| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 14, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Observation
Application
Genesis 45
Joseph’s private revealing of himself to his brothers was initially met with shock and unbelief, but Joseph explained that it was all God’s doing to send him before them that they would be preserved. The unfolding of God’s plan took many years, but it all had led to this moment in which Joseph could respond with compassion to his brothers who had sold him into slavery and bless his family with abundant provision.
Too often, we can become impatient as we go through difficult seasons, leading to questions about God’s goodness and sovereignty. These may persist for years or even decades but, for His children, these are but instruments of discipline and refinement in the hands of a righteous, loving and gracious God.
Luke 1
Both Zechariah and Mary were similarly troubled with Gabriel’s visit and greeting. Throughout Scripture, divine encounters are often seen to elicit some manner of fear and trepidation. This makes the way in which Jesus came all the more remarkable. Rather than arriving as a terrifying and overpowering divine figure, He came as a humble servant. The God of all creation condescended from His throne of exalted majesty to dwell among us. Fully human, He felt and experienced all that we do and yet remained fully God, blameless and without sin of any kind. By this mysterious hypostatic union, He is the only One who can be our worthy sacrifice. This He did, satisfying the punishment of God’s wrath that was our due by His death on the cross.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please help me to be patient in endurance through the trials of life, knowing that the testing of my faith produces steadfastness. Father, I also thank You that You stepped down from your throne and were born of human flesh and took upon Yourself the death that we deserved in order to magnify Your glory.