Genesis 37-39 As the account continues in Genesis, Joseph, the son of Israel emerges. He is just 17 years old, but he is already able to interpret dreams. His brothers hate him, consort together to kill him, but ultimately sell him into slavery. Judah, his older brother, the one who's line will produce the Messiah. He becomes thoroughly pagan, produces three sons, two are so wicked, Yahweh kills them. Despite his wickedness, two heirs are produced. Back in Egypt, Joseph faces a hard temptation to sin with his master's wife. He resists, but must endure wrongful imprisonment and suffering. Through it all, Yahweh is with him showing him faithful love and giving him favor and success as he works. The entire account reminds us that sin is an aggressive enemy that must be resisted through the powerful presence and grace of God. The gospel of Jesus is such good news because it is the one sure remedy for our sins. Jesus conquered sin and death through by his death and resurrection. Jesus alone can deliver you from your sin!

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

On Tuesday of passion week, Jesus again is at the temple. The religious leaders come to Jesus and challenge him on the source of his authority. Jesus first diverts their question by asking them about he authority of John the Baptist. He then tells them the parable of the wicked tenents. The religious leaders then ask Jesus three questions and Jesus follows with a question for them. This engagement concludes with Jesus rebuking the religious leaders and then offering the widow's offering as an example of sacrificial giving which prioritized God over self. Throughout this passage, the authority of Jesus and the truths he offers demand a response. 

The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.

Genesis33-36: As the accounts of Jacob and his life continue, we see the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau. Esau accepts the humble attempts of reconciliation from Jacob. Then the next account turns to the abduction and violation of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. Two sons, Simeon and Levi, deceptively lure Shechem and his people into a trap and kill all the men of the city. Jacob is then called by God, back to Bethel, where God once again affirms his covenant promises to Jacob. Jacob once again worships God, because Yahweh is worthy of worship for his faithfulness, presence and protection of Jacob. As believers, it is imperative that we seek reconciliation and avoid revenge, because we can trust God to faithfully keep his promises. The faithfulness and power of God to his promises should cause us to trust him, he can and will care for us, even through conflicts and hardships.

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

Genesis 29-32: As we continue to the account of Jacob, again conflict is a significant element of his life. Throughout Jacob experiences the conflict with his wives, with Laban, with Esau and even wrestles with God. As human beings, conflict seems to be inevitable. As believers, we must put away selfish ambition that leads to bitter conflicts, and instead trust our wise and sovereign God who provides kind, just and compassionate blessings, esp. through Jesus. Throughout this account, God repeatedly shows his presence, faithfulness and loyal love to Jacob. Jacob acknowledges the care of God and calls on God for protection from Esau. As this section concludes, Jacob receives a new name meaning "God fights" and he was and had been fighting for Jacob. Jacob did not need to content, God was on his side and fighting for him. God is calling each one of us to trust him, he can indeed be trusted. Even in conflict, God can faithfully sustain us and care for our needs. 

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

Genesis 25:19-28:22 As Genesis continues, we come to Jacob, the third patriarch on the list. The birth of the twin sons of Isaac begins this account of Jacob. Rebekah is overwhelmed by the turmoil in her womb while she is pregnant. God tells her she is carrying two nations and the older will serve the younger. Right away, Genesis describes the boys as grown and offers characteristics about them. Traditionally, Jacob is seen as a bit of a scoundrel and deceiver, but upon further examination, Jacob has often been misrepresented a bit in Genesis by interpreters. Certainly, not perfect, Jacob longed for and sought after the blessings of God (Hos. 12:3-6). Upon receiving the blessing from Isaac, Jacob is threatened by Esau, indirectly, and encouraged to return to Paddan-aram by Isaac and Rebekah. As he goes, he meets God at Bethel. It is his encounters with God, throughout his life, that sustain him through his conflicts. Conflicts, deception and sin characterize human relationships, but God is faithful and loyal to his promises. 

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

As Mark continues his gospel, Jesus offers his third and final prediction about his death to his disciples. They again, do not understand. Instead, James and John come to Jesus and request prominent positions in the kingdom. Jesus once again disciples his followers, instructing them on the true path to greatness - service. Service is not quoting mantras or touting the catch phrase "servant leadership." It is instead actually willingly serving all, no matter how menial the task, no matter how beneath you it may seem. Willing service and sacrifice for the good others demonstrates the kind of service Jesus himself came to give. Jesus informs his disciples that he will give his life as a ransom (payment in their place) for many and this demonstrates his committed service for all. As believers, we must guard against self-promotion and ambition and instead be committed to humble service.

The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.

Genesis 23:1-25:18 As Moses continues the account of the patriarchs in Genesis, we come to the deaths of both Sarah and Abraham and the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. God is working in each scenario, while Abraham continues to show faith in God and in his ability to fulfill his covenant commitments to Abraham and his family. Througout this section, the faithfulness and covenant loyalty of God is clearly on display. As believers, we must remember these truths are still a reality for us. The faithful and guiding hand of God is present with us, even as we walk through uncertainties. Our gracious God can be fully trusted. 

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

Often, a revolution is grounded in ideas, priorities that compete with the current, even accepted priorities of the culture. Here in Mark 10, Mark recounts three revolutionary ideas that characterize the kingdom of God and must characterize followers of Jesus. Here Jesus addresses marriage, humility and innocence, and finally confronts our human perceptions about wealth. These three kingdom priorities are revolutionary, because the instruction about each is so different than our normal perceptions. As believers, our values must reflect the priorities of Jesus and the kingdom of God. 

The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.

Genesis 20-22: As Moses continues the story of Abraham, we again see the failures and successes of Abraham. First, he again calls Sarah his sister and she is taken. Then the son of promise - Isaac is born, but his son Ishmael and Hagar are banished by Sarah. Finally, the test of his life, God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Though very foreign to us, this fits into the ancient Near Eastern context, and Abraham willingly obeys. God provides a ram for the burnt offering instead of Isaac. Despite the difficulty of this request, Abraham obeys, confident that God will raise his son from the dead (Heb. 11:17-19). Abraham's knowledge of God empowers him to obey God. Do you know God enough to trust him? To obey him? To follow his direction in your life? It is imperative that we know God so that we can more effectively obey him. A life of faith demands trust in the faithful promises of God and obedience to his words, no matter your circumstances.

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.

As Mark continues his gospel, he offers the second prediction from Jesus of his own death and resurrection. The disciples do not understand and Jesus continues to instruct them by offering three vital truths that all disciples should understand and live. These three lessons are essential for every follower of Jesus, in every generation. The first lesson is about greatness. Throughout his life, the example of Jesus consistently demonstrates that humble service is the priority of God and his kingdom. Self-promotion is not a kingdom priority, self-promotion lends to selfishness and pride, neither of which should characterize followers of Jesus. The second priority given by Jesus is acceptance of fellow believers, even if when they are different. Often, believers become enamored with distinctives, denominations and sectarianism. Exclusivism and isolation are not virtues, according to Jesus. The third priority that Jesus offers his disciples is that of causing others to fall away and still being salt. Salt here represents both preservation and attraction. Salt adds flavor. How often do we attract others through our interactions and grace? Intolerance and divisiveness are both far more often great deterrents. Salt should promote peace, not division (9:50). As genuine disciples of Jesus, we must be transformed by his truths - by his priorities. 

The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.