Bible Pathways - Jan. 16, 2008
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Read the stirring details of how God used Joseph to dramatically save not only the small Israelite family from extinction by transplanting the three score and ten (seventy) souls (46:27) to Egypt, but enabled them to grow into a great nation.
The Israelites (Jacob, his eleven sons, and their families) settled in Egypt in the land of Goshen (46:27-28). Since Joseph had come into Egypt earlier, including him and his family, Jacob's family number 70 which came into Egypt. For many years, they enjoyed its prosperity, but they eventually became involved in Egypt's sin of idol worship and lost sight of God's covenant promise — that He would bless them if they would live in obedience to Him. Eventually, they became enslaved by the nation that had once welcomed them.
Even after the exodus from Egypt, many of the Israelites continued to worship its idols (Acts 7:39-42). Egypt was symbolic of the world with its many "good things" that often keep God's people from doing His will. Satan directs all his deceptive efforts to capture our hearts' interest and keep us from being devoted to the Lord.
Our life on earth is only a pilgrim journey to prepare for our eternal home. The Holy Spirit led John to warn us to: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (I John 2:15-16).
Our created purpose is not for present physical enjoyment but to prepare ourselves for the eternal purpose of God for our lives. It is of utmost importance that we not become sidetracked by materialism or goals such as success, popularity, or fame. All these can be a blessing — when our opportunity to serve the Lord does not take second place.
The whole world lieth in wickedness (I John 5:19); but godliness with contentment is great gain. . . . And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (I Timothy 6:6-9).
Thought for Today:
Sin makes us its slave, but Jesus can set us free. Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:34,36).
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph, who was placed by God second only to Pharaoh in order (Genesis 41:39-40) to sustain life and give provision (47:15-17). Jesus said: The Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:33).
Word Studies:
46:4 shall put his hand upon thine eyes =ill close your eyes when you die; 46:31 Pharaoh =itle of Egyptian kings; 47:4 sore =evere; 47:6 activity =killfull at their craft; 47:13 fainted =uffered, exhausted; 47:18 not ought =othing; 47:20 prevailed over them =ontinued to be severe; 47:21 removed =ecame slaves throughout the land; 48:6 issue, which thou begettest =our children; 48:10 were dim =ecame blind; 48:14 guiding his hands wittingly =rossing his hands intentionally.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in China, Japan, and the Far East in honor of Wyatt Eknes • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 1.5% Muslim; 1% Jewish; 2.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to help you teach His Word to your children; it will give guidance and instruction as they go through life (Proverbs 6:20-23).
Optional Reading: Matthew 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 22:19
