Thursday
1-19-17, Modesto, California
Today we
read Gen 47 – 48, Psalm 10 and Luke 19
S = Scripture O =
Observation A = Application P = Prayer SOAP
for the soul.
S. Gen 47:7-10 Then Joseph brought his father, Jacob, and presented him
to Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. "How old are you?" Pharaoh
asked him. Jacob replied, "I have lived for 130 hard years, but I am still
not nearly as old as many of my ancestors." Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh
again before he left. NLT
O. We are not informed as to what kind
of what god or gods that Pharaoh worshipped, but we know that they had an
official religion, since the text tells us how Pharaoh provided land and food
for his many priests. Now Joseph, who has lived an honorable life before
Pharaoh, brings his 130 year old father to meet him. There is no record that
they discussed religion, but before leaving the presence of this king, the
elderly Jacob addresses the true and living God to bless Pharaoh.
A. How many times have I dealt with
business men and women and when I have completed my business, I have left with
only a handshake or “see you later”? Sometimes, after I had walked out, I
thought, “Why didn’t I think to, at least, offer to pray a blessing over that
man or woman?” I had been too occupied with my business to offer a prayer. But
other times I have remembered, and before walking out, I have offered a prayer
of blessing, sometimes without even asking their permission. Some have
expressed their thanks.
When buying
property from the Catholic Church in Lujan, Argentina to plant a evangelical
church in the center of town, we had closed the deal. The money was paid in
cash. Their priest, lawyers and the real estate man were present. I requested
and received their permission to do as I was accustomed. I prayed for those
priests and their lawyers, asking God to bless them with His glorious gift of
eternal salvation. The group of priests all were crossing themselves when I
closed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
P. Lord Jesus, I want to see those men
in heaven. You are the God Who hears and answers prayer. Help me to be generous
with the blessings that You have showered upon my life and share them with
others… even if I only have a passing moment to do so. Amen.
Ralph
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