Revelation 2: 18-29  To the church of Thyatira Jesus identifies Himself as the "Son of God who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze.."   We might sometimes read of someone whose eyes are bright or shining.. with joy or with laughter; or we might see the shimmering of tears in eyes of those who are suffering.  But, Jesus' eyes are like fire.. which makes me think of anger.. or zeal.  His message to the church focuses on the one thing that is causing them to be impure.. "the woman Jezebel". 

Whoever this woman was, she was claiming to be a prophetess, but leading some of the people to stray away from the truth. She led them into immorality and idolatry.  And... she was being tolerated by the church.  Discipline had been applied.. but she did not repent. Therefore, Jesus was going to bring judgement upon her.. "Behold I will cast her upon a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds. And I will kill her children with pestilence; and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds." 

Some of the church had held on to righteousness.. they practiced love and faith and service.. they rejected the false teaching.  Jesus encouraged them to  "hold fast until I come." 

The reward to those who hold on and overcome is a place of authority over nations.. and the gift of "the morning star".  The details of how those things will happen are mysterious to me...

So far these letters have addressed the most important needs of the church... love.. life.. truth.. and purity.  The church today needs to heed these messages just as much as the churches in John's day. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." 

Father in heaven, we are thankful for Your Word, for Your great love, for Your Spirit who leads us into truth and holiness.  Keep us in Your Hand.. that we might "hold fast" until Christ returns.  Give us eyes to see and hearts to receive Your Truth.. Grand us wisdom to know Your will and to walk in obedient and faithful love.  In Jesus' name we ask this. Amen. 

 Revelation 2: 12-17   To the church of Pergamum Jesus identifies Himself as "The One who has the sharp two-edged sword.. "  In John's vision in chapter 1:16  Jesus is said to have a "sharp two-edged sword" which came out of His mouth.  Later in Revelation 19:15 Jesus comes on a white horse out of heaven "and from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod or iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty."  

The sword is an instrument of judgement.. which comes from the mouth of our Lord.  Hebrews 4: 12 says, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." 

In Ephesians 6:17 we are told to take up the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  Isaiah 49:2 talks about the Servant of God.. "and He has made My mouth like a sharp sword".. 

All of these references bring us to a understanding of Jesus.. the Living Word.. the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us.  He came to speak truth.. to speak the Word of God.. the Word that judges nations and judges the thoughts of each heart.  Here, speaking to the Church, Jesus is passionate for them to hold on to the Truth.. even though they "dwell.. where Satan's throne is.." 

The church in Pergamum was sliding away from the whole truth.. they had allowed the "teaching of Balaam" to invade their church.  It was a teaching that would "put a stumbling block" before them.  They had allowed the teaching of the Nicolatians.. another stumbling block. These false teachers were leading the church away from purity and faithfulness.  It was promoting.. or at least allowing idol worship and immortality. 

Jesus calls His people to repentance.. quickly!  The consequence of false doctrines is judgement.. the "sword" of His mouth would "make war against them." 

But, to those who overcome.. there would be a mysterious and wonderful gift.. "hidden manna" and "a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it." 

We live in an age where the church has allowed in false doctrines.. many call themselves "christian" but are not staying faithful to the Truth of God's Word.  This will not stand, for the sword will come against them. We must be diligent against compromising the Truth of God's Word with the cultural mores of this world. 

Father in heaven, let the power of the Living Word fill us with Your Truth and give us wisdom to discern the lies of the enemy.  We know that many churches have allowed false teaching that condones immorality and idolatry.. Father bring repentance and restoration to Your people.  We take up the sword of Your Spirit, the Word of God and prayer. We take up the shield of faith and the belt of Truth. We put on the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace. We ask that You help us to overcome. We look forward to the day when we will receive a white stone and a new name.. in the presence of our Lord Jesus.  Amen. 

 Revelation 2:8-11 To the church at Smyrna  Jesus identifies Himself as the One who is "the first and the last, who was dead and has come to life.."  He experienced death and life.. and this church needed the reassurance that they would do the same.. and because He was the "first".. He would be there with them.. and because He is the "last".. they were safely in His Hands.  

The church was experiencing much  "tribulation".  They were suffering.  They felt their "poverty".. deeply.  Yet Jesus called them "rich"!  They had something so much greater than what the world could give them.  They needed to know the extent of the riches of Christ.. the riches of His kindness and forbearance.. His patience and His glory.. His wisdom and His knowledge.  The riches of Christ were theirs to attain.. so that even when they were tested, they would overcome.  "Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life." Jesus tells them.  

We have not experienced this kind of tribulation or suffering.. yet.  It may come to America some day.. and we need to be ready for that. But, we know that there are many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering today... sent into prisons, beaten, or even killed.. sometimes by their own families, just for trusting in Jesus. How we need to pray for the persecuted church around the world!  

Father we ask that Your children would be reminded today that Your love reaches to the heavens and Your faithfulness to the skies!  When they feel forgotten and oppressed, remind them of the riches of Jesus that are theirs forever, preserved for them in heaven where they cannot rust or mold or be stolen away.  You are faithful, Lord, and You will do all that they need so that they will overcome and receive the crown of life. May our hearts be filled with Your love for those we do not know and cannot be with... hear our prayers for them, Lord God, and move with power to bring them into Your riches of Grace.  In Jesus' name we ask this, Amen. 

 Revelation 2 The message to the churches that were given to John came from Jesus.. "the Alpha and Omega.. who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."  He has a message for the specific churches mentioned in this revelation.. but also for the Church today. 

In each letter, the Lord identifies a particular truth about Himself..  a characteristic that will enable the church to persevere to the end.. 

The first letter is to the church of Ephesus.  Jesus identifies Himself as "The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden candlesticks."  The stars are the "angels of the seven churches".. the leaders.. pastors.. the messengers of the Lord.  The candlesticks represent the churches. ( 1:20)   Jesus is telling them that He is right there with them.. walking among them... "I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance.. "  

The church of Ephesus was enduring.. but they had lost the "love" that they had from the beginning.. when they first came to Christ.  Jesus calls them to "repent" of this lost love. 

How do you repent of not loving God or others enough?  Jesus says to "do the things you did at first".  Go back to showing brotherly love, charity, good will, affection.. benevolence.  Jesus said that the church had not "grown weary" of the constant need to persevere in the presence of the wickedness around them.. but perhaps all their energy was spent on the battle and they lost sight of who they were... children of the Almighty God who was right there with them.. who had prepared a place for them in the "Paradise of God". 

Perhaps we are guilty of the same thing.. spending all our energy on "keeping the faith"  and neglecting the One who keeps us.. Who gives us His love to overflow into the lives of others. 

Father in heaven, fill us with the unending power of Your great love. Forgive us for not loving others as You have loved us. Help us to move deeper into Your love as we direct our hearts into Your Word and into the grace of our Lord Jesus. Thank You. amen. 

 Jude.. this letter is addressed to "those who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ."  What a wonderful word of encouragement for those believers.. and for us.  We have been called.. invited to the table.. in the Kingdom of our God.. we are loved by our God who revealed Himself as our Heavenly Father, adopting us in to His family.. and we are "kept".. preserved - guarded, cared for.. held fast for Jesus.. "waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life" ( v21b)

Jude's letter warns about those who deceive.. those who have "crept in" to the church while living ungodly and disgraceful lives.  "Contend earnestly for the faith"..  is the rallying cry from this man who grew up with Jesus.. but who did not come to faith until he saw Him resurrected and glorified.  Jude learned first hand that Jesus Christ alone can save and can preserve a soul from the lies of satan, from sin, and from eternal death. 

Jude gives these examples as a warning... 

The Israelites who had been saved out of Egypt.. but destroyed in the wilderness for their unbelief.

The angels in heaven.. who "abandoned their proper abode".. and are in "eternal bonds"

"Sodom and Gomorrah" who "indulged in gross immorality" and were condemned forever. 

And those who were living within the church but living wicked lives.. "these men revile the things which they do not understand.. " 

All of these.. are under condemnation..  judgement came to them and will come to any who follow in their footsteps.  The ungodly will be convicted for their ungodliness.  The grumblers, the arrogant.. those who follow after their own lusts.. will be condemned.. 

So.. "keep yourselves in the love of God.. have mercy on the doubting.. save others, snatching them out of the fire.. " (v21-23) We do not ignore them , but building up ourselves in faith.. praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping ourselves in the love of God.. we have mercy.. "with fear" lest we become polluted with the unholiness of those we try to minister to..

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our  Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. amen." 

Father in heaven.. keep us in Your Almighty Hand.. Amen!

 III John  This is a short and personal letter from John to his friend, Gaius, The focus, as in the other two letters that John wrote, is on walking in truth.  "For I was very glad when brethren came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth." (v3)

What joy it brings to us when those we love are following Christ.. "walking in the truth".  We rejoice to witness or to hear others witness of our loved one's faithfulness and love for Christ and for others.  John was so happy to hear that his dear friends were blessing others who had come to preach and teach the Word. 

But, John also has a word for the one who refused his letters.. Diotrephes.  This one was not walking in truth but acting wickedly.  He refused to accept John the apostle!  He forbid others to "receive the brethren".  He put people out of the church for providing hospitality to visiting pastors.

 "Beloved do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God." (v11) 

We need discernment regarding the people we meet.. knowing that some who claim to be Christians.. aren't really walking in the truth.  John also talks about Demetrius.. a man who "has received a good testimony from everyone and from the truth itself.. " (v12)  Do we have a "good testimony"?  When others view our lives.. can they tell we are walking in the truth?  I pray so... 

Father, may the light of Your Truth.. the Light of Christ.. fill our hearts and lives so that He is seen in all we do and all we say. Help us to walk in Your truth.. always, by the power of Your Spirit. Amen. 

 II John  Verse 3 "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love." 

Truth and love.  We must have both.. through Jesus Christ the "Father's Son."  

John warns us to not stray from either of these central characteristics of our God..  We are to love in truth.. we are to walk in truth.. we are to walk in love. 

The truth is that Jesus Christ came "in the flesh".  He was the Word who became flesh. He is the Son... the Beloved of the Father.  He is the "way.. the truth.. and the life.."   Jesus Christ.. our Lord and Savior.. the King of kings, the Lord of lords.  Let us never be deceived that He is less than what He is.. the Only Begotten of the Father.." He is the radiance of His glory, and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;" ( Hebrews 1:3)

By God's grace.. through His mercy on us.. we have a peace that is found no where else.. but in Christ, the Truth.  "Watch out".. John warns his readers.  There are deceivers.  Stay fixed on the foundation that Christ has given us.. for He is the Rock who will never fail us. 

And the truth is.. He has loved us with an everlasting love that will never fail.. and He has given us a command to love one another.  Let us "walk in obedience to His commands." 

Father , enable us to love more. Help us to stay firmly rooted and grounded on the Truth.. on Jesus Christ, Your Beloved Son.  We ask this in His beautiful name.. Amen. 

 I John 5 Believe.. " that Jesus is the Christ".. Believe.. "that Jesus is the Son of God".. Believe the testimony of the Spirit.. and of the "water and the blood".  Believe.. the witness of God.. "and the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." ( v1, 5, 8-11).  

Believe the witness within your own spirit.. that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to give us life...

Believe and have "confidence".. that He hears you.. that He knows you.. that He has overcome the world and gives you the faith to overcome the world too.  Have confidence that He will keep you from the evil one.. Believe that you are "of God".. and not of the world any longer.  

Ask for understanding.. for this is why Christ has come.. "in order that we might know Him who is true and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (v20) 

Father, thank You for this Word, this exhortation to step back from trying to do anything on our own.. and to just believe.  Help us in our unbelief.. fill us with the confidence to come to You for all that we lack.. trusting You to do all of Your good will in our lives that we might love like You loved us first. amen

I John 4  John wants his readers of this letter to "KNOW" the Truth..  he wants us to know this great love that the Father has given us...so that we can live the kind of life that we should live as children of God.  John wants us to know that love is a key part, a vital part... of this life in Christ Jesus.. for it was love that brought Jesus to earth so that we might have life.. eternal life. 

John teaches that a life changed by the love of God will love others.  In this way, we keep the commandments of God.   As we believe in the name of Jesus Christ and abide in His Spirit we become more like our Savior.. able to truly love others. 

John says that we need to "test the spirits".. to discern the truth about Jesus in whom we believe. We need to listen only to those voices that proclaim that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, that He is the Son of God, that He has overcome the world, and that He has given us this great love from the Father.  

We need to discern what this true love from the Father looks like.. for this love comes from God and no other source.  "By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him." (v9)  There is no other love like this!  A love that gave all.. a Son who left His throne in glory and stepped into the form of a baby.. a child who grew up to become the Lamb that was slain.. " the propitiation for our sins."  

This is the type of love that the children of God have been given and must give.. an abiding love, a perfect love, a fearless love.. a generous.. practical.. and abundant love. 

Father, fill us with Your love. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear.. open our hearts and our mouths.. to receive this amazing love and to be obedient children who truly love one another in word and in deed.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen. 

 I John 3 "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us.. "  What "manner of love" the NKJ says.. His love is greater than any other love. His love has come freely from the One who established the heavens and the earth.  It has come as a gift.. undeserved and unearned.  It has come lavishly.. unrestrained.. of His accord.. a love that envelops us "that we should be called children of God".   He has named us His children.. He has claimed us for Himself.  

"For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."  The world cannot understand who we have become in Christ..  They do not understand that we have a hope that is "fixed on Him" which "purifies" us.  They cannot understand that we will not practice sin as they do.  They do not understand that they cannot keep sinning and claim that they know Him. 

John wants to make it perfectly clear that there is a clear distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil. 

The child of God does not abide in sin, but finds forgiveness in Christ who came to "take away sins". 

The child of the devil practices sin, allowing hatred and lies to fill their lives. 

The child of God has been given the great, lavish love of the Father and practices that love by loving one another, opening their hearts to each other when there is a need, loving "not.. with word or tongue, but in deed and truth." 

"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 

The love that God, our Father has given to us is meant to transform us into His likeness.. people known for their love.. living a life of Truth...   a life that reflects the One in whom we abide.  

John tells us to "ask" Him for what we need, so that we can live this life of love.. keeping His commandments and doing the things that please Him.  John tells us to "believe in the name of His son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us." 

Father in heaven, there is no better Christmas message than this.. that Jesus came so that we might be forgiven our sins, cleansed, and filled with Your lavish love. We ask for this love to fill us even more this year.. May we abide in Christ and He is us "by the Spirit whom He has given us."  Amen. 

 I John 2  John tells us why he is writing this letter... 

"I am writing these things to you that you may not sin." (v1)  He goes on to say that he is "not writing a new commandment.. " because it has always been God's command, but "on the other hand I am writing a new commandment.. " because there is a change that has come.. " the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining." ( v7-8) 

He is writing.. "because  your sins are forgiven.. because you have overcome the evil one.. because you know the Father..  because you know Him who has been from the beginning.. because you are strong and the word of God abides in you.." (v12-14) 

" I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth." ( v21)  He wrote because some were trying to deceive them.. (v26) 

As children of God, followers of Jesus Christ,  we must walk in His Light and be filled with His Truth.  John emphasizes the truths that are vital to our walk of faith:

He writes so we won't sin.. but if we do we have "an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." We have found the true Savior.. Jesus who "is the propitiation for our sins.. also for those of the whole world." (v2)

The truth is that we "know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.."  To know God, John writes, is to keep the commandments.  The liar says he knows God, but he doesn't keep the commandments.. he hates. he lies.. he deceives... he walks in darkness.. he doesn't know where he is going.. he loves the things of the world.. he does not stay in fellowship with other believers.. he denies Jesus. 

When we know the Truth we know our sins have been forgiven.. we can overcome the evil one, we can be strong and the word of God abides in us. We know the Father.. we know the Son.. we know we have eternal life in Him.  We will be ready for His coming for we will walk in His righteousness. 

Father in heaven, let the Truth abide in us.. fill us with this blessed Word, that we might walk in faith, keep Your commandments, and be ready for that glorious day when our Savior comes back again. Thank You for Your grace and mercy.. thank You for the Advocate that brings us into Your love. In His precious name we pray.. Amen. 

 I John 1 "What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life..."   The "Word of Life"  ... this is what.. who John proclaims.. taking our thoughts back to the Gospel account.. " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.." ( John 1:1,14)

John listened carefully to Jesus. He knew the sound of His voice, the expressions He made, the distinct pattern of His words.  He heard Jesus sing. He heard Jesus weep. He heard Jesus pray.. 

John saw with his own eyes.. Jesus walking on the water; Jesus touching the leper and the blind man; he saw Jesus on the cross and in the upper room, having come out of the grave.  John touched Jesus.  He laid his head on His chest in the upper room. He had his feet washed by Jesus's hands. 

John wants us to know how deeply personal his message is.. he is proclaiming something so real and so vital.. "the life was manifested.. "  The Word was made known.. made visible..exposed and declared.. in the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ.  He, who was hidden in the Father, became visible in the flesh, so that eternal life could be possible for us. You can sense John's deep love for the Savior in these words. 

The message of Christ Jesus is proclaimed.. "that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." 

Here is what makes John's joy complete.. "this fellowship" - this intimate partnership and communion of God with His children... with all who come to Christ through the message that He brought.. and the sacrifice He made. 

" And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all." 

God has sent the Light of the world so that we could see Him clearly. In the Light we can find forgiveness and cleansing from sin. In the Light we can find life. In the Light we see the Truth.  

Light exposes the darkness. Darkness is the place of sin.. the place of deception.. the place that is outside of the fellowship that Jesus came to give us with our Heavenly Father.. eternally!

Father in heaven, how can we thank You enough for the great salvation that has come through Jesus Christ Your Beloved Son!  Thank You for the Word who became flesh and dwelt on earth.. who gave us the good news that the Kingdom of God is near.. that it dwells within us when we come into fellowship with You through His blood.  May our joy be made complete.. as John's was.. as we see others come into that same fellowship with You.  Manifest Your love and grace in us, Lord, so that the good news will be proclaimed once again this Christmas season. In the Name that is above all names we pray. Jesus Christ is our Lord.. Amen. 

 Genesis 41-50    Pharoah's dream.. Joseph's destiny.   He goes from prison to 2nd in power for the nation of Egypt.. all in one day.  Only God would have such a plan.. only God would bring about His purposes for Israel in such an extraordinary way.  Through all that happens.. Joseph gives the glory to God. 

Joseph is 30 years old when this chapter of his life begins. He becomes a powerful leader.  He is given a wife and has 2 sons. And... his brothers come and bow before him.. just as he had dreamt so many years before.  

Joseph tested his brothers to see what kind of men they had become. More than anything, he wanted to see his younger brother Benjamin and his father Jacob.  He heard the confession of his brother Reuben (42:22); he listened to the plea of his brother Judah.  He held Simeon captive in exchange for the return of the rest of the brothers, including Benjamin.  Tears and more tears accompany the reunion of Joseph with his brothers and with his father. 

The book of Genesis ends with the death of Jacob and then the death of Joseph.  The history of a nation born within the nation of Egypt.. is given to Moses.  It is a hard look at people who, but for the GRACE of God, would not be remembered at all.  It would be 400 years before God would move His people out of Egypt and back to Canaan.. the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  God's plans are hard to comprehend sometimes.. it seems like He always wants us to learn to wait.. and maybe that is the lesson we need the most.. 

Father, we wait for that day when You will move us.. to the Promised land.. the City that Abraham was looking for.. "which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God". ( Hebrews 11:10)  We are waiting to hear the trumpet sound... for the clouds to be rolled back like a scroll.. to be caught up in the air with our King, Jesus Christ. Help us to be alert and joyful.. ready and faithful... help us to be filled by Your Spirit and working as You call us to work, while we wait.  Let Your Name be hallowed, Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Genesis 39-40  Joseph.. this young man.. sold by his brothers, ended up in Potiphar's house. "And the Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man."  It was evident to Potiphar and to everyone else that Joseph was different.  The Lord's presence with Joseph was so evident that he was trusted with everything that Potiphar owned.. inside or outside of the household.   

Even after Potiphar's wife tried to entice Joseph and finally lied about him so that he ended up in prison.. Joseph continued to be a man of honesty and integrity.  ".. the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailor.... and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper."

Joseph persevered in the prison where he served the chief jailor.  When Pharoah's cupbearer and baker were imprisoned, Joseph was their overseer.  He was in the place that God wanted him.. for He had a purpose for Joseph that would come about through these circumstances.   Joseph was given the gift of interpreting dreams.. a gift that God gave him for this time and season of his life.  Joseph interpreted the dreams of both the cupbearer and the baker.  And.. both interpretations were correct.  The cupbearer was restored to his position and the baker was hung. 

Of all those we have read about in this history lesson.. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.. Judah and the other brothers.. Joseph  by far suffered more at the hands of others and yet was more faithful and righteous than any of them.   God blessed Joseph through all of this.. and Joseph knew the presence and grace of God. 

Father in heaven, we thank You for this example of a young man who could have had anything, but chose to be faithful to You. Thank You for the truth that we learn.. that those who call upon You and are careful to live for You.. even through struggles, will find favor by Your grace.  We need Your Presence in our lives too , Lord Jesus.  May we be so filled by Your Spirit that others will observe that You are with us. May we be diligent to walk in Your ways.. through whatever circumstances we find ourselves in today.  We ask for the power of Your Spirit to be at work in us.. to the glory of Your Name. Amen.

 Genesis 38 Judah moved away from his family.  He married the daughter of his friend Hirah, the Adullamite.  Shua had three sons with Judah, Er, Onan, and Shelah.  Judah arranged a marriage for his son Er with Tamar.  But, Er was wicked and "the Lord put him to death".  Onan was forced to marry Tamar, but refused to give her a son for his brother as tradition demanded, and the "Lord put him to death also." 

Judah didn't want to lose Shelah, so he pressed Tamar to go back to her father's house and wait until Shelah was grown up.  After a long time, Tamar took matters into her own hands.. she pretended to be a harlot, had sex with Judah, and took his seal, cord, and pledge as a promise of payment.  However... Judah couldn't pay her the promised kid from his flock, because he could not find her.  Only when he found out that Tamar was pregnant did the truth come out. 

Tamar had twin boys from Judah.. Perez and Zerah... "a breach" and "a dawning".  It is from Perez that the royal line of David and ultimately Jesus would come. 

Once again, it is from unrighteous people, who don't even seem to know the Lord at all, that God moves forward with His plan for His people and for all the nations.  I wonder if Judah repented?  He said, " She is more righteous than I.. "  recognizing his own failure to do what was right.   Was that the beginning of change in his heart and life?  Judah would later play a part in the situation with Joseph in Egypt.  He took  responsibility for his brother Benjamin.  He seems to take a key role of leadership within the family.  Perhaps.. his life did change for the better after all that happened. 

Father in heaven, the history of the nation of Israel is filled with unexpected events and people.  It is amazing to think that all of this was recorded by Moses as he led the nation out of Egypt and back to the promised land.  I am once again reminded that You know where we are.. where we have been.. and where we are going!  Your plans are perfect.. even with imperfect people.  How we praise You for the grace and lovingkindness that You have shown to us.. through many generations. Thank You for bringing me to this place.. at this time.. to know You, to worship You, and to love You with all my heart and all my soul, and all my strength.. Help me to grow in that love.. deeper every day, I pray... in Jesus' name Amen. 

 Genesis 37  Joseph.. 17 years old.. younger than most of his brothers and hated by them because he was Israel's favorite.  They had every reason to be jealous of Joseph.  His father made it obvious that he favored this son of Rachel's.  The special coat made it hard to ignore. 

 Joseph didn't help himself in this either.  He told his brothers about the dreams he had.. how their sheaves from the field had bowed down to his sheave... and how the sun, moon, and 11 stars had bowed down to him. They hated him even more after that. (Yet, it is important that they know these things.. for it all would be fulfilled later, and they would remember!)

When Joseph was sent to find his brothers and to report on them to his father, things got ugly.  They wanted to kill him. They ended up selling him to the Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver. The Midianites ended up with Joseph and sold him to Potiphar in Egypt. 

17 years old.  Betrayed by his own brothers, bought by his own relatives, and sold as a slave to an Egyptian. 

Israel was shown the bloody coat. They didn't actually say that Joseph was dead, but they allowed their father to believe it. They didn't know the deep loss that Israel would experience.. how he couldn't be consoled... what kind of men were these?  How could these become God's choice to form a nation?  Oh, how patient our God is.. to use such as these for His eternal purposes! 

Only two of Joseph's brothers are named in this passage.. Reuben, the oldest.. who persuaded them not to kill Joseph but to throw him in a pit.  He had every intention of rescuing Joseph and was distraught when he found out they had sold him.  The other is Judah, who suggested that Joseph be sold to the caravan.  All were part of this horrible act towards their brother. Someday they would understand the depth of their sin.. and the grace of his forgiveness. 

Think of the fear and sorrow that Joseph felt as his own brothers handed him over.. sold him as a slave.  He would have every reason to never forgive them.. but we know that he did.  God would work in Joseph's life in amazing ways.  

Father, sometimes Your plans are not anything that we would choose.. yet, You are still doing something so great and wonderful.. and You will accomplish Your purposes through them.  Thank You for reminding me that You never left Joseph alone.  You were with him as You are with us. When we are betrayed, when we are hurt, or when we are hated by others.. You have not stopped being faithful.  You have not stopped healing and loving us.  You have not forgotten us or Your good, good plans for our lives.  You are a God who shows us grace and helps us to be able to show grace and forgiveness to others.  Be glorified in our lives today, Lord God, as we cast every care upon You, for You care for us.. even as You cared for Joseph! Amen.