Week 21 - June 14 - Taylor Hays

Genesis 41-42

I grew up in “Little Egypt” (if you are curious look it up on Wikipedia)… an area of far southern Illinois that apparently got this nickname because of similarities to the story in Genesis 41. But this passage in Genesis is much more than a story of resourcefulness by Joseph during a time of famine. It really is a story about God’s plan and how Romans 8:28 gets played out in real life. (“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”). Joseph was in a horrible position… languishing in prison after having been put there unjustly. But because he was in prison he met Pharaoh’s chief food tester (“cup-bearer”); and because the cup-bearer had forgotten all about Joseph he was still in prison and immediately available to meet with Pharaoh to interpret his dream. As you see, these circumstances did “work together for the good” of Joseph. And beyond Joseph, God was working on a far greater plan that Joseph could never have imagined.

Most of the time, being “in God’s will” simply is being ready to shine when the time is right… just like Joseph. Stay ready.

The story takes an even greater twist in chapter 42. It is interesting how Joseph dealt with his brothers who had sold him to slave traders many years before. I am convinced that his life experience (the Romans 8:28 principle again) had taken away all desire for revenge. Joseph seems to be ad lib-ing through this drama but he had only one interest… to be reunited with his whole family. This strange reunion begins the foundation of over 400 years of Jewish history in Egypt. Again, Joseph was a part of a far greater plan, just like we are. We simply do not know how our part of the story ends.


Psalm 21

None of us have been kings but all of us can identify with the idea that true strength comes from God. The gist of the message here is that everything that is valuable, honorable and powerful in our lives is from God… even for kings.


Proverbs 21

There is a lot in these verses; many of them speak about the value of wisdom and the poverty that comes from lack of it. But let’s focus on a few others:
4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
The acts of sin we commit have their start in our minds and emotions. Guard your thoughts and feelings.

13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.

This reminded me of the “Genu +1” series we just finished. We cannot ignore the needs of others.

9 It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

I think I could get in deep trouble by making comments about this verse!


John 21

This is the concluding chapter of the gospel of John and relays a simple story about one of the many post-resurrection meetings the disciples had with Jesus. The focus is on a brief conversation Jesus has with Peter. Why did Jesus keep asking—3 times he asked, “Peter do you love me?” In Jewish thought the repetition of something emphasizes its importance… 3 times means this is very important. For Peter it also held special meaning. For each time Peter had denied Jesus, he had a chance now to reaffirm his love and devotion to Jesus. It hurt Peter that Jesus kept asking, but Jesus was making a point.

Is he asking me this question? For sure! And he wants me (us) to respond in the same way he asked Peter to respond. Feed (literally and spiritually) and care for all of the “lambs” and “sheep” in the flock with us. The care we show each other in the community of believers is the true mark of being Christian. (John 13:35 “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.").