Bible Reading: Genesis 37 | John 9 | Psalm 37
Devotional for February 20, 2025
Reading: Genesis 37 | John 9 | Psalm 37
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Genesis 37
Genesis 37 begins the narrative section that deals primarily with the life of Joseph, and it will continue until the end of the book. This chapter is foundational to a correct understanding of Joseph's role as a type of redeemer for the people of God. Joseph is the favored son of Jacob because "he was the son of his old age (37:3). That alone caused division within the household of Jacob, but it became worse through two incidents highlighted by 37:1-11. First, Jacob signaled his favor for Joseph by giving him a "coat of many colors" (37:3). Second, Joseph was gifted as one who can interpret dreams, and in this section, dreams that pointed out that his father and brothers would bow down before him and serve him (37:5-11). As a result, his brothers were jealous of him and sought to destroy him.
The second major section of the chapter begins in 37:12. Joseph was told to see his brothers as they labored in the field. Upon arriving, they captured him, threw him into a pit, and sought to kill him. His death was spared by his older brother, Reuben. Instead, they sold him to a band of Midianite traders traveling to Egypt.
These events, as are all events, are covered under the guiding hand of a sovereign God specifically for the good of his people. Many things that are difficult or impossible to explain will happen to us in our lives, but we have confidence that God is working for our good. We trust him, not our circumstances. These events also highlight the suffering that will come to the Redeemer of God's elect, the Lord Jesus Christ. Through suffering and humiliation comes exaltation.
Questions and Applications:
Discuss the wisdom of Jacob as he sets apart Joseph as the favored son. Discuss the wisdom of Joseph in retelling his dreams to his father and brother. Do you agree or disagree with those actions? Why?
Why does Reuben seek to spare the life of his brother?
How does Joseph give us a picture of the coming Savior?
John 9
John 9 has one central theme: the opening of the eyes of the blind. As Jesus moved from place to place, he found a man who had been blind since birth. Some thought it resulted from some sin that he had done or that his parents had committed. Yet, Jesus clarifies that the reason for his infirmity was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. The Jews held to a tradition that physical infirmity was a result of some sin, yet Jesus makes it clear that this man was in this place at this time to communicate a greater lesson and truth about himself. Blindness was considered to be a malady that God could only cure. When Jesus opens this man's eyes, he publicly communicates his deity to the watching people – especially the religious leaders. As a result, they seek to discredit Christ and shame the man. However, the man is changed forever, both spiritually and physically. As a result, the man worshiped the Savior, but the religious leaders, though seeing, could not see Christ or believe in his name.
Questions and Applications:
How is blindness a type of spiritual darkness?
In what ways are the religious leaders blind, though they can see?
Psalm 37
Psalm 37 is a lengthy Psalm written by King David. It covers various issues mainly relating to the prosperity of the wicked and counsel from the Lord to wait on his timing. We will briefly consider this Psalm in four sections.
Section 1: 37:1-11
One of the reasons this Psalm is comforting for God's people is the counsel it offers to those who are opposed and attacked by evil people. David does not explain the nature of the opposition; therefore, we can apply it to several things. The first advice is to not fret about what evil people do. Worry and anxiety are a great struggle for many people. It is usually enhanced when enemies attack. The attacks can be vicious. They leave lasting scars that are not likely to be healed in this life. Yet, we must never fret because they will "soon fade like the grass." Their attacks are temporary, painful as they may be. David does not reveal the identity of those who attack him. They may be those from within his palace. They may be outside. Attacks from within the covenant community are usually the hardest to endure. The counsel is the same: Fret not because the God of heaven will bring forth our righteousness as the light and our justice as the noonday.
Further counsel is elaborated on in the remaining verses. We are to trust the Lord during times of opposition. These circumstances, as hard as they are to endure, are not without providential guidance at the hands of a loving heavenly Father. The problem for us is a lack of understanding and knowledge. We want to reasons. God doesn't always provide them. We must trust him. Second, we must delight ourselves in him. That simple counsel helps us avoid worry as we learn to rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4-7). Third, we must commit our ways to him. We must rest in his divine purposes. Fourth, we must be still before the Lord. In times of anxiety, we can make matters worse by seeking to resolve the problem on our own. Fifth, we must avoid anger and bitterness, especially towards those making life miserable. That counsel is difficult for most people. If honest, we must admit that we sometimes want to take matters into our own hands; we want to exact a pound of flesh. Vengeance belongs to the Lord.
Section 2: 37:12-20
In this section, David details the efforts of evil people. He states their schemes and motives. He highlights their efforts to destroy using military language. He also details the response of the Lord as he defends his people. The response of God uses that same military language.
Section 3: 37:21-31
This section highlights the behavior that God expects from his children during times of opposition. As we learn to rest in God's purposes, knowing that he will deal with the wicked, we are free to live joyful lives in pursuit of the glory of God. There are a few promises in this section that we should consider. First, the blessed shall inherit the land. The wicked will be cut off and plunged into eternal ruin. The godly will inherit the blessings of the Lord. Second, the Lord upholds his people, especially when evil people threaten and attack them. Third, the Lord will not forsake his people. He watches over them and never leaves them.
Section 4: 37:32-40
The hope conveyed in this Psalm continues and reaches a climax in verse 40. The wicked act, but the Lord will not abandon his children. The wicked exist but will not exist forever, for the Lord will bring them to nothing. The righteous have good reason to trust the Lord because he helps his children, showing pity because of their miserable existence in this world full of evil and evil people.
Questions and Applications:
Opposition comes in various forms, but the counsel of the Lord is to trust him and not fret. Therefore, when burdened by these things, pray and pray often. Plead with the God of heaven to protect you from bitterness and anger. Pray for more of the Holy Spirit so you can trust him.
When opposition comes, remember the various promises given in this Psalm. Memorize them. They will soothe your weary soul during times of sorrow and pain.
What things are troubling you today? Do you face people who are not kind to you? Do you have people in the church who are rude, unkind, and unbecoming towards you? Pray for them. Pray for your heart. Do not allow bitterness to take over.