Through the Bible in one year - Day 45

Psalm 45:6-7, 17

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.

The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;

you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.

...

I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;

therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

We read today that two years have passed in Joseph’s plight as a prisoner of Pharaoh, in Egypt. Today, when it comes time to interpret dreams, -oh yeah they remember Joseph had a knack for this, and call him up from the dungeons. I notice that Joseph doesn’t say he has the power on his own accord, rather he says the Lord God is the one who can interpret dreams, and I also noticed that Joseph just gives sound proposals. He doesn’t beg to be in charge and he doesn’t say he has some magical power by which he can bring about prosperity. He reminds me of Solomon in some ways here, he doesn’t ask for the power, and as it turns out he may just receive it. (I read head a little.)

How sad again we have one man – one prophet speaking for the Lord and since they didn’t like his words, as they didn’t fall in line with their own plans already formed, they disregarded his words, and threw him in prison. But they did this to their own ruin. If I were a business person, I would take this as a lesson to remember to listen to those who say things contrary to the group, and I would be wary of advice that had no descent, yet Jehoshaphat who started out so well yesterday is not doing as well today, and Ahab doesn’t do well at all.

When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. (Acts 11:23-24)

Fascinating that today in both Genesis and Acts we have the readings ending with a famine foretold. In Egypt, under the direction of the Pharaoh, the land and the people are preparing, and in Acts, through the actions of the disciples, the believers they prepare and plan to assist all those in need. We too are called to listen to the Lord’s call and to respond to those in need. Let us be responsive to the needs in others' lives.

Today’s readings: Psalm 45, Genesis 41:1-36, 2 Chronicles 18:1-19:3, Acts 11:19-30