March 24 -- "I Am!"

Today's Reading:  Exodus 3 

"I Am!"

Exodus 3:14 is a powerful declaration of God's nature and character, and it reminds us of His eternal and unchanging presence in our lives. God's self-existence and eternality are essential to understanding who He is and how we should relate to Him.

The Hebrew phrase used for "I AM WHO I AM" is "ehyeh asher ehyeh," which can also be translated as "I will be what I will be" or "I am what I am."

This name of God reveals His eternal, self-existent nature. God is the one who always was, always is, and always will be. He is not bound by time or space but exists beyond it. He is the source of all existence and the sustainer of all life.

In the context of the Exodus story, God reveals His name to Moses as a way of assuring him that He will be with him as he goes to Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites from slavery. God is not only the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but He is also the God of Moses and the God of the Israelites. By revealing His name, God establishes a personal relationship with Moses and His people, a relationship based on trust and faithfulness.

In John 8:58, Jesus declares that He is this one and the same “I AM” when He is engaged in a heated debate with the Pharisees, who are questioning His authority. When Jesus declares, "Before Abraham was, I am," He is invoking the divine name revealed in Exodus 3:14 and claiming to be God. The language and concepts of Exodus 3:14 were woven into the theology of the early Christian church. They reveal how Jesus Christ was understood to be the embodiment of the God who revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush.

“I AM” is the ultimate statement of self-sufficiency, self-existence, and immediate presence. God’s existence is not contingent upon anyone else. His plans are not contingent upon any circumstances. He promises that He will be what He will be; that is, He will be the eternally constant God.

March 23 -- "Their Cry Came Up To God"

 Today's Reading:  Exodus 2

"Their Cry Came Up To God"

Today’s verse marks a turning point in the story of the Israelites' occupation of Egypt. Prior to this, the Israelites had been living in Egypt for generations, first as honored guests during the time of Joseph, and later as slaves under a new pharaoh who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8). The Israelites had been increasingly oppressed and forced to work as slaves, and their situation had grown increasingly desperate.

The phrase "their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God" is particularly significant because it suggests that God is aware of the Israelites' suffering and is moved to action on their behalf. This idea of God hearing the cry of the oppressed is a recurring theme in the Bible, and it underscores the importance of justice and compassion for those who are marginalized or oppressed. Their voices were heard by the Living God who loves them and chose them for His special purposes, just as He chose you for a special purpose.

This sets the stage for the story of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It shows that the Israelites are not passive victims of their circumstances, but are actively seeking God's help and intervention. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God even in the midst of difficult and uncertain times, knowing that God hears the cries of the oppressed and is moved to action on their behalf.

The Bible contains many references to God hearing the cries of his people, particularly those who are oppressed, suffering, or in need of help. Examples include: Psalm 34:15 - "The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.” And Psalm 72:12-14 - "For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight."

Jesus reminds us of this same truth in Luke 18:7-8 - "And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily.” Send your groans and cries up to Him today. 

March 22 -- "Fruitfulness"

Today's Reading:  Exodus 1 

"Fruitfulness"

Fruitfulness is an important theme that is seen throughout the Bible. It is a concept that emphasizes growth, multiplication, and productivity, and is often used as a metaphor for spiritual growth and bearing good fruit in our lives.

One of the earliest references to fruitfulness is found in the book of Genesis, where God commands Adam and Eve to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" (Genesis 1:28). This command sets the stage for the story of human history, as God's people are called to grow, multiply, and spread the message of God's love and salvation to the ends of the earth.

Throughout the Old Testament, fruitfulness is often used as a sign of God's blessing and favor. For example, the Psalms frequently describe fruitful fields and abundant harvests as signs of God's goodness and provision (Psalm 67:6, Psalm 85:12). Here in today’s passage, God’s blessing is evident as the Israelites multiplied and filled the land of Egypt.

In the New Testament, Jesus often used the metaphor of fruitfulness to describe the life of a disciple. In John 15:5, he says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." This passage emphasizes the importance of staying connected to Jesus and bearing good fruit in our lives as a sign of our faith and obedience.

From a Biblical perspective, fruitfulness is important in all circumstances because it reflects God's desire for growth and multiplication in our lives. Whether we are facing blessings or challenges, we are called to remain faithful to God and bear good fruit in our lives. This involves cultivating a strong relationship with God, growing in our knowledge and understanding of his Word, serving others with love and compassion, and sharing the message of salvation with those around us. Ultimately, fruitfulness is a sign of our trust in God and our willingness to follow him wherever he leads.

March 21 -- "God Meant it for Good"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 50

"God Meant it for Good"

In this verse, Joseph is speaking to his brothers after he has revealed his true identity to them and they have been reconciled. Joseph acknowledges that his brothers had intended to harm him when they sold him into slavery, but he also recognizes that God used this situation for good.

The phrase "meant evil against me" refers to the actions of Joseph's brothers, who had been jealous of him and sought to harm him. However, Joseph's perspective is that God was ultimately in control of the situation, and that God used Joseph's suffering and eventual rise to power in Egypt to save many people from famine.

The phrase "to bring it about that many people should be kept alive" emphasizes the ultimate purpose of God's plan, which was to save the lives of many people. This phrase is a reminder that God can work through difficult and even painful circumstances to accomplish his purposes.

Joseph is a powerful example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of difficult and painful circumstances. It is a reminder that God can bring good out of even the most challenging situations, and that we can trust him to work all things for our good and His glory. The themes of the verse are echoed throughout the Bible and especially in the teachings of Jesus. This reminds all of us to keep things in God’s perspective. Even though the situations in our lives may seem to be “against us,” God, in His sovereignty has an ultimate plan to turn it for our good.

In addition, the story of Joseph is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as Joseph suffered and was eventually exalted to a position of power, so too did Jesus suffer and ultimately arise to the right hand of God. In this sense, the story of Joseph can be seen as a reflection of the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan for humanity, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.

March 20 -- "The Lion of Judah"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 49

"The Lion of Judah"

Today’s verse is part of Jacob's blessings to his twelve sons. Specifically, it refers to the blessing that Jacob gave to his son Judah, who was the ancestor of King David and, later on, of Jesus Christ.

This verse is a prophecy about the coming of a Great Ruler from the tribe of Judah. The "scepter" and "ruler's staff" mentioned in the verse refer to symbols of kingship and authority, and the phrase "between his feet" may suggest the position of a seated king holding these symbols of power.

The phrase "until tribute comes to him" refers to the future coming of the Messiah, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. The "obedience of the nations" is understood as a reference to the Messiah's universal reign and the submission of all people to him. This prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and King of all nations.

In the New Testament, the genealogy of Jesus is traced back to Judah through his earthly father, Joseph (see Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38). In addition, Jesus is directly linked to Genesis 49 when He is referred to as the "lion of the tribe of Judah" in the book of Revelation (Revelation 5:5). This title emphasizes Jesus' royal lineage and his role as a powerful and victorious ruler.

All of this it serves as a reminder to us of the significance of Jesus Christ and his role as the Messiah. The themes of kingship, authority, and submission to God that are present in this verse can apply to all believers. As followers of Jesus, we are called to submit to His Lordship and recognize His authority over our lives.

March 19 -- "Unexpected Blessings"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 48

"Unexpected Blessings"

What a joy it is to receive unexpected blessings!

Here Jacob (also known as Israel) takes a moment to reflect upon his unexpected blessings – his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh, who were the sons of Joseph. In this verse, Jacob declares that he had never imagined to see Joseph again, let alone Joseph's children. He is blessed that God had miraculously allowed him to see not only Joseph but his grandchildren as well. You can almost see the giant grin on Jacob’s face as he realizes the magnitude of his blessings.

One way this verse can apply to us is as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the unexpected ways He can work in our lives. Just as Jacob did not expect to see Joseph's children, we may encounter surprises or unexpected blessings in our own lives. We can trust that God is in control and that He has a plan for us, even when things do not go according to our expectations.

This verse also highlights the importance of family and the joy that comes from spending time with loved ones. We should cherish the moments we have with our family members, especially those we may not see often, and be grateful for the relationships we have been blessed with.

Please remember to appreciate and enjoy the blessing of being with your children, grandchildren, and other family members. Their presence may not be there forever. So savor every moment with them and, like Jacob, grin from ear-to-ear as you realize the magnitude of your blessings.

March 18 -- "Relocation"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 47

"Relocation"

Joseph relocated his family to Egypt and provided them with property in the fertile area of Rameses in the eastern part of the Nile Delta. This is seen as a reflection of God's grace and favor towards Joseph. The New Testament references Joseph's story, particularly in Acts 7:9-16, where Stephen recounts how God was with Joseph throughout his trials and tribulations, using him to provide for his family and the Israelites.

The importance of family and taking care of loved ones is highlighted in Joseph's actions. He went to great lengths to ensure his family was provided for and given property in the best part of the land, reminding us to prioritize our family and take care of their needs. Additionally, Joseph used his power to help those around him, emphasizing the importance of using our resources and position of influence to make a positive impact in our communities.

The verse also reminds us of the role of divine providence in our lives. Joseph's rise to power was a result of God's guidance and favor, fulfilling God's plans for the Israelites. This serves as a reminder to have faith in God's plans for our lives and trust that everything happens for a reason, even when we may not understand it at the time.

At first, the Israelites were treated well and enjoyed the benefits of Joseph's high position in Pharaoh's court. However, as time went on and Joseph and his generation passed away, the Israelites began to face persecution and oppression.

In the end, the Israelites' time in Egypt served as a testing ground for their faith in God and their commitment to following His commands. It also reinforced their identity as a separate and distinct people, which would play an important role in their future as a nation.