Old Testament reading: Genesis 46-47
Your feelings may be real, but they don’t change the truth. When Jacob had been deceived into thinking Joseph was dead, he grieved for many days saying, “I will go to my grave mourning my son” (37:35). Jacob couldn’t have grieved any more than if he had seen and held Joseph’s lifeless body. His feelings were real and undeniable, but they were not based in truth. In the last three verses of yesterday’s reading (Gen 45:26-28), it is made known to Jacob that Joseph is alive and prospering in Egypt. The text says “Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them.” Perhaps Jacob was still a bit hesitant to believe this incredible news, for God appeared to him as they traveled saying, “Do not fear to go down to Egypt… I will go down with you… and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes” (46:3-4). Again, I am always moved by the text as Joseph prepared a chariot and went to meet his father as the text says, “He fell on his neck and wept a good while” (46:29). One can only imagine the joy of both men as they are reunited after so many years. Before we move to our New Testament text, I want to note Joseph’s shrewd and faithful dealings to enrich Pharaoh. I had never considered Pharaoh as less than an absolute monarch, but it was Joseph’s trading of grain for livestock, then lands, then the people themselves that ultimately gave Pharaoh absolute control over all of Egypt (47:13-26).
New Testament reading: Mark 9-10
Today’s text contains two primary themes: Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the greatness of humble service to others. These two themes were of great difficulty among the Twelve. Three times in this text we see Jesus speak to them of His impending suffering and death (9:12, 31; 10:32-34), but they did not understand and were afraid to ask Him of it (9:32, 10:32). Instead, they worried themselves (and not to mention, their LORD) by arguing over whom would be the greatest in the kingdom of God. A little more focus on the first theme would’ve certainly solved their issues with the second. When I spend more time thinking about the suffering and death of Jesus, it increases my awareness of my need for humility and the necessity of having the heart of a servant.
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