Through the Bible in one year - Day 56

Psalm 56:11

in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

This saying often comes to me as a relief when things don’t seem to be going well; this concept that if God is for me, what can mere flesh do to me as a sure sign of the impermanence of trials. And I know that there will be other times when I wonder all over again if things could get worse or if there is anyone who isn’t out for me...well, the Psalmist does seem a bit extreme in his thoughts, but let’s face it our thoughts are not always rational and sometimes we do have these grandiose thoughts or thoughts of impending doom; but this then can truly be a comfort.

Here we are coming to the end of the tales of these brothers; and once they realize that their father is dead and no one is left to mediate between them and the brother whom they sold into slavery after trying to kill him outright, all those years ago, they are rightly nervous. But Joseph has learned a lot in his travels and captivities, and is no longer the rash and foolhardy man of his youth. Here he is in a perfect position to ‘lord it over them’ and yet he doesn’t; instead he gives glory to God. Surely this is a wonderful illustration for us, and how to respond when we have been wronged. In the end, this is what he says to them:

But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.(Genesis 56:19-20)

Finally, we read of a king who follows the Lord, and calls his people to a holy life! Hezekiah cleanses the Temple and tears down the idols, and all the people are surprised when the joy of the Lord falls upon them, and they rejoice. We can breathe a sigh of satisfaction reading this and knowing that times and actions have improved for these people. I think I see a hint for myself as well, and that is I need to put the things of God first and remove all those idols and distractions that get in the way so that I too might have the joy of the Lord.

This next reading today is of Paul in prison, and how interesting that people came and listened to him and were taught, yet all the while the judge was waiting for a bribe in order to let Paul go free. Two years is a long time – and yet as we saw with Joseph, it is not long in the service of the Lord, and I guess that there were things being put into play that had lasting consequences. What will we read tomorrow?

Today’s readings: Psalm 56, Genesis 50:15-26, 2 Chronicles 29, Acts 23:12-24:27