Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 19 – 21

Highlights:

Sodom destroyed; Lot and his daughters; birth of Isaac; Hagar and Ishmael; agreement between Abraham and Abimelech.
Lot was wealthy and obviously had a prominent position in Sodom since he sat in the gate of Sodom where business and legal matters were conducted (Gen. 19:1). Lot associated with the people of Sodom because he could market his livestock, milk, cheese, etc., even though he was vexed with (troubled by) the filthy conversation (shameless conduct) of the wicked (II Pet. 2:7).

The Scriptures denounce homosexuality for which Sodom was known. Since homosexuality is so detestable in the eyes of God, we should pray that those involved will repent and forsake this sin (I Cor. 6:9-11). The Law of God groups homosexuality with incest and bestiality (Lev. 18:6-30; 20:13; Rom. 1:24-27).

Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him (Gen. 21:2). Isaac, the miracle child of the promise of God, entered the family life of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar the bondwoman. Hagar's son Ishmael soon revealed his true character through his contempt for Isaac. In the New Testament we read that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. . . . these are the two Covenants (agreements); the one from the Mount Sinai, which gendereth (leads) to bondage, which is Agar (Hagar). . . . Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now (Gal. 4:22,24,28-29).

These two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, illustrate the dual nature of our lives. We are first born of the flesh (through human parents) (John 3:6), symbolized by Ishmael. But the moment a sinner believes in his heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross for his sins, repents of them, and confesses Christ as Savior and Lord of his life, God gives them power to become the sons of God (1:12). This is symbolized by Isaac, the child of faith.

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter answered the people by saying: Repent, and be baptized . . . and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Acts 2:38; also Rom. 10:9-10; I John 3:1-2; 4:15). We do not become sinless, but we are freed from the power of sin (Rom. 6:6-7). They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections (passions) and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:24-25).

Thought for Today:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36).
Christ Portrayed:

By Isaac, the promised son of the Covenant of God (Gen. 21:12). Faith in Christ sets us free from the bondage of the Law because God made a new Covenant through Christ (Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; I Cor. 11:25; also Heb. 12:24).
Word Studies:

19:3 pressed upon, urged them; 19:5 know, rape and abuse; 19:8 shadow, protection; 19:13 is waxen, has become; 20:6 suffered, allowed; 20:16 a covering of the eyes, compensation; 21:18 hold him in thine hand, take care of him.
Prayer Needs:

Pray Government Officials: Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA), Rep. Jeff D. Duncan (SC), Sen. Rand Paul (KY), and Sen. John Thune (SD) • Country: Mauritania (2.6 million) in western Africa • Major language: Hasaniya Arabic • Islamic state with no mission work allowed • 99+% Muslim (predominantly Sunni); .2% Christian (predominantly foreigners) • Prayer Suggestion: Unite with others in prayer; God will bring your request to pass (Matt. 18:19-20).
Optional Reading: Matthew 7

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 22 – 24

Highlights:

Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac; the Covenant of God renewed; Sarah's death; Rebekah's marriage to Isaac.
After 25 years of waiting for the promised son, God said to Abraham: Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son . . . thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish My Covenant with him (Gen. 17:19). It came to pass after these things, that God . . . said unto . . . Abraham. . . . Take . . . thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering (22:1-2).

Isaac was a young man when Abraham faced this very difficult test of his faith. A burnt offering sacrifice was always to be a male animal, was to be the best the offerer had, and was to be wholly consumed by fire. It was an expression of complete dedication to God. Abraham knew that Isaac must live since God had said: I will establish My Covenant with him (17:19); yet, now the command of God was to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Obediently and without hesitation, Abraham rose up . . . and took . . . Isaac his son, and clave (split) the wood for the burnt offering . . . and went unto the place of which God had told him (22:3). With unquestioned faith in God, Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here . . . I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you (22:5).

On Mount Moriah, Abraham built an altar. When Isaac inquired how they could offer a sacrifice without a sacrificial animal, Abraham responded: My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering (22:. Abraham's many years of trusting in the Lord gave him faith in God. This is an amazing testimony of how Abraham's faith had grown over the years until he knew that God never makes a mistake and he believed God was able to raise him up, even from the dead (Heb. 11:19).

As Abraham . . . took the knife to slay his son. . . . the Angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham. . . . Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God. . . . Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked (saw) . . . a ram (male goat) caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead (instead) of his son (Gen. 22:10-13). Abraham's offering of Isaac on Mount Moriah foreshadowed God the Father offering His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross on that same mount about 2,000 years later. Abraham's prophetic words: God will provide Himself a lamb (22: were more fully understood as God provided the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Through trials and suffering, the Lord develops our faith. God . . . will not suffer (permit) you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape (I Cor. 10:13).

Thought for Today:

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac. . . . Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead (Heb. 11:17,19).
Christ Revealed:

Through Isaac's submission to his father and his willingness to be offered (Gen. 22:7-10). Jesus willingly offered His life. I lay down (give up) My life. . . . No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself (John 10:11-18).
Word Studies:

22:1 tempt, test, prove; 22:3 clave, split; 22:12 fearest, do reverence, are unconditionally surrendered to; 22:14 Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide; 23:17 were made sure, were deeded; 24:60 seed possess the gate, descendants overcome and be victorious over.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Rep. Kevin W. Yoder (KS) and Rep. Charles F. Bass (NH) • Country: Mauritius (1 million) 500 miles east of Madagascar • Major languages: English and Creole • Limited religious freedom • 50% Hindu; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% Muslim; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Remember, what is impossible with men is possible with God (Matt. 19:26).
Optional Reading: Matthew 8

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 25 – 27

Highlights:

Abraham's death; birth of Jacob and Esau; Esau sells his birthright; Isaac blesses Jacob with the Abrahamic Covenant.
Esau and Jacob were twin brothers, but Esau was born first and had legal rights to the family birthright which included, among other things, being heir to the Covenant between God and Abraham. This birthright was a link in the line of descendants through which the Promised Messiah was to come (Num. 24:17-19). In contrast with Esau, Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents (Gen. 25:27). The Hebrew word for plain is the same word translated in other Scripture as perfect, upright, undefiled. So the word plain refers to Jacob's character as a man of God. God records His highest praise and blessing for Jacob: The LORD hath chosen Jacob unto Himself (Ps. 135:4).

Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me . . . with that same red pottage (stew); for I am faint (Gen. 25:29-30). Knowing the character of his brother, Jacob replied: Sell me this day thy birthright (25:31). Esau had no interest in spiritual things so he agreed, saying: I am at the point (about) to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me (25:32-34)? Esau could not have been at the point to die by missing one meal, but he revealed what little regard he had for the birthright.

Though much slandered by Esau, the fact is, Jacob purchased the birthright for what Esau thought it was worth. More importantly, God had earlier told Rebekah that the elder shall serve the younger (25:23). So God had chosen Jacob to receive the birthright even before he was born.

It appears that Isaac's admiration for his worldly-minded son Esau caused him to ignore the prophecy that God had revealed to Rebekah before the twins' birth, and he chose to disregard Esau's sale of his birthright to Jacob (25:33-34).

But the moment Isaac realized that Rebekah had thwarted his evil scheme, he quickly and openly conferred the Abrahamic Covenant upon Jacob, which was an obvious admission of how terribly wrong he had been (28:1-4). There is no hint that Isaac thought that Rebekah did wrong. The Hebrew word Jacob is often translated "supplanter." One of the definitions of supplant in Webster's Dictionary is "to take the place of and serve as a substitute for, especially by reason of superior excellence."

To accuse Jacob of wrongdoing is to misinterpret the Word of God. The writer of Hebrews referred to Esau as a profane (godless) person (Heb. 12:16). Before their births, God knew that Esau's descendants would become enemies of Israel for generations to come, and He knew Jacob was a man of integrity. He had preordained that Jacob would be in the lineage of Jesus.

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat (food) sold his birthright (Heb. 12:15-16).

Thought for Today:

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (I Pet. 2:9).
Christ Revealed:

As the spiritual Seed that would bless all the nations of the earth (Gen. 26:4). Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. . . . as of one . . . which is Christ (Gal. 3:16).
Word Studies:

26:8 sporting with, caressing, expressing love; 26:14 great store, a great number; 26:21 Sitnah, enmity, anger; 26:31 betimes, early; 27:36 supplanted me, taken my place; 27:42 as touching thee, concerning you.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joyce & Bruce Rutherford • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Michael E. Capuano (MA) • Country: Mexico (99.7 million) in North America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 89% Catholic; 6% Protestant; 3.5% None; 1.5% Other (Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray with great faith and the Lord will answer (Matt. 21:22).
Optional Reading: Matthew 9

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15



 

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 28 – 30

Highlights:

Abrahamic Covenant conferred upon Jacob; vision of Jacob's ladder; journey to Padan-aram; Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel.
When Isaac realized that God had overruled his scheme to confer the God-ordained birthright of Jacob upon Esau, he trembled very exceedingly (Gen. 27:33). He quickly conferred with Rebekah — not to accuse her of any wrongdoing but to decide how best to plan for Jacob's future. If Jacob were to marry an idol-worshiping woman, as Esau had done, Rebekah's concern was: What good shall my life do me (27:46)? Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him . . . Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. . . . Go to Padan-aram . . . take . . . a wife from . . . the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people (28:1-3). This blessing was an obvious admission of how wrong Isaac had been in his attempt to defraud Jacob.

However, Esau was quick to blame Jacob for his trouble, saying: He hath taken away my blessing (27:36). Esau is typical of sinners who irresponsibly blame someone or something else for their own sins and failures.

Isaac lived 43 years after his attempt to thwart the plan of God, but there is no record of him ever again being used of God. For Jacob, however, his remarkable blessings began on his first night away from home.

Without map or companion, but according to the exact plan of God, Jacob left home on his journey of more than 500 miles and arrived safely in Padan-aram. God marvelously guided him to Rachel and the home of his mother's father; and (to) take . . . a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee (28:2-3). Jacob received a warm welcome when he arrived at their home.

Just as it is with everyone who lives to please the Lord, Jacob's life was set apart for the purpose of God. When Christians realize this truth, their attitude toward their marriage partner, workplace, physical limitations, and hardships will be seen as in the will of God.

At a much later date, Jacob's beloved son Joseph would be sold as a slave by his brothers. But, 20 years later he would confidently say to them: Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto (for) good (50:20). One of the greatest comforts for Christians is Paul's confidence-building statement: All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

Thought for Today:

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (II Cor. 9:.
Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph who was born (Gen. 30:23-24) in order to save and preserve his people (50:20). Jesus was born in order to offer salvation to all mankind. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Word Studies:

28:11 lighted upon, came to; 28:17 dreadful . . . place, awesome holy place; 28:19 Bethel, House of God; 29:25 beguiled, deceived; 29:31 hated, unloved, loved less; 30:37 pilled, peeled; strakes, stripes.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Rep. Lois Capps (CA), Rep. Leonard L. Boswell (IA), Rep. Chris Van Hollen Jr. (MD), Rep. Greg Walden (OR), Rep. Bill Shuster (PA), Sen. Mark L. Pryor (AR), and Sen. Roy D. Blunt (MO) • Country: Moldova (4.3 million) southeastern Europe • Major languages: Rumanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 66% Russian/Romanian Orthodox; 2.5% Catholic (Greek and Roman); 1.7% Protestant (mainly Baptist); 1.5% Jewish; .2% Muslim; 28.1% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matt. 26:41).
Optional Reading: Matthew 10

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 31 – 33

Highlights:

Laban's jealousy; Jacob flees; Jacob wrestles with the Angel of God; his name changed to Israel; peace between Jacob and Esau.
God blessed Jacob. But the greed and jealousy of Laban and his sons resulted in a hostile attitude toward Jacob, the servant of God. The LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers . . . and I will be with thee. . . . I am the God of Bethel, where thou . . . vowedst a vow (made a pledge) unto Me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred (Gen. 31:3,13).

After 20 years, Jacob was returning home with his 2 wives, 2 concubines, 11 sons and 1 daughter, and many servants and flocks. Esau, who had maliciously threatened to kill Jacob (27:41-45), was approaching with 400 men and Jacob was greatly afraid (32:3,6-7). He hastily divided his wives, children, servants, and flocks into two groups, reasoning that if Esau should come upon one camp and destroy it, the remaining camp could escape in the opposite direction.

Then, in the dark of night, Jacob was left alone. He earnestly prayed and reminded the Lord that He had said: Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee (32:9). There is a lesson to be learned from Jacob. We need to know what God has said, and then we too need to rely on His promises. Most important, Jacob was praying for the fulfillment of the Covenant promise concerning the Messiah that God had made to His grandfather Abraham (22:18; 26:4; comp. Acts 3:25).

This godly and humble servant of the Lord spent the night alone with God, prevailing in prayer. Following this, he was conferred with the highest honor given by God to any man in Old Testament history: Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed (overcome) (Gen. 32:28). Through the centuries, the people of God would be called by his name — Israelites. Through his son Judah, Jesus the Messiah was promised (49:10).

We too are in a Covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ our Savior and our Mediator, who declared that the Christian life also requires struggle: Strive to enter in at the strait (narrow) gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able (Luke 13:24; Matt. 7:13-14).

Even though we are faced with many difficulties, like Jacob we can, through prevailing prayer, be overcomers because Jesus promised: In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Thought for Today:

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (I Cor. 10:13).
Christ Revealed:

As the Angel (Messenger) of God who guides (Gen. 31:11-13). The Angel speaks not merely in the Name of God but as God, leaving no doubt that He is the Lord Jesus in His preincarnate state. I and My Father are One (John 10:30).
Word Studies:

31:1 glory, wealth; 31:19 images, family idols; 31:30 sore longedst after, greatly longed to return home; 31:36 chode, argued; 32:2 host, army encampment; 32:16 drove, herd; 32:25 hollow, hip socket; 32:28 hast prevailed, have overcame; 32:31 halted, limped; 33:2 hindermost, last; 33:14 softly, slowly; 33:17 booths, temporary shelters (tabernacles) (Lev. 23:42-43).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Carl Miller • Bible Pathway Media Director: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Michael R. Turner (OH) • Country: Monaco (32,000) in southeastern France • Major languages: French and English • No open evangelism permitted • 90% Roman Catholic; 7% Protestant; 1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith and the Lord will answer (Mark 11:24).
Optional Reading: Matthew 11

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 34 – 36

Highlights:

Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah, is raped; Simeon and Levi's revenge; Jacob's return to Bethel; Abrahamic Covenant renewed.
Jacob continued on toward Bethel because the Lord had said: I am the God of Bethel . . . return unto the land of thy kindred (Gen. 31:13). But, just a short distance from Bethel, Jacob discovered the beautiful valleys and opportunities for financial gain near Shechem (33:18). For ten years Jacob's stay seemed to be successful. Then we read of the tragedy of his daughter Dinah. When Shechem . . . prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled (violated) her (34:2). In revenge for their sister Dinah's rape, Simeon and Levi slew all the men of Shechem.

Even godly parents can become so involved in achieving material goals that they neglect to train up a child in the way he should go (Prov. 22:6). Worldly attractions often gain control of their children's hearts and lead to heartbreaking consequences.

Surely, we can learn from Jacob that material success is no assurance that we are in the will of God. But, perhaps one of the greatest lessons we can learn from Jacob's tragedies is that he didn't give up when his situation looked hopeless. Instead, he turned in faith to the Lord, who said: Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother (Gen. 35:1). At this time of renewal, Jacob instructed his family: Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who . . . was with me in the way which I went (35:2-3).

Three things that Jacob said to his family have a parallel for Christians. First he said: Put away the strange gods — a reminder that old habits of sin must be forsaken. Then he said: Be clean, and change your garments — a reminder to follow . . . holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). Thirdly, he worshiped God. We are to worship only God: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve (Luke 4:.

Our participation in worship at a church is a very important way in which God speaks to us through Bible study, hymns of praise, and sermons. We also worship while presenting our tithes and offerings and participating in the sacred ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word (Eph. 5:25-26).

Thought for Today:

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work (II Tim. 2:21).
Christ Revealed:

As God Almighty, El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One (Gen. 35:11). Jesus is the Lord . . . which is . . . the Almighty (Rev. 1:.
Word Studies:

34:2 defiled, raped; 34:3 clave, clung to, was passionately attracted to; 34:7 wrought folly, brought disgrace; 34:27 spoiled, plundered; 34:30 troubled, made trouble for; 35:11 come out of thy loins, be among your descendants.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Audrey Hash • Staff: Pam Murton • Government Official: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX) • Country: Mongolia (2.4 million) in east-central Asia • Major language: Khalkha Mongol • As a 70-year era of communism wanes, Bibles are now on sale in the capital, Ulaanbaatar • 95.5% Tibetan Buddhist; 4% Muslim; .3% Christian; .2% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior was born (Luke 2:11).
Optional Reading: Matthew 12

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 37 – 39

Highlights:

Joseph's dreams; Joseph sold into slavery; the cruel lies of Potiphar's wife; Joseph imprisoned.
Joseph was the only one of Jacob's 12 sons who expressed an interest in spiritual things in his younger years. He was deeply troubled about his older brothers' evil conduct while they were away from home. At 17 years of age, Joseph . . . was feeding the flock with his brethren and reported to his father the evil things they were doing (Gen. 37:2). The fact that Joseph was the son of his (Jacob's) old age (37:3), and the son of his favorite wife Rachel, and possibly because of Joseph's concern for his brothers' spiritual well-being, Jacob loved him more than all his brethren (37:4).

Some people discourage exposing others' wrongdoing, and some say they do not want to become involved. But Joseph possessed spiritual integrity and was willing to face abuse from his brothers for revealing their evil ways. Their hatred of him increased (37:4) when Joseph shared his prophetic dreams with them (37:5-7). His brothers scoffed, saying: Shalt thou indeed reign over us? . . . they hated him yet the more for his dreams (37:. After this, Joseph's brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem, which was a considerable distance from their home (37:12). Some time later, Jacob, concerned about his sons' welfare, sent Joseph to see if everything was all right with them (37:14). After a long search, Joseph found his brothers near the village of Dothan (37:17).

When his brothers saw Joseph coming, they plotted to slay him. . . . and . . . say, Some evil beast hath devoured him (37:18-20). It must have been shocking to him as they stript Joseph out of his coat . . . of many colours . . . and cast him into a pit (37:23-24). A short time later they sold Joseph as a slave to traveling Ishmaelites, who, in turn, sold him in the Egyptian slave market to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's royal guard (37:27-28,36; 39:1). Their last memories of their terrified younger brother were of him pleading for his life (42:21).

Although we tend to seek the ways of comfort and ease, the Christian life as represented by Joseph's ordeal proves Peter's words to the Church: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you (I Pet. 4:12).

God used the difficult experiences of Joseph in Egypt to prepare him to be the preserver of the people of God and, thus, the lineage of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Joseph's experiences are a reminder that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

Thought for Today:

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father. . . . And a man's foes shall be they of his own household (Matt. 10:35-36).
Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph,who was rejected by his own brothers, sold for 20 pieces of silver to Gentiles, and unjustly imprisoned, but who eventually became their savior and a world ruler (Gen. 37:28; 41:39-40). Jesus came unto His own (people), and His own received Him not (John 1:11). He was sold for 30 pieces of silver, imprisoned, and crucified; and He became our Savior who soon will return to rule the world (Rev. 19:11-16; 22:3).
Word Studies:

37:9 made obeisance to, bowed or prostrated before; 37:22 rid, rescue; 38:2 took, married; 38:18 signet, ring of authority; 38:28 travailed, gave birth; 39:8 wotteth not, does not know.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Rita Guerra • Country: Morocco (28.2 million) on the northwestern coast of Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Government very hostile to Christians and missions • 99.75% Muslim (mostly Sunni); .25% Christian (including foreigners); small numbers of Jews and Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for (not against) your enemies (Luke 6:28).
Optional Reading: Matthew 13

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 40 – 42

Highlights:

Dreams interpreted by Joseph; Joseph made a ruler of Egypt; his brothers buy corn and bow down to him; Simeon detained.
Thirteen years had passed since Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. Following that horrifying ordeal, he experienced many pitiful disappointments. Consider his many lonely nights suffering emotionally and physically as an innocent prisoner, whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron (Ps. 105:18). Joseph spent many years as a slave but he never became bitter. Through it all he remained faithful to the Lord.

At the age of 30, Joseph was called to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Joseph answered Pharaoh . . . God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace (Gen. 41:16). Because the Lord interpreted the dreams through Joseph, Pharaoh acknowledged Joseph as the wisest man in Egypt. This former outcast then received Pharaoh's own ring as a sign of his new authority as second ruler over all the land of Egypt (41:39-44). The dreams that Joseph had experienced many years earlier were now becoming reality.

We may endure months, or even years, when it appears that God either does not care about us or cannot do anything about our circumstances. The faithless critic blames God for his problems and complains: "Why me?" However, God has amazing ways of developing our talents and maturing us spiritually through difficult times, if we remain faithful to Him.

All of us have known someone who seemed so promising for future service for the Lord but who succumbed to Satan's temptation, such as the Apostle Paul's assistant of whom he wrote: Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world (II Tim. 4:10). This does not necessarily mean that Demas had rejected what Paul was preaching. By today's standards, he probably wanted future security, better pay, less work, and retirement benefits. Demas left the Lord's ministry for secular benefits that are often disappointing, seldom satisfying, and without eternal value. All of us need to seriously consider that Jesus admonished us to take no thought for your life (daily needs). . . . (For after all these things do the Gentiles (the world) seek:). . . . But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:25-33).

Thought for Today:

They returned again to Lystra . . . Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:21-22).
Christ Revealed:

By the wisdom of Joseph (Gen. 41:39). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3).
Word Studies:

40:3 in ward, in custody; 41:2 kine, cows; 41:56 waxed sore, became severe; 42:7 strange, as a stranger; 42:9 nakedness of the land, weak points of our defense; 42:27 espied, saw; 42:34 traffick, do business; 42:38 mischief, harm.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Beverly Perdue (NC) and Rep. Michael T. McCaul (TX) • Country: Mozambique (19 million) on the eastern coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom • 40% worship of false gods, ancestral spirits, and some witchcraft; 23% Roman Catholic; 14% Protestant; 13% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's teaching; grow and mature in your prayer life (Luke 11:1).
Optional Reading: Matthew 14

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 43 – 45

Highlights:

Jacob's sons return to Egypt for food; Judah offers to take the place of Benjamin; Joseph makes himself known to his brothers.
Because of a great famine, Jacob was forced to send his sons to Egypt to buy food. As the second most powerful ruler of Egypt spoke to them through an interpreter, they were unaware that he was their brother Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery about 20 years earlier.

After questioning them about their family to test them, Joseph had his brothers imprisoned for three days (Gen. 42:14-20). During their stay in prison, they recalled how their younger brother Joseph had pleaded with them not to sell him as a slave to the Ishmaelite traders on their way to Egypt. Now, in an Egyptian prison, they humbly confessed among themselves what a terrible act of cruelty they had committed. And they said one to another, We are verily (truly) guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us (42:21). After three days, Joseph released them, but kept Simeon as a hostage in Egypt until their youngest brother Benjamin should be brought to Egypt (42:24).

When Joseph's brothers returned home without Simeon, Jacob heard of the ruler's demand to bring his youngest son to Egypt before they could buy any more food. He was deeply distressed, and said: My son shall not go down with you (42:38). However, as the famine intensified and their food ran low, Jacob had no choice but to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt.

Joseph demanded that his brothers come to his home. Imagine their shock when he said, in their own Hebrew language: I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt (45:4). To their amazement, he lovingly added: Be not . . . angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life (45:5).

For years, Joseph's brothers had deceived their father and had escaped all accountability for their cruel sin against Joseph. Now they were forced to face their brother in shame. Joseph explained to them that even though ye sold me . . . God did send me. Although God used their wickedness to fulfill His will, this did not lessen their guilt. Let Joseph be our example for, regardless of how cruel someone has been, if ye forgive . . . not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matt. 6:14-15).

Thought for Today:

But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out (Num. 32:23).
Christ Revealed:

Through Joseph's dealings with his brothers. Christ deals with us in such a way as to bring about our confession of sin and a recognition of His forgiving love. In a similar way, He reveals His sovereignty over the affairs of life (Gen. 45:5-8,15; compare Rom. 5:8; Eph. 1:17,20-22).
Word Studies:

43:7 straitly, specifically; tenor, had to answer him; 43:25 against Joseph came, for Joseph's arrival; 43:30 bowels, heart; 44:12 left at, finished with; 45:16 fame, news; 45:24 fall not out by the way, have no argument on your way.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Myanmar (formerly Burma) (48.1 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Burmese and ethnic languages • Limited religious freedom • 87.5% Buddhist; 6% Christian; 4% Muslim (mainly Sunni); 1% animist; .5% Hindu; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Luke 11:3).
Optional Reading: Matthew 15

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:16

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 46 – 48

Highlights:

Jacob's vision at Beersheba; the journey to Egypt; Joseph and the famine; the best land given to Jacob; Joseph's sons blessed.
Jacob knew that God had planned for his people to live in Canaan, not in Egypt, so he did not rush to Egypt for a grand reunion with his precious son Joseph. Since the will of God was uppermost in Jacob's heart, he sought assurance from God concerning his journey to Egypt, so Jacob left Hebron, journeyed about 25 miles to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And He said . . . fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation . . . I will also surely bring thee up again (Gen. 46:1-4).

The Lord assured Jacob that their sojourn in Egypt was not to be a permanent one, but that it would be a time of preparing his family to become a great nation. Earthly life is a time of preparation for eternity (Luke 12:20-21). What gets priority, and how we live, is an important part of our preparation. Our eyes should not be set on worldly securities, pleasures, or achievements but should be foremost on becoming the person God wants us to be in order to accomplish the purpose for which He created us.

The life of Jacob gives the believer insight into the sovereignty of God, who assists, strengthens, and sustains all who are faithful to Him. As the years in Egypt passed, Jacob came to see how God had been directing, protecting, and providing for him all of his life.

This remarkable man of God received much abuse throughout his life, but the Lord conferred more blessings on Jacob than any other man in Old Testament history. The name of Abraham, the father of the faithful (Rom. 4:11), appears over 300 times in the Scriptures. The name Isaac appears only 131 times, often only in conjunction with Abraham and Jacob. Jacob, however, is mentioned over 370 times. His new name Israel, referring to both himself and his descendants, appears over 2500 times. It is a serious thing to criticize one whom God has chosen to esteem, as He clearly said: Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (Rom. 9:13; Mal. 1:2-3).

Thought for Today:

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich (spiritually), and He addeth no sorrow with it (Prov. 10:22).
Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph, who was placed second only to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:39-40) to sustain life and give provision (47:15-17). Jesus said: The Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:33).
Word Studies:

46:4 put his hand upon thine eyes, be with you when you die; 46:31 Pharaoh was a title given to the monarchs of Egypt; 47:4 sore, severe; 47:6 activity, ability, competence; 48:6 thy issue, your offspring; 48:14 wittingly, knowingly.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Diane L. Black (TN) • Country: Namibia (1.6 million) in southwest Africa • Major languages: Afrikaans and German • Religious freedom • 89% Christian; 10% Traditional; 1% Other (Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i)• Prayer Suggestion: Realize that your life is in the hands of God, and ask Him to deliver you from all evil (Luke 11:4).
Optional Reading: Matthew 16

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:16