The Bible Project @ Kelsey

DAY 16 We're finishing our first book today!  What a great feeling, right?  It's great that we're able to do this together.  That's how we're supposed to read the Bible!  What kind of encouragement have you received? Like we've alluded to before, we shouldn't think of these last chapters as the end of Genesis.  Notice, as Jacob blesses his sons, the blessing is a sign of what we will know about the tribes of Israel.  So, let's not look for a Happily Ever After ending.  Let's see how we're just get started! Blessings. DAILY READINGS Genesis 48-50 & Psalm 16 DAILY NOTES Genesis 48:3 Jacob remembers the promise of God!  Don't think that is unimportant.   In the next chapter, Jacob will lay out the "company of peoples" that stems from his family.   Genesis 48:5-7 Jacob includes Joseph's 2 sons in the inheritance of the land.  They have been adopted by Jacob.   Genesis 48:8-20 Perha...

DAY 15 When I read a book (not just the Bible) and get close to the end, I have coming-in-for-a-landing feeling.  That is, I can tell things are being concluded and the book's content is wrapping up so that I can turn the last page; I can tell it's the end. As we finish the final chapters of Genesis you might get the same kind of feeling.  DON'T!  It may feel as if the story is winding down.  Joseph is reconnected to his family.  Now he and his family share in riches and new land.  Jacob can die happy because he knows his son(s) is alive. Remember, though, we're reading the entire Bible.  And the Bible is an entire narrative of the story of God.  There's much more to discover and witness.  Pay attention to how the events of the final chapters of Genesis set us up to be ready to read Exodus. Have a great day of reading! DAILY READINGS Genesis 46-47 & Psalm 15 DAILY NOTES Genesis 46:1-4 Jacob was literally "sacrificing sacr...

DAY 14 Two weeks!  We'll be done with the book of Genesis is a couple of days. In today's reading, Joseph reveals to his brothers his identity.  Who would have ever thought things would turn out the way they did.  I wonder if this scenario ever crossed Joseph's mind when he first interpreted Pharaoh's dream. The tests of Joseph seem exaggerated, but they will show his brother's newfound concern for each other.  Joseph will know for sure what he needs to know about who his brothers are now. Let's get reading. DAILY READINGS Genesis 43-45 & Psalm 14 DAILY NOTES Genesis 43:2 It was Jacob's (Israel) idea for the brothers to go to Egypt the first time.  Now that their provisions were running low again, presumably, he recommends they make another trip.  There is no mention of the lost brothers.  It seems strange their only intent would just be to go buy more food. Genesis 43:3 Judah repeats the interaction they had with Joseph....

DAY 13 Imagine having everything go wrong.  Your life feels ruined.  The only thing you know is that God is with you.  Is that enough?  It seems to be for Joseph.  Surely he felt loss.  He knew everything happened to him was unfair and unjust.  The text never says he doubted God or rejected God.  Rather, he remained sure of God's mercy and power.  In today's reading, he could have easily taken credit for his abilities.  Instead, he tells everyone that what he is able to do, is only because God does it.   DAILY READINGS Genesis 41-42 & Psalm 13 DAILY NOTES Genesis 41:1-8 Since Pharaoh will recount his dreams to Joseph, the main point of this passage seems to be the passage of time.  Once again Joseph finds himself in troubled, forgotten days.   No one from Pharaoh's court is able to interpret the dreams.  This is probably a commentary on the uselessness of foreign gods and religion. Gen...

DAY 12 I think you'll find today's readings easy.  The chapters are fairly short, and I'm sure several of you might find what you read familiar today. But don't get comfortable! I've found it's easy to skim through a story you think you know.  Avoid that temptation.  I've learned this from our Jewish friends.  Right now, you and I are reading the Bible together.  That's great.  You could say we're climbing on top of the iceberg, searching for meaning and insight.  A Jewish reader isn't on top of the iceberg.  They are under the water, under the iceberg, digging inside. That's a whole other level of study.  We'll get there.  One way we do is by not just skimming.  Read.  Underline.  Ask questions.  Read again.  Read aloud.  Ask someone what they think about something that happened.  Pray.  Read again. Speaking of reading, let's get to it.  DAILY READINGS Genesis 38-40 & Psalm ...