Off to the cinema later so expect another thrilling film review this time tomorrow! Also, it's back on time!! Two days in a row!!! Onto business then
Today’s readings:
Genesis 43:1-44:34
Matthew 15:10-39
Psalm 13:1-6
Today continues Joseph's story and the first thing that hits me is just how confused the brothers must have been. From fear and accusation to being treated to dinner with the second most important person in the most important country! Their home life was full of despair and they had no guarantee that their father would live long enough to greet their return, plus the heavy burden of having to make sure their youngest brother returned. This is another light at the end of the tunnel moment to me. Times do get hard but the Bible is time and again telling us that there will be a time where we get blessed with peace and prosperity.
What's also impressive is how the brothers recognise their own fault and recognise that it might be a judgement from God. Too many times so far we've read people who are oblivious to the consequences of their actions but this bunch of lads worked out who was pulling the strings! They realise they've done wrong and are willing to sacrifice their own freedom to atone for their wrong doing. I know all the things that I do wrong in God's eyes but I don't think I'm so quick to accept my punishment. I wonder how easy it would be for you to go to God and not only say sorry but also bear the brunt of God's justice. Thank goodness for Jesus' sacrifice!!
Into the New Testament we fly and here is a bit of a testing passage. Jesus first talks about what you eat not making you holy but what you think and feel. But then we get the encounter with the Canaanite woman which seems conflicting to Jesus' loving attitude. Twice he appears to turn her away before relenting. However there's a few important things here. First is that the woman's prayers are answered and we have to remember that praying for something to happen doesn't give us the right to set a deadline date. Secondly is that this woman appears to convince Jesus using her arguments. This reminds me of the search for true wisdom and how we get it by being totally reliant on God. The woman could have taken no and turned away but she knew that the only person who could help her was Jesus and so gained the wisdom to say her words. Did she convince Jesus? I don't think so. I think Jesus here was always going to help the woman but wanted as much to see the reaction of His disciples who do nothing to help her. We need to remember that we can't just rely on Christ to make a difference to other people. He will expect us to do our bit. The last few days have been a challenge to be a disciple that makes a difference by doing something and I'm definitely looking for more opportunities to do God's work. Have you asked God to come and do something with your life? Have you meant it??
And lastly the Psalmist is very quick to realise how God can change and shape their life. This is a definite sincere plea to God for Him to fill their life and work through the angst so that they get the fullness God can provide. There is a call from the Bible not just to rely on God for your worries but to make sure that He can use you. Are we all desperate for that to happen? We really ought to be!
And that's your lot. Nice and short today. Yesterday's answer is here. Well done if you got it! Today's is a horrible tune that you shouldn't listen to ever... But it fit! Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always,
Jon
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