January 19
Gen 39-41:16 | PS 17 | Prov 3:33-35 | Matt 12:46-13:23
Do we soften our message to be “nice”? Is that really the kinder thing to do? In my daily life as a physician, I’m called to give both good news and bad news. Of course I prefer giving the good news. But it would not be kind to the patient at all to pretend her bad news was not really bad news. People need to act on what is real. Likewise, we are all presented daily with people who are in Christ and not in Christ. To pretend that those who have never entered into a relationship with Jesus, as though they did, just because they attend religious services, or partook in various religious rituals is not kind. By doing so, these individuals will never really seek Jesus. By doing so, these people will be kindly loved and coddled straight to hell. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” If we are His disciples, we need to disseminate His truth, whether it seems nice or not, and whether it is received well or not.
It was great when Joseph was able to interpret the good dream for the Chief butler in Genesis 40:12-15. It turned out great, full restoration. But this was not the case for the Chief baker, as we read in 40:18-19, “So Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.”” You might think this a bit harsh, but this was absolute truth. Many condemn Joseph’s earlier telling of his dreams to his father and brothers in 37:5-12, but these were the dreams given to him by God for them and himself. As the story unfolds, we will see these dreams come true. He was simply honest.
The beautiful thing about Joseph is he always stepped out of the way and gave the glory to God. Even when he was in a position to finally get out of prison, he refused to take the credit, when the glory belonged to God, as we read in Genesis 41:16, “ So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”” The prophet Daniel did the same thing with King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:28, “But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.” We can learn much from these wonderful biblical characters. We should never withhold truth, even if it hurts. Also, to God be all the glory. If God reveals something to you, it is all about Him, not us. The truth will set us free.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: