Supplemental Reading for Week: Psalm 105:1-25.
Joseph's life comes to an end this week, and the Exodus narrative begins. This is your place for general comments on the reading. I may have a post or two this week. Stay tuned.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Weekly Reading. Genesis 49 - Exodus 4.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Weekly Reading. Genesis 43-48.
Supplemental Reading for Week: Psalm 67.
Last week's reading began (in the NIV), "This is the account of Jacob." (Gen 37:2a) But the story was primarily about Joseph and his brothers, with the brief incident of Judah and Tamar. And this week's reading continues with the focus on Joseph and his dealings with his brothers, although Jacob is affected by what takes place and has the ultimate decision-making authority. How do you account for this?
Last week's reading was about how Joseph ended up in Egypt and what happened to him there. This week's reading is how the rest of the family ends up in Egypt and what happens to them. Joseph has a clear understanding of how all this happened, as he explains in chapter 45. It was God's plan. Where do you see God's hand at work in the events and actions that take place in chapters 37 - 48?
What else do you notice in this week's reading? Does any of what takes place matter in your life today?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Weekly Reading. Genesis 37-42.
Supplemental Reading for Week: Daniel 5.
The last chapters of Genesis are about Joseph and set the stage for the birth of the nation of Israel. Here are a couple of questions to consider this week.
- What do you think of Joseph initially? Who is he within the family, and how do you react to what he says and does, what is said and done to him?
- Do you see any changes in Joseph as the story progresses?
- Are you curious to continue reading beyond chapter 42 to see how everything comes out? Why or why not?
- What part does the story of Judah and Tamar play in the narrative? Why do you think it's there?
- What do you think about Joseph's dreams? Do they have any relevance to us in the 21st century?
Poll Post - Favorites in Genesis.
If you'd like to say more about your choices in the poll on favorite characters, events, and stories in Genesis, then add a comment to this post.
Read more...Monday, February 4, 2008
Weekly Reading. Genesis 31-36.
Supplemental Reading for Week: Psalm 39.
Continuing the thoughts from our discussion on Sunday, the personal stories of the patriarchs are intimately connected to the nation of Israel's understanding of itself and its God, Yahweh. Jacob is Israel. In chapter 32 that philosophical concept becomes reality.
Spend some time reflecting on the story contained in Genesis 32:22-32. What is that story all about? Does it give meaning to the stories of Abram and Sarai, Ishmael and Isaac, and Esau and Jacob? As you read this week, what do you learn about these individuals? Do you also learn about Israel? Humanity? About faith and Yahweh? About yourself?
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! What are the supplements?
This post will stay at the top for the week. Look for newer posts just below it.
What is the supplemental reading each week?
This reading plan leaves Sundays free for your personal choice. It's a day when you can reflect on the previous week's reading, go back and re-read something that caught your attention the first time through, catch up on your reading, or simply spend your quiet time in some other way.
Reading a Sunday supplement is another option for you. They have been carefully selected to amplify the reading for the week, or to provide more of the Old Testament story. The Old Testament is big. A lot of it is left out of the Creation to the Cross plan so that each day's reading is brief. Sunday supplements are way to add to the coverage of the Old Testament for those who are interested and have the time.
