Favorite verses? I have 2...
1) Genesis 46:4
1) Genesis 46:4
God to Jacob: "I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.”
That verse brought me to tears sitting at my kitchen table sipping my coffee this morning.
That verse brought me to tears sitting at my kitchen table sipping my coffee this morning.
Think about it for a minute... any of us who have parents, i.e. ALL of us (or are parents) - I think - would be moved by this. Because at the end of the day, isn't that what we all want? to be with our parents as they pass from this life to their forever home with Jesus? Assuming my mom dies in natural order, I absolutely want to be there when she takes her last breath. I want to be the one holding her hand and whispering in her ear, "we're right behind you, mom." Or fast forward to my own passing - I want to have my girls with me as I take my last breath. One on either side. :) I don't know about you, but this is a comforting thought to me. Hard? YES! But sometimes the most precious things in life are the hardest.
But what makes this story all the more incredible? Jacob, old in age and having spent many years believing his son was dead, had just found out his son was indeed alive! And he was journeying to see him for the 1st time in years! God tells Jacob in a dream what is going to happen. He shares with him that his beloved son that was once lost will be the one to close his eyes when he passes. What a tender & loving gift God is giving to Jacob.
2) Genesis 50:20
Joseph to his brothers: "You intended to harm me, but God used those same plans and intended it for good."
Complete forgiveness. Total restoration. Joseph sees the big picture.
God, help me to be like Joseph.
Complete forgiveness. Total restoration. Joseph sees the big picture.
God, help me to be like Joseph.
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I'm reading the Bible with my partner, Bill Martin. Would you like to join us?
5 comments:
Wow Carmen, that was such a great thought. I have never thought about that part of the Joseph story before. And to think, that Jacob had thought his son dead- only to find that he would get to be with when he passed must have brought him great joy. To have your greatest earthly delight sitting beside you as you turn your eyes to our True Delight. Praise God. I am not a mother yet, but I would want it to be my children (and their Father if he is still here) to be the last things I see before passing on to Eternity. To know the last moment of earthly love- and to have them "with me" when I see my Faith become sight.
A year or so ago when my daughter and I tried reading through the Bible in a year, I remember it finally clicking. The BIG picture, how God led them into Egypt, how the slavery came about and how that sets up Exodus. It was the 1st time I could say I enjoyed reading the old testament. We are trying it again this year, I love finally seeing how the stories I know and have done in studies tie into the greater fabric that makes up the Bible!
That's one of my favorite verses!! I love how God takes something planned for our harm and turns it around before our eyes.
I read the Bible straight through in this way many years ago, but you've inspired me. Now that my relationship with the Lord is so much deeper, I think this is an awesome opportunity to swim around in His word again in a meaningful way.
As ALWAYS ... I'm inspired by my friends at The Morning Cruise. I love you peeps so much.
Sandie
Hi Carmen,
I guess you and I have lots in common these days. I am JOURNALING through the Bible this year and have just walked through these same chapters. Isn't God's Word FULL of DRAMA!!
I also just heard that you are doing Coach to 5K, me too but I'll bet it is easier for you, you are way younger :)
Blessings to you, you bring joy to many of my days.
Pat
I was there when my mom passed into God's arms, I took care of her until the end, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. It was the hardest thing ever. I'm so glad I was able to be there fro her after all she did for me.
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