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Bible Pathways 01/16/2002


January 16

Read Genesis 46 -- 48

In Today's Reading:

Today you will read the stirring details of how God used Joseph to dramatically save the small Israelite nation from extinction by transferring the seventy souls (46:27) to Egypt, enabling them to grow into a great nation.

Verses for Today:

He (Jacob) blessed Joseph, and said . . . The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 48:15-16).

Highlights:

Jacob's vision at Beer-sheba, near the southern border of the Promised Land; journey to Egypt, about 120 miles south; best land in Egypt was given to Jacob; Joseph and the famine; Joseph's sons blessed.

Early in life, Joseph had set his heart on pleasing the Lord. Even at 17 years of age he was speaking out against the sins of his brothers (Genesis 37:2) and God richly blessed him as a result of his faithfulness. Before Jacob died, he was led by God to bestow upon Joseph a covenant blessing that was carried down through his descendants for many generations.

Joseph is a reminder of the rich rewards that God bestows upon all who set their hearts on pleasing Him. There are many alluring voices demanding attention and seeking to draw Christians away from the Word of God. For many, the desire to satisfy self overrules any interest in making Jesus truly Lord of their lives. Others miss God's best by allowing worldly achievements and attractions to influence them away from the truly priceless rewards they could have received from the Lord.

We are set free from the self-centered life as we yield to the influence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, even when it interferes with what we personally would like to do. Seeking guidance as we read His Word is the key (John 16:13).

The blessings of God are bestowed upon steadfast followers who see the importance of faithfully serving their Lord without reservations or exceptions. The trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7).

A Thought from Proverbs: Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of My mouth. . . . Exalt her, and she shall promote you: she shall bring you to honor, when you embrace her (4:5,8).

Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph, who was placed on the throne to sustain life and give provision (Genesis 47:15-17). Jesus said: For the Bread of God is He who comes down from Heaven, and gives life to the world (John 6:33).

Word Studies:

46:4 put his hand upon thine eyes = be with you when you die; 46:31 Pharaoh is a title given to the monarchs of Egypt; 47:4 sore = severe; 47:6 men of activity = competent, skillful men; 47:18 not ought = nothing; 47:20 prevailed over them = was severe upon them; 48:6 thy issue = your offspring; 48:14 wittingly = knowingly.

Prayer Needs:

Government Official: Rep. Tony Hall (OH) · Pray for your Sunday School teacher · Country: North Korea (22 million) in northeastern Asia · Major language: Korean · Violent oppression against all religions · 68% atheist; 31% Buddhism, Confucianism, and other Korean religions; 1% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to show you any sins that you are not aware of and to cleanse you of them (Psalms 19:12).

Optional Reading: Matthew 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:4



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