We have probably all read the creation story a gazillion times. This time, read it through the lens of our week’s theme which is “Our Majestic and Gracious God.” Wrapping our heads around what God did for us by giving us life, companionship, provision, and beauty to enjoy is so basic we often forget how precious.
What speaks to you in today’s reading? I love how it starts, “In the beginning God…” Everything that comes from the beginning starts with God. God is the creator of all things, the artist of his own masterpiece. Similarly, in the Gospel of John, we read in Chapter 1, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Continue reading “Genesis 1:1-2:4
In the Beginning…” 
We’ve gotten up close and personal with Joseph and his family over the last number of days (if you have been reading this sequentially as I write). Today closes the chapter on Joseph’s life, and the book of Genesis. Looking back over the last 50 chapters, we have covered a huge span of years and met lots of Bible heroes. I have always been amazed at how one book could contain so much history. Joseph’s story has always been a favorite of mine.
Have you ever had anyone speak a prophecy over your life or give you a special blessing? Here we see Jacob’s sons gathered to bid their father farewell as death was close. Jacob appears to have had a surge of energy and alertness as he addresses each of his sons with a message and a blessing. We certainly learned a few things about these boys from Jacob’s departing words.
Sometimes God uses the unexpected, breaking tradition or appearance. We see that here as Jacob blesses Ephraim more than Manessah, the oldest. Traditionally, the firstborn would receive the greater blessing. Joseph tried to intervene to correct this, but Jacob did it intentionally. Apparently, he had “inside information” and wanted to bless the younger son more. Maybe he remembered his own experience.
Being a leader is not always an easy thing, especially when problems arise. Thinking fast on your feet is often necessary when needing to give directions. Being a good decision maker is also a trait a good leader should possess. That is an area I need to work on. I have been placed in leadership roles over the years, and I always say the best leaders must be good followers. Yet, when decisions need to be made, I need to dig deep to find courage. Otherwise, I only second guess and overthink my actions.
