January 13
Genesis 38–40
Scripture Text: Genesis 38:1–40:23
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
As history does, even current news in a given week, there is a one-chapter departure from the day-after-day story. We leave off the Joseph story at the beginning of today's reading and the digression is cheap and sleazy, as sexual sin always is. Despite the sins of Onan, Judah, and Tamar, God is faithful, as the Messiah would come through those born out of wedlock, despite the sins of their fathers.
Perhaps the reason for chapter 38's digression was to illustrate, in sharp contrast, the sexual fidelity of Joseph. In the next chapter, the wife of Joseph's new master desired Joseph, for he was handsome. Because Joseph would not consent, she framed him for attempted rape and he was sent to prison. In prison, God is reported to have shown Joseph steadfast love. Does God always show us love in ways we want or expect?
In the final chapter of today's readings, Joseph is back at interpretting dreams, this time for Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and baker, both prisoners with Joseph. These prison interpretations set up tomorrow's story of how Joseph comes to be the most important person in Egypt.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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