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Read Psalm 44
Quote from Luther: "The 44th psalm is a general psalm of prayer in which all saints, especially the New Testament saints, lament that they are persecuted by the heathen and tyrants and would be slaughtered. They cry out that God has given them over to this, as if He had abandoned them. Formerly He had helped them with great wonders, and no harm came to them from persecutions. But now they are now even persecuted on their own account, that is, for God's sake, as if they had done all kinds of evil. In summary, this psalm is the sighing of the spirit." (Reading the Psalms with Luther, CPH).
Read Genesis 47
There are a few interesting events in this chapter. One item of special note is that Jacob blesses Pharaoh. In Genesis, the greater always blesses the lesser. Pharaoh must have respect Joseph and Joseph's elderly father, Jacob, because he graciously receives the blessing. We do not hear that he is offended or outraged by the action.
Indeed, we should expect that something like this would have happened, because as the ancestor of Jesus, Jacob really blesses all people.
In fact, think about this: "Just as blessing came to mighty Pharaoh through a lowly shepherd [Jacob], so also the kingdom of God and His righteousness come to believers in humble forms - an infant in a manger, a man dying on a cross; words, water, bread, wine - yet in them are hidden God's majesty" (TLSB p. 88).
Another notable item is that Jacob requests to be buried back in the Promised Land. God had spoken to Jacob/Israel in a dream in chapter 46, telling him, "I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again." (46:4) Jacob firmly believes this promise. He believes that the Promised Land will belong to his descendants again. And knowing this, and believing this, Jacob makes Joseph promise that he (or his descendants) will carry his dead bones to be buried in the Promised Land.
What and example of faith! And it is not just Jacob's faith that is amazing. We will see the people of God hundreds of years later actually keeping Joseph's promise as they carry Jacob's bones to the Promised Land.
We too might as well live in the light of God's promises. God has spoken. We do well to listen, to believe, to trust, and to live for his glory.
Ask Yourself:
Do I feel abandoned like the psalmist?
Do I cry out in faith to God, or do I grumble to others?
Is my life reflecting a strong faith in God's certain promises?
Pray:
Lord, our gracious Father, at all times grant us Christian resignation to the order and guidance of Your protective care. Preserve us from discontent under the cross, and from envy against those who enjoy prosperity. Lead us as You will, but when our end comes, take us home to Yourself. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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