| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 6, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Genesis 37
Observation
As the TGCBC states, “The opening words of verse 2 signal the start of a new section in Genesis”. Focus is primarily on Jacob’s eleventh son, Joseph, whom Jacob/Israel loves more than his other sons. Jacob went as far as giving Joseph a robe “of many colors”, a “kind of robe [that] is only mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament in 2 Samuel 13:18–19 in connection with royalty.” (TGCBC). When they saw their father’s preference for Joseph, the brothers hated him and could not speak to him peacefully.
The enmity is exacerbated when Joseph has two dreams which depict that he will have power over his brothers. Joseph told his brothers of the first dream which portrays an instance in which they were binding sheaves and their sheaves bowed down to his. Joseph’s second dream—which he told his brothers and then Jacob—was of eleven stars bowing down to him. His brothers were jealous of Joseph but Jacob kept the dream in mind.
When Joseph’s brothers were pasturing their father’s flocks near Shechem, Jacob sent Joseph to see if it was well with them. A man met with Joseph on the way and Joseph asked the man about his brothers. The man told Joseph that they were in Dothan, so he traveled and found them there. When the brothers saw Joseph from afar, they came near him and conspired against him. They discussed among themselves that they should throw him into a pit so that a fierce animal could devour him, but Reuben interceded. The TGCBC provides helpful insight on Reuben’s motive: “Reuben is possibly motivated to rescue Joseph in the hope of regaining his father’s favour, which he appears to have lost because he slept with his father’s concubine, Bilhah (see 35:22 and 49:3–4).” The brothers stripped Joseph of his robe, threw him into the pit and then sat down to eat.
When the brother’s looked up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Important to note that this section mentions both Ishmaelites and Midianites which are referencing the same men, the former being the broader term and the latter more specific (cf. Judges 8:22-26). Judah said to his brothers that it would profit them nothing to kill Joseph, so he proposed selling them to the Ishmaelites. “Although Judah’s intervention prevents Joseph from being left to die in a waterless pit, his proposal for Joseph appears to be motivated by financial gain, not a heartfelt concern for his brother’s safety.” (TGCBC). The brothers drew Joseph out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver who then took Joseph to Egypt.
Reuben was not present when the brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites and returned to the pit to find it empty. He tore his clothes and returned to his brothers, saying that Joseph was gone and asking where he should then go. The TGCBC points out that, “[Reuben’s] comment, ‘Where can I turn now?’ reveals that he is primarily interested in his own well-being, not Joseph’s.” The brothers proceeded to dip Joseph’s robe in the blood of a slaughtered animal and brought it to Jacob. They told Jacob that they had found the robe and asked Jacob for confirmation of its owner. Jacob identified it as Joseph’s and was convinced that a fierce animal had devoured him. Jacob’s sons and daughters rose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.
Meanwhile, the Midianites had sold Joseph to Potiphar in Egypt who was the captain of the Pharaoh’s guard.
Application
The disdain shown toward Joseph by his brothers models the selfish heart of man. Reuben’s motive to not kill Joseph was likely rooted in regaining favor from his father and Judah’s suggestion to sell him to the Ishmaelites was centered on financial gain. Despite all of the mistreatment that came to Joseph, we learn later that it was all purposeful and part of God’s overarching plan of redemption. While we may see no profitable end to our struggle, we do not share the perspective of our gracious and sovereign Lord. We must be reminded that “those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You will redeem every hardship Your children will endure in this life.
Mark 9
Observation
Mark describes several events in this chapter of Jesus’ transfiguration, the healing of a boy with an unclean spirit, foretelling His death, who will be first in the kingdom, doing works in His name and the consequences awaiting those who cause His children to sin. In particular, it was Jesus’ healing of the boy and His interaction with the boy’s father that was particularly noteworthy. Jesus asked the man how long had had his condition. The man told Jesus that it was from his childhood. ESVEC continues describing this instance with helpful exposition:
In desperation, the father clamors for help from Jesus’ miraculous powers without inquiring who Jesus is or what purposes he might be pursuing: “If you can do anything.” Jesus sternly corrects the father’s comment by admonishing him to place trust in God (cf. Mark 10:27; 11:22; 14:36) and thus trust in him, that is, “believe.” The father serves as a helpful example for the disciples as he “immediately” complies with Jesus and admits to his doubt. He begs Jesus (contrast 1:40–41) to shape in him a God-trusting heart: “I believe; help my unbelief.” Since both verbs are in the present durative, the phrase may be rendered “I (want to) grow in trusting; continue to help me with (my) unbelief” (cf. Luke 17:5).
Application
If we would only but share in this man’s humble admission of doubt and plead with God to help our unbelief. Christ is the One who reveals Himself as trustworthy—who heals, restores and sacrificed His very life for us—but in our sin we fail to give Him our full surrender. May we see as this man that our focus is not to be what we can receive from our God but that He has given us Himself in His Son and, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from degree of glory to another.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help my unbelief. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Ps. 139:23-24)