Genesis 42, Mark 5

Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 42, Mark 5)

(Genesis 42)

I’m reminded in Genesis 42 of how James warned us to be careful not to fool ourselves and lose the right perspective on things. James encourages us to give credit where credit is due when he wrote that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above”. So easily we claim praise when things go well. He also told us not to just listen to the word, stop short of action, and think that God is pleased with our study. He tells us, “Do not merely listen to the word…Do what it says.” And here is the phrase he used for both occasions: “Do NOT deceive yourselves.”

I think the story of the relationship and timeline between Joseph and his brothers highlights an important area of personal deception. So much time had passed since their sin and abandonment of their brother. We say that time heals. It can certainly feel that way. But let’s not be deceived, time does not erase sin. Jesus does. This is an important thing for us to remember. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows”. That causes me to stop for a moment and take heed.

While we are forgiven for our sin through the cross, the consequence and damage for wrong actions or sin against others do not simply go away. If we think they do, we may be deceiving ourselves, and be giving the enemy a foothold. While Joseph eventually shares grace with his brothers, and may we never forget that God is the author of Grace, we need to also remember that nothing is hidden from the eyes of our God. In our ongoing pursuit of holiness, we must not forget that. Otherwise we end up like the little kid with frosting on his face trying to convince his mom that he didn’t eat the last piece of cake.

I think a great prayer today would be the words of David in Psalm 139. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

(Mark 5)

There are two key thoughts in Mark 5 that come to the front of my mind. The first is the overwhelming huge amount of attention Jesus (and the Bible) gives to the sick. We speak often about the poor, the widow, and the orphan, and rightfully so. We will stand accountable before God one day for our treatment of them. But what are we doing about the sick? Most of the time, we pray passively, not truly believing God will heal but somewhat hoping that he will. From there, many of us have done nothing. Personally, I’ve done nothing to contribute to research for the cure of cancer, although I’ve never met anyone not impacted directly by cancer either by having it, or a loved one or friend having it. I’ve done nothing to help fight AIDS, although it’s one of the greatest killers and contributors to the orphan population of the world. Probably the most I’ve done in caring for the sick is the equivalent of giving chicken soup to someone with a cold. That needs to change. I believe God is doing a work in me personally about this. Father, give me compassion for the sick that we might be like Christ.

The second thought is found in verse 19 when the man who was healed from demon possession tried to get in the boat and go with Jesus. It says, “Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."

God, may we remember the great things you have done. May we not remain silent, but share your grace and your goodness with others. Forgive us for keeping our faith to ourselves.