Week 7 Friday
Today Joseph declares that God turns evil into good as Genesis draws to a close, we join the psalmist in reverent praise before the Lord in Psalm 33, and Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God comes not with visible signs, but is already among us.
Genesis 50
📖 What are we reading?: Jacob is buried, Joseph reassures his brothers of his forgiveness, and Genesis closes with Joseph's own death in Egypt. I hope you have been blessed by these stories of God's work in the lives of His people.
✞ What does this passage say about God?: Verses 19-20 remind us that God can take the evil intended against us and turn it to good purposes - "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good."
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live?: May we, like Joseph, learn to see God's good purpose even in our disappointments.
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.
📝 Stirring words from Nazarene preacher Bud Robinson about how God turns our disappointments to good.
Psalm 33
📖 What are we reading?: A joyful call to praise, opening with three verses that stir musicians' hearts, and closing with words of great hope in God's unfailing love.
✞ What does this passage say about God?: His word is right and true, His eyes watch over those who fear Him, and His unfailing love rests on those who hope in Him.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live?: The last three verses give us all a great sense of hope. Hang onto those words today - and let this psalm's call to reverence shape how we approach Him.
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 speaking on Psalm 33's call to reverence.
♫ Worship through Psalm 33 with Luke.
Luke 17:20-37
📖 What are we reading?: Jesus tells the Pharisees that the kingdom of God doesn't come with visible signs, but is already in their midst - before warning of the sudden, unexpected nature of His return.
✞ What does this passage say about God?: His kingdom often works quietly and unseen, yet His return will be sudden and unmistakable, like lightning flashing across the sky.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live?: Jesus reminds us that His second coming will be unexpected - we must be prepared, holding loosely to this life rather than clinging to it like Lot's wife.
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.
📝 Luke speaking on how Herod misunderstood the nature of the kingdom Jesus describes here.
A Prayer for the Day
🙏 Lord, thank You that You turn our disappointments to good, that You are worthy of our reverent praise, and that Your kingdom is already among us. Keep us watchful and ready for the day You return. Amen.
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