Reading the Bible Through

 Today's reading:  Genesis 47 - 50 & Exodus 1 I am definitely noticing that these Sunday readings are long ones! Here we move from Genesis to Exodus.  As Jacob blesses each of his sons near the end of his life I find this an odd custom. It must have been a custom as Isaac also blessed Jacob & Esau.  Also, it says that Jacob is telling his sons what will happen to them in the days to come. How did he know? Is it accurate? Also, what is the meaning of blessing here? Rueben's, because he slept with his father's concubine, doesn't sound like a blessing to me.  As I look at the time frame for the mourning of the death of Jacob, I am so saddened by the American response to death. Often, if a workplace gives bereavement it's only 3 days. There is a general feeling of we must get back to work and forge on. Grief doesn't work like that. Sometimes it's okay to be busy, but it's also okay to mourn and cry as well. There is no specific time that grief should...

 Today's reading:  Genesis 44 - 46 A Silver Cup in Benjamin's Sack, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, Jacob & his family go to Egypt Why did Joseph use a cup for divination? Previously, Joseph gave credit to the Lord. Today, it occurs to me that Joseph maybe said that he could find things out by divination to continue concealing his identity from his brothers.  I also noticed that in 44:9 it is said that the one who has the cup will die. The steward replies,  “Very well, then let it be as you say. Whoever is found to have it  will become my slave;  the rest of you will be free from blame.” So was becoming a slave the same as or tantamount to dying?  Judah begs to stay in Egypt as a slave instead of Benjamin. Judah had promised to return Benjamin to their father safely.  Joseph reveals himself to his brothers! What a shock that was!! Joseph says that God sent him ahead to Egypt rather than his brothers' selling him. The dreams that Joseph...

 Today's reading:  Genesis 41 - 43 Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph in charge of Egypt, and Joseph's brothers go to Egypt The chief cupbearer, after 2 years, remembers what Joseph had done for him by interpreting his dreams.  Joseph gives God the credit of interpreting Pharaoh's dreams. Too often, I fall short of giving God the credit God deserves--which is all of it.  Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is put in charge of Egypt. Remember, Joseph had just come from prison, now he's put in charge of the land.  Pharaoh gives Joseph a wife,  Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest  of On. I find 2 things curious about this. 1.) the woman is named in the Bible. 2.) How can Joseph marry an Egyptian woman? Previously, the people of Israel went to their own people to marry. Isaac and Rebekah did not like Esau marrying the local women.  Joseph recognizes his brothers, treats them harshly, and puts them in prison for 3 days. Among themselves, the brothers say th...