine! Needless to say, I'm not impressed with Abram in this. What does this lack of faith cost Abram and his descendents, the Jewish population? What do we call the offspring of Ishmael? Ever heard of Palestinians? Trust and Obey.
Editor's note: I don't mean to declare that all Palestinians are a trouble to Israel or that they are inherently bad people. They, as a group, have been very outspoken against the Jews for thousands of years, and none of this would have been a problem had Abram relied on a promised miracle and bore all of his children with Sarai. Of course, then I would be short at least one friend as well...
What's the big deal about renaming Abram and Sarai you ask? When you name something, you claim ownership of it. I named my son and he is mine. My wife took my last name and she is mine to care for. Adam named the animals and was placed over them. This ownership is more of a caretaker role than master. God was saying to Abraham and Sarah that he would look over them for the end of their days. If that isn't awesome, I don't know what is!
Today's reading is found in Genesis 11:1 to Genesis 14:24.
I've heard talk of uniting the world with a common language, political system and currency. I know that these efforts will have, at best, only a very limited result. Why? Because God himself caused the peoples of the world to separate for these very political and language barriers. People, in their pride, chose to build a tower to symbolize their own greatness and God saw the necessity to cause the people to understand each other no more, stalling this project. You could go so far as to say that He caused the people to babble. :-)
Abram (later to be named Abraham) was then called upon by God to be the father of a great nation, but first he was told to leave his home. A fine showing of faith, he did this without question. Now part of this covenant involved countless descendants. Abram left without question, even though his wife was unable to bear children. He had nothing more than a promise that went beyond medical realities that he understood. Abram wasn't perfect, but he did show quite a bit of faith. He even refused the spoils of war to keep others from saying that his wealth came from his own actions. This is a man that relied heavily on his God.
Today's reading is found in Genesis 7:1 to Genesis 10:32 and 1 Chronicles 1:17-23.
Not including the creation of all we have today, I consider the flood and all that transpired in the event to be t