For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Gen. 50
People often quote and discuss Joseph’s response to his brothers’ fear, and rightly so because it holds a lot of life altering truth for us. He said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”(Gen. 50:20a). In this simple statement we see a case for forgiveness, God’s sovereignty, and living without fear. More importantly, we see that the three are tied together. So important are the concepts expressed in Joseph’s statement that we find them expressed multiple times in various ways in the New Testament. They are, in fact, foundational concepts for a Christ-filled response to life. Following are the corresponding New Testament verses that immediately come to mind:
- Jn. 16:33b – “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world”
- Matt. 10:28 – “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell”
- Rom. 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Luke 3
So much of the Bible means more than what it seems on the surface. So when I read Isaiah’s prophecy, quoted here by Luke, I saw more than just topography in it. Isaiah wrote, “Every ravine will be filled”. I see God’s promise to fill and lift up every empty, lowly soul. Isaiah wrote, “And every mountain and hill will be brought low”. I see God’s promise to humble every proud heart, putting the haughty in their proper place. Finally, Isaiah wrote, “The crooked will become straight, and the rough roads smooth”. And I see God making right the wayward ways of the unrighteous, establishing them in His Way. In all of this I see Jesus, who is the salvation of God.
Job 16-17
Job called his friends, “sorry comforters”, and I have to agree with him. He also asked, “What plagues you that you answer?” (Job 16:3b). That’s actually a great question. Why did Job’s friends deem it necessary to speak such harsh accusations to him? It is easy to stand and make judgments, to hurl accusations at a man when he’s down and you’re up. But what’s the point? Perhaps it started as a desire to help, to set Job’s ways right so his suffering might end. But rather than admit they misjudged the situation and change course, they instead escalated their arguments and became increasingly accusatory. Why?
Job had done nothing wrong to his friends. Nor did they know of any specific way he had sinned against God. Yet they insisted on his guilt because they were unwilling to admit their faulty understanding of God. Thus, however well-intentioned they may have been at the start, their pride took over. It became about proving themselves right at Job’s expense. How much better if they could have chosen the other option Job mentioned. “I could strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips could lessen your pain.” (Job 16:5). Whether someone is down and out for no known cause or I am aware of their sin against me or against God, may I always reach out to them with their well-being and not my own pride as top priority.