Genesis 48 – Genesis 50

Congratulations! Pat yourself on your back! We made it through the first book of the Bible. Yes, that’s correct, one book down, 65 to go. Oh, wait a minute . . . .you thought we were reading one book, called the Bible. That’s a common misconception. The Bible is actually made up of 66 books (a few of them are letters, but we’ll get to that later). It’s also divided into two main sections, the Old Testament (containing the story of ancient Israel) and the New Testament (containing stories of Jesus and the early church). The Old Testament has 39 books in it, while the New Testament is made up of 27 books and letters. So for now, we are one book into our reading and well on our way to completing Year of Scripture.

As we finish up the story of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, did you notice Joseph’s words to his brothers in the days after Jacob’s death. They serve as a great summary to the entire Genesis story:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20, NIV

From the beginning, as Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, we have all been living in harm’s way. Yet, through God’s divine plan, good news is found. For Joseph and his brothers its is food in the midst of the famine. For you and I, it is forgiveness from our sins and everlasting life gathered around God’s throne in paradise. How great is that!

Stay safe and keep warm as the snow begins to fall, now on to Book Two, Exodus 1 – 3!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey