The Bible in 2020

Today’s reading  Genesis 46-48; Matthew 14:22-36

Selected verses

Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers. Moreover, I have given to you rather than to your brothers one mountain slope that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow.” Genesis 48:21-22

And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23

Reflections

Jesus, after hearing about the death of John the Baptist, sought to be alone, but crowds came seeking Him (Matthew 14:13). He patiently and lovingly ministered to them including feeding 5000 with a couple of fish and some bread. That work completed, He dismissed the people and sent the disciples off in a boat while He went alone to a desolate place. Here are a few observations about these incidents:

  • Jesus took time to be alone. Too often, people in Christian ministry become exhausted because they see their work as too important to take time for rest and prayer. Jesus recognized His need for time alone.
  • Jesus accepted interruptions to His personal life. When the crowds came, He served them postponing His time alone. Too often, people in Christian ministry put their own needs above those of others and show no flexibility or sensitivity to others. Jesus delayed His time alone.
  • Jesus returned to His disciples at their time of need. Once His time alone was concluded, Jesus went right back to the twelve who were in the midst of a severe storm on the sea. Too often, people in Christian ministry who take time to rest begin to enjoy it so much they never return to the work. Jesus did not shirk His responsibilities by overextending His time alone.
  • Jesus had a sense of timing in His life and ministry. He balanced private prayer and public ministry perfectly. He did His Father’s will peacefully and confidently.

In our Genesis reading today, Jacob (Israel) also shows sensitivity to God’s timing in his life. He anticipates his coming death and takes care of final matters. Too many people act like they will live forever and do not take care of matters that will make it easier on their surviving family and friends when they pass away.

Think about it

Time is a gift from God. The length of our life is determined by Him. Besides that, the happenings of each of our days are also providentially directed by God Eternal. We are stewards of our time who must manage it for His glory. Are you developing a sense of God’s timing in your life? Do you balance personal prayer and service to others so that both get needed attention? Are you taking care of matters that need to be done by you before God calls you home? Live wisely knowing that your days are numbered and you are a steward of them.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission

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