Lent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 42:1-17

We see here God's plan of salvation for His people coming into play. Even here in this passage, Joesph seems to just be messing with his brothers, and we can think that he's just poking them a little for all that they have done to him. And, maybe he is. But, there is something else at work in this. God is using this to reunite this family. Through these actions, and even through the famine, God is able to bring something good out of it. He is able to bring this family together. As Joseph will say in a later chapter, what man intended for evil, God intended for good. Even the worst situation, God is able to bring good out of it. That is the power of grace and of God.

New Testament Lesson

1 Corinthians 5:1-8

One of the things that keeps getting the people of Corinth in trouble is their arrogance. They think they are above all of Paul's teaching, that they know better than he does and they can do what they want to do. We should be be careful and learn from their mistakes. We are never too wise for instruction from others. In fact, it is the wise that are humble and are willing to learn in all things. The proud think that they have everything figured out. The humble are always willing to learn.

Today, may we be willing to learn and take instruction from God.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 3:19b-35

We see here Jesus say that family goes beyond blood, but family is those that share in the same mission and purpose. He said that those that do the will of His father are His family That is why we are brothers and sisters. If God is all our Father, that makes us each family. And we should love each other like family. There are enough forces trying to pull us apart in this world; let us work together to love each other and to serve God. For He has called us to something greater than ourselves, and something that we can only accomplish when we work together. Today, as family, may we work together.