Category: Faith
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 39:1-41:57 Focus: Genesis 39:2-6, 20-23 There is an ancient Greek myth about a king who wished that everything he touched turned to gold. The story of King Midas is often told with the moral that selfishness, greed and prosperity does not always bring happiness. However, the story of Joseph is one story of a golden touch used selflessly and generously for the benefit of others. It is no surprise to see the progression in Joseph’s life as he eventually became the second-in-command of Egypt.
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 35:16-38:30 Focus: Genesis 38:1-26 The final chapters of Genesis focus upon the story of Joseph and the preservation of the growing tribes of Israel. One chapter that is often missed in the Joseph story, as it is not about Joseph himself, is the story of his elder brother, Judah. This particular event in Judah’s history is told after our introduction to the dreamer and betrayal into slavery by his brothers, in some ways, it seems a bit odd to include this story. However, the overall story is not about Joseph so much as it is…
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 32:1-35:15 Focus: Genesis 32:1-12 There is hope! For all of us siblings who grew up fighting and arguing, there is hope! What would seem one of the most difficult situations to reconcile, we find that age and maturity changes things. The story of Jacob and Esau is one that certainly shows that there is opportunity for reconciliation. Even after Jacob deceived Esau into selling his birthright, then to go and steal Esau’s blessing… you’d think they’d be a bloody feud breakout when the two brothers met once again. Instead, we find a joyful, maybe a…
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 29:31-31:55 Focus: Genesis 29:31-30:24 In this account of the birth of Jacob’s first 11 sons, we find each son given name with meaning. Respective to the situation of their birth, each son was named accordingly. While the names are important, what stands out in this account of Jacob’s children is the situation which they are born into. Two sisters, Jacob’s wives—Leah and Rachel, compete for the love and affection of their husband (and you wonder why you would want more than one spouse?).
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 26:1-29:30 Focus: Genesis 28:20-22 How often are we tempted to say, or do we hear people say, “God if you do this in my life, I’ll believe in you!” It defies the very nature of faith, and yet, this is what Jacob said to God. “If God will be with me … then the LORD will be my God.” Yet, it is the very sort of faith we attempt to appeal against, the testing of God, trying God out, money back guarantee—buy now and return in 60 days if you don’t like it…
