One Year Bible, January 19

GENESIS 39:1-41:16
Apparently Joseph was "well-built and handsome.   At first, he was kept in a "dungeon" and in stocks.  Psa 105:17-18 says "whose feet they hurt with fetters, the iron entered into has soul".  But as he earned their trust, Joseph was eventually put in charge of Potiphar's household ... all but Potiphar's wife, of course.  But she noticed this "well-built and handsome" guy and wanted him.  When he refused, she set him up.  Then he went to prison for real, to the King's prison underground.  But, once again, Joseph was promoted to being the prison warden.  Remember, we are talking about 13 years altogether - this is not just a year here and a year there.  He was 17 years old when he left his father, and is 30 years old when he finally co-rules with Pharaoh.  He comes to Pharaoh's attention through his ability to interpret dreams.  HOWEVER, the "secret of Joseph's success" was that "the Lord was with him and the Lord made all that he did to prosper." 

Imagine being told by God that you would rule your brothers, and instead, those same brothers sold you as a slave!  Then you were lied about, locked in fetters and put underground in a prison hole.  All of this, surrounded by people who didn't speak your language, in a foreign land where you didn't know anyone.  During the 13 years Joseph waited for his prophetic dream to come to pass, Psa 105:19 says that he was "tried".  This word means "to purify with fire".  There was no self-preservation, self-interest, selfishness, or self-centeredness left in Joseph when it was over he could be trusted. 

RESPONSE:  I think that the higher the call on your life, the deeper the purging.  And I see that timing is clearly involved too.  Only God knows when we are ready.  The Bible doesn't say anything about Joseph complaining, or about him defending himself.  Remember the "transformation rules" (1) Never defend yourself.  (2) Never demand your own way.  (3) Never complain.  Make me or break me, Lord, but don't leave me the way I am! 
 
MATTHEW 12:46-13:23
The spiritual relationship between Christ and believers is closer than the closest of blood ties, as most of us can testify concerning our spiritual brothers and sister.  This saying was in no way disrespectful to Mary, nor to his brothers, as we see in other passages His tender care for His family.  "Doing the will of the Father in heaven" is "that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6:29)
 
Now follows seven parables of the Kingdom.  Jesus is the only NT person who spoke in "parables".  Parables (illustrative stories) both REVEAL and CONCEAL Truth.  (Matthew 13:13)  The parables teach us that the "spoils of the Kingdom" are greater than the pain, the poverty or the persecution we may endure.
Can I "cheat" a little and give you some clues here about what they mean?  Okay. 
Mat 13:3-23 - The "word of the Kingdom"  (which has to do with self-sacrifice) is a test of character.
(the rest of the list is for tomorrow)

RESPONSE:  I think I'm "good ground".  Well, I'll admit that sometimes my attitude stinks.  I may be self-sacrificial, but sometimes I don't like it.  Some of that "word of the Kingdom" may have withered away and I'll have to hear it again.  And again.  I know that the payoff or the "spoils" - "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom 13:17) are worth the price because they are far greater than the pain of doing what I'm told with a smile on my face.  In fact, NOTHING feels as good as pleasing God feels.  Nothing.  So I repent right now.  And I'll tell everyone who heard me complain that I am sorry, too.  Peace and joy are only felt when I'm pleasing God. 

PSALM 17:1-15
David appeals to God to examine his case, look at his character and that of his foes, get all the facts, and then judge the situation and pass sentence.  He actually invited God to "visit" him - to examine him, probe his heart and his motives, and test him.  He believed that God would find that he had "held to Your paths" and had resolved not to "sin with his mouth"! 

The "men of this world" have hunted him down like prey, are arrogant and boasting, but, most telling, have their "reward in this world".  They would have to be satisfied with what they have now.  But David would be "fully satisfied" after his resurrection when he sees God's face. 

PROVERBS 3:33-35
Verse 34 should sound familiar as it is quoted in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5  "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."   "The proud" are the independent ones who want to do what they want to do, and do it their way.   God will fight you if you don't submit to Him - to what He wants from you.  When God is against you, EVERYTHING is against you.  You life will "dry up" - and you will feel lifeless.   But once you repent, submit, and do what you are told, God's grace "kicks in" - His enablement, His power on your behalf, His joyful strength, His Presence. 

RESPONSE:  I've been obstinate with God and, believe me, I don't want to be that foolish again.  The last time was actually out of ignorance, but it hurt just the same.  Everything seemed dry, flat, going-thru-the-motions.  I didn't know what was wrong.  Well, I had clues, but didn't want to admit it.  When I finally repented and made my move, EVERYTHING CHANGED.  God miraculously sped things up, made a way for things to work out, and even restored my joy and then some!  Looking back, I don't know why I didn't recognize the symptoms right away.  I guess I just didn't want to do what He said.  THANK GOD He opposed me and brought me to repentance and submission.  I am happier than I deserve to be.  I am more blessed than I have coming to me.  God, help me to be more "in tune" with You so I don't have to be fought against again.  I want You to be able to stop me and turn me "on a dime".