Genesis 47, Mark 10

Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 47, Mark 10)

(Genesis 47)

Vs.5-6 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock."

Joseph came to Pharaoh on behalf of his family. It was not because they had done anything special that they were given such a favored place to settle, it was because of their relationship to Joseph. Pharaoh even placed them over his own livestock. This was once again not of their doing or of Pharaoh’s trust in any of Joseph’s family, but a trust in Joseph that he would surely steward anything belonging to Pharaoh.

I would imagine all of Joseph’s brothers were greatly appreciative and humbled by Pharaoh’s provision, and even more so that it came through one whom they had once left for dead.

Once again we see a great word picture of what Christ has done for us. It reminds me of the favor we have found with the father, not because of our good deeds or lives, but because of Jesus. Although our sins have made way for the cross, He was raised that we might have life. He has made us sons and daughters that we might settle in the best of the land. We have been given the honor of stewarding so much that belongs to the Father.

Thank you Lord.

(Mark 10)

Vs.13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

What does it take to be saved? Apparently, not a lot of understanding, for these children had very little. Scripture says nothing of the requirement of a vast knowledge of doctrines or theological understanding. One thing is required, to understand our depravity, as a child understands his need for a parent to supply the provisions of life, and to call out for that life through Jesus Christ. Some of the most beautiful things in life are simple. “For anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But so many times, it’s the simple things that become so difficult for us. Just like the rich young man in the following verses. For when we become self-sufficient, we become like this rich young man to which Jesus shouted out, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" This has so much less to do with our actual possessions than it has to do with the focus of our affections.