John 17 Genesis 49-50 Proverbs
12
As I read through John 17 today, I
thought about Jesus call to be in the world but not of the world. God’s people
have always been called to be different, to stand out because of their
reflection of him to the world. Jesus prayer is not for us to be taken out of
the world but to be protected from evil. We are called to unity, striving for a
common purpose, reflecting grace, forgiveness, and love to the world. In the
end it will be the love of Jesus reflected in us that will change the world.
The last two chapters of Genesis
are interesting in that they are the final story of two generations. First, Jacob/Israel
blesses his descendants, and it is important to note that the sins they tried
to hide from him for so long they were still held responsible for. Joseph
fulfills his promise to his father and took him back to the land of his father for
burial. The brothers worry that he will take out vengeance on them for their earlier
treatment but once again he shows his faithfulness in reminding them God’s plan
was at work the whole time. The book of Genesis ends with Joseph’s death and preparation
for burial.
Proverbs 12 is a litany of
reminders that those that lie and deceive in order to get their way will be
revealed and lose the respect and ear of the righteous, those that seek the way
of the Lord. The contrast is great, and the timing is God’s but the word of encouragement
is to seek the ways of the Lord with integrity and truth and we will be
blessed.
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