Day 14 (Saturday) - Genesis 40:9-42:28

Joseph made quite a name for himself. He went from the bottom of the pit to second in command of the most powerful empire in his world. It’s not only going to serve him well, but also his whole family. But a question comes up as I read the text, “What is dream interpretation today?” Can we or should we try to make sense or unravel a secret meaning behind our dreams. Are they a form of communication? Why can only Joseph do this interpretation? I personally think dreams are just dreams until they stick in your head in such a way that you don’t forget. If it is something you are to know, God will provide an answer for you through his means and not the lady with the crystal ball and tarot cards! I have had God speak to me a few times in my dreams and it helped me have the courage to follow him in his plan for my life. What do dreams mean to you?

Day 13 (Friday) Genesis 37:25-40:8

This is the classic story of Joseph being sold into slavery as a result of his brothers being threatened by his dreams of being in an honored position over his them. Little do they know, but they would trade anything for these dreams to come true because it will save their lives. It reminds me that I need to remember that there is a plan behind the events in my life. At the moment, it may seem to difficult or to hard to continue on in faith, but God’s plan is so much bigger than the events of the day or the trial we face. Faithfulness and steadfastness is the way to find yourself on the right path. Fear and questioning will derail me quicker than anything. Are you or have you faced trials? What you do today determines whether or not you stay in the pit or put on the robe!

Day 12 (Thursday) - Genesis 35:1-37:24

The close of Jacob’s life has left a threefold legacy. Throughout the scriptures when God is referred to in the reminder of the covenant, he is called the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God made a covenant with these three that has been reaffirmed and passed down to you and me. When God makes a promise, he keeps it, even when we fall short on our end.

The people of Israel are really the people of Jacob. That is why they are called Israel, because they came from the man Israel. The 12 tribes of Israel is just another way of saying the 12 sons of Jacob. Through these 12 sons, a great nation of people will be born. They will honor God and walk away from God. From generation to generation they will change in their love and respect of this God that has protected them and given them these great promises.

Our focus now turns to one of the 12 sons’, Joseph. I love this story and the way God again uses the underdog to bring forth the message and Kingdom of God. It’s because of stories like Joseph that I think there is hope that God could use you and me!

Day 11 (Wednesday) - Genesis 31:43-34:31

Jacob is growing up. In these verses today we see Jacob move from a deceiver to one that fights for God. This is a good reason for the name change after the WWE wresting match with God (I wonder if that was a theophany of Jesus?). Jacob makes peace with his father in law, matures in his thinking about his brother, fights for a blessing from God, makes peace with Esau, stands up for the mistreatment of his daughter and rebukes his sons’ slaughter of the men at Shechem.

God will take us where ever we are, but once our hearts start to align with his, God can begin to do mighty things with our lives and efforts. How often do you wrestle with God? I have full out WWE matches on a weekly basis. When I surrender to God’s will and follow his plan, the Kingdom always draws near and blessing abound.

Day 10 (Tuesday) - Genesis 30:1-31:42

I have always had a problem with the Old Testament text that is highlighted here. God teaches that marriage is one man and one woman. Polygamy, the marrying of more than one wife, is not good. But in the Old Testament, men of faith, that God uses and continues to bless, have multiple wives. In this passage, not only does Jacob have multiple wives, but he even has children with the servants of his wives. I’m not always sure what to make of this. God is clear that biblical marriage is with one wife, but the examples like this are confusing. God never says that polygamy is acceptable, but he also does not speak out against it in these puzzling texts.

Many bible commentators have justified the polygamy because they state that it was necessary for growing the community fast. Some say it was a way of honoring the women because without a husband, they would not be cared for, receive no inheritance and never have children. I guess both of these options are true, but I still don’t like these texts as it leaves so much room for error. Many bible cults today use these texts to promote polygamy in their doctrine. Even though I don’t always “get” these texts, I trust in God’s plan of biblical marriage of one man and one woman…that’s all I could handle anyway!

Day 9 (Monday) - Genesis 27-29

The name Jacob seems to have a root meaning defined as deception. If so it seems to fit pretty well. Jacob does not seem to have much respect for Esau and is always looking out for number one. The shocking thing is his mother’s involvement. Rebekah seems eager for Jacob to steal the blessing that Isaac wants to give to Esau. At the same point, it could be that they are securing Jacobs right to have the blessing that belongs to him as the “new” firstborn as a result of the purchased right for the bowl of soup we just read about yesterday. Of course that seemed shady as well.

What do you think about these choices Jacob is making?

Day 8 (Sunday) - Genesis 24:28-26:35

Esau is as dumb as a stump. A birthright was no small thing. As a firstborn son, you received special privilege. You receive a larger inheritance, you took over your father’s household, and there was respect and honor for the one who held the position, as well as a special blessing (we will see tomorrow). But even though Esau is lacking some brain power, his brother Jacob is taking advantage of him and is not squeaky clean.

Jacob is doing the “finders keepers, losers weepers” type of thing. This is an example of the text not telling us it’s wrong, but we are expected to understand this as we filter this story through our moral compass. The selling of a birthright and another deception of Abimelech, Jacob is not off to a great start.