The ending of Genesis

Sisters and Brothers,
We are approaching the end of Genesis.

Finally, the whole Israeli moved done to Egypt. Although Joseph was in such a high rank in Egypt, he was still wanting to go back to God's promised land. Before Joseph die, he put the sons of Jacob under oath and continue, "When God thus takes care of you, you must bring my bones up with you from this place" 45:25

It is not hard to understand why Israeli was suppressed by Egyptian. In their custom, the Egyptians don't even sit to eat with Jews. When Joseph was in favor with The Pharaoh, Egyptians won't do anything to the Jews. After Joseph's death, and mostly likely the old Pharaoh's death, situation changed. On top of that, all the Israeli's were more prosper than the Egyptians. Naturally, jealous gets in people's mind and started to persuade Pharaoh to do different things.

This is not new to our daily life. We all experienced one way or the other similar situation. Sometimes we get frustrated and even angry. Why God puts me in such a test for I am faithful. The story of Genesis and Exodus give a perfect answer. God never put us on any easy life. When you prosper, situations come to test you. Doesn't matter whether it comes from Satan or our Lord. We will need be faithful and endure the tests just like Israeli's in Egypt. Sooner or later, the Lord will send saver to free us, like Moses freed the Israelis from Egypt.

in Christ,
Dan

4/23 Genesis 46 and on

Sisters and Brothers,

This week, we are continue with the story of Genesis.

Jacob comes the Egypt after knowing Joseph is still alive and well there. In the mean time, when Jacob arrives Beer-sheba, God reveal to him his plan. Not only visiting Joseph, God asked Jacob move to Egypt and ensure God will go down with him.

It takes a lot of courage and trust to make such a move. For God had promised Jacob the land of Canaan, how could he ask Jacob to go down different path, especially Egypt? "Since all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians" 46:34. Obviously, Egypt was not the first place Jacob would have picked to move his entire family even during the famine. Not only Jacob moved his there, eventually, he died in Egypt.

Come to think about our lives, isn't the same? We thought we figured out what God's planned for us. As we are working hard to pursue "God's plan", often time, we detoured to the different path. How do we know the new path is really God's plan or not? Obviously, it could be quite different from the original plan but eventually, we will get to the place. May not be the way we thought would be. Just like Jacob died in Egypt instead.

Let us pray to the Lord always give us the guidance. And may the Holy Spirit provides us wisdom to help us choosing the right detour path.

in Christ,
Dan

4/16 Genesis 42 to 45

Sisters and Brothers,

This week, we are continuing our journey on the book of Genesis.

As the famine is getting worse, Jacob's family were also suffering at Canann. Like the rest of people in the region, they went to Egypt for the food. Apparently, they were under the mercy of Joseph.

You would think Joseph would have taken the opportunity for revenge. On the contrary, he put all the food and money back in his brothers' bag. Although, he did put out some obstacles in front of his brothers. It is quite understandable considering what he went through. The interesting thing was Joseph asked his brother to leave Simeon behind at Egypt. This was probably his tactic to have his brother come back, especially with Benjamin whom Joseph hasn't seen. For Joseph, it is big struggle between wanting to see his family and putting down his face to forgive his brothers.

In chapter 45, Joseph finally told his brothers who he is. And he put out the astounding statement
"So it was not really you but God who had me come here; and he has made of me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his household, and ruler over the whole land of Egypt"
It takes a lot of courage to put down one's face like Joseph. And it is a lot of love to forgive ones like Joseph's brother.

Let us pray to the Lord our God to give us wisdom and courage. So we can learn and practice love and forgiveness.

in Christ,
Dan

4/9 Genesis 39 to 41

Sisters and Brothers,

This coming Friday is our first Bible study for the Easter season. Genesis 39 to 41 fits well to this churchcal calendar.

As we are reading this part of Genesis, we see Joseph was just a slave when he arrived in Egypt. But soon, he began to have a successful career. The promise that God gave to Abraham reflects on Joseph.

However, the road to success is not without ups and downs. Even though God is with Joseph, God still put all the possible tests to Joseph.

Coming to Egypt as a slave, Joseph was doing well at Potiphar's house. But not very long, life took a turn. Potiphar's wife lied to accuse Joseph raped her and him to jail.

While in jail, the chief jailer put Joseph in charge. We clearly see how God put Joseph in test as well as his blessing on him. And during the jail time, there was an opportunity or Joseph to get out. For Joseph had foretold Pharaoh's chief cupbearer's release and hoping he would help Joseph. But nothing happen. That was a big setback for Joseph and would have been devastated for most of the people.

But the story really tells God's mysterious plan. Instead of letting Joseph out easily, God had him stay in jail for two more years. For God is setting up the stage for Joseph to interpreted Pharaoh's dream. That interpretation eventually raised Joseph out of the jail and became famous in Egypt.

This is a wonderful story and gives us a perfect example of God's plan. He will put us to test before he pour down his blessing. When we in distress or whatever low point in life, God is with us. And we never know what kind of tests he will put us thorough before his next assignment. Unlike Jesus, he know the next step. However, he was also gone through the suffering of died on the cross before raised on high.

Let's be faithful and accept God's assignment, for good and bad. For he knows our destiny and we are his people.

in Christ,
Dan