| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 13, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Observation
Application
Genesis 44
The test of Joseph placing the silver cup in Benjamin’s sack led to an important exchange between he and Judah. Acting as tribute for the brothers, Judah explained the situation of his father’s reluctance to send Benjamin and offered himself to stay behind and be a slave in place of Benjamin. As the TGCBC says, “Where previously Judah had willingly sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt, he now selflessly volunteers to become a slave so that Benjamin may return safely to his father. As a mark of his transformed character, the slave trader is prepared to become a slave in place of his youngest brother.”
While the test of the silver cup was cunning, it gave opportunity for Judah to express his willingness to offer himself in place of his brother. The change of disposition from self-seeking to self-sacrificing revealed that Judah had been reformed at a fundamental level. To earnestly seek the good of another over the good of oneself out of a desire to honor the Lord is the mark of a Spirit-regenerated heart.
Mark 16
Seized with fear, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome did not follow the instruction of the angel to “go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee” (Mark 16:7a). Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene who then went and told the disciples but they did not believe her. Jesus also appeared to two of the disciples as they were walking from the country who proceeded in telling the rest but were also met with unbelief. After some time, Jesus appeared to the eleven directly and rebuked them of their unbelief and hardness of heart for not believing those who had seen Him risen.
As with Mary and Jesus’ first disciples, we are to “Go into the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15b). This proclamation is certain to be met with unbelief, but it remains our commission to carry out with courage, certain that we possess greatest message of salvation in Christ and eternal dwelling with our Beloved.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You have chosen to extend Your grace in such abundance as to to transform the hearts of your children. Help me to be a bold and faithful herald of the good news of who You are—of Your great love shown in sacrifice—and live on mission for your glory.