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Suffering scorn from unbelievers and imprisonment in Rome, Paul nonetheless is not ashamed of the Gospel. Let us also follow that example when we face the relatively inconsequential derision of today’s world. We can proclaim with Paul, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed.”

BibleGateway: 2 Timothy 1:1-12 ESV Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-12 2 Timothy 1:1–12 (Listen) Greeting 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God… Read More »Suffering scorn from unbelievers and imprisonment in Rome, Paul nonetheless is not ashamed of the Gospel. Let us also follow that example when we face the relatively inconsequential derision of today’s world. We can proclaim with Paul, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed.”

“Oh, for a faith that will not shrink Tho’ pressed by many a foe; That will not tremble on the brink Of poverty or woe; Lord give us such a faith as this; And then, whate’er may come, We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss Of an eternal home. “ – TLH #396:1, 6

BibleGateway: Hebrews 11:30-40 ESV Text: Hebrews 11:30-40 Hebrews 11:30–40 (Listen) 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven… Read More »“Oh, for a faith that will not shrink Tho’ pressed by many a foe; That will not tremble on the brink Of poverty or woe; Lord give us such a faith as this; And then, whate’er may come, We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss Of an eternal home. “ – TLH #396:1, 6

Joseph said his bones were not to remain in Egypt, but were to be taken to Canaan. In faith, he was giving testimony that the Lord would certainly bring His chosen people back to the Promise Land. Similarly, at Christian funerals we say we are confident the remains of our Christian loved one will one day be raised, and that he will certainly be taken to that better Promised Land.

BibleGateway: Hebrews 11:17-29 ESV Text: Hebrews 11:17-29 Hebrews 11:17–29 (Listen) 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received… Read More »Joseph said his bones were not to remain in Egypt, but were to be taken to Canaan. In faith, he was giving testimony that the Lord would certainly bring His chosen people back to the Promise Land. Similarly, at Christian funerals we say we are confident the remains of our Christian loved one will one day be raised, and that he will certainly be taken to that better Promised Land.

We conclude the month with a few readings from Hebrews. Hebrews provides good insight into the lives we’ve read about in the book of Genesis. The key word is faith. Though far from perfect, believers like Noah, Abraham, and Jacob lived their lives with God-given faith, looking ahead to the coming of Christ, as well as inhabiting the city whose builder and maker is God.

BibleGateway: Hebrews 11:1-16 ESV Text: Hebrews 11:1-16 Hebrews 11:1–16 (Listen) By Faith 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things… Read More »We conclude the month with a few readings from Hebrews. Hebrews provides good insight into the lives we’ve read about in the book of Genesis. The key word is faith. Though far from perfect, believers like Noah, Abraham, and Jacob lived their lives with God-given faith, looking ahead to the coming of Christ, as well as inhabiting the city whose builder and maker is God.

Satan likes to haunt our minds with sins from even way back in our past. Joseph is saddened when his brothers wonder if he has truly forgiven them for their past misdeeds. The only solution? Take your guilt to the cross, where Jesus has already paid for all of it. Even guilt for which we have already received forgiveness needs to be taken to the cross.

BibleGateway: Genesis 50 ESV Text: Genesis 50 Genesis 50 (Listen) 50:1 Then Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept over him and kissed him. 2 And… Read More »Satan likes to haunt our minds with sins from even way back in our past. Joseph is saddened when his brothers wonder if he has truly forgiven them for their past misdeeds. The only solution? Take your guilt to the cross, where Jesus has already paid for all of it. Even guilt for which we have already received forgiveness needs to be taken to the cross.

The Great Descendant of Judah is called “Shiloh,” which means “Rest-bringer”. Through the Gospel in Word and Sacrament, Jesus gives perfect rest to our souls. Elsewhere in Scripture Jesus is known as the Lion from the Tribe of Judah. Yes, Jesus is a tender Lamb, but He’s also an almighty Lion, in Whom is all power and authority in heaven and on earth.

BibleGateway: Genesis 49 ESV Text: Genesis 49 Genesis 49 (Listen) Jacob Blesses His Sons 49:1 Then Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather yourselves together, that… Read More »The Great Descendant of Judah is called “Shiloh,” which means “Rest-bringer”. Through the Gospel in Word and Sacrament, Jesus gives perfect rest to our souls. Elsewhere in Scripture Jesus is known as the Lion from the Tribe of Judah. Yes, Jesus is a tender Lamb, but He’s also an almighty Lion, in Whom is all power and authority in heaven and on earth.

Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph, prophetically, showing that the younger son would be greater than the older. God has a plan for each of us. With humble faith accept the plan He has for you, not worrying, but being happy for the blessings He gives others. Also, don’t forget that the big plan for all of His redeemed saints is life forever with Him in Heaven!

BibleGateway: Genesis 48 ESV Text: Genesis 48 Genesis 48 (Listen) Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh 48:1 After this, Joseph was told, “Behold, your father is ill.”… Read More »Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph, prophetically, showing that the younger son would be greater than the older. God has a plan for each of us. With humble faith accept the plan He has for you, not worrying, but being happy for the blessings He gives others. Also, don’t forget that the big plan for all of His redeemed saints is life forever with Him in Heaven!

Jacob described the days of his life as few and evil. Does that sound familiar? Life as sinners in a fallen world often can be discouraging and painful. But, through all that trouble, the Lord tirelessly works to shape and mold us, so that, more and more, we learn to lean, not on our own wisdom strength, but upon the truth and mercy of our Savior God.

BibleGateway: Genesis 47 ESV Text: Genesis 47 Genesis 47 (Listen) Jacob’s Family Settles in Goshen 47:1 So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, “My father and… Read More »Jacob described the days of his life as few and evil. Does that sound familiar? Life as sinners in a fallen world often can be discouraging and painful. But, through all that trouble, the Lord tirelessly works to shape and mold us, so that, more and more, we learn to lean, not on our own wisdom strength, but upon the truth and mercy of our Savior God.

The nation of Israel now numbers only 66. But, as promised, the Lord will increase that number many times over in the coming centuries. That’s something like how the New Testament Church began with only a handful. But now God has increased it to a multitude from every nation, countless souls who have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

BibleGateway: Genesis 46 ESV Text: Genesis 46 Genesis 46 (Listen) Joseph Brings His Family to Egypt 46:1 So Israel took his journey with all that he… Read More »The nation of Israel now numbers only 66. But, as promised, the Lord will increase that number many times over in the coming centuries. That’s something like how the New Testament Church began with only a handful. But now God has increased it to a multitude from every nation, countless souls who have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Here we have both a revelation and a reconciliation. Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, followed by a heart-warming reconciliation. So powerfully and wonderfully healing is the forgiving grace of God as it works in the hearts of His believers.

BibleGateway: Genesis 45 ESV Text: Genesis 45 Genesis 45 (Listen) Joseph Provides for His Brothers and Family 45:1 Then Joseph could not control himself before all… Read More »Here we have both a revelation and a reconciliation. Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, followed by a heart-warming reconciliation. So powerfully and wonderfully healing is the forgiving grace of God as it works in the hearts of His believers.

As a final test, Joseph’s silver cup is planted in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers are aghast that Benjamin may be killed. In Christ-like fashion, Judah pleads for the life of his brother, offering even to become a slave in exchange for Benjamin’s life. Praise God, a change of heart has taken place. Truly, the Lord wants all come to repentance and be saved.

BibleGateway: Genesis 44 ESV Text: Genesis 44 Genesis 44 (Listen) Joseph Tests His Brothers 44:1 Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men’s… Read More »As a final test, Joseph’s silver cup is planted in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers are aghast that Benjamin may be killed. In Christ-like fashion, Judah pleads for the life of his brother, offering even to become a slave in exchange for Benjamin’s life. Praise God, a change of heart has taken place. Truly, the Lord wants all come to repentance and be saved.

With food running low, the brothers need to return to Egypt. Jacob is dead set against taking Benjamin, but Joseph had made it plain: no Benjamin, no grain. Joseph’s plan to stir the consciences of his brothers continues to bear fruit. What a painful blessing it is to honestly come face to face with our sin. For only then can true Gospel healing take place.

BibleGateway: Genesis 43 ESV Text: Genesis 43 Genesis 43 (Listen) Joseph’s Brothers Return to Egypt 43:1 Now the famine was severe in the land. 2 And when… Read More »With food running low, the brothers need to return to Egypt. Jacob is dead set against taking Benjamin, but Joseph had made it plain: no Benjamin, no grain. Joseph’s plan to stir the consciences of his brothers continues to bear fruit. What a painful blessing it is to honestly come face to face with our sin. For only then can true Gospel healing take place.