Genesis 40, Mark 3

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 40, Mark 3)

(Genesis 40)

Just one chapter ago we are reminded not to measure God’s favor with earthly standards. We typically look for affirmation of God’s favor through the lense of external situations. When everything goes right, God obviously is protecting us. When something is going wrong, we so easily ask, where is God? This is not an appropriate measure. Although Joseph certainly had God’s favor, he was entrapped by the schemes of man (or in this case, woman) and thrown in prison. His external circumstance did not even come close to reflecting his position with God.

Like-wise, in Chapter 40, we are reminded that not only should we not measure God’s favor as favor with men, but we must also be reminded not to place confidence in man over confidence in God. Joseph was faithful in foretelling to the cupbearer what his dreams meant. I would imagine he had to have a moment of amazement at Joseph’s accuracy. But when he was released, he forgot Joseph.

I’m reminded of a couple things here: The first is how ridiculously selfish our nature is. So easily we forget others when we no longer need them or can benefit from them, even when justice or reward is due. As believers we should take note of this and make effort to give care to others beyond our natural bent. I think that would most certainly honor God, and would speak highly of our journey with our savior.

The second is a reminder of the great gift of life Jesus gave us on the cross, His foretelling of our future as sons and daughters of God, and our frequent neglect to live a life consumed with Him. When reading this story of Joseph, my heart goes out to him. Imagine the excitement of knowing the dream played out exactly as you said and the anticipation, “Surely he’ll remember me. It will be any day now. Surely he’ll remember me.”

We took our first communion together last night at Austin New Church. It was such a sweet time together. I can’t help but remember Christ’s words. Not once, but twice he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Father, may we remember the gift of Christ as often need be to glorify you. May we remember Him at each opportunity we have to extend Grace. May we remember Him at each moment we have a decision to make. May we be consumed with him.

(Mark 3)

“Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts…”

Do we have the courage to learn something new in God’s Word, to hear a new revelation, or to come to a fresh understanding of something “out of the box”, and actually receive and follow it? What if it breaks every tradition of the church we’ve ever known. What if you know it others will reject you because of it? What if believing this new truth comes with great cost?

So many times we read or see truth unveiled, and we react just like the Pharisees, we remain silent. We do nothing. We may even begin our search to justify our actions. Here, the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus. I can’t help but think that when we see a new truth revealed through the life of Jesus and remain silent, that we tragically lesson the fullness of His message in our lives.

We should learn from Jesus’ response to the Pharisees in verse 5 when it says, “He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” Ultimately, it didn’t matter that they remained silent. Jesus healed him anyway.

Whether we receive it or not, God will be Glorified through the life message of Jesus. We have the opportunity (and privilege) to experience and be a part of His amazing work. He has invited us to believe and to “taste” of His goodness. Will we remain silent, or will we speak?