Tuesday, September 3, 2024

But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:7 (Genesis 42-46)

These chapters hold one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible. Joseph, who was sold into slavery and presumed dead, has ascended to the highest realms of Pharaoh’s government. As was foretold in Joseph’s youthful dreams, he is now in a position of authority over the same brothers that planned his demise. However, Joseph has a heart of love and forgiveness and the father and son who thought they would never meet again have a beautiful reunion. When Jacob dies in the foreign Land of Goshen, Joseph, along with his own sons, returns his father’s remains to Canaan.

When God made his covenant with Abraham He established a Messianic line that began with Abraham and ended with Jesus. The first five links in this chain are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and Perez. No Joseph to be found! The family line descends through Joseph’s older brother Judah, who was not a very nice person!! Four of these men were guilty of egregious sin. If not for Joseph’s holiness and faith, the covenant nation would have ended in it’s fourth generation.

From the beginning, God’s covenant nation struggled to survive. Man’s sin, and now an act of nature, threatened to end all for the Hebrew people. But God prevailed! He made a way. A pesky little brother became the victim of hatred, but he rose to become the second most powerful man in the most powerful government of that time. Joseph found he was liberated from other’s destructive and sinful behavior when He hoped and trusted in God’s providence. Do right, do good, never take your eyes off the Throne and He who is seated there. The Kingdom of God will withstand ALL forces of opposition.  It is the winning team!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Gretchen

Monday, September 2, 2024

“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”  Genesis 41:16 (Genesis 40-41)

A very quick summary of these two chapters is difficult because they tell a detailed story, but the skeleton narrative is, Joseph has been a slave for thirteen years. While in prison he explains the dreams of the Pharaoh’s chef and butler.  The chef dies, the butler is restored to his position, but forgets to bring Joseph’s name before Pharaoh for a pardon. Two years later Pharaoh himself is disturbed by a vision his magicians cannot unravel. Spoiler! Joseph goes from prisoner to governor in the blink of an eye.

Pharaoh’s dream foretells of seven years of bountiful harvest in the Nile valley, then a drought extending way beyond Egypt’s borders will place many nations in peril. The job of being prepared for both feast and famine is passed to Joseph and he does a stellar job.

Although not part of the Messianic family tree, Joseph takes up quite a lot of space in the story of the Hebrew people.  Egypt was not the brutal, enslaving power we see in Moses’ time. Joseph was judged on his own merit, not pedigree. His steadfast faith and determination toward righteousness made him a vital instrument in Israel’s survival (see details in tomorrows story). Maybe God is showing all of us that the little man, with faith as his strength can quietly change the world.

Have a Marvelous Monday!

Gretchen

Saturday, August 31, 2024

The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Genesis 39:23 (Genesis 39)

Joseph, the favored son, was sold into slavery by his jealous and spiteful brothers. Instead of living in despair, anger, bitterness and regret, somewhere between his father’s tent and the home of the Egyptian man who purchased him, Joseph became a man of great integrity. Because of an impeccable strength of character and body he is given charge over Potipher’s entire household. Potipher’s wife desires Joseph and when she is rebuffed she makes it look as if she is the offended rather than the offender. Joseph is incarcerated, but again, his exceptional leadership and high standard of behavior draw the attention of the prison warden and once again Joseph is entrusted with other’s belongings and well being.

No doubt Joseph is at fault as a bratty little brother, but that did not excuse the actions and reactions of those who responded with evil intent. Neither are the actions of others an excuse for Joseph to despair and turn against God. In the face of false accusations and disgrace Joseph stood righteous.

Shame and sin begin in secret places of hearts and minds and find their way into habits and life choices. What you do when no on is looking is a really big deal. God will not co-exist and share your heart with evil. Live righteously and satan will have no ability to impede God’s plan and your blessings.

Have a great weekend!

Gretchen

Friday, August 30, 2024

Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her my son Shelah.” Genesis 38:26a (Genesis 38)

Oddly stuck in the middle of Joseph’s story is the story of Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah. It is probably insinuated here as a proper record of all that transpired in the history of this man whose progeny became the Messiah. It is an ugly story with a powerful message.

Judah arranged a marriage for his son Er. Er was wicked and died young without an heir. His widow, Tamar, was given to the next son so that the family line could continue appropriately and this woman would have safety and security. This tradition is called a Levitical marriage. Son number two took full pleasure from Tamar’s body, but denied her the child that would assure her a place in the family.  For this selfish act, he died also. With fear that his third son might also die, Judah forfeited tradition and left this daughter by marriage, vulnerable in a world where she had no rights or freedoms.  Eventually she hid her identity and tricked Judah in to conceiving a child with her. When Judah came in judgement, Tamar provided evidence of his sin, neglect and disregard for those he was given charge over.

The following is my commentary on other’s commentary:

I wish God was not blamed for the actions of man. But He is and for this reason, those that say they believe must strive with diligence to intimately know God’s character and trust His ways, not their own. God did not, has not and will not weave together a social order that leaves anyone, male, female, child, adult, red and yellow, black and white…….marginalized or desperate. Only man’s twisted heart does this. We must take care of each other, love one another. We are not called to take care of everyone, but all are called to care for some one.

If God is going to get credit for what you do, then it had better be good, because God is Good and we represent Him.

Have a Great Day,

Gretchen

Thursday, August 29, 2024

When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. Genesis 37:21 (Genesis 36-37)

In route a final time home to Isaac, Rachel, the wife Jacob loved, died giving birth to Benjamin. She was buried in Bethlehem. Later, Isaac died and Esau and Jacob laid him to rest. Genesis 36 gives a history of the descendants of Esau and then begins the story of Joseph, oldest child of Rachel and Jacob.

Jacob’s sons were watching the family herds in Shechem. He may have been concerned for their safety when he sent the seventeen year old Joseph to assess things and bring him a report. It was suspected that dad intended to give this young boy the birthright. Rueben, the oldest, was illegitimate and possibly disqualified as heir. Levi and Simeon had committed the awful crimes in Shechem, leaving Judah, the fourth in line, to become the family patriarch. But, Joseph was the best loved, and the dreams he shared regarding his own ascendancy in addition to sporting a beautiful, custom made robe of many colors, bred strong resentment among his older brothers. They wanted him dead, so they designed a scheme to kill and a story to deflect suspicion.

Rueben, who actually had the most to lose by Joseph remaining alive, tried to divert violence and save the boy. The other nine continue toward murder, until they saw a caravan of spice traders and decided the better option would be to sell Joseph. They then take his one of a kind coat, cover it in animal’s blood and return to their father with the story of a devastating, brutal, wild animal attack.

Joseph was precious and loved, but he found himself enslaved as the lowest of the low and lucky to be alive. Somewhere out in the desert, in route to Egypt, Joseph decided that his father’s God was going to be His God too and his faith might be shaken on occasion, but he would stand firm!

Something happens when it’s just one man (you) and God.  When He’s your only hope, you find that His hope is everything.

Love,

Gretchen

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” Genesis 35:2-3  (Genesis 34-35:15)

When Jacob returns to Canaan he buys a plot of ground near Shechem and makes his home there.  Jacob and Leah’s daughter, Dinah, was out walking when the Prince of Shechem raped her. He quickly asks for her hand in marriage but he was refused because the men of Shechem were uncircumcised. So, all the men of Shechem were directed to have surgery to become like Jacob’s household. While they are in great discomfort from their circumcisions, Levi and Simeon, Dinah’s full brothers, killed every male in the city and then all her brothers looted the community, rescued Dinah and took the women and children as slaves.

When Jacob discovered this horrific act of vengeance, he had no option but to pack up and leave. The shadow of his sons’ murderous act ruined any hope of abiding peace. The move brought him to Bethel, the place he first encountered God. Here, Jacob built an alter, and God renewed His covenant.

Jacob was not counted as saying much to his two sons about their behavior, but in chapter 49 he spoke to their minimized blessing as a result of their sin. Later, Levitical Law set an-eye-for-an-eye as a standard judgement. No more no less.

Justice and revenge are not the same thing. The first is for the greater good, the later is borne of hatred. God alone is the Perfect Judge. Retaliation leaves no room for justice and the miracles of God’s wisdom and love. God sees and knows all and He is Holy and just. Let Him handle it!

Have a Great Wednesday!

Gretchen

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

“I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. Save me I pray.”Genesis 32:10-11a (Genesis 32-33)

Upon Jacob’s return home, news comes that Esau, the offended brother, is approaching at great speed with 400 hundred men. Jacob is terrified and prepares to protect his family and property as best he can. He calls out to God, (verse above) then sends his wives, concubines and sons ahead under cover of darkness. Alone in the dark Jacob once again encounters God. This time they wrestle and Jacob refuses to turn loose or be defeated. This struggle leaves Jacob crippled for life.  When the dust settles, God has renamed Jacob, Israel, and God has become his God rather than the God of his fathers. The former arrogant and entitled Jacob is gone and a humble servant has evolved.

Rather than approach his brother with vengeance, Esau offers a very generous reception. Jacob presents many gifts and when Esau accepts them, their reconciliation is complete and they part in peace.

Twenty years earlier Jacob left his home with nothing. Now, as angels welcome him home, he is a prince with an inheritance in the Promised Land. When he left he knew of the God of Abraham and Isaac.  Now he is home and The God has become his God.

The God wants to be your God, your peace, your provision, your hope, your friend!

Love,

Gretchen

Saturday, August 24, 2024

In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and maidservants and manservants and camels and donkeys. (Genesis 29 & 30)

Jacob traveled alone to the land of Haran, where his mother’s brother lived and the place his grandfather Abraham migrated from. There, Jacob begins to get as good as he gave. He loved Rachel, but was tricked into marrying Leah, a woman he did not love, before he was finally given Rachel. Rachel was barren, but Leah gave him six sons. Leah and Rachel’s maidservants both gave Jacob children as well and finally Rachel gave birth to Joseph. (Later she became the mother of Benjamin, but it is not part of this narrative.) These men are important as later their families became the twelve tribes of the Messianic nation of Israel.

This polygamous family was a mess. Jacob’s father-in-law was as conniving as Jacob once was, his wives’ bickering kept discord in his home and his sons were not the sort to make a man proud. If anything validates Biblical writing as true, Jacobs story does, for we see him clearly, warts and all.

What can we glean from these characters that so clearly know God, but believe Him to be their servant rather than the other way around? 1. God is always at work for His good, for He is good. 2. God is extremely patient with man.

You cannot out sin God’s love.

Love,

Gretchen

Friday, August 23, 2024

May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples. Genesis 28:3 (Genesis 26-28)

Through less than ethical behavior Jacob has taken his older brother’s blessing. This blessing gave authority as heir and patriarch apparent of the covenant nation. With the help of his mother Rebekah, he tricked his aged and blind father and robbed the birthright from his older brother, thus, taking for himself, all that Esau would have received. As a result, Jacob’s life was in danger and he was directed to flea to the land of uncle Laban.

The consequences of Jacob’s behavior cost him tremendously. In his exile he never saw his beloved mother again and home loving Jacob was completely alone in an unfamiliar land. Robbed of all security, in the middle of no where, with only a dark sky full of stars for a blanket, Jacob lays his head on a stone, sleeps and dreams of a staircase to Heaven. At the zenith stands God while angels ascend and descend. In this vision, God transfers the covenant promise to him and shows a direct connection from Heaven to earth. In Jacob’s loneliest moment, He finds God standing with him.

Even though Esau proved repeatedly that he cared nothing for his birthright and blessing, Jacob paid dearly for the fraudulent way he acquired what God has already laid a foundation for. Sin causes great pain and separates us from God and others we love. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of our story. God doesn’t quit because we fail. Praise be to God!

Love,

Gretchen

Thursday, August 22, 2024

But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Genesis 25:33  (Genesis 23-25)

Sarah died and Abraham, an alien in a foreign land, bought a cave and a field for her burial. He and Isaac mourned her death. Today this cave is in a mosque under Muslim control. As the father of Ismael, Muslims hold Abraham in very high regard and Christians are not permitted to enter. In 1862 the Prince of Wales, by special permission, visited and saw the stone tombs of Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Rebekah and Leah. (Halley’s Bible Handbook, pg. 101) 

God’s covenant was dependent on a wife and children for Isaac. Abraham wanted to keep his family line free of idolatry, so he sent a trusted servant back to his own country to find a suitable mate. The servant prayed for God’s leading and wisdom and Rebekah returned to Canaan to marry Isaac. She was barren for twenty years and then gave birth to twins.  Esau the older, as his father’s heir, was entitled to birthright (money) and blessing (authority). However, he proved to be impulsive, reckless, willful and worldly. This combination cost him everything. During a fit of hunger he sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for some lentil soup and a piece of bread. 

It isn’t entitlement that creates destiny or blessing, it is the action of obedience or lack there of. In the deepest, most intimate and secret places of our heart and mind, God is there. By this we know He alone is a Perfect Judge, and Trustworthy Leader.

Peace and Blessings,

Gretchen