Old Testament reading: Genesis 43-45

I guess I have grown “soft” as I have grown older. I despise the NY Yankees, but I never cease to be moved, nearly to tears, every time I hear Lou Gehrig’s final address in Yankee Stadium… “Today… I consider myself… the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” I get “a little verklempt” every time I see a soldier come home and surprise his family, every time I watch some special needs child make a basket or score a touchdown in a high school contest, every time I see my kids take another step toward maturity but farther from home. Today’s Old Testament reading (Genesis 43-45), like yesterday’s, is one I never read without being deeply moved. Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes and read Genesis 42-45 without interruption and see if your heart is not pricked when you see him weeping alone after recognizing his brothers, see if you aren’t moved to tears when he sees Benjamin and when he reveals himself to them in chapter 45. Allow yourself to be moved by the narrative. This is not just a reading exercise in Jewish history.

New Testament reading: Mark 7-8

Today’s reading warns us by illustrating the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and their adherence to human tradition. While the Pharisees were all about physical washing as a means to avoiding defilement, they were woefully inadequate in keeping spiritual defilement at bay. Following the human tradition of washing, they were diligent to keep their bodies pure through bathing and the washing of pots, but they wilfully set aside the commandment of God to honor their father and mother. Worse still, they rejected God’s commandment by excusing themselves that they were giving God a gift (7:11). I cannot help but be reminded of Saul and the children of Israel when they also set aside the commandment of God in order that they might bring Him a gift (1 Sam 15:3-15). Does God desire our gifts or does He desire our obedience? Samuel said that to obey was better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22). In like fashion, many today have set aside the command of God that they might offer Him a gift, e.g., the exercise of some talent or ability. But we cannot offer as a gift to God that which He has not authorized, lest we fall under the same condemnation.

Old Testament reading: Genesis 41-42

“You can’t keep a good man down.” Despite being forgotten in prison by Pharaoh’s butler (Gen 40:23), God’s providential hand is again revealed. Two years following his release according to Joseph’s word (40:13-14, 20-21), the butler “remembered his faults” when Pharaoh could not find an interpreter for his dream. Joseph was summoned from prison to tell Pharaoh his dream. So impressed was the monarch that Joseph was exalted even higher than when he served Potiphar, to the extent that Pharaoh said, “only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you” (41:40). Joseph also took a wife during this time, and to him were two sons born: Manasseh and Ephraim (Gen 41:50-52). The names of his boys reflect both the pain and prosperity of Joseph’s life. Mannaseh means “Making Forgetful,” as Joseph said that ‘God has made to forget the pain associated with my father’s house.’ Ephraim means “Fruitfulness,” as Joseph said, “God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” What a marvelous testimony to Joseph, that in all things he was made to see the goodness of God!

New Testament reading: Mark 5-6

Jesus, the Sovereign Servant. Each gospel account was written to a specific audience or for a specific purpose. Matthew presents Jesus to a Jewish audience as “the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matt 1:1). Mark’s was a Roman audience, as he sometimes interspersed Latin words into his text. Romans respected authority, and today’s reading reveals Jesus’ power and authority in a number of areas that would have certainly gained their attention. In Mark 4:35-41 and 6:45-52 we see Jesus exercising authority over nature – the wind and the sea. We see his power over demons, a shadow of his power over eternity (5:1-20). We see Jesus exercise his power over death as he raised Jairus’ daughter (5:21-43). In Mark 5:25-34 and in 6:53-56 we see Him exercise authority over disease. Finally, Jesus performed a great miracle in the feeding of the 5000 (6:30-52). However, in every case, Jesus does not use his authority to conquer or dominate others, but instead He used His power to serve others. What a contrast to the authorities of the day, particularly the Caesars! Jesus lived to serve.

Old Testament reading: Genesis 38-40

After being introduced to Joseph in our last reading (Gen 37), and seeing the despicable way in which both he and Israel were treated by his older brothers, the narrative turns back to Judah and his deceitful treatment of his daughter in law, Tamar (Gen 38). Of note is our first exposure to what would eventually become known as the Levirate Law (Deut 25:5), wherein a younger brother goes into his elder brother’s widow to raise up an heir to the deceased. Judah is eventually brought face to face with his error, and acknowledges that Tamar “has been more righteous than I” (38:26). After these things, the remaining Genesis narrative turns to the life and death of Joseph in Egypt, with his brothers and father playing supporting roles in the account. In Genesis 39-40, we read of the rise and “fall” of Joseph in Egypt and the continuing theme of Joseph’s life: things that were intended to be evil against Joseph always worked themselves out for his good and the good of others. In like fashion, we should always give consideration that our troubles should also eventually work to our good and the benefit of others.

New Testament reading: Mark 3-4

“I’m afraid I’ve committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit!” Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, (a.k.a. “the unforgivable sin” – 3:20-30) has troubled the minds of countless souls through the years. I have read articles and commentaries and listened to sermons on the subject of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. I have received dozens of inquiries through the years, many by those who fear they have somehow committed “the unforgivable sin.” If you are among them, be of good cheer! Mark’s statement in verse 30 forever puts to rest the notion that this sin can be committed today. Those who witnessed Jesus casting out demons accused Him of so doing by the power of the Devil. Only the hardest of hearts could witness such a magnificent miracle and attribute such to the power of Satan. Moreover, Jesus rebuked them for their logical inconsistency – If Satan is casting out Satan, then his kingdom or house cannot stand. We should not live in fear of committing this sin today, for we cannot witness the miracles of Jesus and attribute them to the Devil.

Old Testament reading: Genesis 35-37

Jacob gets a new name. Upon commanding Jacob to return home to Bethel live there, God gives this great patriarch a new name – Israel. This name means “one who contends with God.” The name comes from Jacob’s wrestling with God back in chapter 32. In this account, the Lord says to him, “You have struggled (contended) with God and with men and have prevailed” (32:28; cf Hos 12:4). Each of the three great patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, had names assigned to them by God. Only Isaac’s name was given at birth (Gen 17:19). Each name was associated with some event connected to their lives. Abram (high father) became Abraham (father of a multitude). Isaac means laughter, as both of his parents laughed at the idea of having a child at such a late age. Also in our reading we see Reuben going in to his father’s concubine (35:21-22), and Israel says nothing of it until he speaks to his sons at his death (49:3-4). Unlike his name, Jacob seems to be a man not given to contention or confrontation, perhaps even to the point of what some might call cowardice. You recall Genesis 34 and Jacob’s reluctance to deal with Shechem and his treachery with Dinah. When his sons finally took matters into their own hands to defend their sister’s honor, Jacob appears more concerned with what others think of him than Dinah’s defilement.

New Testament reading: Mark 1-2

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” So opens Mark’s gospel account. While some might think that Mark would begin with the birth of Jesus, he instead goes straight to the ministry of John the Baptizer, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness” (1:3). Of note is the reference to  John’s baptism as being “for the remission of sins” (1:4). John was the forerunner of Jesus, therefore those things which he taught and enjoined upon his listeners would have been consistent with what the Lord and His disciples would teach afterward. John’s baptism paved the way for that of Jesus’ in that God connected it to the forgiveness of sins. Baptism “in the name of Jesus” (Acts 10:48, 19:5) is the baptism commanded by Jesus, which makes one a disciple (Matt 28:19) and brings salvation (Mark 16:16).

Old Testament reading: Genesis 32-34

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). This verse is beautifully illustrated in the lives of Jacob and Esau as they are reconciled after many years of separation. Fearing his brother’s wrath is still not subsided after many years, Jacob divides his family, servants and possessions in the event of attack. Jacob’s prayer for deliverance (32:9-12) is an exhibition of his faith in God’s promise (31:3), but exhibits little faith in his brother. Arranging for a succession of gifts to assuage Esau’s anger, Jacob comes to realize his fear was completely unfounded. What a beautiful picture is painted that after the passage of so much “water under the bridge” that Esau comes to realize that a relationship with his brother far exceeds any physical blessing he may have earlier forfeited. Perhaps Esau came to remember and realize that in his hastiness he received that to which he had agreed. Too many families remained estranged over various faults and accusations. Whether real or perceived, we should strive to have the heart of Esau as witnessed in today’s reading.

New Testament reading: Matthew 27-28 

Today’s reading contains my reason for living. The gospel is the good news. In our text we see for the first time the declaration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead:  “He is not here, for He is risen, as He said” (28:6). If Jesus is not risen from the dead, then our faith is nothing but an exercise in futility and we are still in our sins (1 Cor 15:17). But Paul declared without equivocation, “now Christ is risen from the dead” (1 Cor 15:20). What a horrible thought to have within us the inner witness of sin (cf Rom 2:14-15) with no hope or divine instruction regarding a remedy for the same. What emptiness! What despair! But our faith in the resurrection of Jesus, and the picturing of the same in our own death, burial and resurrection (Rom 6:3-7), fills the void created by Satan and sin. As the words of that old Gaither song say, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear is gone.” Every day should be lived in service and praise to God because Jesus lives!

Old Testament reading: Genesis 30-31

“Lord, who may abide in your tabernacle? Who may dwell in your holy hill?… He who swears to his own hurt and does not change” (Psalm 15:1, 4). Today’s reading details Jacob’s dealings with his sorry father-in-law Laban. In brief, Laban was deceitful and covetous, and his sons were like him and worse. By his own admission, Laban recognized that his own wealth and success were due to his relationship with Jacob (30:27). Yet, Laban was minded to abuse Jacob’s faithfulness and, by extension, his own daughter and grandchildren. Despite this treachery, Jacob dealt faithfully with Laban for many years, certainly giving better than he deserved. All the while Jacob trusted in God to take care of him, which God most certainly did (30:43). Though Laban had changed Jacob’s wages ten times (31:7), he remained faithful to his word. The treachery and deceit of others toward us is no excuse for us to practice the same in return.

New Testament reading: Matthew 26

Today’s New Testament reading is the first record of the institution of the Lord’s Supper (26:26-28). Of particular interest in this text is Jesus’ use of the phrase, “for the remission of sins (v 28)”. This phase appears four times in the New King James Version, elsewhere twice in regard to John’s baptism (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3) and once in Acts 2:38 in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. Whatever the phrase means in Matthew 26 is what it means in the other appearances.  For example, those who submitted to John’s baptism did so with the understanding that they would receive remission of sins (Mark 1:4).  However, some argue the same phrase in Acts 2:38 means “because of remission of sins,” meaning one’s sins are already remitted before one is baptized. But if this be the case, and we are going to be consistent in our usage of the text, then Jesus’ death and the shedding of His blood were because sins were already remitted. However, no one wants to take that position. Instead, they would have the same phrase have opposite meanings. Let us always exercise diligence to be honest and consistent in our use of God’s word (cf 2 Tim 2:15). In so doing we can dispel and correct many of the errors taught in the religious world today.

Old Testament reading: Genesis 27-29

“So Jacob served seven years Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her.” This is a refreshing story in our instant gratification, “I want what I want, and I want it now” society. Tragically, many today marry, divorce and marry again in less time than Jacob was willing to wait for Rachel.  Also, we see again the concern of Isaac and Rebekah regarding the potential wives of their sons. Jacob is sent away to find a wife away from the daughters of the land. Esau, knowing his parents’ desire, also seeks a wife in an effort to win his parents’ approval. Generally speaking, if one’s parents do not approve of our intended mate, we ought to give serious consideration to their objections. In many cases, love is not only blind, it is also headstrong and unreasonable. These are ingredients for disaster in most any situation, but especially in marriage.

New Testament reading: Matthew 24-25

“Matthew 24 is knocking at the door.” This was a well-known adage from a popular evangelical preacher during the 1950s and 60s. So well received was this saying that Johnny Cash released a song by that same title in 1973. Matthew 24 is one of the most wrongly interpreted chapters in the Bible. In truth, the signs of Matthew 24 point to the destruction of Jerusalem and not to the second coming of Jesus and the end of the world. The key to understanding Matthew 24:1-35 is found in verses 14 and 34. Verse 14 reads, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Paul made it clear in Colossians 1:6, 23 and in Romans 10:16-18 that the gospel had been preached to the whole world within a generation of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24. Thus, the events of Matthew 24 would take place in the days immediately following the writing of those two epistles. Then there is verse 34, “Assuredly I say to you, this generation shall not pass away until all these things take place.” I am unsure how so many miss that statement.

Old Testament reading: Genesis 24-26

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing” (Proverbs 18:22). Today’s reading  is a beautiful account of faith as Abraham seeks a wife for Isaac, who is still grieving the loss of his mother. This account sheds some light on the seemingly out of place account of Genesis 22:20-24. Sandwiched between Abraham’s journey to Beersheba and Sarah’s death is the news of children being born to the house of Nahor. Abraham, rejecting the idolatrous daughters of Canaan, and knowing that a suitable wife for Isaac can be found at home, sends his servant back to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac. This shows us how important it is to marry a Christian.  The home will never reach its greatest height of holiness unless both members are equally committed to serving God.

New Testament reading: Matthew 22-23

“Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Most are familiar with this common text noting the weeping of our Savior at the death of Lazarus. Why He wept is a matter of speculation. In Matthew 23, Jesus wept again – “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!” Unlike his grief concerning Lazarus, the Bible gives us a clearer view of the reason for the Lord’s mourning. As we consider Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem, it must be remembered that He had been with His Father from the beginning. His desire for Israel did not begin after His incarnation. Rather, He had labored and mourned over His people for more than a thousand years. His statement in 23:37 concerning a hen and her chicks is particularly interesting to me.  One day I returned home from an extended time away to find one of my hens had hatched seven chicks. When I went to check on them that evening, I watched her gather all seven underneath her wings to hide them from me. In like fashion, Jesus desired to hide Jerusalem from her destruction, but they refused to be protected. Regarding this destruction, I believe Flavius Josephus’ account of Jerusalem’s destruction is one of the most moving pieces of non-inspired literature.

Old Testament reading: Genesis 21-23

The greatness of the man Abraham can be seen in the response of his neighbors to Sarah’s death. To the man, all the sons of Heth freely offered any piece of their property for Abraham to bury Sarah. Abraham chose a cave owned by Ephron the Hittite, who also promptly offered it to Abraham free of charge. Abraham refused even a discount for the property, offering to buy it “full price.” Abraham demanded that Ephron value the property, to which Ephron replied, “My Lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”  Thus, Abraham is seen not only as a friend of God, but also a friend to his neighbors. One thing you might note is that Abraham and Sarah were not living at the same place when Sarah died. Abraham had been dwelling at Beersheba (22:19) while Sarah was living at Kirjath Arba (23:2).

New Testament reading: Matthew 19-21 

Reading the parable of the laborers in Matthew 20 always brings me a certain degree of melancholy, as I am always reminded of my dad when I read or think on this text.  In 1996 my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He was not a Christian. When the severity of his disease was discovered and he was given 3-6 months to live, I visited him at his home and asked him if he was familiar with this text. After he gave me the gist of it, I pleaded with him, “Dad, it’s the 11th hour.” To this he responded, “You act like I’ve got one foot in the grave.” I preached his funeral thirty three days later. He left this life no more prepared to die than on the day I pleaded with him to consider his soul. Here’s the truth of the matter: If you are not living in service to Jesus, you never know when the 11th hour is upon you. The wise man said, “For a man does not know his time: like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them” (Ecc 9:12).

Old Testament reading: Genesis 18-20

Despite Abraham’s best efforts, the destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah and the cities of the plain could not be avoided. What a terrible commentary on a city that ten righteous souls could not be found within her gates! It is often easy for us to become discouraged when looking at the world and society around us, perhaps even to the point of adopting an “all is lost,” defeatist attitude. However, we would do well to be reminded that faithfulness to God is possible, even in the midst of a wicked world. Both Noah and Lot serve as our examples in this respect. Getting back to our text – Some foolishly offer nonsensical explanations for the destruction of these cities. Perhaps the most well known is Sodom’s “lack of hospitality” (see www.christiancourier.com/articles/1443-plague-of-perversion-the). Jude makes it clear two thousand years later: “As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in similar manner to these, have given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7).

New Testament reading: Matthew 16-18

It is in this reading wherein we witness “the Great Confession” of the deity Jesus.  Contrary to the thinking of some, the rock upon whom the church is built Jesus and Hid Deity, not Peter. Paul noted that no other foundation can be laid than the one already laid, which is Christ (1 Cor 3:11). Moreover, Jesus is called the chief corner stone upon which the church is built (Eph 2:20). We would note the complete failure of Paul to mention Peter in either text. Perhaps he was just jealous of Peter (kidding!). While the Greek word for “Peter” and the word for “rock” are similar, they are not the same. From a purely linguistic standpoint, they cannot refer to the same thing. “Peter” appears in the masculine form while “rock” is in the feminine gender. The Holy Spirit saw fit to make a clear distinction between the two. Many of our Catholic friends will attempt to argue that Jesus was speaking Aramaic, and that there is no distinction between the two in Aramaic. The proper response is, “That may be true; we don’t know. However, we do know that God chose to forever record and preserve it in the Greek, and in so doing made the distinction.