Genesis 48, Mark 11

Thursday, Jan 31, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 48, Mark 11)

(Genesis 48)

Vs. 9 "They are the sons God has given me here," Joseph said to his father. 
Then Israel said, "Bring them to me so I may bless them."

Jacob blessed Joseph’s children. How important. I am more and more convinced that our spoken blessing is powerful. We should be more aware of how we speak of and to people. While certainly this should pertain to all we come into contact with, how much more should we be concerned with the blessing of our children?

We should work hard to keep away from negative projection. We should hold our tongue when speaking to a child with words like, “you have a bad attitude?”, “you’re lazy”, “you’ll never succeed like that”, or “that’s why you don’t have many friends”. Before you know it, they’ll start believing you. We should not allow others to speak those words to our children either.

What they need to hear is, “I love you”, “I believe in you”, “you can do it”, and “I’m proud of you”. Sooner or later, they’ll really believe that too.

God, you have told us over and over that you love us, that you believe in us, that we can do it, and that you are proud of us when we follow you. I believe it. Thank you for being my father.

(Mark 11)

It was prophecy fulfilled that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a Donkey. Not the most majestic of all the animals. Certainly could not be compared to a beautiful white stallion. But this is how he came in. There was such expectation for the coming King. Everyone wanted Him to establish his Kingdom in power, not in humility. They wanted Him to come in and take over, not give up His life. But this was not only the way it had to be, but the way of Jesus. When will we learn? 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.

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.

Genesis 46, Mark 9

Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 46, Mark 9)

(Genesis 46)

God does not view time as we view time. Here we are more than 200 years away from God’s promise to Abraham to build a great nation and his offspring only counts to 70. As Jacob brings all that he has to be with Joseph, his son is even a ruler in the land, yet he is still sent to a land to live by themselves because they are shepherds, a detestable thing to the Egyptians. It doesn’t seem like this Promised Nation is gaining any momentum. But we know how the story ends. God is faithful.

(Mark 9)

Verse 35-37 say, “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all. "He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

This answer came in response to the disciples arguing about who would be called greatest. It’s an overtly arrogant argument, surprisingly so. We have those arguments today, but most of the time without words, just by our competition. Especially in faith.

I think Jesus really meant it when he said that in order to be first, you must be last. I think he really meant it when he said we must become the servant of all. But we so easily dismiss it. We so quickly re-define what it means to “serve” others and we end up doing so without compassion, humility, or love. And many times we end up “gaining” more than we give. That’s not on accident. True service is without agenda. True service is not self-serving.

God, help us to serve without regard for gain. Help us to see if our good deeds, works of service, and giving is inspired by what we might receive in return, or if it’s inspired through a pure spirit of humility and compassion for others. Once again, check our hearts.

Genesis 45, Mark 8

Monday, Jan 28, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 45, Mark 8)

(Genesis 45)

God has a divine plan. In Genesis 45, after Joseph revealed to his brothers who he was, they were stunned. Scripture tells us they were speechless. Can you imagine what was going through their minds? All that they had done was flashing before their eyes and their obvious guilt was written all over their faces.

Here is when the faith and Joseph shows brighter than ever. After all his brothers had done to him, after the years he endured in prison, he still trusted in God’s plan and realized that even through those tough times, God was in control. In verse 8 he said to them, "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.”

Thank you, father for your divine plan. I pray that in the low times of life, we seek you. Your word promises that when we seek you, we will find you. Give us strength to endure that we might grow into the men and women of faith you desire. Let us not place the blame of circumstances on others, God, if we trust in you and your plan, then we’ll see they are merely a part of the greater plan.

(Mark 8)

Verse 2 captures the beginning of each action of Jesus when he said, “I have compassion for these people.” Compassion is the key. Compassion is feeling sympathy or sorrow for someone who is suffering or stricken by misfortune. It comes also with a deep desire to help alleviate the suffering. When Jesus looked around, he saw the suffering. We need to learn to do the same.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has pain. Everyone has needs. Each of us, outside of Christ, are completely impoverished spiritually. We see people everyday searching to fill the void, that only God can fill, with unhealthy relationships, chasing after money and fame, seeking the approval of man, the list goes on and on. We know it, because we’ve all fell prey to it at one point or another in our own lives.

God, give us compassion for this hurting world. Give us a supernatural ability to see the loneliness and pain that is masked so easily in our community. Give us compassion and the desire that comes with it to make a difference.

Genesis 44, Mark 7

Friday, Jan 25, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 44, Mark 7)


(Genesis 44)

Joseph was testing his brother’s affection towards Benjamin. Had they had the same angst towards Benjamin that they had years ago towards Joseph, it surely would have been seen in their response to seeing the cup in Benjamin's sack. But they defended him. They pleaded with Joseph. They were concerned about the impact it would have on their father. Judah even begged him to exchange his life for Benjamin’s. These men were different than they were when they “sold out” Joseph. They had learned their lesson. Maybe they had “matured” a tad and their priorities were changed. But the bottom line was that they responded differently to the opportunity to throw their younger brother “under the bus”.

Our lesson? We cannot judge what men are now, by what they have been formerly; nor what they will do, by what they have done. This is hard for us. But let us learn this lesson, for we are not judge, nor jury. We are never too old to learn. We are never too old to grow in wisdom.

We’ve all got moments in our past we are ashamed of. Mistakes we’ve made. There were poor decisions, selfish actions, and thoughtless efforts. I once said that “I’m glad they didn’t write the book on me when I was 20”. Fact is, I’m glad they didn’t write it on me one year ago. I hope I always feel that way.

(Mark 7)

Jesus made a pretty bold accusation in verse 9 when he said, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” This is so true today. Each of us must look personally and then corporately at what we value, what we prioritize, and hold it up to the truth. May God reveal his ways to us, that we may be found faithful to reject our own.