Jeremiah 29:1-14 (New International Version)
Jeremiah 29
A Letter to the Exiles
1 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jehoiachin [a] and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen and the artisans had gone into exile from Jerusalem.) 3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said:
4 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." 8 Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD.
10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Michelle Kang
ID: 1239515
November 4, 2007
The Prophets: Jeremiah 29:1-14
Observations:
By whom was this written?
This passage was written by the prophet Jeremiah.
To whom?
This passage was written to the people of Jerusalem in Judah, to all the surviving elders among the exiles, to the priests, the prophets, and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Where does this fall in Israel’s history? What do we know about what’s happening in Israel?
In Israel’s history, this letter is written at a time when King Nebuchadnezzar has taken captives from Jerusalem and brought them to Babylon. This is said to have taken place between 605 B.C. and 516 B.C.
We know that Israel has been taken over by Babylon and it is a time of weakness for Israel.
How would you describe the tone of this passage – rebuke, exhortation, comfort, woe-to-you, etc.?
The tone of this passage is best described as exhortation. Jeremiah is clearly encouraging the people of Israel by reminding them of God’s promises for the nation of Israel.
What does it reveal about Israel?
We know that Israel is falling further and further away from God and distancing in their relationship with God, and that it is Israel’s sin that is pushing them farther and farther away. The passage also reveals that Israel can seek deliverance and hope if they seek first, the Lord.
What does it reveal about God?
This passage reveals that God has plans for the nation of Israel. It shows that God knows exactly what is going on with the whole Babylon ordeal and He has plans to prosper to Israel, but first he wants Israel to come back to Him. It reveals the mercy that God has toward His people despite the sin that has separated Israel from Him. It shows that he has a special covenant with Israel and promises to deliver them. The passage reveals the love that God has for His people.
Interpretation: (What would the original audience understand as they heard this passage? Specifically with the Prophets, what does this passage tell us about Israel’s behavior in her covenantal relationship with God and about God’s response to His people?)
The original audience would understand that God has plans in store for them and that they have hope in Him. The passage tells us that Israel has fallen away from God and failed miserably in her covenantal relationship with God. This passage shows that God still loves His people and seeks to provide for the nation of Israel.
What is God correcting or reproving in this passage?
God is correcting Israel for the sins that they have committed. He has banished them from Jerusalem, but has given them the hope of prosperity. He is making the paths of the people of His nation straight, that they may be ready for His blessings when the time is right. He is teaching the people of Jerusalem to depend on Him, and to keep sight of the glory that is to be revealed, instead of fearing or hating the Babylonians as the Israelites are being held captive by them.
What is God teaching/revealing about Himself in this passage?
God is showing that He truly cares for His nation. He cares for His people so much that He is disciplining them by allowing them to be taken under by the Babylonians. He is also showing His grace and persistency as He promises to be with them and provide a future for them. The way that he reassures His nation of these plans shows that the purpose for this is so that the nation of Israel could prosper, and that His name would be made known to all the nations. God makes a promise to His people, and this passage is showing God’s care.
What ought to change based upon the truth of this passage in the nation of Israel? Behavior? Thinking? Perspective?
Israel should change the way they behave by following God’s command to settle and increase. They shouldn’t be discouraged, and they shouldn’t curse the Babylonians. God tells Israel to be optimistic and look toward the prosperity that is to come. God also calls Israel to be holy. He calls them behave accordingly and change from their sinful ways. God’s very promise to provide them a prosperous future shows that He wants to use Israel to represent Himself to all the nations, that He may be known. This means Israel shouldn’t take this lightly, nor should they be discouraged. Rather, they should rejoice because God is on their side, and they should be charged to change and represent the Kingdom of God.
Application:
In the prophetic genre, in what ways might we be susceptible to what God is addressing in Israel?
We should look at our sins and see that they are what distance us from God. Also, we shouldn’t be discouraged if we are going through difficult times. We should look to God and see that there are bigger plans for our future. We could see that things happen in His time, not ours, and that the struggles we may be going through could be that God is training us for His glory to be revealed through us. We can also be encouraged by the promise that God made to be found by us if we seek Him with all our hearts. We should be encouraged to set our paths straight and seek God.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Post the Thirty-First
Michelle Kang ID# 1239515 – 6 ‘o clock class
Professor Steve Osborn
Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation
10 December 2007
Historical Narratives: Genesis 40:1-23
Observations:
Contextual
General Purpose of the Genesis:
The purpose of Genesis is to record God’s creation of the world including the creation of humankind, the fall of man and the separation by sin, and God’s desire to have a people set apart to worship Him (Israel).
Date of Genesis:
The book of Genesis was written from about 1450 B.C. to 1410 B.C. The time period that the material in the book covers starts at creation and ends around 1805 B.C. It starts at creation and ends with the death of Joseph.
Relation to Israel’s Development as a Nation:
Genesis presents the early history of the nation of Israel as God’s chosen people. It includes all the events leading up to the death of Joseph. The book tells of how God uses the descendents of Jacob to create His nation of Israel. This passage is specifically important in pointing out how God uses the circumstances that Joseph is put in to begin His nation.
Key Players and Events of God’s plan in the development of Israel in the book of Genesis:
Adam and Eve
God created the first humans, Adam and Eve. He made man in His own image, in the likeness of Him who created them. He loved them, but sin separated man from God. We learn from Adam and Eve that sin is destructive and has consequences.
Noah
Noah was faithful to God. He and his family were spared from the flood because he obeyed God and built the ark. God protected Noah, and protects those who obey him.
Abraham and Sarah
God promised early on to Abram that he would be the father of all the nations. Abram was discouraged because he was old and couldn’t bear a child, but God kept His COVENANT with Abram, later Abraham, and gave him a son, Isaac with his wife, Sarah. God told Abraham to give his son up as an offering, and Abraham was faithful and willing, but God blessed Abraham’s faithfulness and told him that his descendants would be “as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore”. This marks the beginning of the promises for the nation of Israel to multiply and be prosperous.
Isaac and Rebekah
Isaac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that he would have a child. He’s also the first descendant in fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. Isaac received as his wife, the Rebekah, who others chose to be his wife for him. He put God’s will above his own, and gave total submission to God. Through Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob was born.
Jacob
Jacob was a man of consistency. He worked for Laban for more than fourteen years and even wrestled with God. He wrestled with God until daybreak, seeking to be blessed! Jacob was the third in the Abrahamic line of God’s plan. He was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. God promised to be with Jacob and to watch over him.
Joseph
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and thrown into prison unjustly. He suffered so much. Still yet, he depended on God, and God refined him and raised him up to be second in command of Egypt. He was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. God revealed Himself to Joseph and through Joseph.
Key Events Before and After the Passage of Genesis 40:1-23
Joseph was the most beloved son of Israel (formerly Jacob). Israel gave him a robe and it made his brothers very jealous. They felt much hated toward Joseph. His brothers took him and sold him to the Midianites. The Midianites sold Joseph to Potiphar in Egypt, one of the Pharaoh’s officials. God blessed Joseph while he was in the Potiphar’s house. Potiphar ’s wife wanted to sleep with Joseph, but he refused, so she accused him of trying to sleep wither her. He got put into prison, but even then, the Lord was with Joseph.
In Genesis 40, Joseph briefly encounters the chief cupbearer and chief baker to the pharaoh and interprets their dreams. He asks the cupbearer to remember him when he gets out of prison; however, the cupbearer does not remember him.
After Genesis 40, two years pass, and Pharaoh has a dream no one can interpret. It is then, that the cupbearer remembers Joseph. Joseph is called to interpret the dream, and the Pharaoh is so pleased he puts Joseph second in command, in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Jacob sends his sons, Joseph’s brothers, to Egypt to get grain during the famine. They bow before him and it is later revealed who Joseph really is. The brothers went back to report that Joseph was alive, and Joseph had his family move to Egypt where they were blessed and multiplied. This marked the beginning of the history of Israel as God’s selected people. Since there was great famine in all the land, Joseph had the most power. People came to him asking him for food. He was ruler of the food distribution, and everyone depended on him.
Finally, the Egyptians offered themselves up to servitude and along with their land in exchange for food. Meanwhile, the people of Israel continued to multiply, and God blessed them greatly.
Literary (special circumstances/details; points of drama/tension; questions to answer)
Special Circumstances:
Misfortune?
We look at Joseph and the circumstances he was placed in. His father loved him the most, and consequently, his brothers hated him. When we read that he was taken and sold as a slave, we can immediately allow ourselves to feel angry about the injustice. Further on, we read that as a high ruler entrusted him with all things, he was unjustly accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. We can frown upon learning this, seeing that Joseph chose to resist temptation so that he might not sin against God. Finally, he accurately interprets his cellmates’ dreams, and still yet, they do not remember him when they have recovered to their position. Joseph is left to wait in prison, serving time and facing suffering for things he did not do. It is easy to inquire what the deal was! Joseph, a man upright before the Lord, faced so much injustice and suffering!
Points of drama/tension
One of the biggest points of tension was when Joseph was accused of trying to lay with Potiphar’s wife when Joseph himself is the one that chose not to sin. It really catches the reader off guard when we find that he was thrown into prison for something he didn’t do.
Another point of tension was when Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him. As the cupbearer and baker are released and the dream unfolds, the cupbearer forgets about Joseph! The suspense in finding what will happen to Joseph after the Pharaoh finds out about the truth is extremely upsetting when we find that the cupbearer forgot. Furthermore, we see that Joseph is left in prison for two additional years.
Questions to answer
What is the accurate account of Joseph’s reaction to the seduction by Potiphar’s wife?
Joseph replied that he understood how much Potiphar left Joseph in charge with. However, Joseph did not rationalize his refusal by thinking about disgracing Potiphar or Potiphar’s wife. However, he immediately addressed that laying with her would be to sin against God, and because of his strong belief in this, he was able to stand firm on his decision not to lay with her. This shows the integrity of Joseph’s character as well as a firm understanding of who God in relation to himself.
What was Joseph’s attitude during the time he was imprisoned for his unjustly accused act?
The Lord took care of Joseph during his time in prison. Joseph remained faithful to God by being responsible, even in prison. He was even promoted to prison ward. Joseph was not bitter at God for the situation he was placed in. Rather, he delighted in the Lord, and God showed him much favor.
Who did Joseph give credit to for interpreting the Pharaoh’s dream in verse 16?
Joseph gave all the credit to God for his ability to interpret. Rather than trying to justify himself or right the injustice that had stormed upon him, Joseph made it known that God was the source of this interpretation. He glorified God in this way, humbling himself in selfless submission to God who gave him power.
Big Idea: (one sentence that describes the main thrust of the passage)
God does things in His own time according to His own, perfect will.
Interpretation (Observation work in hand, what did God want the original audience to understand? What might they have “heard” in this episode? Why, of all that could have been written, did God through the author include this?)
The original audience for this historical narrative was the people of Israel. God wanted His people to know how the nation of Israel came to be. More importantly, He wanted to show His nation that His hand was upon them. In the same way that God oversaw every single circumstance in Joseph’s life, He looked over the people of Israel. Joseph desperately feared the Lord, and God expected the same attitude and behavior as Joseph. He wanted them to understand that He was a God who blesses those who obey Him and remain faithful and fearful of Him who created all people.
Top Level – The eternal, universal plan of God
God is a God of power and glory. He knows all things. He has power and does things in His own time according to His own will! God may allow us to suffer, but it is all for His glory.
Middle Level – the story of God’s people
God gave them this book to encourage them to trust in Him. Israel was God’s chosen people, and they as a nation were called to bear the image of God and proclaim His name to all the nations of the world. The Israelites needed to understand their beginnings and foundation as a nation to understand their importance in carrying out the will of God. This passage was definitely meant to be eye opening.
Lowest Level – the stories of individuals
Joseph was a good man who followed God regardless of the troubles he went through. We can understand that God rewards those who are faithful to Him. Joseph’s story from home to the deliverance of the first people of Israel from famine and destruction is a powerful message, but to miss that God was behind all of this is neglecting the bigger picture. God is sovereign and knows all things.
Application (meaning for the original audience,contemporary applications) In the Old Testament historical narratives, Dr. Russell states on p. 112:
“What does this passage tell us about God (the Hero), His plan, or the role that His people should be playing in His plan?”
This passage tells us that God is faithful. God is powerful, and God is intentional. His plan was for a leader, Joseph, to contribute to the creation of His chosen nation. God’s plan is to bring glory to Himself through His creation. He does this by revealing Himself in awesome and mighty ways, unfathomable, and WAY beyond anything we could ever imagine. We see how much Joseph went through, not knowing what God’s plans for him were. Still yet, he trusted in the Lord to take care of Him. He remained faithful to God, even when circumstances were trivial.
Through his devotion, God was pleased, and blessed Joseph greatly. Joseph went from being a slave, to becoming the most highly regarded man of the land of Egypt, and the lands that surrounded. God gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams! Even then, Joseph gave all glory to God, and through this, Joseph was able to foretell the famine that was to occur in the land. Every one came to Joseph for food. He had all the power in the land.
God used the trivial circumstances Joseph went through to refine him and shape him so that he would be one of the greatest and most powerful people in all the land. Without these things, God’s plan for Joseph to rule would not have been fulfilled. This shows that the role God’s people should be playing in His plan is to trust in God regardless of the circumstances.
God is far above any understanding we have of Him or His will. Thus, God promises His blessings if we, as His chosen and beloved people, would unconditionally continue to love and seek Him. God desires for us to desire Him. His plan is to reveal His glory by using us, but this cannot be fulfilled if we are overcome by difficulties we can’t understand if we lose the patience to trust God.
“What positive or negative model might this passage be setting before us to teach us about trusting God in the midst of His plan?”
This passage provides a positive model for us to remain obedient to God. Joseph became one of the greatest men of His time because of his faithfulness to God and fear of God’s plan for Him. We might therefore be encouraged to let God take charge of any situation we are placed in, and allow Him to refine us and process us into someone who is more like Him. God loves us, and ultimately, He cares for us. His plan is for us to be great, and promises us His blessings. However, we must obey His commandments and trust in Him completely.
Professor Steve Osborn
Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation
10 December 2007
Historical Narratives: Genesis 40:1-23
Observations:
Contextual
General Purpose of the Genesis:
The purpose of Genesis is to record God’s creation of the world including the creation of humankind, the fall of man and the separation by sin, and God’s desire to have a people set apart to worship Him (Israel).
Date of Genesis:
The book of Genesis was written from about 1450 B.C. to 1410 B.C. The time period that the material in the book covers starts at creation and ends around 1805 B.C. It starts at creation and ends with the death of Joseph.
Relation to Israel’s Development as a Nation:
Genesis presents the early history of the nation of Israel as God’s chosen people. It includes all the events leading up to the death of Joseph. The book tells of how God uses the descendents of Jacob to create His nation of Israel. This passage is specifically important in pointing out how God uses the circumstances that Joseph is put in to begin His nation.
Key Players and Events of God’s plan in the development of Israel in the book of Genesis:
Adam and Eve
God created the first humans, Adam and Eve. He made man in His own image, in the likeness of Him who created them. He loved them, but sin separated man from God. We learn from Adam and Eve that sin is destructive and has consequences.
Noah
Noah was faithful to God. He and his family were spared from the flood because he obeyed God and built the ark. God protected Noah, and protects those who obey him.
Abraham and Sarah
God promised early on to Abram that he would be the father of all the nations. Abram was discouraged because he was old and couldn’t bear a child, but God kept His COVENANT with Abram, later Abraham, and gave him a son, Isaac with his wife, Sarah. God told Abraham to give his son up as an offering, and Abraham was faithful and willing, but God blessed Abraham’s faithfulness and told him that his descendants would be “as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore”. This marks the beginning of the promises for the nation of Israel to multiply and be prosperous.
Isaac and Rebekah
Isaac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that he would have a child. He’s also the first descendant in fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. Isaac received as his wife, the Rebekah, who others chose to be his wife for him. He put God’s will above his own, and gave total submission to God. Through Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob was born.
Jacob
Jacob was a man of consistency. He worked for Laban for more than fourteen years and even wrestled with God. He wrestled with God until daybreak, seeking to be blessed! Jacob was the third in the Abrahamic line of God’s plan. He was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. God promised to be with Jacob and to watch over him.
Joseph
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and thrown into prison unjustly. He suffered so much. Still yet, he depended on God, and God refined him and raised him up to be second in command of Egypt. He was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. God revealed Himself to Joseph and through Joseph.
Key Events Before and After the Passage of Genesis 40:1-23
Joseph was the most beloved son of Israel (formerly Jacob). Israel gave him a robe and it made his brothers very jealous. They felt much hated toward Joseph. His brothers took him and sold him to the Midianites. The Midianites sold Joseph to Potiphar in Egypt, one of the Pharaoh’s officials. God blessed Joseph while he was in the Potiphar’s house. Potiphar ’s wife wanted to sleep with Joseph, but he refused, so she accused him of trying to sleep wither her. He got put into prison, but even then, the Lord was with Joseph.
In Genesis 40, Joseph briefly encounters the chief cupbearer and chief baker to the pharaoh and interprets their dreams. He asks the cupbearer to remember him when he gets out of prison; however, the cupbearer does not remember him.
After Genesis 40, two years pass, and Pharaoh has a dream no one can interpret. It is then, that the cupbearer remembers Joseph. Joseph is called to interpret the dream, and the Pharaoh is so pleased he puts Joseph second in command, in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Jacob sends his sons, Joseph’s brothers, to Egypt to get grain during the famine. They bow before him and it is later revealed who Joseph really is. The brothers went back to report that Joseph was alive, and Joseph had his family move to Egypt where they were blessed and multiplied. This marked the beginning of the history of Israel as God’s selected people. Since there was great famine in all the land, Joseph had the most power. People came to him asking him for food. He was ruler of the food distribution, and everyone depended on him.
Finally, the Egyptians offered themselves up to servitude and along with their land in exchange for food. Meanwhile, the people of Israel continued to multiply, and God blessed them greatly.
Literary (special circumstances/details; points of drama/tension; questions to answer)
Special Circumstances:
Misfortune?
We look at Joseph and the circumstances he was placed in. His father loved him the most, and consequently, his brothers hated him. When we read that he was taken and sold as a slave, we can immediately allow ourselves to feel angry about the injustice. Further on, we read that as a high ruler entrusted him with all things, he was unjustly accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. We can frown upon learning this, seeing that Joseph chose to resist temptation so that he might not sin against God. Finally, he accurately interprets his cellmates’ dreams, and still yet, they do not remember him when they have recovered to their position. Joseph is left to wait in prison, serving time and facing suffering for things he did not do. It is easy to inquire what the deal was! Joseph, a man upright before the Lord, faced so much injustice and suffering!
Points of drama/tension
One of the biggest points of tension was when Joseph was accused of trying to lay with Potiphar’s wife when Joseph himself is the one that chose not to sin. It really catches the reader off guard when we find that he was thrown into prison for something he didn’t do.
Another point of tension was when Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him. As the cupbearer and baker are released and the dream unfolds, the cupbearer forgets about Joseph! The suspense in finding what will happen to Joseph after the Pharaoh finds out about the truth is extremely upsetting when we find that the cupbearer forgot. Furthermore, we see that Joseph is left in prison for two additional years.
Questions to answer
What is the accurate account of Joseph’s reaction to the seduction by Potiphar’s wife?
Joseph replied that he understood how much Potiphar left Joseph in charge with. However, Joseph did not rationalize his refusal by thinking about disgracing Potiphar or Potiphar’s wife. However, he immediately addressed that laying with her would be to sin against God, and because of his strong belief in this, he was able to stand firm on his decision not to lay with her. This shows the integrity of Joseph’s character as well as a firm understanding of who God in relation to himself.
What was Joseph’s attitude during the time he was imprisoned for his unjustly accused act?
The Lord took care of Joseph during his time in prison. Joseph remained faithful to God by being responsible, even in prison. He was even promoted to prison ward. Joseph was not bitter at God for the situation he was placed in. Rather, he delighted in the Lord, and God showed him much favor.
Who did Joseph give credit to for interpreting the Pharaoh’s dream in verse 16?
Joseph gave all the credit to God for his ability to interpret. Rather than trying to justify himself or right the injustice that had stormed upon him, Joseph made it known that God was the source of this interpretation. He glorified God in this way, humbling himself in selfless submission to God who gave him power.
Big Idea: (one sentence that describes the main thrust of the passage)
God does things in His own time according to His own, perfect will.
Interpretation (Observation work in hand, what did God want the original audience to understand? What might they have “heard” in this episode? Why, of all that could have been written, did God through the author include this?)
The original audience for this historical narrative was the people of Israel. God wanted His people to know how the nation of Israel came to be. More importantly, He wanted to show His nation that His hand was upon them. In the same way that God oversaw every single circumstance in Joseph’s life, He looked over the people of Israel. Joseph desperately feared the Lord, and God expected the same attitude and behavior as Joseph. He wanted them to understand that He was a God who blesses those who obey Him and remain faithful and fearful of Him who created all people.
Top Level – The eternal, universal plan of God
God is a God of power and glory. He knows all things. He has power and does things in His own time according to His own will! God may allow us to suffer, but it is all for His glory.
Middle Level – the story of God’s people
God gave them this book to encourage them to trust in Him. Israel was God’s chosen people, and they as a nation were called to bear the image of God and proclaim His name to all the nations of the world. The Israelites needed to understand their beginnings and foundation as a nation to understand their importance in carrying out the will of God. This passage was definitely meant to be eye opening.
Lowest Level – the stories of individuals
Joseph was a good man who followed God regardless of the troubles he went through. We can understand that God rewards those who are faithful to Him. Joseph’s story from home to the deliverance of the first people of Israel from famine and destruction is a powerful message, but to miss that God was behind all of this is neglecting the bigger picture. God is sovereign and knows all things.
Application (meaning for the original audience,contemporary applications) In the Old Testament historical narratives, Dr. Russell states on p. 112:
“What does this passage tell us about God (the Hero), His plan, or the role that His people should be playing in His plan?”
This passage tells us that God is faithful. God is powerful, and God is intentional. His plan was for a leader, Joseph, to contribute to the creation of His chosen nation. God’s plan is to bring glory to Himself through His creation. He does this by revealing Himself in awesome and mighty ways, unfathomable, and WAY beyond anything we could ever imagine. We see how much Joseph went through, not knowing what God’s plans for him were. Still yet, he trusted in the Lord to take care of Him. He remained faithful to God, even when circumstances were trivial.
Through his devotion, God was pleased, and blessed Joseph greatly. Joseph went from being a slave, to becoming the most highly regarded man of the land of Egypt, and the lands that surrounded. God gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams! Even then, Joseph gave all glory to God, and through this, Joseph was able to foretell the famine that was to occur in the land. Every one came to Joseph for food. He had all the power in the land.
God used the trivial circumstances Joseph went through to refine him and shape him so that he would be one of the greatest and most powerful people in all the land. Without these things, God’s plan for Joseph to rule would not have been fulfilled. This shows that the role God’s people should be playing in His plan is to trust in God regardless of the circumstances.
God is far above any understanding we have of Him or His will. Thus, God promises His blessings if we, as His chosen and beloved people, would unconditionally continue to love and seek Him. God desires for us to desire Him. His plan is to reveal His glory by using us, but this cannot be fulfilled if we are overcome by difficulties we can’t understand if we lose the patience to trust God.
“What positive or negative model might this passage be setting before us to teach us about trusting God in the midst of His plan?”
This passage provides a positive model for us to remain obedient to God. Joseph became one of the greatest men of His time because of his faithfulness to God and fear of God’s plan for Him. We might therefore be encouraged to let God take charge of any situation we are placed in, and allow Him to refine us and process us into someone who is more like Him. God loves us, and ultimately, He cares for us. His plan is for us to be great, and promises us His blessings. However, we must obey His commandments and trust in Him completely.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Post the Thirtieth
10 Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership
by Kent Keith
1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love and trust them anyway.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
3. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
7. People favor underdogs but follow top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway.
10. Give the world the best you have, and you may get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world your best anyway.
by Kent Keith
1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love and trust them anyway.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
3. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
7. People favor underdogs but follow top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway.
10. Give the world the best you have, and you may get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world your best anyway.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Post the Twenty-Ninth
Pastor Dave, (of All Nations Church College Group) once said in a sermon, "You are not discerning if you are only discerning about what you perceive. You must be discerning about what you SAY".
Here, here!
How many times have you assumed discernment without realizing that where you truly practice discernment should be your mouth?
Experience explains for itself that we have a tendency to say things that would best be left unspoken. How true is it that harnessing our words is one major application of "good judgment"?
I need more discernment in the way I speak, that's for sure. And I really do admire people with eloquence. I respect the people who make haste with patient listening, and reserve their words for an articulate, balanced response.
May the love of Christ alone compel me to practice love by being discerning in the way I speak to others.
Adieu.
Here, here!
How many times have you assumed discernment without realizing that where you truly practice discernment should be your mouth?
Experience explains for itself that we have a tendency to say things that would best be left unspoken. How true is it that harnessing our words is one major application of "good judgment"?
I need more discernment in the way I speak, that's for sure. And I really do admire people with eloquence. I respect the people who make haste with patient listening, and reserve their words for an articulate, balanced response.
May the love of Christ alone compel me to practice love by being discerning in the way I speak to others.
Adieu.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Post the Twenty-Eighth
Every time I click on the bookmark to my blog I'm utterly embarrassed of my previous posts. ignore them COMPLETELY.
Two things have compelled to write at this time: 1) Spring Hiatus 2) Boredom.
I've been packing ice on my left cheek for the past two days and downing amoxicillin like Easter jelly beans. Pray for the infection in my face please. Ah.
Let's see...
Maybe I should I write about the conversation I had with my brother last night. We were aimlessly driving around West LA after dropping Mom off at the airport. We stopped by Diddy Riese for some ice cream-cookie sandwiches. We started talking about college and how I wish I studied harder in high school. He didn't hesitate to tell me that I definitely should've tried harder...and that I'm now facing the consequences of laziness.
It felt like a slap in the face to be told that I couldn't redo high school. I know I can't redo high school and I hated high school. I would never redo it. Still yet, I was pretty offended by the fact that he was pretty much telling me I should've gotten my act together sooner. I agree, I mean, my 2.9 cumulative can't say much to justify my intelligence, but I couldn't help feeling like a flippin' retard. He went on to say I'm not the type of person that's interested in real literature and books and scholarly, academic things. He even expressed his concern for me when he found out I wanted to become a doctor, because he believed I was being overzealous in light of my "capacity". Thanks.
I know this doesn't make me a better person, but I'd just like to say that I'm pretty sure I have a higher GPA than 80% of the people at my school, and 95% of the people in my major (Biochemistry).
So I'm not exploding with orgasms at the thought of reading Moby Dick or Anna Karenina or the latest British Literature Anthology...
I still have my gifts in studying science and loving what I learn there. Anyway, the point of writing this is for me to conclude for myself that my brother is an arrogant, self-absorbed snob who really IS as smart as he thinks he is. I know he's smart. I guess it just really makes me mad that I learned last night that he has pretty much undermined me his whole life and is obviously relentless about expressing it.
Okay, so you're smart. You're still an asshole.
Two things have compelled to write at this time: 1) Spring Hiatus 2) Boredom.
I've been packing ice on my left cheek for the past two days and downing amoxicillin like Easter jelly beans. Pray for the infection in my face please. Ah.
Let's see...
Maybe I should I write about the conversation I had with my brother last night. We were aimlessly driving around West LA after dropping Mom off at the airport. We stopped by Diddy Riese for some ice cream-cookie sandwiches. We started talking about college and how I wish I studied harder in high school. He didn't hesitate to tell me that I definitely should've tried harder...and that I'm now facing the consequences of laziness.
It felt like a slap in the face to be told that I couldn't redo high school. I know I can't redo high school and I hated high school. I would never redo it. Still yet, I was pretty offended by the fact that he was pretty much telling me I should've gotten my act together sooner. I agree, I mean, my 2.9 cumulative can't say much to justify my intelligence, but I couldn't help feeling like a flippin' retard. He went on to say I'm not the type of person that's interested in real literature and books and scholarly, academic things. He even expressed his concern for me when he found out I wanted to become a doctor, because he believed I was being overzealous in light of my "capacity". Thanks.
I know this doesn't make me a better person, but I'd just like to say that I'm pretty sure I have a higher GPA than 80% of the people at my school, and 95% of the people in my major (Biochemistry).
So I'm not exploding with orgasms at the thought of reading Moby Dick or Anna Karenina or the latest British Literature Anthology...
I still have my gifts in studying science and loving what I learn there. Anyway, the point of writing this is for me to conclude for myself that my brother is an arrogant, self-absorbed snob who really IS as smart as he thinks he is. I know he's smart. I guess it just really makes me mad that I learned last night that he has pretty much undermined me his whole life and is obviously relentless about expressing it.
Okay, so you're smart. You're still an asshole.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Post the Twenty-Seventh
A Prayer by Robert Chang
For the week of Sunday, February 21, 2009.
Lord.. give us a calm and peaceful heart
let us not stress over the little things in this world
but rather think of You our almighty father
who is always there watching us and protecting us
you are so good
let us be like John the baptist
who set the path for Jesus and glorfied You till the end
and let us always think of you during our busy weeks
with school/church/friends/tests/pretty people
and keep you as our number one priority
let us not lose sight of you
thank you for always guiding us
and loving us
when we feel like we dont deserve it most
you maintain us
thank you jesus
amen!
SUCK ON THAT SATAN
For the week of Sunday, February 21, 2009.
Lord.. give us a calm and peaceful heart
let us not stress over the little things in this world
but rather think of You our almighty father
who is always there watching us and protecting us
you are so good
let us be like John the baptist
who set the path for Jesus and glorfied You till the end
and let us always think of you during our busy weeks
with school/church/friends/tests/pretty people
and keep you as our number one priority
let us not lose sight of you
thank you for always guiding us
and loving us
when we feel like we dont deserve it most
you maintain us
thank you jesus
amen!
SUCK ON THAT SATAN
Monday, January 4, 2010
Post the Twenty-Sixth
List of things that bother me:
1. When my extremities get very cold.
2. When people chew with their mouths open. SO ANNOYING.
3. When drivers are honk happy.
4. My bad posture when I sit in front of the computer.
5. Getting sick.
6. My half-broken cell phone.
7. When people sneeze or cough without covering up.
8. When my back starts hurting.
9. When I see other people getting left out.
10. When I get too shy to be nice to people...and end up being mean instead. SO STUPID I KNOW.
Just wanted to throw out an impromptu list before the day ended so I can write a new one tomorrow.
1. When my extremities get very cold.
2. When people chew with their mouths open. SO ANNOYING.
3. When drivers are honk happy.
4. My bad posture when I sit in front of the computer.
5. Getting sick.
6. My half-broken cell phone.
7. When people sneeze or cough without covering up.
8. When my back starts hurting.
9. When I see other people getting left out.
10. When I get too shy to be nice to people...and end up being mean instead. SO STUPID I KNOW.
Just wanted to throw out an impromptu list before the day ended so I can write a new one tomorrow.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Post the Twenty-Fifth
2010 - A Year for Lists!!!!
I was chatting with Hudson about how he recently purchased three skinny Moleskine journals for $7. A sweet deal for pocket sanity if you'll ask me. I remember purchasing my first Moleskine last semester for the sake of preserving my sanity. Literally. And personally, I've found quite a bit of release and freedom in writing stuff down. Nevertheless, Hudson and I came upon the topic of lists. It sparked a ridiculous idea in my head to blog lists. Though I'm sure millions of people all over the world have blogged lists, I would still like to partake in this list-creating experience in 2010, and see where it leads me in the world of writing.
Without further delay, my first list of 2010: New Year's Resolutions List
1. Exercise 30 minutes a day no matter how busy I get. (Exceptions on sick days)
2. Read the Bible in a year.
-I'm not following a Bible-reading track, but I still feel I will finish the Bible this year because I plan on reading it every day.
3. Look to GOD as the source of my strength, wisdom, salvation, love, and encouragement. (A list within a list...I likey...)
4. Cut down on caffeine intake.
5. Sleep 8 hours a day.
6. Blog once a week.
7. Spend time outside, basking in God's creation for at least 15 minutes a week.
8. Cook once a week.
9. Work more on evangelizing to my non-Christian friends.
10. Pray more frequently and earnestly for God to sustain all areas of my life, relationships, studies, family, and future.
So a New Year's Resolution list isn't what one would prefer to call "creative", but I definitely think this list is necessary to a certain degree.
Happy New Year!
I was chatting with Hudson about how he recently purchased three skinny Moleskine journals for $7. A sweet deal for pocket sanity if you'll ask me. I remember purchasing my first Moleskine last semester for the sake of preserving my sanity. Literally. And personally, I've found quite a bit of release and freedom in writing stuff down. Nevertheless, Hudson and I came upon the topic of lists. It sparked a ridiculous idea in my head to blog lists. Though I'm sure millions of people all over the world have blogged lists, I would still like to partake in this list-creating experience in 2010, and see where it leads me in the world of writing.
Without further delay, my first list of 2010: New Year's Resolutions List
1. Exercise 30 minutes a day no matter how busy I get. (Exceptions on sick days)
2. Read the Bible in a year.
-I'm not following a Bible-reading track, but I still feel I will finish the Bible this year because I plan on reading it every day.
3. Look to GOD as the source of my strength, wisdom, salvation, love, and encouragement. (A list within a list...I likey...)
4. Cut down on caffeine intake.
5. Sleep 8 hours a day.
6. Blog once a week.
7. Spend time outside, basking in God's creation for at least 15 minutes a week.
8. Cook once a week.
9. Work more on evangelizing to my non-Christian friends.
10. Pray more frequently and earnestly for God to sustain all areas of my life, relationships, studies, family, and future.
So a New Year's Resolution list isn't what one would prefer to call "creative", but I definitely think this list is necessary to a certain degree.
Happy New Year!
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