Bible Reading: Genesis 47 | John 19 | Psalm 47

Devotional for March 6, 2025
Reading: Genesis 47 | John 19 | Psalm 47
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Genesis 47

Genesis 47 describes the events when Jacob and his family arrive in Egypt. There are two main sections. The first (47:1-6) contains the request and permission of Pharaoh to live in the land of Goshen. That land would be the home of the people of God for the next 430 years. God provides for them through the decisions of a pagan king. The second section (47:13-31) highlights Joseph's wisdom in dealing with the people. The famine is great, and he continues to provide for the people. This section also contains Jacob's demand and promise that he would not be buried in Egypt but that he would be buried with his father. Joseph promises to do so. That promise is later fulfilled in chapter 49.

John 19

John 19 contains the events of the crucifixion. First, John records the events of Jesus standing before Pilate. After the interrogation, Pilate declared him to be without fault, but the people demanded that he be crucified because he "made himself the son of God." Pilate is a classic example of a man without conviction. On the one hand, he finds no fault with the Savior.

On the other hand, he cannot resist the people's influence. As Christians, we will face this kind of dilemma. Either we are going to side with the Lord, or we will side with the world. Pilate chose poorly and turned Christ over to be executed. Next, John records the events of the crucifixion. There are a few items to note. First, Jesus was crucified with other condemned people. That picture is striking. On both sides are actual criminals. One repents the other scoffs. Second, the prophecy of the Old Testament is fulfilled through the wicked acts of men when they divided his garments. Third, John records the Savior's trust in him by telling him to care for his mother, who witnessed the awful events. Fourth, Jesus declares, "It is finished." All that the Scripture spoke about regarding him was accomplished. The work of atonement promised in Gen. 3:15 has been completed. Fifth, No man took his life, but he offered it of his own accord. Finally, the burial of Christ is witnessed. He was buried in a borrowed tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea (a member of the Sanhedrin and probably a convert).  

Psalm 47

Psalm 47 praises God as the true King who rules heaven and earth. It is written during a period of idolatry, not unlike our world today. Three stanzas highlight that central theme.

47:1-4

The opening lines of the Psalm call all people to worship and praise the one true God as revealed to us in the Bible. It specifically calls the people of God to praise him for his redeeming work, as highlighted in 47:3-4. Those verses teach us about God's favor for us in subduing us to himself and choosing us as the seed of Abraham. We have great reason to sing for joy to our God and have that express privilege each Lord's Day. We are called to worship our God with joy and gladness because he loves us and rescued us from the misery of this fallen world. We are called to praise him because he is our King.

47:5-7

This brief section highlights one primary imperative: It encourages us to praise our God, who is our King. Yet, he is not only our King but the King of all the earth. That fact alone should bring comfort to us as we consider the chaos of this fallen world. Our God is sovereign and orders all things to fall out for the good of his people.

47:8-9

This final section highlights the kingship of our God and gives us another reason to praise him: As Abraham worshipped and praised God, so too will the nations on that great day.