Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 44 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. [Genesis 44:33] Once again I see a hint of Jesus in one of the characters in this story, this time Judah. Judah is prepared…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 43 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 42 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.” Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 41 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 40 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” [Genesis 40:8] Joseph is aware of his limitations, and who he depends on. As one experienced in dreams, he does…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 39 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. [Genesis 39:20-21] Joseph’s life is a roller coaster experience. Here we see his rise to prominence, and his subsequent fall. Committed…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 38 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) About three months later Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.”Judah said, “Bring her out and have her burned to death!” [Genesis 38:24] At that time, a widow without a son was helped by being impregnated by a…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 37 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— and they took him and threw him into the cistern. [Genesis 37:23] Joseph was the favoured and spoiled son, and his brothers resented it. But he was also chosen by God…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 36 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) Esau took his wives from the women of Canaan… [Genesis 36:2-3] Now that his father is gone, Esau is less concerned about pleasing him. We read earlier that Esau knew his father’s concern about who his sons married, so that the time he tried to please his father by…

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 35 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: (Read my reflection from 2008) And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I…