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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for November 2013
December 1, 2013
Genesis 46:2-4 – And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will make of thee a great nation. I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.
Thought: Throughout the entire time Joseph was in Egypt, God had not spoken unto Israel. God allowed this noble patriarch to endure a long period of affliction knowing that Joseph was alive in Egypt. My friend, God does not always remove our suffering and grief. If we learn to trust Him in the hard times, following His will in times of blessing will not be difficult. We, as Israel, will say: “Here am I.”
Exodus 3:3-4
December 2, 2013
Genesis 46:29-30 – And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
Thought: During those 22 years of separation, Israel believed in his heart that Joseph was dead. Had he been asked if Joseph were dead, he would have said: “Yes.” He was convinced that his belief was founded upon evidence for he saw the torn and blood-stained coat of his son. All of this time, however, Joseph was wrong. He had believed a lie and his faith was not founded upon truth. All faiths, regardless of how sincerely they are held, are false faiths if they are founded upon false evidence.
Hebrews 11:1
December 3, 2013
Genesis 47:1 – And Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen.
Thought: God had promised Abraham that he would make of him a great nation. It is interesting to see that he removed Abraham’s descendants from the land of promise for a period of time to bring this promise to fruition. In Egypt, there was provision. In Egypt, there was protection. In Egypt, there was freedom from enemies. In Egypt, they could grow and become a strong and powerful people.
Isaiah 55:8-9
December 4, 2013
Genesis 47:12 – And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household with bread, according to their families.
Thought: There was no hostility in the heart of Joseph. He did not seek to make his brethren suffer for their evil deeds of the past. No, Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren. Is there any virtue in repaying evil with evil? Is there any reward in seeking to get even? Evil is overcome, not with more evil, but with good.
I Peter 3:9
December 5, 2013
Genesis 47:13 – And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan failed by reason of the famine.
Thought: Difficult and trying times often face nations. The key to overcoming national adversities is strong leadership. Joseph had been placed over the land. His wise decisions and actions would save the people of the land from destruction. When our nation suffers, let us pray that God will raise up godly men who can deliver us from hardships and suffering.
I Samuel 16:18
December 6, 2013
Genesis 47:25 – And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.
Thought: There is a principle that all citizens of a nation must understand. The larger a government grows and the more it controls, the more the citizens thereof are its servants. The dire conditions found in Egypt forced such a situation there. Many times, however, government grows because the people allow it to happen. Just remember that citizens can become the slaves of its government.
I Samuel 8:11-18
December 7, 2013
Genesis 47:29-30 - …bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: but I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burial place. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.
Thought: As one approaches death, several requests come to mind. One of these involves the place of one’s burial. For some reason, there is comfort in knowing exactly where one’s body will be laid to rest. It is part of man’s acceptance of death. With this settled, one can say: “Now I am ready to die.” The survivors should seek to honor the request. “And he said, I will do as thou hast said.”
Hebrews 11:22
December 8, 2013
Genesis 48:1 – And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Thought: News about a parent’s sickness brings sadness. It often necessitates a visit. Before a parent passes from this life, most children do not want to leave any “unfinished business.” When parents die and issues of life are left unresolved, there is usually a lingering feeling of regret and sorrow in the heart of the surviving child. Please, don’t leave things “up in the air.” Settle differences. Make amends. Make the hard decisions.
John 11:3
December 9, 2013
Genesis 48:2 – And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, they son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.
Thought: When a person is ill, his body is weak. If the person has visitors, it takes effort for the sick to be presentable and to communicate with those who visit. Before visiting, we should consider how ill the person is that we want to visit. It may be a visit is not wise at this time. If we do visit, remember the person is expending a great deal of energy. Make your visit short.
James 1:27
December 10, 2013
Genesis 48:5 – And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
Thought: Ephraim and Manasseh were the grandsons of Jacob. They were the children of Joseph by Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah the priest of On. In our text, Jacob accepts these sons as his own. In fact, he likens them unto his first two sons. Kindred blood is precious. That tie is difficult to break.
Proverbs 17:6
December 11, 2013
Genesis 48:6 – And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.
Thought: Since the days of Abraham, a great nation had been promised through Abraham’s seed. This nation would be divided between the sons of Jacob. Levi, however, would not receive a portion of land. To fill this void, Joseph’s two sons would each receive an inheri-tance in the land of Canaan. In essence, Joseph received a double portion from his father.
Joshua 14:4
December 12, 2013
Genesis 48:11 – And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath showed me also thy seed.
Thought: Man’s ability to see into the future is extremely limited. Even when armed with what he believes to be the facts, he may not properly anticipate what is to come. Jacob had thought Joseph was dead. He never thought that he would see him again. Yet, he was privileged to see both Joseph and Joseph’s sons. God can truly bless us with blessings unimaginable.
Psalm 36:7-8
December 13, 2013
Genesis 48:14 – And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.
Thought: When blessings were conferred upon children in the Old Testament they were very important. What was said to them was prophetic in nature. Usually the firstborn child received a greater portion. However, such was not always the case. It was not true here. Israel gives the younger child, Ephraim, the greater blessing. Joseph was displeased (Gen. 48:17), but this was the Lord’s will. God’s will always prevails over the feelings of man.
Jeremiah 17:7
December 14, 2013
Genesis 48:22a – Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren…
Thought: Joseph had always sustained a special relationship with his father. He was the first son of Rachel. He was honest and dependable. His father had given him a coat of many colors. In times past, this relationship had caused problems. Near his death, Jacob reaffirms his relationship with Joseph. Joseph was given two parcels of land in Canaan. They were called after his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
Ezekiel 47:13
December 15, 2013
Genesis 49:1 – And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
Thought: There are many important times that come to pass in our relationship with our parents. One of those involves our hearing their final words before death. These might come in a planned session like the one Jacob called for his sons. The time might be just before our parent draws his last breath on his bed of affliction. The responsibility of the children is found in Genesis 49:2. “Gather yourselves together, and hear…”
Deuteronomy 31:12
December 16, 2013
Genesis 49:2 – Reuben, thou art by firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.
Thought: In Bible days, there were high expectations placed upon the firstborn son. In this passage, Jacob reminds Reuben of those expectations. Verse 3, however, shows that Reuben did not live up to these expectations. Instead of being strong, he was “unstable as water.” In addition, he sinned against his father. Some of the expectations that parents have for children might be too high. Others, though, can be reasonable. It is heartbreaking for a parent when a child fails to meet the mark set for him.
I Chronicles 5:1
December 17, 2013
Genesis 49:7 – Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Thought: Simeon and Levi are known for two things, anger and hostility. All of us have dealt with this type of a person. Anger resides in his heart. This anger often erupts in explosive behavior that wombs and harms others. Individuals who are filled with hostility are dangerous. They often seek accomplices to assist them in their violent actions. The Bible warns against relationships with angry people.
Proverbs 22:24
December 18, 2013
Genesis 49:10 – The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
Thought: There is a silver thread that runs through the Bible. It involves the redemption of fallen man through the death of Jesus Christ. From time to time as we read the Old Testament, we are reminded of that plan. In this passage two prominent things are revealed about the Messiah. First, He would be of the lineage of Judah. Second, He would be of royal descent, a King!
John 18:37
December 19, 2013
Genesis 49:23-24 – The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: but his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel).
Thought: Joseph’s life had involved many periods of suffering. He was deeply hated at times. His heart was filled with sorrow. There was the constant threat of death all about him. Yet, he survived. How? “The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.” God was present and actively involved in his life. He is present and active in the lives of all of his faithful children.
I John 4:4
December 20, 2013
Genesis 49:33 – And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.
Thought: Jacob thought that his life would end in deep sorrow. When he thought Joseph was dead, he told his sons: “For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning (Gen. 37:35). Instead, however, he died in peace. No man knows the day, the how, or the circumstances that will surround his death. Rather than making forecasts about that day, we would be better off to prepare for it by deepening our faith in God.
James 4:14-15
December 21, 2013
Genesis 50:1 – And Joseph fell upon his father’s face, and wept upon him, and kissed him.
Thought: The death of the faithful brings mixed emotions to the living. There is sorrow due to the loss that is experienced. The love, the influence, the joy, and the wisdom of a loved one will no longer be experienced from day to day. But, there is also a sense of happiness, satisfaction, and peace that fills the heart of the survivor. The dead have gone to their reward. They have entered into the presence of the divine. The struggles of this world have ceased.
Psalm 116:15
December 22, 2013
Genesis 50:5 – My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.
Thought: The dying often have last wishes that they request of their survivors. Jacob wished to be buried with his ancestors in the cave of Machpelah in the land of Canaan. As a faithful and obedient son, Joseph sought to fulfill this request of his father. What a blessing it would be if every child gave the same diligence to the last requests of their parents.
II Samuel 19:37
December 23, 2013
Genesis 50:14 – And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.
Thought: After the time of mourning and after the burial of the dead, the living continues to live. The death of one should not stifle the lives of the survivors. They must return to their homes, their jobs, and their daily activities. Figuratively, dying with the dead is not profitable. It doesn’t change the end of the dead. It only makes the life of the living unfruitful.
Deuteronomy 34:7-9
December 24, 2013
Genesis 50:15 – And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.
Thought: There are many people who project onto others the thoughts and the feelings they would have in certain situations. Joseph’s brothers had been vengeful siblings. Getting even was how they had acted in times past. They now thought that Joseph would retaliate against them with revenge. They knew themselves, but they did not know their brother.
Proverbs 28:1
December 25, 2013
Genesis 50:17 – So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin: for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
Thought: These words came from the lips of Jacob. This is what he counseled his brothers to say unto Joseph upon his death. Here, we read the word of a true confession. It admits transgression. It acknowledges that sin has been committed. Twice there is a petition for forgiveness. We do not read of any “if’s” or “maybe’s.” There is just a frank, honest confession of iniquity. This is Biblical confession.
I John 1:9
December 26, 2013
Genesis 50:19 – And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
Thought: Joseph was in a position of great power. He could have exercised that power to punish his brothers for the wrongs of the past. He, however, knew his place before God. He basically said: “I am not in the place of God.” Therefore, his genuine counsel to them was to “fear not.” These were words of comfort to men whose hearts feared the worst.
Romans 12:19
December 27, 2013
Genesis 50:20 – But as you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Thought: Man’s most evil schemes can be used by God to bring to pass amazing things. Joseph’s brothers had sought to punish one young lad. Through their meanness God would save an entire nation of people. Truly, we are weak, but He is strong. God’s amazing providence operates in such a way that when it is revealed, man stands back in amazement.
Psalm 105:16-17
December 28, 2013
Genesis 50:21 – Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Thought: Joseph here practices true agape love. He sought out the best interest of men who had brought him great affliction. The verbs are strong: “nourish,” “comforted,” and “spake kindly.” Would you have done as Joseph did long ago. Would love override any hatred and desire for revenge? Perhaps even now there is someone who needs to experience this type of love from you.
Romans 12:20-21
December 29, 2013
Genesis 50:23 – And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees.
Thought: There were probably many times in Joseph’s early years that he thought that he would die as a young man. God, however, gave him a long, rich life. He got to see grandchildren and great grandchildren born unto him. Joseph’s knees became a place for instruction and treasured memories. Joseph could thank God for a long life.
Psalm 128:6
December 30, 2013
Genesis 50:24 – And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Thought: Joseph comes to the close of his life with one thing on his mind, the promises of God. Joseph had been separated from the land of Canaan for a long time, but he knew God would settle His people there. Israel had been away from the land of Canaan for several years now, but Joseph knew that would not last. They would return. How did he know? His God was faithful.
Deuteronomy 7:9
December 31, 2013
Genesis 50:25 – And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.
Thought: Man has a burning desire deep within. That desire is to return home. Joseph would not see Canaan again, but he desired for his remains to be buried there. His request seems to be saying: “Please take me home.” It would be many years before his request was fulfilled, but it would come to pass. Joseph came to rest in the cave of Machpelah.
Joshua 24:32
Read devotionals for January 2014