READING FOR JUNE 3, 2024: GENESIS 44, MARK 13, PSALM 49:1-9 GENESIS 44 It may seem, especially on first reading, that Joseph cruelly deceived his brothers in payback for their past mistreatment of him. Let’s give him the benefit of a closer reading, however. When Joseph was sold to the traveling caravan years ago, his brothers were jealous of Joseph’s special position and uncaring about how his loss would impact their father. The test Joseph constructed enabled him to see how his brothers changed or had not changed from their previous sinful behavior. Benjamin had replaced Joseph as Jacob’s favored son, due to his being seemingly the only remaining son of favored wife Rachel. Joseph now gave them the perfect excuse of being rid of this brother whom Jacob preferred. Would the brothers revert to the past jealousy they felt toward Joseph, or had they matured enough to love Benjamin despite Jacob’s favoritism? Would they be unconcerned about how Benjamin’s detention would impact Jacob, or would they show compassion for their flawed father?
This test prompted a literal tearjerking speech by Judah. He movingly explained the entire situation to Joseph and gave a realistic assessment of how Benjamin’s loss would impact Jacob. He displayed genuine love for both Benjamin and Jacob. Most impressively, this love compelled him to offer himself as a substitute so that Benjamin could be redeemed. This, of course, is a picture of what Jesus has done for us. Perhaps there is some connection between Judah’s action and God’s choosing to bring Jesus to earth though the line of Judah: “Behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome” (Rev. 5:5). Without Judah overcoming this test, Joseph would not have known and perhaps the brothers themselves would not have known the extent of God’s lifechanging work in their lives.
MARK 13 This chapter is almost identical to Matthew 24, which was mentioned as being challenging to understand. Our study cautiously interpreted that prophecy as a mix of the near future (destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70) and distant future (second coming). For a more complete discussion of the material, review the Matthew 24 study from March 7, 2024.
There are a few differences, though. Mark identifies the disciples interacting with Jesus as being Peter, James, John, and Andrew (vs.3). Verse 9 adds that the persecution of his followers will provide an opportunity to witness for Jesus before governors and kings. Verse 11 assures that Jesus’s followers need not worry about what to say but to trust the Holy Spirit for the right response. Verse 12, however, adds that some with faith in Jesus will be denounced by their own family members and executed. Remember that our faith in Jesus supersedes and might conflict with family relationships. Truth can be costly. Jesus paid the highest price.
READING FOR JUNE 3, 2024 CONTINUED: MARK 13, PSALM 49:1-9 The disciples ask a two-part question in verse 4. Jesus appears to answer in two main parts, one focusing on AD 70 and the other pertaining to the second coming. In verses 5-8 Jesus describes the kinds of events that the disciples could expect during their time, not signaling any particular prophetic fulfillment. Verses 9-13 discuss the nature of persecution that characterized the disciples’ experience and those of millions of persecuted Christians throughout history. Verses 14-23 appear to describe the destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem by Rome in AD 70. This event is described after the fact by the historian Josephus in his work The Jewish War. In verses 24-27, events become more cosmic: sun and moon darkening, stars falling, and angels gathering believers. The phrase “the Son of Man coming in the clouds” in particular aligns with other biblical references of Jesus’s second coming (Rev. 1:7, Act:1:11, Dan 7:13). No one present on earth will miss witnessing this.
Verses 28-33 includes a comment about discerning the times by observing what is happening, seemingly about Israel. The statement about this generation not passing before seeing this happen could be referencing the destruction of the Temple. The reference to not knowing the day seems more related to the second coming. This is confirmed with an illustration in verses 34-37 that resembles some of the parables stressing the need to be ready for the unexpected return of Jesus. Although the details of this study’s interpretation might be open to dispute and correction, the need to be prepared immediately for Jesus’s return is incontestable!
PSALM 49:1-9 This Psalmneeds to be heeded by all demographic groups, all nations, all time periods. Why? Because it addresses a life-and-death issue that transcends culture, century, and place. It is so important and perhaps counterintuitive that the Psalmist set it to music to make it more understandable and memorable. Does the Psalmist have our attention, yet?
There may and likely will be tough times ahead for us. We may and likely will feel ignored or poorly treated by those around us (i.e., family, friends, co-workers) who look to be doing well themselves. Worse yet, they even brag about it on their Facebook page. Here’s the secret they are not sharing on Facebook, possibly because they don’t realize it themselves: Those postings describe outward success and/or good times that have no lasting value in themselves. Being vice president of a company, by itself, cannot save oneself or a loved one from slavery to sin and inner meaninglessness. Being on a perpetual Caribbean cruise, by itself, will eventually lead to eternal sinking, not Paradise Island. Instead of feelings of jealousy or resentment over their apparent good fortune, pray earnestly that they would find ultimate and eternal joy through faith in Jesus before it’s too late. If we have faith in Jesus, remember the greater permanent riches we securely possess. Contemplate the glorious eternal life ahead of us in Heaven. It will make the Caribbean look less impressive than Buck Creek by comparison.
