Week 6 Friday
Today the irony of Joseph's brothers fearing enslavement gives way to his deep love for them, David looks to God as his Shepherd in tough times, and Jesus calls us to count the true cost of following Him.
Genesis 43
📖 What are we reading?: Joseph's brothers return to Egypt for more grain, this time bringing Benjamin, and fear that Joseph will enslave them for their past crimes against him.
✞ What does this passage say about God?: There's a striking irony here - the brothers fear the very fate they once inflicted on Joseph. Yet God is at work turning their guilt-driven fear into an opportunity for reconciliation.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live?: Once again, Joseph's deep love for his brothers shines through, even as he waits for them to come clean. Real love is often patient enough to wait for honesty rather than rushing to force it.
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 28
📖 What are we reading?: David cries out to God in a difficult season, then turns to praise as he remembers that the Lord is his strength and shield.
✞ What does this passage say about God?: He is our Shepherd, carrying and sustaining His people even through the toughest of times.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live?: Let David's words be an encouragement to hold onto in your own tough times - our Shepherd is there to help us.
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.
📝 An interesting note on Psalm 28:1 from Nazarene preacher Paul S. Rees.
Luke 14:25-35
📖 What are we reading?: Jesus turns to the large crowds following Him and warns them to count the cost of discipleship, using the pictures of a builder finishing a tower and a king weighing up a battle - before warning that salt which loses its saltiness is good for nothing.
✞ What does this passage say about God?: He doesn't want half-hearted followers. Jesus is honest about the cost of following Him, because He wants disciples whose commitment will last.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live?: We're called to count the cost of following Jesus before we begin, rather than starting well and giving up halfway. Like salt that's lost its flavour, a half-hearted faith is no use to anyone.
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 devotional about counting the cost, from this passage.
🎤 A sermon from Luke about how Jesus made it clear how tough it is to follow Him.
A Prayer for the Day
🙏 Lord, thank You that You are patient with us, as Joseph was with his brothers, and that You are our Shepherd in every tough season; help us to count the cost of following You honestly, and to keep our saltiness for Your glory. Amen.
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