be patient in tribulation (ESV)
Be patient in time of trouble (CEV)
Enduring in tribulation (EMTV)
Be patient in your troubles (GNB)
This passage would tell us to stay under the rule of faith and persevere during times when we are under pressure from difficult circumstances such as persecution, afflictions, disease, famine, poverty, broken relationships, loneliness, political oppression, rejection, abandonment, and abuse. We are not to flee from faith when we face hardships but to hold fast to our faith in Messiah Jesus during the hardest of times. The Apostle Paul would encourage us to be brave and not panic during times of trouble.
We live in a society that is not very patient. We do not endure a lack of pleasure or pain very long or very well. We live in an "instant" society and want immediate results. The idea of trusting God during hard and dark times is the opposite of what we would expect we would have to do. A call to be remain faithful to God and faith even when God is not keeping bad things from happening in my life is a difficult concept. This is especially true if by the giving up of our faith we can get rid of the pressure we are under. Messiah Jesus warns that some will receive the gospel with great joy but when persecutions and hardships arise will fall away. If the roots of our faith are shallow then that faith will not endure.
It is clear the Apostles did not have a theology that said that if a person had faith they would not have tribulation and trouble in this life. The normal Christian life is one where people struggle and suffer. Faith helps us endure the suffering it does not keep the suffering from coming into our lives. We live in a time when one of the central doctrines of faith in America is that God will rapture all Christians out of the world so they will not have to suffer tribulation. It is vital to the faith of many that they will not have to endure such a time of great trouble. Now prophecy aside, what we do know is that Christians do suffer great trouble and have suffered great tribulation during all of Church history.
In this year alone an estimated 175,000 people will be killed because of their faith in Messiah Jesus. There are millions of Christians who suffer persecution under oppressive governments around the world today. They are patient in their tribulation. Regardless of our prophecy we must be ready to endure trouble, persecution, oppression, ridicule, and poverty for the sake of Messiah Jesus.
Paul is really saying that true love for Messiah Jesus will endure all things. Our faith is a relationship of committed love. As we suffer various problems we need to gain God's strength in the relationship we have because of Messiah Jesus' death for our sins and resurrection from the dead. Seeing His love for us should inspire us to trust and love Him as well.
To be patient in my troubles also means that I will not give into frustration and anger. Most of our abuse of others occurs during times when we feel under pressure. Our worst outbursts of anger come when things go wrong in our life and we feel pain. We forget that undisciplined human anger cannot make things right. The gospel calls us to bless people in our pain even as Messiah Jesus prayed for those who crucified HIM. Part of living a life of love is learning to exercise self control when we are under pressure.
How can I increase my ability to be patient when suffering and not give in to frustration, anger, and fear? One way is to remind myself of eternity and the hope of Christ's perfect kingdom. Tribulation will not be forever. It is just a short time and then I will be free of pain and know only God's warm embrace forever. Another is to believe that there is purpose in all pain. God is at work in the trouble to bring about something good in my soul and in the world. All pain is pregnant with kingdom potential. When I know that there is a purpose in my suffering it helps me endure the pain. Finally, my kingdom focused suffering allows me to better understand the heart of Messiah Jesus. As I take up my cross daily and suffer for God's kingdom, I become more like Messiah Jesus in HIS taking up the cross for my sins. My suffering makes me more like my Lord Jesus
Showing posts with label purpose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label purpose. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
God's Purpose For Our Lives
Jeremiah 1:4-10
4 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." 6 Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." 7 But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, "I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." 9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."
This history of Jeremiah’s call to his office formed a part of his first address to the people. He claimed to act by an external authority, and to speak not his own words but those of Yahweh the creator of the universe and the redeemer of Israel (see Jer_15:13; Jer_20:7, Jer_20:14-18). It was the WORD of deity that was in Jeremiah’s mouth and not just his own perspective. He was a minister of the WORD.
God tells Jeremiah what the Almighty One has been doing in Jeremiah’s life.
1. Yahweh knew Jeremiah before his body was formed in the womb.
2. Before Jeremiah was born Yahweh had set him apart to be a prophet to the nations
At this point the prophet interrupts God. Jeremiah does not know anything about before he was formed in his mother’s womb. He does not know anything about a destiny given to him before he was born. He does know who he is in the here and now. Jeremiah is sure Yahweh has chosen the wrong man.
"Sovereign LORD, I don't know how to speak; I am too young."
Jeremiah knows that he is not a skilled speaker. He is not experienced. He is not worthy to be a prophet. He does not have charisma. Who will listen to him? Yahweh can surely find a better spokesman.
The Sovereign Lord answers Jeremiah. No, do not look at your powers. Do not focus on your abilities. Your qualifications are that I am the one who is sending you and it will my WORDS in your mouth. You do not have to be a great speaker you only need to repeat what you are told. God knows that the culture will not respond well to what He has to say. Yahweh promises that He will preserve Jeremiah when the people respond with anger to the WORD.
Then Yahweh actually puts the DIVINE WORD into the mouth of the prophet. He is given the gift of the WORD of God that now is incarnate in his mouth. His mouth has become the mouth of God. Jeremiah because he is God’s prophet now has authority because he speaks for God. The authority is not in Jeremiah but in the WORD of God which has become a part of Jeremiah.
This WORD OF God will have a positive and negative impact. The judgments of God in history will uproot and destroy the agricultural economics of that day and the great cities like Jerusalem will be pull downed and overthrown. Humanities rebellion and the apostasy of God’s people will bring the just curse of God crashing down upon the world. Yet, out of the rumble the promise of God still speaks. A New Jerusalem will be built and a fruitful garden planted. The kingdom of God will come. The curse will pass away and the merciful promise will be fulfilled. The WORD OF GOD brings death and life, curse and blessing, destruction and restoration.
Today we also have the WORD of God. We proclaim both LAW and GOSPEL. The LAW brings just warnings of condemnation due to our moral rebellion and imperfection. The LAW gives us understanding of the flow of history and the principles that rule all of life. The LAW is good and spiritual but comes to us as a messenger of death because we are neither good nor spiritual. With only the LAW we would be in despair. But, as the LAW takes from us all hope in ourselves the GOSPEL gives us hope in the love of GOD found in Messiah Jesus. The GOSPEL is Yahweh’s promise to forgive and restore sinners out of condemnation and into a perfectly restored relationship. The GOSPEL is full of grace at a price we can never understand in MESSIAH’S suffering for our sins. So just like Jeremiah our message both destroys and restores.
This passage also tells us that God has a plan for every Christian which we have no choice but fulfill. Our choices are that either Yahweh has a few people like Jeremiah that “he knows” and ‘sets apart” before their birth or that this is what Yahweh has done for all of HIS people. Based on Ephesians 1:4 and Romans 8:29 it is clear Yahweh is choosing and foreknowing all of HIS children and not just the prophets. Jeremiah’s destiny is not in doubt because GOD has had it in HIS mind forever. Every Christian has been given a part in GOD’S drama and we must all play our roles. Each of us have a positive contribution to make and our success is not based on us but on GOD being with us and working in us. This perspective, if it becomes part of our life story which we repeat to ourselves in our self talk can give us great confidence, a sense of significance, and even peace in the midst of our struggles, tears, and fears.
Christocentric - Jesus the Messiah is the incarnate WORD OF GOD and is the promise of Yahweh in the flesh. (John 1:1-18)
Moral – Our authority to do our ministry is because GOD has given us our ministry. The power to do our ministry is GOD’s power in us. It is wrong to look to ourselves and either refuse ministry because of our weakness or to think we are strong enough to do it without GOD’s abundant help.
Eternal - In eternity we will fully live in the GOSPEL and be able to live the essence of the LAW. We will become the incarnation of the fulfillment of the WORD OF GOD.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us GOSPEL in the midst of our sins. LORD, thank you for choosing us to be your people with a purpose.
Contemplation: You have not chosen me but I have chosen you.
Action: What part of God’s LAW do I need to hear, understand, and share? What part of the GOSPEL do I need to hear, understand, and share? With whom? Remind myself that I am a chosen child of God living a life designed for GOD’s GLORY!
“The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.” – The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren P.17
4 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." 6 Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." 7 But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, "I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." 9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."
This history of Jeremiah’s call to his office formed a part of his first address to the people. He claimed to act by an external authority, and to speak not his own words but those of Yahweh the creator of the universe and the redeemer of Israel (see Jer_15:13; Jer_20:7, Jer_20:14-18). It was the WORD of deity that was in Jeremiah’s mouth and not just his own perspective. He was a minister of the WORD.
God tells Jeremiah what the Almighty One has been doing in Jeremiah’s life.
1. Yahweh knew Jeremiah before his body was formed in the womb.
2. Before Jeremiah was born Yahweh had set him apart to be a prophet to the nations
At this point the prophet interrupts God. Jeremiah does not know anything about before he was formed in his mother’s womb. He does not know anything about a destiny given to him before he was born. He does know who he is in the here and now. Jeremiah is sure Yahweh has chosen the wrong man.
"Sovereign LORD, I don't know how to speak; I am too young."
Jeremiah knows that he is not a skilled speaker. He is not experienced. He is not worthy to be a prophet. He does not have charisma. Who will listen to him? Yahweh can surely find a better spokesman.
The Sovereign Lord answers Jeremiah. No, do not look at your powers. Do not focus on your abilities. Your qualifications are that I am the one who is sending you and it will my WORDS in your mouth. You do not have to be a great speaker you only need to repeat what you are told. God knows that the culture will not respond well to what He has to say. Yahweh promises that He will preserve Jeremiah when the people respond with anger to the WORD.
Then Yahweh actually puts the DIVINE WORD into the mouth of the prophet. He is given the gift of the WORD of God that now is incarnate in his mouth. His mouth has become the mouth of God. Jeremiah because he is God’s prophet now has authority because he speaks for God. The authority is not in Jeremiah but in the WORD of God which has become a part of Jeremiah.
This WORD OF God will have a positive and negative impact. The judgments of God in history will uproot and destroy the agricultural economics of that day and the great cities like Jerusalem will be pull downed and overthrown. Humanities rebellion and the apostasy of God’s people will bring the just curse of God crashing down upon the world. Yet, out of the rumble the promise of God still speaks. A New Jerusalem will be built and a fruitful garden planted. The kingdom of God will come. The curse will pass away and the merciful promise will be fulfilled. The WORD OF GOD brings death and life, curse and blessing, destruction and restoration.
Today we also have the WORD of God. We proclaim both LAW and GOSPEL. The LAW brings just warnings of condemnation due to our moral rebellion and imperfection. The LAW gives us understanding of the flow of history and the principles that rule all of life. The LAW is good and spiritual but comes to us as a messenger of death because we are neither good nor spiritual. With only the LAW we would be in despair. But, as the LAW takes from us all hope in ourselves the GOSPEL gives us hope in the love of GOD found in Messiah Jesus. The GOSPEL is Yahweh’s promise to forgive and restore sinners out of condemnation and into a perfectly restored relationship. The GOSPEL is full of grace at a price we can never understand in MESSIAH’S suffering for our sins. So just like Jeremiah our message both destroys and restores.
This passage also tells us that God has a plan for every Christian which we have no choice but fulfill. Our choices are that either Yahweh has a few people like Jeremiah that “he knows” and ‘sets apart” before their birth or that this is what Yahweh has done for all of HIS people. Based on Ephesians 1:4 and Romans 8:29 it is clear Yahweh is choosing and foreknowing all of HIS children and not just the prophets. Jeremiah’s destiny is not in doubt because GOD has had it in HIS mind forever. Every Christian has been given a part in GOD’S drama and we must all play our roles. Each of us have a positive contribution to make and our success is not based on us but on GOD being with us and working in us. This perspective, if it becomes part of our life story which we repeat to ourselves in our self talk can give us great confidence, a sense of significance, and even peace in the midst of our struggles, tears, and fears.
Christocentric - Jesus the Messiah is the incarnate WORD OF GOD and is the promise of Yahweh in the flesh. (John 1:1-18)
Moral – Our authority to do our ministry is because GOD has given us our ministry. The power to do our ministry is GOD’s power in us. It is wrong to look to ourselves and either refuse ministry because of our weakness or to think we are strong enough to do it without GOD’s abundant help.
Eternal - In eternity we will fully live in the GOSPEL and be able to live the essence of the LAW. We will become the incarnation of the fulfillment of the WORD OF GOD.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us GOSPEL in the midst of our sins. LORD, thank you for choosing us to be your people with a purpose.
Contemplation: You have not chosen me but I have chosen you.
Action: What part of God’s LAW do I need to hear, understand, and share? What part of the GOSPEL do I need to hear, understand, and share? With whom? Remind myself that I am a chosen child of God living a life designed for GOD’s GLORY!
“The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.” – The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren P.17
Friday, August 29, 2008
Psalm 138 - You give me strength and give me success!
Devotions
Reading: NLT Psalm 138:1 A psalm of David. I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. 2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. 3 When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need. 4 Every king in all the earth will give you thanks, O LORD, for all of them will hear your words. 5 Yes, they will sing about the LORD's ways, for the glory of the LORD is very great. 6 Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. 7 Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me. 8 The LORD will work out his plans for my life-- for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me.
Meditation
Literal
Verse 1. The false gods were the gods of other countries, like Babylon and Assyria. These “gods” could also be the pagan political rulers who claimed many times to be gods or sons of gods. "*Praises" are words that say how great somebody is. So the psalmist is saying that in the presence of idols that the pagans depend to give them power and the great men who claim to be walking demi-gods, he will sing the greatness of The LORD.
In these circumstances the *psalmist writes about the *LORD. The *LORD is a special name for God. It is the "*covenant" name for God. A *covenant is when there is a promise given between two people. This promise can be conditional or unconditional. The LORD has unconditionally promised to love and give help to the people He has chosen. "With all my *heart" is a Hebrew (and English) way to say, "as well as I possibly can".
Verse 2. "Your name" means more than just "God" or "*LORD". It means everything that God is. The "unfailing and faithful love" is a special Bible word. It means the love that God has for his people:
· will never finish;
· will always send help.
These promises are fully guaranteed by God. He will keep His word.
Verse 3. God gave David strength. This is what David would write. Often, when he wanted help, he prayed to the *LORD. The *LORD always answered him. Not by keeping him from having problems but by giving him the strength to get through the problem. David knew that this strength to endure was not his strength but the LORD’s strength given him.
Verses 4 and 5. The day is coming when every leader of every land will hear the word of the LORD. They:
· thanked him (verse 4); and
· sang about it (verse 5).
God has *glory because he is infinite in greatness both in character and in deeds. He is very, very great. So spiritually speaking the greatness and wonder of the LORD shines as the sun shines! That is what "*glory" means.
Verse 6. This is about two groups of people. One group is people that need help. God is high above us in eternity. But he can still see who needs help. He also sees the *proud people. These people think that they are so good that they do not need help and reject God’s word concerning their need.
Verse 7. "The right hand of God" is a Hebrew way to say "what God does on the earth". We could translate it, "by the power of God". God will ultimately protect us from our enemies and give us victory over the satanic forces of darkness. The pagan kings and their gods will not have the ultimate victory in my life. This belongs to the LORD.
Verse 8. This great LORD will accomplish His plan for my life. He will cause every one of his people to know true eternal success.
--------------------------------------------------
Christocentric Perspective – Christ is the fulfilment of all the promises of God. It is through Him that the ultimate enemy Satan has been defeated. His death on the cross, burial, and resurrection has brought the power of God into history through the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Church. The great commission will take the message of Christ and disciple every nation. The gates of hell will not prevail against Christ’s church and the His purpose for us will be totally fulfilled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moral Perspective - I should trust in and give praise for the faithful love of the LORD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eternal: In the eternal kingdom we will dwell before the Lord and see His Glory face to face. We will be filled with thankfulness and see every enemy of our soul totally crushed and powerless. We will give praise to the LORD out of the fullness of our heart and with every atom of our being. This intense and total worship will fulfil us more than anything else we have ever experienced. This is our ultimate destiny as believers in Jesus Christ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prayer: Lord let me see your greatness, express wonder and praise for your greatness, and give to me the strength I need to get through all the struggles I face today. Let me know this is your strength and not mine.
---------------------------------------------------
Contemplation: In Christ is the victory!
---------------------------------------------------
Action: I will not fear what I read in the paper about politics but I will rejoice in the promises of God to me in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reading: NLT Psalm 138:1 A psalm of David. I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. 2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. 3 When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need. 4 Every king in all the earth will give you thanks, O LORD, for all of them will hear your words. 5 Yes, they will sing about the LORD's ways, for the glory of the LORD is very great. 6 Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. 7 Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me. 8 The LORD will work out his plans for my life-- for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me.
Meditation
Literal
Verse 1. The false gods were the gods of other countries, like Babylon and Assyria. These “gods” could also be the pagan political rulers who claimed many times to be gods or sons of gods. "*Praises" are words that say how great somebody is. So the psalmist is saying that in the presence of idols that the pagans depend to give them power and the great men who claim to be walking demi-gods, he will sing the greatness of The LORD.
In these circumstances the *psalmist writes about the *LORD. The *LORD is a special name for God. It is the "*covenant" name for God. A *covenant is when there is a promise given between two people. This promise can be conditional or unconditional. The LORD has unconditionally promised to love and give help to the people He has chosen. "With all my *heart" is a Hebrew (and English) way to say, "as well as I possibly can".
Verse 2. "Your name" means more than just "God" or "*LORD". It means everything that God is. The "unfailing and faithful love" is a special Bible word. It means the love that God has for his people:
· will never finish;
· will always send help.
These promises are fully guaranteed by God. He will keep His word.
Verse 3. God gave David strength. This is what David would write. Often, when he wanted help, he prayed to the *LORD. The *LORD always answered him. Not by keeping him from having problems but by giving him the strength to get through the problem. David knew that this strength to endure was not his strength but the LORD’s strength given him.
Verses 4 and 5. The day is coming when every leader of every land will hear the word of the LORD. They:
· thanked him (verse 4); and
· sang about it (verse 5).
God has *glory because he is infinite in greatness both in character and in deeds. He is very, very great. So spiritually speaking the greatness and wonder of the LORD shines as the sun shines! That is what "*glory" means.
Verse 6. This is about two groups of people. One group is people that need help. God is high above us in eternity. But he can still see who needs help. He also sees the *proud people. These people think that they are so good that they do not need help and reject God’s word concerning their need.
Verse 7. "The right hand of God" is a Hebrew way to say "what God does on the earth". We could translate it, "by the power of God". God will ultimately protect us from our enemies and give us victory over the satanic forces of darkness. The pagan kings and their gods will not have the ultimate victory in my life. This belongs to the LORD.
Verse 8. This great LORD will accomplish His plan for my life. He will cause every one of his people to know true eternal success.
--------------------------------------------------
Christocentric Perspective – Christ is the fulfilment of all the promises of God. It is through Him that the ultimate enemy Satan has been defeated. His death on the cross, burial, and resurrection has brought the power of God into history through the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Church. The great commission will take the message of Christ and disciple every nation. The gates of hell will not prevail against Christ’s church and the His purpose for us will be totally fulfilled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moral Perspective - I should trust in and give praise for the faithful love of the LORD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eternal: In the eternal kingdom we will dwell before the Lord and see His Glory face to face. We will be filled with thankfulness and see every enemy of our soul totally crushed and powerless. We will give praise to the LORD out of the fullness of our heart and with every atom of our being. This intense and total worship will fulfil us more than anything else we have ever experienced. This is our ultimate destiny as believers in Jesus Christ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prayer: Lord let me see your greatness, express wonder and praise for your greatness, and give to me the strength I need to get through all the struggles I face today. Let me know this is your strength and not mine.
---------------------------------------------------
Contemplation: In Christ is the victory!
---------------------------------------------------
Action: I will not fear what I read in the paper about politics but I will rejoice in the promises of God to me in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Genesis 45 - Purpose Behind Pain
Reading
Genesis 45
3 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Meditation
Literal: Joseph here is showing great mercy and insight as he reveals his survival and blessing to his brothers who wished him dead. Joseph was a man rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, put into prison, and then exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. He could just as easily interpret his brothers coming to him as an opportunity for vengeance as for mercy. Joseph never lost love for his family even when they abused him. This is amazing. He does test their hearts but his heart is focused on reconciliation. He has seen in God’s hand behind all of his hardships. He has seen purpose in his pain.
Christocentric: Joseph is a figure of Christ. Prophesied to be an anointed leader to whom his brothers would bow, rejected by his brothers, figuratively sacrificed in the dipping of the coat of many colors in animal blood, treated as a sinner though righteous, buried in prison, and raised up to glory. Here is the gospel in the Old Testament. Christ also forgives us though we were those who betrayed him because it was God’s will that He suffer and pay the price of our redemption. King Jesus now receives us back by grace though we deserve His wrath. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Joseph reflected.
Moral: We are to trust that God is working all things together for good. We are to see behind events and allow this to govern our anger and desire for revenge. We are to love our enemy and treat them kindly since this is the only way to overcome evil. By doing this we imitate the gospel and reflect the truth of God in our lives.
Eternal: There will be a day when we will hear “You are forgiven” by our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be given a heavenly view of our whole history. We will see how God was at work in our most painful times to bring good to others and develop our character. We will see the full plan of God revealed and then the pain will make sense for we will be able to connect all the dots and see the wisdom behind all of Gods’ plans. This reality should help us trust God today even when we are in the dark about his plans.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust you when bad things happen. Forgive me for murmuring and pouting. Give me greater faith in your plan. Help me understand more deeply what it means to have your favor. Grant me wisdom in understanding the losses and struggles we have in life. Lord have mercy on me. Lord have mercy on my family. Lord have mercy on the ministry. Lord guide us with your wisdom.
Contemplation: Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
Act: Today I will look to see God’s hand in the midst of my opportunities and trials. I will attempt to look on my life through Joseph’s eyes and see God’s plan in all that happens. Lord give me wisdom. Help me live a wise life. I will seek to acknowledge and trust in God presence and power today.
Genesis 45
3 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Meditation
Literal: Joseph here is showing great mercy and insight as he reveals his survival and blessing to his brothers who wished him dead. Joseph was a man rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, put into prison, and then exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. He could just as easily interpret his brothers coming to him as an opportunity for vengeance as for mercy. Joseph never lost love for his family even when they abused him. This is amazing. He does test their hearts but his heart is focused on reconciliation. He has seen in God’s hand behind all of his hardships. He has seen purpose in his pain.
Christocentric: Joseph is a figure of Christ. Prophesied to be an anointed leader to whom his brothers would bow, rejected by his brothers, figuratively sacrificed in the dipping of the coat of many colors in animal blood, treated as a sinner though righteous, buried in prison, and raised up to glory. Here is the gospel in the Old Testament. Christ also forgives us though we were those who betrayed him because it was God’s will that He suffer and pay the price of our redemption. King Jesus now receives us back by grace though we deserve His wrath. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Joseph reflected.
Moral: We are to trust that God is working all things together for good. We are to see behind events and allow this to govern our anger and desire for revenge. We are to love our enemy and treat them kindly since this is the only way to overcome evil. By doing this we imitate the gospel and reflect the truth of God in our lives.
Eternal: There will be a day when we will hear “You are forgiven” by our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be given a heavenly view of our whole history. We will see how God was at work in our most painful times to bring good to others and develop our character. We will see the full plan of God revealed and then the pain will make sense for we will be able to connect all the dots and see the wisdom behind all of Gods’ plans. This reality should help us trust God today even when we are in the dark about his plans.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust you when bad things happen. Forgive me for murmuring and pouting. Give me greater faith in your plan. Help me understand more deeply what it means to have your favor. Grant me wisdom in understanding the losses and struggles we have in life. Lord have mercy on me. Lord have mercy on my family. Lord have mercy on the ministry. Lord guide us with your wisdom.
Contemplation: Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
Act: Today I will look to see God’s hand in the midst of my opportunities and trials. I will attempt to look on my life through Joseph’s eyes and see God’s plan in all that happens. Lord give me wisdom. Help me live a wise life. I will seek to acknowledge and trust in God presence and power today.
Genesis 45 - Purpose Behind Pain
Reading
Genesis 45
3 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Meditation
Literal: Joseph here is showing great mercy and insight as he reveals his survival and blessing to his brothers who wished him dead. Joseph was a man rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, put into prison, and then exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. He could just as easily interpret his brothers coming to him as an opportunity for vengeance as for mercy. Joseph never lost love for his family even when they abused him. This is amazing. He does test their hearts but his heart is focused on reconciliation. He has seen in God’s hand behind all of his hardships. He has seen purpose in his pain.
Christocentric: Joseph is a figure of Christ. Prophesied to be an anointed leader to whom his brothers would bow, rejected by his brothers, figuratively sacrificed in the dipping of the coat of many colors in animal blood, treated as a sinner though righteous, buried in prison, and raised up to glory. Here is the gospel in the Old Testament. Christ also forgives us though we were those who betrayed him because it was God’s will that He suffer and pay the price of our redemption. King Jesus now receives us back by grace though we deserve His wrath. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Joseph reflected.
Moral: We are to trust that God is working all things together for good. We are to see behind events and allow this to govern our anger and desire for revenge. We are to love our enemy and treat them kindly since this is the only way to overcome evil. By doing this we imitate the gospel and reflect the truth of God in our lives.
Eternal: There will be a day when we will hear “You are forgiven” by our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be given a heavenly view of our whole history. We will see how God was at work in our most painful times to bring good to others and develop our character. We will see the full plan of God revealed and then the pain will make sense for we will be able to connect all the dots and see the wisdom behind all of Gods’ plans. This reality should help us trust God today even when we are in the dark about his plans.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust you when bad things happen. Forgive me for murmuring and pouting. Give me greater faith in your plan. Help me understand more deeply what it means to have your favor. Grant me wisdom in understanding the losses and struggles we have in life. Lord have mercy on me. Lord have mercy on my family. Lord have mercy on the ministry. Lord guide us with your wisdom.
Contemplation: Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
Act: Today I will look to see God’s hand in the midst of my opportunities and trials. I will attempt to look on my life through Joseph’s eyes and see God’s plan in all that happens. Lord give me wisdom. Help me live a wise life. I will seek to acknowledge and trust in God presence and power today.
Genesis 45
3 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Meditation
Literal: Joseph here is showing great mercy and insight as he reveals his survival and blessing to his brothers who wished him dead. Joseph was a man rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, put into prison, and then exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. He could just as easily interpret his brothers coming to him as an opportunity for vengeance as for mercy. Joseph never lost love for his family even when they abused him. This is amazing. He does test their hearts but his heart is focused on reconciliation. He has seen in God’s hand behind all of his hardships. He has seen purpose in his pain.
Christocentric: Joseph is a figure of Christ. Prophesied to be an anointed leader to whom his brothers would bow, rejected by his brothers, figuratively sacrificed in the dipping of the coat of many colors in animal blood, treated as a sinner though righteous, buried in prison, and raised up to glory. Here is the gospel in the Old Testament. Christ also forgives us though we were those who betrayed him because it was God’s will that He suffer and pay the price of our redemption. King Jesus now receives us back by grace though we deserve His wrath. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Joseph reflected.
Moral: We are to trust that God is working all things together for good. We are to see behind events and allow this to govern our anger and desire for revenge. We are to love our enemy and treat them kindly since this is the only way to overcome evil. By doing this we imitate the gospel and reflect the truth of God in our lives.
Eternal: There will be a day when we will hear “You are forgiven” by our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be given a heavenly view of our whole history. We will see how God was at work in our most painful times to bring good to others and develop our character. We will see the full plan of God revealed and then the pain will make sense for we will be able to connect all the dots and see the wisdom behind all of Gods’ plans. This reality should help us trust God today even when we are in the dark about his plans.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust you when bad things happen. Forgive me for murmuring and pouting. Give me greater faith in your plan. Help me understand more deeply what it means to have your favor. Grant me wisdom in understanding the losses and struggles we have in life. Lord have mercy on me. Lord have mercy on my family. Lord have mercy on the ministry. Lord guide us with your wisdom.
Contemplation: Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
Act: Today I will look to see God’s hand in the midst of my opportunities and trials. I will attempt to look on my life through Joseph’s eyes and see God’s plan in all that happens. Lord give me wisdom. Help me live a wise life. I will seek to acknowledge and trust in God presence and power today.
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