God’s Delays

Monday 1-15-17, Modesto, California

Today we read Gen 39 – 41 and Luke 16

S = Scripture  O = Observation  A = Application  P = Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S. Gen 40:13-15 Within three days Pharaoh will take you out of prison and return you to your position as his chief cup-bearer.  And please have some pity on me when you are back in his favor. Mention me to Pharaoh, and ask him to let me out of here.  For I was kidnapped from my homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now I'm here in jail, but I did nothing to deserve it."

Vs 23 Pharaoh's cup-bearer, however, promptly forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. NLT

O. Joseph was living in a dungeon, probably a prison in the basement of Potiphar’s estate. He had been falsely accused. He could have been complaining to God, “God, I did the right thing and refused to sin against You. Why did You allow this wicked woman to throw me into this dungeon?” Then when he pled with Pharoah’s cup-bearer to plead his case… the cup-bearer forgot about Joseph. “Why, Lord?” Two more years in prison followed. But God brought him out exactly on time. God’s time.

A. This beautiful story says to me that God has His timetable. And although I may be getting impatient and nervous, God is always right on time.

P. Lord Jesus, look down upon us. This world is in a major mess. Knowledge has increased, but now that wonderful knowledge is also in the hands of evil men. My heart cries, “Lord, hurry up! Come and rescue us from potential danger.” And I hear Your answer to my cries, “Ralph, just read again the story of Joseph in prison and know that I will come… right on time… God’s time.” Even so, Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Ralph

He’s Coming Soon

Lyrics by Thoro Harris

In these, the closing days of time,
What joy the glorious hope affords,
That soon—O wondrous truth sublime!
He shall reign, King of kings and Lord of Lords.

Refrain

He’s coming soon, He’s coming soon;
With joy we welcome His returning;
It may be morn, it may be night or noon—
We know He’s coming soon.

The signs around—in earth and air,
Or painted on the starlit sky,
God’s faithful witnesses—declare
That the coming of the Savior draweth nigh.

Refrain

The dead in Christ who ’neath us lie,
In countless numbers, all shall rise
When through the portals of the sky
He shall come to prepare our paradise.

Refrain

And we, who living, yet remain,
Caught up, shall meet our faithful Lord;
This hope we cherish not in vain,
But we comfort one another by this word.

Refrain