Week 5 Friday
Today we close out Genesis' first act with the beginning of Joseph's story, rest in David's most beloved psalm of God as our Shepherd, and hear Jesus tell us not to fear, not to worry, and to store up treasure in heaven.
Genesis 36-37
📖 What are we reading?: The genealogy in chapter 36 shows the fulfilment of the promise that Esau would be the head of a nation. Then chapter 37 begins the wonderful story of Joseph.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He keeps His word even to those outside the covenant line, as we see with Esau's descendants. And He is already at work in Joseph's life, long before Joseph can see it.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Joseph's story is only just beginning here, but even now his brothers' jealousy is a warning to us. Are we quick to resent the favour shown to others?
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Genesis, meaning "beginnings", was written by Moses around 1400 BC, and covers the story of creation, the fall, and the origins of God's chosen people, Israel.
Psalm 23
📖 What are we reading?: David's best-loved psalm, picturing the Lord as a shepherd who leads, provides, protects, and welcomes His people home.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is our shepherd - guiding us to rest, walking with us through the darkest valley, and preparing a table for us even in the presence of our enemies.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Let this psalm settle you today. Whatever valley you're walking through, He is with you, and goodness and mercy are following close behind.
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: The Psalms is a collection of 150 poems and songs, written by David and others, expressing the full range of human emotion in response to God and to life.
📝 Luke’s free 21-day devotional book walking through Psalm 23.
♫ A few songs all based on Psalm 23.
Luke 12:1-34
📖 What are we reading?: Jesus teaches His disciples to fear God rather than people, tells the parable of the rich fool, and calls His followers to trust Him rather than worry.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is a Father who knows exactly what we need, and delights to give His little flock the kingdom.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? We must fear God, but not people. The parable of the rich fool reminds us to use what we have for God's glory, not just our own gratification. How precious to hear Jesus say "do not be afraid, little flock" and tell us not to worry!
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Luke's Gospel was written by Luke, a Greek physician and companion of Paul, around AD 60-62. It is the most detailed account of Jesus' life, and is especially attentive to the poor, to women, and to outcasts.
📝 A series of devotions on Jesus' words about treasures in heaven.
A Prayer for the Day
🙏 Lord, thank You that You are our shepherd who leads us beside still waters; free us from the fear of people and the worry of possessions, and help us to store up treasure in heaven, where our hearts truly belong. Amen.
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