Bible Reading: Genesis 45 | John 17 | Psalm 45
Devotional for March 4, 2025
Reading: Genesis 45 | John 17 | Psalm 45
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Genesis 45
Gen. 45 continues the narrative, which started in Gen. 42. In this short chapter, we witness the brothers reconciled to Joseph and the promise of protection he offers as he prepares to move his family to Egypt. In this short chapter, we learn two things. First, reconciliation is always possible between God and man. Joseph is the offended party, yet he orchestrates events in a way that brings his brothers to an understanding of their sins. As a result of their plagued conscience, they worry about judgment. Joseph, on the other hand, is concerned with reconciliation. Our God is that way. Though we are sinners, God reconciled us to himself through the work of his Son. We were made to see our sins and offense against him, and he saved us. Second, God's reconciling work carries with it a promise of protection. The famine in the region of Egypt was severe. After the brothers are reconciled to Joseph, he tells them to move to Egypt under the wings of his protection. It is the same for us as adopted children of God. Reconciled through the atoning work of Christ, we are now guaranteed his protection, which promises to guide us through our whole lives, leading to that glorious promise of eternity with him.
Spend time thanking our God and Father for his reconciling work and promise of protection as he guides your steps today (Prov. 3:5-6).
John 17
John 17 is the "High Priestly Prayer" of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is one of the longest-recorded prayers in the Bible. There are three main sections in this prayer. First, we note that Jesus prays for himself (17:1-5). Let that be a lesson to each of us. We must plead with the God of heaven for the state of our soul. We cannot live the Christian life without the help of the Holy Spirit. Pray for his guidance and strength as you begin each day. Second, Jesus turns to pray for his disciples (17:6-19). That is a significant act of the Savior as he intercedes on behalf of his followers. He does that today as well, always making intercessions on our behalf. We learn of the great love of Christ for his disciples, and we also learn of our need to pray for others. The final section (17:20-26) finds Jesus praying for future believers. Of course, he knows his own and who will be brought into his kingdom. We don't. Therefore, we pray and ask the Father to save the souls of many. Each of us knows people who do not know the Savior. Some of these people are friends or loved ones. Pray earnestly that the God of heaven would be pleased to rescue them from their miserable condition.
Psalm 45
Psalm 45 is a love song, as indicated by its title. It is customarily applied to the kings of Israel, though we do not know to which king it was first dedicated. However, it doesn't matter. The application of it ultimately leads us to the Lord Jesus Christ, the true King.
45:1
The opening of the Psalm describes the writer's intent as he addresses the King.
45:2-9
This section describes the appearance, attire, and speech of the King. It also describes his wisdom and might as he fights for righteousness and truth. The writer to the Hebrews uses these words in Hebrews 1.
45:10-12
This section focuses attention on the bride of the King. If we maintain the theme of Christ the King, this describes the church of the Lord Jesus.
45:13-17
This section highlights the consummation of the bride and King.