January 24

Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27



Pray: Today’s Psalm begins with, “In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm”, and verse seven declares, “Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.” Let’s begin today crying out to the Lord with our concerns and cares while lifting up His name. Let’s end the day boasting not in our accomplishments but boasting in His through us.

Read: Jacob models both wisdom and leadership as he blesses the members of his family. Jacob lays hands first on Ephraim and then Manasseh. Yes, Manasseh is born first but Jacob knows what God will do in Ephraim’s life one day, so he blesses him for leadership. Before he breathes his last, Jacob blesses each of his sons. What a gift, to have your father place his hand upon you and give you a blessing and speak truth into your life. Yes, in some cases it is troubling what Jacob says to some sons, yet some are real rascals to be sure. However, there is time to change if they will. What would be worse than hearing the truth? Not hearing the truth and your life is diminished. Perhaps to hear the truth, then there is time to correct the mistakes.

Edify: Jesus once again does another public miracle where 4000 are fed after He heals many individually. Jesus’ words to the disciples are so powerful when He says, “this is not about bread!”.  So often I want to stand up in the middle of worship and declare, “This is not about liturgy, music, great songs, or tradition!” I would rather say, “This is about a real relationship with a living God. So let’s give Him the praise He is due. Yes, bring your hurts, your pain and brokenness, but don’t forget to bring your praise and thanksgiving.”  Jesus feeds the 4,000 to bring food to the “lost people of Israel,” the Hebrew people so they might bring the living bread to the world. D.T. Niles once said, “The gospel of Jesus Christ is one beggar, sharing with another beggar where he can find the bread of life.” Like the Psalmist says, “We can’t boast, but we can boast in the Lord.”

Practice: We are not far from the religious leaders in our discerning process. We too often look for signs. Is this the right direction? Should we begin this new adventure? Is it the right timing? Is it the right move? How can we know? Is there a sign? These leaders demanded a sign. They wanted credentials. Jesus later gave them a miracle, but they failed to even see its power and significance. Maybe, just maybe, Jesus is the sign. For you and me, it is an empty tomb! Do you really need to know anything else, except that the person you are putting your faith in, trusting your life to, has already defeated sin and death? Risk boldly for God today. Take this extra bread from the feeding of the 4,000 and tell others today, “He really is the bread of life.”