Bible Reading: Genesis 41 | John 13| Psalm 41
Devotional for February 26, 2025
Reading: Genesis 41 | John 13 | Psalm 41
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Genesis 41
Genesis 41 is a key chapter in the Genesis narrative because it is the chapter in which Joseph's God-given gifts are acknowledged and used by the LORD to preserve a people from destruction. This chapter picks up the story of the two officials of Pharaoh's court – one was restored to his position, and the other executed.
As the chapter opens, note how his friend forgot Joseph. We read, "after two whole years" (41:1). So often, we are made to wait for the promises of God to come to pass in our lives. Two years is not long, but it must have seemed much longer given the circumstances of being jailed for a crime he did not commit. The chapter highlights the two dreams of Pharaoh, the inability of others to explain his dreams and the chief cupbearer's remembrance of Joseph in prison. Joseph is called into the presence of the king of Egypt. Pharaoh recounts the dreams, and Joseph interprets them, describing what will happen over the next fourteen years. The first seven would be a time of great prosperity followed by seven years of tremendous hardship highlighted by a famine covering the region of Egypt and beyond. Pharaoh was impressed with Joseph's wisdom and promoted him to be second in command over all of Egypt.
A few applications are worth noting. First, throughout the entire event, Joseph gives credit to the LORD. Note 41:16, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." Again, note 41:28, "It is as I told Pharaoh; God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do." The Lord has called each Christian to serve his people. Each of us has been given gifts to be used within the community's life. We can take no credit. Those gifts are from the Lord and need to be used for his glory and the good of his people.
Second, the events that happen to Joseph echo the wise words of Solomon many centuries later, "A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great" (Prov. 18:16). God prepared Joseph for this day – a day that would eventually serve to bless and preserve the people of God for their good.
Third, the life of Joseph is a picture of hardship and suffering and points us to Christ, who suffered for the sake of his people. Though unjustly treated by his brothers (Christ came to his own, and his own did not receive him); unjustly accused of sin (Christ knew no sin, but was unjustly accused of blasphemy); though scorned by men (Jesus was mocked and ridiculed), Joseph was exalted (God highly exalted Jesus and gave him the Name that is above every name) and used to save a people (his name is Jesus for he will save his people from their sins).
Fourth, Joseph serves as an example of great humility. Though he was gifted of the Lord, full of the Spirit of God (41:38), he did not promote himself. "Let another man praise you and not your own mouth" (Prov. 27:2). Too often, men clamor for a position in the church. They are full of boasting and self-promotion. They run ahead where they are not sent. They clamor to preach and teach in the church, but no one has sent them or called them. They are full of themselves and lose sight of the example given to us by Joseph in this passage. He did not promote himself. Instead, he faithfully served the God of heaven, who promoted him to the place of honor. The church needs more men like Joseph.
Questions and Applications:
In what way has God gifted you? Are you using those gifts for the sake of the church and its people?
Discuss the reality of suffering in this life and consider how God uses it to train and teach his people about his Son.
Do you desire to serve the church as a pastor, elder, or deacon? Self-promotion is unnecessary. If the Lord has given you those gifts, they will make room for you. Wait on him!
John 13
John 13 contains three sections. The first section (13:1-20) highlights the need for God's people to serve one another. That is underscored by the example Jesus demonstrated before his disciples. In that event, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples (13:15). Some have taken this passage to mean that Jesus was instituting a sacrament of "feet washing," and some within Christendom have understood it that way. That isn't the point. The point is that God's people must learn to be humble servants. If the Savior washed the feet of the disciples, so must we by the way we live our lives before others. Jesus came to serve, not be served. We are to be mindful of the interests of others and not only our own.
The second section (13:21-30) is a prophetical utterance regarding the actions of Judas, the betrayer. That action was fueled by the efforts of the Evil One to destroy Christ. Compare this section with that of 13:36-38.
The third section (13:31-35) highlights the quintessential characteristic of the Christian life: love. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." Love should frame our every word and every action. The apostle Paul said that the greatest Christian virtue is love (1 Cor. 13:13). He describes biblical love in that chapter. We are to love others; Christ loved and gave himself for us. A Christian who does not love cannot rightly say he is a Christian.
Questions and Applications:
In what ways are you serving others? Do you do it to be noticed by men or serve the Lord even if no one acknowledges it?
Each of us is capable of betraying the Lord. We do so when we sin against him and walk contrary to what he has commanded. What areas in your life betray the Savior? The account of Peter's denial demonstrates the Savior's willingness to forgive.
Do you love as Paul described it in 1 Cor. 13? We love others because they are made in the image of God. We love the brethren because they are remade after the image of Christ. It is not a natural act. Our sinful flesh wars against it and runs from it. Pray that the Lord will teach you how to love as Christ loves.
Psalm 41
Psalm 41 is a lament. It is a prayer in which a man fulfills his responsibilities to the poor but endures the suffering of some health condition. The Psalm has five stanzas.
41:1-3
The first section of the Psalm describes the blessing that comes to those who consider the poor. There are many opportunities to exercise care for the poor of our world. We should be mindful of them and seek ways to help. The Lord is especially gracious to those who do.
41:4-7; 8-12
This section describes the lament that comes from one suffering from sickness or illness.
41:13
The final section of the Psalm appears to show God's relief for the one in distress.