Every Day with Jesus

As we continue to consider God’s timing, today we look at another character in Genesis: Abraham. Often it seems that our timing and God’s are at odds. We tend to want everything now, and yet God’s perspective is an eternal one not temporal.

At last we see some light on the dark path that has been Joseph’s life to date. And, if we take a closer look, there is more light than we might first think. We can see how Joseph gives glory to God and is much less about himself and his own importance. God has used Joseph’s story to make him into more of the man he needed for the task ahead of him.

Now we begin to see God’s plan a little clearer. Let’s imagine for a moment if Joseph had not got on his brother’s nerves… He would not have been sold as a slave and then he would not have been falsely accused of wrongdoing.

This time it is Pharaoh’s turn to dream. Today we see the powerlessness of the magicians and everyone else in Pharaoh’s court. While the magicians could not interpret the dreams of Pharaoh, Joseph is confident in his God.

Hopes are raised for Joseph once more. After some time in prison forgotten by all, and yet not by God – for remember God is showing kindness to Joseph – Joseph sees a possible way out. 

Today we find Joseph at his lowest. Rock bottom used to be at the bottom of a pit and then sold as a slave, but today we find Joseph in prison for something he did not do. This is a far cry from the days of grandeur with his ornate coat.

In our reading today we have an insight into Joseph’s character and faith. He is doing his best to live in an upright and godly manner. He chooses to actively avoid Potiphar’s wife by refusing to be with her and resists the constant temptation. It is his faith that helps him in this. It seems unfair then that, as he is fleeing from sin, he ends up accused of the wrongdoing and lands in jail.

In our reading today, we see Joseph in his new circumstances, a slave but making the best of it. Probably working harder than he has ever had to before. He used to be a son of privilege, and he is now a slave – but a prospering one.

The brothers lied and saw the devastation that lie brought to their father, Jacob, and yet they could not admit the terrible truth, even if it might have brought comfort to the old man.

Previously we have considered pride; today we see the fall that followed – and what a fall it was. Joseph had set off in his robe, with status and a meal for his brothers. His brothers plotted his demise while eating the meal that Joseph had brought to them.

What had probably for the brother’s started as just annoyance with Joseph and his showing off had, over time, become hatred and jealousy. So, when an opportunity presented itself, their hearts turn to murder, followed by covering up the dirty deed by lying about what had happened.

In today’s reading we see Joseph enjoying his status as set above his brothers, even though he should by birth be near the bottom of the pile. He does not seem to mind telling his brothers how he is so much more important than them. He seems oblivious to their unkind words and the hatred brewing in their hearts.

Have you ever dressed up for a special occasion and felt perhaps more important, or worth more, just because of the clothes you were wearing? Joseph was something special. He was set apart from the ordinary by his ornate robe. The robe was a status symbol. The robe was a gift from his father. He had to do nothing for it.

At the start of a new year we often make plans for the months ahead. Perhaps plans to get fitter or to eat more healthily, or maybe home or garden improvements. We may talk about God’s plan for our lives. Sometimes our plans can go awry and we wonder what God is doing.

Pressing on and going all out for God is an admirable desire, yet it is important to be realistic about the challenges ahead and our own frailties. For our final message of the year, we want to encourage you to keep pressing on ‘every day with Jesus’.

Once Joshua had taken over the leadership mantle from Moses, and had received his instructions from the Lord, he faithfully passed these commandments on to the people.

There are some things that we need to hear time and time again for them to sink in. Perhaps this is due to distractions, inner fears or straightforward rebellion, a refusal to heed wise words. In Joshua chapter 1, we read of a pivotal moment in the history of God’s people – Moses, the faithful servant of the Lord has just died (v1), and now it is Joshua who is called to lead the people into the pr...

Having just given us an impressive list of Old Testament saints who all ‘by faith’ followed God’s purposes for their lives, it would have been understandable if in the next section of his letter, the Hebrews writer exhorted us to ‘be like them’, to follow their example.

Hebrews 11 gives us a list of people considered to be heroes of faith in the Old Testament. People who heard God’s call, and obediently stepped out to follow His purposes for their lives.

In the UK, it is quite common to hear the sound of church bells ringing. These bells are often used to call local people to worship, or perhaps to hail special events. Celebrating the birth of Jesus and announcing services to celebrate this are such occasions.

Growing up physically is a natural and expected reality for the majority of people. Growing up emotionally into mature adults is also expected but can vary greatly from individual to individual. This is a normal and accepted part of life.

Many people on Christmas Eve, especially the young, are excited by thinking about what they might receive under the Christmas tree the next day. Maybe it will be that much longed for toy or gadget. As we get older, even the smallest gift matters – it is an indication that someone cares for us.

As we celebrate Christmas, it can be easy to simply see Jesus as ‘baby Jesus’, a helpless babe. Yet in Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, he gives us an awe-inspiring picture of just who Jesus is. Paul describes Jesus as the very image and reality of God Himself.

Christmas is often a time to say, ‘thank you’. Perhaps we have received a gift from someone, or an act of kindness – or perhaps someone has tirelessly helped us throughout the year, and so we want to show our appreciation.

For many people, Christmas can be a sad time as they remember loved ones who are no longer with them. Perhaps others are separated by geography, or perhaps through work – those in the armed forces, for example.