Scripture text for Monday, January 25, 2010: Exodus 1:1-2:25

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“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.” Exodus 1:17

Whom we fear should make all the difference in every part of our lives. Do you fear God more than man? More than a certain man or woman? More than a group or government or nation? These midwives were commanded by Pharaoh to kill the Hebrew baby boys, yet “they let the boys live” despite the possibility of severe punishment for disobedience. Currently, we are more likely to face other kinds of pressure, usually more subtle, to conform to the ways of this world, disobeying God’s commands for us. Perhaps it’s investing your time too much in the Internet, TV or gaming, to the neglect of your marriage, kids, job or prayer and Bible study. Perhaps, it’s going along with the crowd when you know you shouldn’t see that R movie or spend that money on something you don’t really need. It could be anything.

Scripture text for Friday, January 22, 2010: Genesis 45:1-46:7

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"“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ""Come close to me."" When they had done so, he said, ""I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” Genesis 45: 4-5.

Scripture text for Thursday, January 21, 2010: Genesis 43:1-44:34

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As I read this passage, I was struck by how many similarities there are to the other passages we?ve read so far for the E100 challenge.

Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac after losing his first son, Ishmael, because of the tensions between Sarah and Hagar, Ishmael and Isaac. Similarly, Israel (Jacob) had to let go of his beloved son Benjamin, after losing his son Joseph who like Ishmael was turned out into the wilderness, yet saved by God for a greater purpose.

Scripture text for Wednesday, January 20, 2010: Genesis 42:1-42:38

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The dramatic topics of Genesis 42 grab our attention: starvation, confused identity, familial tension, guilt and shame, mercy in the context of expected nose-to-nose retaliation, and fear of compounding loss. Although the circumstances of the passage may be far removed from our contemporary lives, the characters’ underlying motives are not unfamiliar.

Scripture text for Tuesday, January 19, 2010: Genesis 39:1-41:57

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Laurel and I have a friend who just recently was released from prison. He spent most of his adult life behind bars but a few years ago committed his life to Christ between jail sentences. The many opportunities that we had of visiting our friend in two different jails and a prison demonstrated quite dramatically how depressing, desperate and frustrating that situation can be. Watching our friend promoted from prisoner to freedom has helped us understand the lessons from today’s passage about Joseph.