Author: Don Guthrie

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 37:2-14, 18-28 (day six)
“When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”  (v 4)  He was his father’s favorite and it drove his brothers crazy (angry)!  Not a recommended pattern for positive family life.  Even so, the Joseph story reminds me of Jesus.  The Bible says that the Lord was crucified because the Jewish leaders were envious.  (Mark 15:10)  Are we ever the same?  When God chooses someone for a special task and gives them special gifts for the accomplishment of same, do we ever second-guess?  Wonder why it wasn’t us?  Unwise.  The Bible says that God works all things after the counsel of His own will.  He is immensely wise and magnificently good.  Better for us to trust the “gifts and calling” that He puts on every life without envy or anger.  No favorites here, just the unrepentant wisdom of God.

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 37:2-14, 18-28, Genesis 39:1-12 (day one)
“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” (Declaration of Independence)  I don’t want to be politically incorrect but Thomas Jefferson was wrong.  We are NOT equal in gifts and opportunities.  In worth and dignity, yes, but not in privilege and calling.   The Scriptures declare a different “self-evident” truth–that God is sovereign and rules over people who have vastly different assignments.  Some have much, others less.  Some are destined for leadership (cf Joseph’s dream) and others for lives more hidden.  Some will have their Father’s favor.  Others will experience their brother’s hatred. (Some will know both).  From a Christian perspective, it is a waste of breath to protest, “Life is not fair”.  We agree.  This week as we study the life of Joseph we will mark his progress toward a different discovery.  Life is not fair, but God is good!  At the point of His grace we ARE all equal.

Re: Verse reading–Judges 16:4-30 (day seven)
“The Lords of the Philistines came to her and said, ‘Coax him, and find out what makes his strength so great.’ ” (v 5)  I do not blame the Philistines for wanting to know.  I’m not surprised they were clueless about spiritual power.  I do blame Samson for not remembering.  In Philippians 4:13, Paul says that he can do all things “through HIM who gives me STRENGTH”.  The word used is a form of our word dynamite.  And how do ordinary people find great power for living?  Moses knew.  “If YOUR PRESENCE does not go with us, do not send us up from here.  How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless YOU GO WITH US? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”  (Exodus 33:15-16)  Question–what makes his (our) strength so great?  Answer–The presence of God in our lives!

Re: Verse reading–Judges 16 (day six)
“So those he (Samson) killed at his death were more than he killed during his life.” (v 30)  Think about it.  It is possible that the last chapter of life can be the greatest chapter of all.  Even for those who have drifted away from God, wasting years in foolish friendship with the world.  It is possible to return to God and to great spiritual usefulness.  Think Samson.  Publically shamed and physically maimed, it would have been easy for him to collapse into depression and defeat.  He didn’t.  Somehow in the darkness, he “saw” that God’s calling and gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).  So, he believed/hoped/prayed that God would forgive and restore him to useful service.  May the Lord give us equal insight.  Prodigal is not the most important word.  Son is.  None of us have gone so far that the Lord will not hear our prayer of repentance.  It is still possible to end well.

Re: Verse reading–Judges 16:4-30 (day one)
“So the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes.”  (v 21)  “A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyong remedy.”  (Proverbs 29:1)  It is easy to say.  “It will never happen to me.”  Easy to deceive ourselves into thinking that God’s mercy will cover continued sin without consequence.  The scripture denys this naive confidence.  Playing with fire and getting burned are synonymous.  Ask Sampson! How many of God’s commandments did he disregard?  Sexual sin.  Falling in love with a person who did not love God.  Missing the connection between purity and power.  It was a painful lesson.  One, sadly, that many of us are close to repeating.  Deep Mercy?  Yes.  Unbending justice? Yes.  Both are parts of the character of God.  The Ninevites repented and were saved. (Jonah 3:10) Sampson did not repent and lost his life and ministry.  How foolish to miss God’s mercy by saying, “It will never happen to me.”

Re: Verse reading–Daniel 1 (day seven)
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine.”  (v 8)  In 1 Corinthians 9:27, the Apostle Paul speaks about being “disqualified”.  He doesn’t elaborate, but he does register the possibility that “after having preached to others” he, himself, might stumble into sin, becoming unusable in Kingdom service.  It is a serious consideration for every believer and probably what motivated Daniel’s decision to be clean.  What are actions and attitudes that grieve/quench the Holy Spirit in our lives?  Please read the following  words and ask for insight.  “In a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, some to honor and some to dishonor.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 2:20-21)  We must serve God on His terms.  Holy lives.

Re: Verse reading–Daniel 1 (day six)
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine.”  (v 8)  “I am afraid of the King. . . if he should see you in poor condition, it would endanger my head.”  (v 10)  Questions.  WHY did Daniel refuse the palace food?  Had he taken a Nazirite vow?  (see Number 6:2)  Was he concerned with Levitical food laws?  (Leviticus 11)  The Bible doesn’t say.  Was it the idolatry and indulgence associated with Babylonian diet that caused him to commit to a more simple, spiritual path?  And WHY was the palace official willing to risk his own safety to help?  What was it about Daniel’s life that others found inspiring?  (Romans 5:7?  “for a good man one might be willing to die.”)  And finally, WHY aren’t more of us aware of our choices in an unbelieving culture, how powerful they are, how beneficial to us and to those who are observing our lives.  Just asking.  Why?

Re: Verse reading–Daniel 1 (day one)
“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself”  (v 8)  Handsome, young, gifted man.  Opportunity for advancement in a secular culture.  The price?  Accomodate his beliefs.  Compromise the commandments of God.   It is a classic story of temptation and faithfulness.  Daniel searches his heart and then searches for a way to serve Nebuchadnezzar and still serve Jehovah.  He resolves that his commitment to God is first.  He will not compromise the path of purity commanded by God.  In doing so, he becomes our example.  Does purity matter?  Is obedience to God’s law a realistic path in a secular world?  Daniel concludes that the answer is yes and resolves to walk the path with courage.  Part of God’s equipment for his people is a clear conscience before the Father.  “Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 2:21)