Am I in the Place of God?

DAY 4
Gen 40:12 - 50:26
The Life of Joseph







The phrase at the end of Gen 50:19 caught me off guard.

"Am I in the place of God?"

I know Joseph meant it as a rhetorical question to his brothers. But it makes you wonder how many times he may have asked the question to God. Did he ask it when he was sitting in the pit, or on the way down to Egypt with the Midian traders. Did he ask that question when Potiphar's wife lied about him, or when he was in jail. Or maybe he asked that question when he had all the wealth and power anyone could imagine, but without his family.

Due to our own choices, the choices of others, and/or the providence of God we find ourselves in circumstances and places where we ask ourselves the same question, but in different ways.

Lord, what is your will for my life?
Lord, where do you want me to serve?
God, do you really want me working at this job with these people?
God, why did this have to happen to me?
Lord, how long do I have to wait for the answer to my prayer?

Notice, that all the questions we ask typically have to do with "me." We start with ourselves and our circumstance and then look to God for the answer. But the answer we get from scripture takes the opposite perspective; one that's from God's view of His creation.

20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Don't pass over the last five words too quickly.

God's plan is to redeem and reconcile His creation, then restore it to its original purpose. Maybe Joseph had the right perspective. Despite what his brothers intended and all the trials he went through; God used it to save many lives.

We first must answer that question for ourselves. Am I in the place of God? You are if your found in Christ.

Then let's not miss the opportunity of being a part of God's plan by viewing our circumstances from the wrong perspective. Let's take the view from eternity and allow God to work through where we are to accomplish the saving of many lives.

External Link: Joseph's Travel http://www.anova.org/sev/atlas/htm/023.htm

As the World Turns with All My Children

DAY 3

Gen 28:20 through 40:11

I have a confession. I have actually watched an episode of As the World Turns. Growing up in Texas, I also watched several episodes of Dallas. One aspect that characterizes all these shows and grabs our attention are all the plots, schemes, twists, and turns that take place in every episode. I have got some news for you; those scheming plot lines didn't begin with TV or radio you can find them in Genesis.

It all starts with Rebekah and Jacob scheming against Isaac and Esau. Then Esau plots to kill Jacob. Jacob flees to Haran and the twists and turns continue. Laban plots against Jacob; then Jacob against Laban. Leah vs. Rachel; Shechem with Simeon & Levi; Joseph and His brothers; Judah and Tamar; and Potiphar's wife against Joseph. It's hard to keep track of all the schemes.

But, in the midst of all this turmoil there is another plan at work that cannot be altered: it's God's plan of redemption. God continues to influence and guide the lives of His creation. Even though Laban schemed against Jacob to marry Leah; God used it to produce Judah. In the midst of Judah and Tamar plotting against each other; God used it to produce Perez. Now if we go look at Matt 1:2-3 and Luke 3:33 we can see a portion God's Plan:

Abraham the father of Isaac
Isaac the father of Jacob
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers
Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar
Which eventually brings us to Jesus: the author of our salvation

In our world today, there is scheming and plotting between nations, between businesses, between coworkers, and even amongst some of God's own people. There are twists and turns in our lives and we don't know what the eventual outcome will be. But take hope from God's story: His grace is sufficient; His provision is perfect; His guidance is timely; and His plan is done.

External Link: Map of Jacob's Travels http://www.anova.org/sev/atlas/htm/022.htm

All Nations and People Will Be Blessed

DAY 2

Genesis 17:1 through 28:19: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

From a small region in the Middle East and from one man (Abraham) who was obedient; the entire world and its inhabitants are blessed. It's the power of the One True God working through the faithfulness of one believer.

In Gen 22:18, 26:4-5, and 28:14-15; God promises and affirms a covenant between Himself and Abraham (and his descendants). "through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

It's the same promise He makes to each father and each mother; your faithfulness will bless your family.

It's the same promise He makes to each believer; your faithfulness will bless the body of Christ.

It's the same promise He makes each church; your faithfulness will bless the community, the nation, and the world.

There is power in one person's faith because of the promise of God. "I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Gen 28:15b)

External Link: A map of the travels of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob http://www.biblestudy.org/maps/abrajrfl.html

In the Beginning God

DAY 1

Gen 1:1 through Gen 16:16

Creation, Adam & Eve, the Fall, Cain & Abel, Enoch, Methuselah, Noah, the Flood, the Tower of Babel, Abraham, Lot, and Ishmael.

What a beginning! The purpose of this blog is just to share what the Holy Spirit illuminates in our hearts as we go through this journey.

The pastor had a great comment this past Sunday about Gen 3:9: "But the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?"

Since the very beginning, the Lord God calls after man. He searches for Adam and Eve in the garden; He questions Cain about his brother; He takes Enoch home; He covenants with Noah and rescues him from the Flood; and He calls Abraham out and blesses all humanity through him.

I am glad God never changes! He searches for us, calls us, rescues us, convenants with us, questions us, blesses us, and eventually God takes us home.

Aren't you glad it's just the beginning!

P.S. A possible Bible Map for After the Flood. http://www.anova.org/sev/atlas/htm/016.htm