Advent December 12, 2006
The Obedience of Joseph
Light: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path." (Psalm 119:105)
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11)
Reflection: Recently I read a fabulous book on parenting. The only problem is that when my kids disobey, I always forget its great solutions. I really need to review that book more often. I need its practical wisdom fresh on my mind at the beginning of the day, and I need to reflect on it as I prepare to go to sleep.
The Bible is like that too, but even more so. I need it fresh on my mind for the immediacy of the day as well as to build a foundation for the future. And I need it as I go to bed so I can meditate on its wisdom.
Someone once pointed out that there are thirty-one chapters in Proverbs, one to read each day of the month. I wonder how I'd respond on a daily basis if wise proverbs were fresh on my mind? Would it help me be more obedient to God?
Joseph was obedient to God and followed directions without question. He was constantly told what to do, where to go, and when to leave. His obedience seemed so natural. We never hear him say, "But God, that instruction seems a little strange. Did you say Egypt? The people of our faith don't live there!" His obedience resulted in salvation instead of death at the hands of Herod's soldiers.
So often we're unsure what to do, yet we have a book full of instructions. Maybe we need to place it near our beds so we'll study God's wise advice in the morning, and reflect on His teaching before we sleep, always ready to learn with a willing heart. The Holy Spirit instructs us by day and by night. Imagine what we could learn if we let Him speak to us through His Word on a daily basis. The best Christmas book we have is the most authoritative book ever written about Christ--the Bible. Now is a great time to make a habit of reading it!
Response: O God, I will open Your Word today and tomorrow. May I find joy as I immerse myself in Your teaching. Prepare my heart to understand what I read. I need to spend time with You each day so Your words are fresh, treasured, stored, and filed for easy access. May these be a lamp and a light today as I walk with You.
Light: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path." (Psalm 119:105)
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11)
Reflection: Recently I read a fabulous book on parenting. The only problem is that when my kids disobey, I always forget its great solutions. I really need to review that book more often. I need its practical wisdom fresh on my mind at the beginning of the day, and I need to reflect on it as I prepare to go to sleep.
The Bible is like that too, but even more so. I need it fresh on my mind for the immediacy of the day as well as to build a foundation for the future. And I need it as I go to bed so I can meditate on its wisdom.
Someone once pointed out that there are thirty-one chapters in Proverbs, one to read each day of the month. I wonder how I'd respond on a daily basis if wise proverbs were fresh on my mind? Would it help me be more obedient to God?
Joseph was obedient to God and followed directions without question. He was constantly told what to do, where to go, and when to leave. His obedience seemed so natural. We never hear him say, "But God, that instruction seems a little strange. Did you say Egypt? The people of our faith don't live there!" His obedience resulted in salvation instead of death at the hands of Herod's soldiers.
So often we're unsure what to do, yet we have a book full of instructions. Maybe we need to place it near our beds so we'll study God's wise advice in the morning, and reflect on His teaching before we sleep, always ready to learn with a willing heart. The Holy Spirit instructs us by day and by night. Imagine what we could learn if we let Him speak to us through His Word on a daily basis. The best Christmas book we have is the most authoritative book ever written about Christ--the Bible. Now is a great time to make a habit of reading it!
Response: O God, I will open Your Word today and tomorrow. May I find joy as I immerse myself in Your teaching. Prepare my heart to understand what I read. I need to spend time with You each day so Your words are fresh, treasured, stored, and filed for easy access. May these be a lamp and a light today as I walk with You.
posted by Pete Houpt @ 9:13 AM
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