The Daily Walk 2025

January 16

Genesis 45–47

Joseph’s Family United in Egypt

Key Passage: Genesis 45

Overview

Chapters 45–47 contain the exciting conclusion to the story of Joseph and his unsuspecting brothers. After twice planting evidence on his brothers that would ensure their return to Egypt, Joseph finally can no longer contain his secret. In an emotion-packed scene, he reveals that he is the brother they sold into slavery. At last, in a position to avenge his ill-treatment, Joseph instead shows kindness, acknowledging that God was behind it all to bring much good out of his difficult circumstances. Jacob moves to Egypt to spend the remaining years with his reunited family.

Your Daily Walk

Sovereignty is a big word, but it is also a biblical concept that touches your life every day. God is sovereign. It means that nothing takes Him by surprise. God can work through every experience in your life, from the most pleasant to the most painful, to accomplish His purposes. Joseph learned this important truth, though driving the point home took years of mistreatment. Addressing his brothers who sold him into slavery, he declared: “It was not you who sent me here, but God” (45:8).

Think back over your life and select one event that stands out as a time when it appeared that God had lost control of the situation. Perhaps it was a death in the family, the loss of a job, or an extended illness. Now, across that painful memory, write, “God was there.” Write a definition of sovereignty in your own words and make it speak to your own situation. (For example: “Sovereignty means that although I lost my job, God hasn’t forgotten about me. He will work for good in my life.”)

Insight - Why God Moved the Jews to Egypt

It is not difficult to see the divine wisdom in moving Jacob’s family to Egypt. In Egypt, the Jews would remain a separate, distinct people. Since Jacob and his sons were shepherds, a detestable occupation to Egyptians, their occupation was a natural barrier to intermarriage. Under these ideal conditions, the Jews would multiply for 400 years.

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January 17

Genesis 48–50

The Last Days of Jacob and Joseph

Key Passage: Genesis 48:8–49:33

Overview

As Jacob’s life in Egypt draws to a close, he summons Joseph’s two sons and blesses them, exalting the younger Ephraim over the older Manasseh. As his final act, Jacob prophetically outlines the future of his 12 sons. His desire for burial in Canaan testifies that the nation's destiny still lies in the promised land. Joseph also dies after a faithful and prosperous life and adds his testimony that God will one day liberate His people.

Your Daily Walk

On a scale of one to ten (one is low and ten is high), rate yourself on the following two statements:

• I am a forgiving person.
• I am quick to forget offenses against me.

You’ve probably heard the statement, “I’ll forgive but I won’t forget!” It’s really just another way of saying, “I won’t forgive,” for true forgiveness involves totally putting away the wrong suffered. That’s the way God forgives (Ephesians 4:32), and His brand of forgiveness is the model He expects us to follow as well.

Joseph exhibited the quality of complete forgiveness with his brothers. After Jacob’s death, the brothers feared revenge even though Joseph had already forgiven them (see Genesis 50:15). Their pleas for mercy moved him to tears as he reassured his brothers that he had forgiven them.

If you have experienced God’s forgiveness in Christ, you have the greatest motivation possible for forgiving others. In what relationships have you withheld forgiveness for an offense against you? Talk to God about it right now. Thank Him for the peace that only total forgiveness can bring.

Insight - A “Moving Epitaph” for Jacob and Joseph

Joseph’s care in honoring his father’s dying request to be buried in Canaan (49:29-30) was duplicated by Moses hundreds of years later. Moses carried out Joseph’s last wish by transporting his remains back to Canaan (Exodus 13:19).

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Exodus

During the 400 years between Genesis and Exodus, Israel grows into a nation of two to three million people. But Egypt becomes, for them, an inescapable prison of suffering and bondage. Exodus (which means “departure”) introduces Moses—a gifted leader, military genius, statesman, shepherd, and man of God. Under his direction, the people leave Egypt and travel to Mount Sinai, where they receive their charter as a nation of God’s people and are given instructions for their new worship center, the Tabernacle.

January 18/19

Exodus 1–2

Israel’s Bondage in Egypt

Key Passage: Exodus 1:8–2: 10

Overview

In the years since the close of Genesis, the Jews have multiplied rapidly in the land of Egypt. Viewed as a growing threat by an unsympathetic Egyptian king, the Egyptians “worked them ruthlessly” (1:13). God’s people cried out to Him for a deliverer, and He answered in the person of Moses. Even from his earliest days, Moses’ destiny was clear, as seen in God’s care for him as an infant. But at the age of 40, Moses attempts to do the right thing (deliverance) in the wrong way (murder), and as a result, he must flee for his life. For the next 40 years, he will tend flocks in the deserts of Midian as God prepares him to tend a much bigger flock in the deserts of Egypt.

Your Daily Walk

If you’ve ever forgotten an important appointment, anniversary, or promise you’ve made, you know how miserable you can feel. But that’s not as miserable as the one who’s been forgotten feels.

For 400 years, the people of God had suffered abuse at the hands of their Egyptian taskmasters. Surely, God had forgotten His promises to their forefathers—promises that rang hollow in the sandy prisons of Egypt. And yet, “God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob” (2:24). Unknown to them, God was preparing for their deliverance even as they made bricks in the hot desert sun.

God never forgets His promises, but how often do you forget that fact? Tie a string around your finger to remind yourself (and others who might be curious enough to ask) of that wonderful truth.

Insight - Genesis and Exodus—A Study in Contrasts

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January 20

Exodus 3–6

Moses’ Call and Conflict with Pharaoh

Key Passage: Exodus 3; 6: 1-13

Overview

Finally, God is ready to commission Moses to deliver His people from bondage. But Moses is reluctant to accept the commission. Confronted by God in a burning bush, Moses responds with four excuses that focus on his inadequacy for the assignment. However, neither Moses’ weakness nor Pharaoh’s stubbornness can stand in the way of God’s sovereign plan to release His people. Finally convinced of God’s strength, Moses confronts Pharaoh with the ringing declaration, “Let my people go” (5:1).

Your Daily Walk

Pretend for a moment that you are Moses. You are tending your sheep on a quiet mountainside when suddenly a bush bursts into flame but is not consumed. Naturally curious, you move closer to study this remarkable sight and come face to face with the God of Israel, who says: “I am sending you to Pharaoh” (Exodus 3:10). How would you respond? Probably, you’d do exactly what Moses did: feel inadequate. Inadequate to represent God before the mightiest ruler of your day. Inadequate to deliver God’s words through your faltering lips. And you know, you’d be right. God already knows you’re inadequate. That’s why He selected you—so that His strength might shine through your weakness.

List three excuses you could give God for not serving Him today. Then, turn each of them into a prayer project: “God, You know my physical condition. Show Your strength through my weakness. Use my meager IQ to demonstrate to others that You are the incomparable ‘I AM.’ ”

Insight - The God Who Is the Great “I AM”

Moses asked what name he should use for the God who had sent him on his strategic mission (3:13). God replied, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’ ” (3:14). What other person in the pages of Scripture dared to use that same name? (Hint: Read John 8:58.) Can you understand why He received the response He did (John 8:59)?

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January 21

Exodus 7–10

Nine Plagues on Egypt

Key Passage: Exodus 7

Overview

Since the words of God delivered through His servant Moses have had no effect on Pharaoh’s stony heart, Moses now begins to demonstrate the works of God—nine national calamities involving insects, disease, and changes in nature. The plagues gradually become more intense, selective, and difficult to ignore. In spite of his frequent promises, Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to release God’s people, setting the stage for the tenth and climactic plague.

Your Daily Walk

Hardening of the arteries is a serious disease that affects thousands of people. But its consequences are mild when compared to the eternal consequences of another malady that affects humanity: the hardening of the heart.

Pharaoh knew what God wanted him to do. The command “Let my people go” was repeated to him eight times.

Pharaoh knew how God wanted him to do it. The people were to go on a three-day journey into the wilderness, and nothing was to be left behind in the land of Egypt (8:26-27; 10:8-11). Pharaoh knew the consequences if he did not obey. He was warned of each plague in advance.

Pharaoh’s problem was not information but motivation. God’s will was clear; Pharaoh’s heart was hard. And in the end, he would lose his army and his firstborn son—as well as his captives. Authors of other Old Testament writings did not overlook Pharaoh’s sordid example. Look up Deuteronomy 6:20-22; 1 Samuel 6:6; Nehemiah 9:7-10. Pick one passage and make it the topic of discussion around the dinner table tonight. It’s a good way to detour around, rather than duplicate, Pharaoh’s heart problem.

Insight - Natural or Supernatural?

Some people believe that since all of the plagues (except the death of the firstborn) could be explained naturally, they weren’t miracles. Although the plagues may or may not have broken God’s natural laws, the timing and Moses’ foretelling make them miraculous.

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January 22

Exodus 11–12

Death and Departure

Key Passage: Exodus 12:29-42

Overview

Each of the preceding nine plagues has represented an attack on an object of worship in Egypt (the Nile, sun, frogs, flies, etc.). But now God attacks Pharaoh himself by warning that the firstborn of each Egyptian household (including Pharaoh’s) will die unless His people are released. To escape the terrible judgment, each Israelite household observes the Passover by substituting the death of a lamb for the death of their firstborn. After a night of horror and death, Pharaoh commands the Hebrews to leave, and the long-awaited exodus begins. God commands that Passover become an annual memorial of the redemption of His people from their Egyptian bondage.

Your Daily Walk

Franklin P. Adams humorously observed that “Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.” Likewise, memory is what tells a man his wife’s birthday was yesterday. God knew that His people would quickly forget the great moments in their history unless their memories were refreshed. So God commanded the nation to commemorate the important date of the Passover and observe it yearly in order to keep the memory of His great deliverance fresh and vital to them.

Do you have an annual date on which you review all of God’s dealings in your life over the past 12 months? If not, mark a day (your birthday is an excellent time). Make it a time of reflecting, remembering, and rejoicing for what God has done and is doing in your life day by day.

Insight - Pictures in the Passover for Israel and for You

As the Lord passed through Egypt, bringing death to the firstborn in every family that did not have the bloodstained doorposts, the Israelites were also active. Rather than sleeping, they were awake, alert, and obedient, feeding on the Passover lamb—with their shoes on their feet and their staffs in their hands—ready to move at God’s command.

DRAWING NEAR
God’s Meeting Place

Before Jesus, coming into God’s presence was impossible except for one person, the priest, who could come into His presence only once a year. It was that way for centuries—one person, one time a year.

Now, we walk into God’s presence with familiarity. But we don’t quite realize what a privilege that is. When our first ancestors disobeyed God’s command, that sin killed our closeness with God. And it made it far more difficult to understand spiritual things. We were mostly limited to what we could see, hear, smell, taste, touch, feel, and reason. So, even before Jesus came to earth, God gave His people a visual representation of what He requires of us before we can come to Him in worship and in intimacy. That picture is the tabernacle.

The Tabernacle was a tent enclosed within a courtyard where God revealed Himself through the objects, the ceremonies, the services, and the men who served. He put so much symbolism into the tabernacle that we are still unpacking what it all means. Every item, from the sockets to the posts to the curtains and coverings, is a physical representation of a spiritual truth. The Tabernacle shows how costly it is for the Holy to meet with the unholy. It demonstrates the great lengths God was willing to go to restore us to His presence. When He gave Moses the pattern for the Tabernacle, He gave these instructions: “Tell the Israelites to...make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Exodus 25:2, 8).

Over time, the reality of the tabernacle came into sharper focus. When Jesus came, He pitched His tent among the people as a living tabernacle. The words used for “made his dwelling” in John 1:14 is the word tabernacle translated into Greek: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The Tabernacle’s many levels and layers, intricacies and mysteries, are a rewarding study for anyone who wants to know God more deeply. It all communicates one message: Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who gave His blood to pay the ultimate price for the sins of humanity because God wants to be close to us.

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January 23

Exodus 13–15

Red Sea Crossing and Song of Moses

Key Passage: Exodus 13; 14:21-31

Overview

The exodus from Egypt is only the first in a series of miracles God performs to bring His chosen people to the promised land of Canaan. Guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, Moses leads the people to the edge of the Red Sea—a seemingly impassable dead end. Cries of mutiny and despair give way to songs of jubilation and praise as God opens a path through the waters, saves His people, and drowns the Egyptian army in its hopeless pursuit.

Your Daily Walk

How many passages of Scripture can you “sing” from memory? Here are three to get you started: “Savior, like a shepherd lead us...” (See Psalm 23:1-2). “Praise God from whom all blessings flow...” (See Psalm 148:1-3). “Our Father which art in heaven...” (See Matthew 6:9-13).

There is something about a verse put to a melody that makes it particularly memorable. Perhaps you have great difficulty memorizing Scripture passages. But have you learned a new hymn or praise song lately? Moses knew that singing was a pleasant way to plant God’s truth in the hearts of people (Exodus 15:1-18).

Go head over to YouTube and search for one of the many excellent praise songs available. Don’t allow singing to be just a public part of your Christian experience.

Insight - Forecast for Pharaoh: Dense Fog and Defeat

According to Exodus 14:19-20, the pillar of cloud that had led the Israelites as they marched now came “between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side” (v. 20). This accomplished two things: (1) It stopped the Egyptians by settling down on them like a fog so they could not see; (2) It provided light for the Israelites. Fog is an almost unknown phenomenon in the land of Egypt, a fact that must have contributed to the Egyptians’ bewilderment and frustration.

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January 24

Exodus 16–18

Journey to Mount Sinai

Key Passage: Exodus 16: 1–17

Overview

Only three days after their dramatic deliverance at the Red Sea, the people begin to complain. As the water supply dwindles, the grumbling increases as the people forget that God is the Source of their supply. God miraculously provides manna, quail, and water in abundance to teach the nation a lesson in faith. Then, an overworked Moses learns a valuable lesson in administration from his father-in-law as he selects capable men to assist him in governing the people.

Your Daily Walk

Have you ever had a morning like this? You bound out of bed, confident that today will be a great day. But the shower has no soap, and you’ve run out of clean clothes. On the way to breakfast, you trip over a misplaced chair. The toast burns, and the newspaper doesn’t arrive. Heavy traffic makes you late for an appointment, and you lose your important list of “things to do.”

Before your day has barely begun, you feel like crawling back into bed and starting over again. The Israelites had their share of bad days, too. They quickly discovered that desert travel can be tricky, even dangerous. The glory of the Red Sea crossing faded as soon as their stomachs began to rumble from hunger.

They accused Moses of leading them into the wilderness to kill them (17:3). Make a list of all the difficult situations found in today’s reading and ask yourself these questions: “What did God teach His people through adversity that they would never have learned through prosperity? And what is He trying to teach me?”

Insight - I’ll Never Forget Old What’s-Its-Name

When the people first saw manna on the ground (16:15), they asked one another, “What is it?” (in biblical Hebrew, man hu?). The name stuck, and for 40 years, they went out each morning (except on the Sabbath) to collect “what’s-its-name” (manna) as their daily bread.

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January 25/26

Exodus 19–20

Ten Commands for God’s People

Key Passage: Exodus 20: 1-17

Overview

At Mount Sinai, a setting designed to focus on the majesty and holiness of God, the people receive their charter as God’s chosen nation. After declaring their willingness to abide by the commands they are about to receive, the Israelites spend two days preparing themselves to hear God’s voice. On the third day, accompanied by an awesome display of God’s power, Moses receives the Ten Commandments—the broad, moral principles and instructions on which the nation’s conduct will be based.

Your Daily Walk

Scene One: You are suspended by a chain over a deep abyss when a companion says, “Don’t worry; all but one of the links will hold your weight.” Scene Two: You are in a furniture store looking for a mirror to hang in your living room when you see a display that reads: “Nearly Perfect Mirrors for Sale—Only One Crack in Each.”

What do these two tales have in common? They both illustrate the folly of trying to be saved by keeping the law. Only one broken link in an otherwise perfect chain plunges you to your death. Only one crack ruins the entire mirror. And “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10).

In order to be saved by keeping the law, you would have to keep it absolutely at every point throughout your lifetime. No one but Jesus could ever do that. According to Galatians 3:24, the purpose of the law is not to save you but to show you what sin is and to point you to Jesus Christ, who alone can take it away.

Scene Three: Jesus waits for you to admit you cannot save yourself and to turn to Him as the Answer. Will you do it? Today?

Insight - The Ten Commandments—in Triplicate

The Ten Commandments were given three times: (1) orally by God (Exodus 20:1-17); (2) on stone tablets (Exodus 24:12-18); and (3) on duplicate tablets prepared by Moses to replace the set he broke (Exodus 34:1, 28–29).

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January 27

Exodus 21–24

Civil Laws for God’s People

Key Passage: Exodus 24

Overview

In addition to the Ten Commandments, Moses receives a body of laws and instruction designed to regulate all aspects of Israel’s national life. The civil laws show God’s concern for administering justice and property rights, caring for the poor, punishing criminals, and maintaining purity in interpersonal relationships. The ceremonial laws deal with the tabernacle and the priests, sacrifices, offerings, and annual feasts. After a stern reminder of the importance of obedience, God calls Moses back to the mountain for 40 more days of instruction.

Your Daily Walk

Passages such as Galatians 2:16 clarify that no one is justified by keeping the law. What, then, should be your attitude toward today’s Scripture reading? Jesus taught from the Old Testament Scriptures, and many of the laws are repeated in the New Testament. Nine of the Ten Commandments are specifically reiterated, declaring the kind of conduct that glorifies God today.

Remember that love is the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 22:37-40). If you truly love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself, you will find yourself keeping the commandments not because you have to but because you want to.

Biblical law is the revelation of the character of the unchanging, eternal God. God is concerned about the details of your life, even things as mundane as an animal's death or tooth loss (Exodus 21:27-28). He desires justice in business transactions, punishment for the guilty, and protection for the innocent.

Insight - How Many Laws Are in “the Law”?

When you mention “Old Testament law,” many people think of the Ten Commandments. Jewish rabbis identified 613 regulations in the legal sections of Exodus through Deuteronomy. Over the years, many rabbis interpreted these laws, whose comments were compiled into a book (the Talmud) with 63 major headings and 518 chapters.

Arrangement of the
Tabernacle

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January 28

Exodus 25–27

A House of Worship for God’s People

Key Passage: Exodus 26

Overview

For 40 days, Moses recorded God’s words regarding Israel’s place of worship and its pattern of worship. The blueprint includes the furniture, coverings, curtains, and courtyard of the tabernacle that must be built “according to the plan shown you on the mountain” (26:30). The description moves from the inside to the outside, reflecting not the perspective of man looking in, but of God looking out—the God who wants to dwell with His people.

Your Daily Walk

Today’s reading may seem like a long list of unimportant details. You may feel lost in a forest of acacia wood, candlesticks, and rams’ skins. But don’t miss the point. These are instructions for building God’s house; thus, every detail is significant. It is to be a beautiful, symbolic structure that causes each worshiper to praise God’s majesty, mercy, and holiness.

Many centuries later, King David would declare: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Psalm 29:2). David, too, realized that God deserved a special dwelling place that mirrored His greatness.

Where is God dwelling today? He is living in the hearts of those who have put their trust in Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You are God’s tabernacle today. And that means some spring cleaning may be in order. Is there a habit that needs to change or a corner of your life that needs attention? Take a few minutes to sweep your “tabernacle” clean. Then, as a reminder, flip your calendar ahead to February, pick a day, and write: “Have you swept lately?”

Insight - More Than Wood and Cloth

The Tabernacle tells a story about its successor, Jesus Christ. Here is a partial list of parallels. Can you think of others?

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January 29

Exodus 28–31

Special Instructions for Priests

Key Passage: Exodus 30–31

Overview

In addition to the Tabernacle plans, Moses receives detailed instructions concerning those who will serve in the Tabernacle: the priests. Chapters 28–30 describe the ones set apart to represent Israel before God and to lead the nation in worship. Everything about them is different: their clothing, the elaborate rituals required to purify them for ministry, and even the utensils and supplies they use in tabernacle worship. In addition, God provides handpicked artists and craftsmen for the Tabernacle and sets apart one day each week for rest and worship.

Your Daily Walk

Did you enjoy yesterday’s tour of the Tabernacle? Today, you will examine God’s intricate blueprint for worship, which mainly involves priests. If it seems to take a long time to read, remember—it took Moses 40 days to copy all of this.

Today’s reading should give you a new appreciation for the lengths God went to dwell with and commune with His people. Because God is utterly holy, these elaborate procedures were necessary if sinful people were to have fellowship with their God. Not a single detail was insignificant.

Notice the importance of worship in the nation's daily life. Worship was not limited to a single day or time; all of life revolved around the one central function of worshiping God.

With today’s reading in mind, carefully consider this question: when the pressures of life force you to cut something out of your busy schedule, why is it that the most expendable daily activity is usually personal or family devotions and that the most vulnerable weekly function is corporate worship with the church? Does God consider worship worthwhile? Do you?

Insight - The Dynamic, Divine Digit

The “finger of God” is credited with engraving the two stone tablets (Exodus 31:18), bringing Egypt’s plagues (Exodus 8:19), casting out demons (Luke 11:20), and creating the heavens (Psalm 8:3).

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January 30

Exodus 32–34

Golden Calf and Glorious Lord

Key Passage: Exodus 32

Overview

In Moses’ absence, the people have been busy. Ignoring their pledge of obedience to God and assuming Moses had died on the mountain, they returned to the pagan ways of Egypt. In righteous anger, Moses shatters the two stone tablets, destroys the golden calf, and orders the Levites to slay the guilty offenders. His selfless intercession brings about a renewal of the covenant between God and His chosen people. And when Moses returns from yet another trip to Sinai—this time to replace the shattered tablets—his face radiates the glory of Israel’s forgiving God.

Your Daily Walk

Freedom has been defined as “the opportunity to make decisions,” and character as “the ability to make the right decisions.” If that is true, then giving a person the freedom to choose his own path is one of the quickest ways to reveal his true character.

Israel’s leader, Moses, was away, and in his absence, the people had to make certain choices. The majority chose to worship a god of gold, ignoring their pledge of obedience. The minority—Moses’ relatives from the tribe of Levi—stood firm against public opinion and refused to worship the golden calf, even when the elders, leaders, and Aaron sanctioned it. “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me,” Moses challenged (Exodus 32:26). That’s a ringing call to commitment you’ll find frequently in the Bible. Look up Joshua 24:15 and 1 Kings 18:21. Then ask yourself, “Have I answered the call yet? Does the way I live daily show that I have?”

Insight - Death on Sinai, Life in Christ

“The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). When Moses came down from Sinai to deliver the law and discovered the people worshiping the golden calf, 3,000 lost their lives in the ensuing judgment (Exodus 32:28). By contrast when the Apostle Peter stood up on the Day of Pentecost to declare salvation through faith in a risen Savior, 3,000 found new life (Acts 2:41).

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January 31

Exodus 35–40

Finishing and Filling the Tabernacle

Key Passage: Exodus 35: 1–36:7

Overview

Exodus closes with a record of the actual construction of the Tabernacle, the building in which God will meet His people as they journey to Canaan. The vast project required the cooperation of many individuals. When the Tabernacle is finally completed, God gives His approval by filling the structure with a cloud of His glory. Israel is now prepared to worship God while on the march.

Your Daily Walk

Imagine this scene taking place in your church: While the offering is being collected, the pastor is handed a note. He rushes to the microphone and announces, “Please, stop the offering. The plates are overflowing, and all our needs have been met. You’ve already given too much.”

Does that sound far-fetched? That is precisely what happened when the Israelites willingly and wholeheartedly contributed to the Tabernacle as God had commanded (35:20-29; 36:5-7). It may seem they impoverished themselves by giving to God’s work, but that was not the case. God was already supplying all their needs, as He would continue to do for the next 40 years.

When you realize that everything you have is a gift from God’s hand (1 Corinthians 4:7), your giving will take on a fresh, new meaning. Try it. Set aside ten dollars or more each day this week, and send it to your church or a missionary family as a special “thank offering” in recognition of God’s goodness to you. And if God has blessed you in a special way financially, why not make a substantial gift to a specific project in your church? Perhaps you, too, will hear the words, “Sorry, we don’t need that much.”

Insight - It Was a Very Good Year

Though it may seem like years have passed since the Israelites left Egypt, only one year has elapsed since the exodus. The first three months were spent journeying to Mount Sinai, where the people camped for an additional nine months while they received the law and erected the Tabernacle.

Take the First Step

Congratulations. You’ve started your new year by beginning a journey through the Bible with this devotional guide. But every walk demands a first step. Have you taken the crucial first step in the Christian life—the step of faith unto salvation? Unless you take that step, your so-called relationship with God will meander aimlessly, and your path will lead only to frustration and defeat. But take this mandatory step, and your walk with Jesus will be vibrant and fulfilling— for all eternity. Consider these stepping stones in the path of salvation: Step 1: All people are sinners. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Step 2: The penalty for sin is death. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Step 3: Deliverance from death—salvation—comes by personal trust in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Christ paid the price on the cross for all your sins so that you can have eternal life. By believing in His death, burial, and resurrection on your behalf, you enter into an everlasting relationship with God.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Free salvation awaits you. Take the first step now, and watch your pathway unfold.

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Leviticus

The instructions of Leviticus, delivered by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, pertain to Israel’s personal and national life. Leviticus, the new nation’s book of worship, derives its name from the tribe of Levi, which was entrusted with the rituals and ceremonies of the people’s approach to God and the physical care of the Tabernacle. Leviticus solves the twin dilemmas of how sinful people can achieve access to God (through animal sacrifices) and maintain fellowship with God (through obedience to His Word).

February 1/2

Leviticus 1–3

Three Voluntary Offerings

Key Passage: Leviticus 1

Overview

Leviticus opens with a description of the five different sacrifices that an Israelite could offer: three for those in fellowship with God (sweet aroma sacrifices) and two for those out of fellowship with God. The sweet aroma offerings were tailored to the person’s ability to give. The burnt offering signified the offerer’s devotion to God; the grain offering pointed to God’s provision in life; and the fellowship offering pictured the thankful worshiper’s fellowship with God.

Your Daily Walk

During a visit to Korea, two American businessmen were highly amused to see a young farmer hitched to a plow guided by his father. Later, they learned that both father and son were Christians who had sold their only ox to provide money for a new church building.

“What a sacrifice!” exclaimed one businessman. “Not really,” replied a missionary accompanying the Americans. “They were sorry they had but one ox to give to the Lord’s work.” On one occasion, Jesus was dining with a Pharisee named Simon when a woman interrupted the dinner in a startling way. Breaking a jar of ointment, she anointed the feet of Jesus with the costly perfume, prompting the Lord to respond: “Her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47).

What is one way you can show your gratitude to God for His great love and forgiveness? Select a 21st-century sacrifice of praise you can offer Him—perhaps a special offering or act of kindness—to say thank You to your heavenly Father who so richly deserves your gratitude.

Insight - Exodus and Leviticus: A Study in Contrasts

Exodus emphasizes:

• pardon
• God’s approach to humanity
• salvation
• “Let my people go”

Leviticus emphasizes:

• purity
• humanity’s approach to God
• sanctification
• “Be holy, because I am holy”

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February 3

Leviticus 4–7

Two Required Offerings

Key Passage: Leviticus 6

Overview

In addition to the three sweet aroma offerings, God instructs regarding two other sacrifices—both required when sin had interrupted fellowship with Him. The sin offering—which covered sins of uncleanness, neglect, or thoughtlessness—provided restoration for the sinner while reinforcing the seriousness of sin. The restitution offering—which covered sins of injury to God and others—provided compensation for the injured or offended party.

Your Daily Walk

What do a dented fender, a facial scar, and a scratched CD all have in common? (Hint: It has nothing to do with your teenager!) Give up? They are all constant reminders of unpleasant experiences: the fire hydrant that ran into your car, the razor that “gotcha,” and your favorite CD that was ruined.

For the Israelites, there was another collection of reminders: the bleating of a lamb, the smell of fresh blood, the sight of rising smoke. All served to remind them that they were sinners. Every new sin, even an unintentional one, demanded that another animal be slain.

Doesn’t that make you appreciate the death of Jesus Christ for you all the more? The fact that He died to set you free from the endless requirement of sacrifices is indeed a great reason for rejoicing. Remind yourself often today of Christ’s once-for-all-time sacrifice for you, and let that reminder bear the fruit of praise on your lips and in your life.

Insight - Sweet and Sour Offerings

Unlike the other three offerings, neither the sin offering nor the resti- tution offering was a sweet, pleasing fragrance to God because sin is never sweet to God. Those two offerings foreshadow many details of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.

• The victim was without a spot or blemish.
• Sin was transferred from the offerer to the offering.
• The one offered died in the sinner’s place.
• The sin offering took place outside the camp.

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February 4

Leviticus 8–10

Priestly Orders and Offense

Key Passage: Leviticus 9:23–10:7

Overview

After the sacrifices, the divine requirements for the priests to offer them follow. Moses consecrates Aaron and his four sons to minister in the Tabernacle. Sacrifices and ceremonies occur for seven consecutive days, after which Aaron begins his duties. However, the joyous inaugural week abruptly ends with the disobedience and death of two of Aaron’s sons, which leads to a divine announcement of restrictions upon the priests’ conduct.

Your Daily Walk

Has this ever happened to you? You are late for an appointment and pushing the speed limit. Suddenly, you catch a glimpse of flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror. You watch in numb despair as a police car draws ever closer and finally pulls over...the car next to you! Would that experience change your driving habits (at least for the next few miles)?

One of the reasons God gave the Old Testament was to provide flashing lights to warn of dangerous, sinful situations. Others have learned the hard way, but you don’t have to—if you take their painful examples to heart. Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons, met an untimely death because they took God’s holiness lightly. In a moment of proud disobedience, they offered the wrong kind of fire in the wrong place and paid for that act with their lives.

At the dinner table this evening, read aloud 1 Corinthians 10:11. Then, beginning with the story of Nadab and Abihu, share lessons you have learned from the lives of Old Testament people from whom you or your family can benefit today. After all, you’ll never live long enough to duplicate all the mistakes of others—nor do you have to.

Insight - The High Priest’s Wardrobe—Fit for One

There would be many priests but only one high priest—one who would represent the people before God by entering the Holy of Holies to make atonement. Only the high priest wore the ephod to signify this unique role—a sacred garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen (Leviticus 8:1-13; see also Exodus 28:4-14).

THE FIVE OFFERINGS:
Snapshots of a Savior

The five offerings of Leviticus 1–7 represent more than just animal sacrifices. They provide a five-dimensional foreshadowing of the perfect Sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who would later abolish the need for animal sacrifices once and for all.

The sweet sacrifices picture the person of Christ—the perfect voluntary Sacrifice with all His merits and perfections. The nonsweet sacrifices depict the work of Christ in bearing the sins and imperfections of human beings as the necessary consequence of God’s righteous demands.

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February 5

Leviticus 11–15

Personal Purity in Daily Life

Key Passage: Leviticus 11:45–47; 13:59; 14:54-57

Overview

Chapters 11–15 give instructions regarding ritual uncleanness caused by animals, birth, leprosy, and regular bodily discharges. Holiness demands a holy lifestyle. Purity is indispensable to worshiping a holy God, though it does impose some restrictions. For the Israelites, this meant dietary laws, temporary quarantines after contact with specifically named substances, and rules regarding normal bodily functions. The word unclean means “ritual unfitness” rather than actual sin. Unfitness occurred in the flesh and made the analogy that one must be made fit, or holy, to enter God’s presence. The word occurs more than 90 times in these chapters, showing that obedience is no small matter to God. In fact, it is paramount.

Your Daily Walk

Commands such as “Wet Paint,” “Keep off the Grass,” “Don’t Feed the Ducks,” or “Speed Limit” seem to whisper in our ears, “I dare you...” But did you ever stop to think why those rules are there? Someone is trying to look out for the best interests of you and others. They know that fresh paint looks better on park benches than on pants; that grass stays prettier when people aren’t trampling it to death; that ducks don’t survive well on a diet of Cheetos; and that gas, cars, and people last longer when driving safely. Such rules are for your own good.

The same was true for Israel’s laws. God gave these instructions for His people’s physical and spiritual protection: no scavenger animals for dinner, no contact with leprous people, and plenty of baths. In today’s passage, look for ways God protected His people through the laws He gave—even through some they couldn’t understand. He has the same desire for you.

Insight - A Holy People, a Horrible Disease

Leprosy was regarded as incurable in the Old Testament. The New Testament often uses it as a picture of sin. Like leprosy, sin requires cleansing,, and God can only forgive sin and heal it.

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February 6

Leviticus 16–17

Holiest Day of the Year

Key Passage: Leviticus 16: 1-22; 17: 11

Overview

The great Day of Atonement, observed each year, was Israel’s most significant act of worship. On that day, the nation gathered to watch expectantly as the high priest entered the Holy of Holies with the blood of atonement to cover the nation's sins for another year. Because blood was the central ingredient in Israel’s national and personal forgiveness, God prohibited its use for any purpose except sacrifice to Him, for “it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (17:11).

Your Daily Walk

Have you ever had to live with a gnawing uncertainty? A recurring illness? An overdue bill? The emotions of facing situations like those are intensely painful.

In Old Testament times, the emotions that charged the air on every Day of Atonement were just as intense. As the high priest cautiously entered the Holy of Holies to atone for the nation's sins, one question was uppermost in everyone’s mind: “Will God pass over our sins for another year?”

The awful reality of the Day of Atonement was this: Sins were never fully cleansed. They were only temporarily covered and sent away on the head of the scapegoat. The debt of sin remained unpaid, like a promissory note deferred from year to year.

Aren’t you glad Jesus ended that uncertainty forever? He paid the long-standing debt of sin in full by nailing it to His cross (Colossians 2:14). When you pay your bills this month, remember the price Jesus paid.

Insight - Covered and Protected for Another Year

The words atonement, appease, and pacify all come from the Hebrew root “to cover,” which appears more than 100 times in the Old Testament. The same root occurs in Genesis 6:14, where Noah is commanded to cover the ark “with pitch inside and out.” Just as the pitch covered the ark and protected its passengers, so the shed blood of the sacrifice stood between sinful humanity and the holy God whose law had been violated.

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February 7

Leviticus 18–20

A Holy People Uniquely His

Key Passage: Leviticus 18: 1-5, 24–30

Overview

In addition to the regulations governing national holiness, God provides Israel with laws governing personal conduct and purity in matters pertaining to the family, the community, and society. Because obedience is central, God requires that violators be punished promptly and in a manner appropriate to the crime committed. God’s strict guidelines for living reflect His desire that His people be holy and uniquely His.

Your Daily Walk

The chapters you read today are not pleasant, for in them, you will discover the depths to which fallen human nature is capable of sinking: incest, child sacrifice, prostitution, bestiality, and homosexuality.

More than 1,400 years later, Paul described human nature in such dismaying words: godlessness, unrighteousness, senseless minds, cravings, sexual impurity, degrading passions, shameless acts, evil, greed, wickedness, envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice (read Romans 1:18-32). These lists look like today’s headlines, for human nature has not changed.

With so many ways to go astray, is it any wonder that God must lay down so many rules for His children to follow before He can turn them loose in pagan Canaan? God desires that His people be transformed by their relationships with Him—not conform to their world. Are you transformed by godliness or conformed to worldliness? (Or are you deformed by trying to be both?) Write down on a strip of paper those areas of your life in which you may be too much of a conformist (activities, personal life, speech). Use that as a bookmark in your Bible to remind you that “living what you read” is the transformation God desires.

Insight - Ten Familiar Commands in an Unfamiliar Place

Last month, you read Exodus 20:1-17, the passage containing the Ten Commandments. But did you know most of the Ten are also contained in Leviticus 19? See how many you can find.

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February 8/9

Leviticus 21–23

Priestly Purity

Key Passage: Leviticus 23

Overview

Ministry to and for a holy people requires a holy priesthood. Because of their high calling, God placed more restrictions on their conduct and privileges. The priests had to be as physically perfect as possible and willing to avoid defilements that were permissible for others. The sacrifices they offered had to be without blemish. They were required to carry out their duties with meticulous attention to detail. Their busiest times of the year came during the holy convocations, those joyous times of feasting and reflecting on God’s goodness in dealing with the nation.

Your Daily Walk

Here is a statement worth considering, especially if you are the hard-driving kind of person commonly labeled as a workaholic: Seven days without relaxation makes one weak. The Israelites were commanded to rest from their labors on the seventh day of each week. And seven times each year they enjoyed a “holy holiday” to commemorate important days in their nation’s history. These were no mere business meetings but times of assembling, feasting, and celebrating.

How long has it been since you set aside time from work to spend alone or with your family enjoying a leisure activity? If your mind is constantly focused on your job, it will seldom be focused on God. In contrast, periodic times of refreshment and reflection will help improve your attitude toward your work.

Look at your personal or family calendar and prayerfully consider whether a vacation is long overdue. It needn’t be long to be refreshing, but it must be a priority in your schedule if it is ever to become more than a good idea.

Insight - How About This for a Vacation Schedule?

Life in Israel was not all work. In addition to the weekly Sabbath days of rest, there were 19 national holidays: Passover (1), Unleavened Bread (7), Firstfruits (1), Pentecost (1), Jubilation (1), Day of Atonement (1), and Booths (7). That makes 10 weeks of vacation a year.

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February 10

Leviticus 24–27

Future Purity in the Promised Land

Key Passage: Leviticus 25

Overview

Leviticus closes with instructions regarding conversation and conduct in the land. Profanity (which breaks the third commandment) is dealt with severely; vows and freewill offerings to the Lord must be carried out in the promised way. The rules regarding regular periods of rest for the land are sandwiched between these two discussions. Every seventh year, the land must rest from sowing and reaping, and every fiftieth year marks a jubilee when debts are canceled and possessions revert to their original owners. To provide for both the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee, God promises to bless in abundance the prior year (in much the same way He supplied double the daily manna the day before each Sabbath). Would you have the faith to do what God required of Israel?

Your Daily Walk

After every six years of farming the land, the Israelites were commanded to leave it unplanted for an entire year. God was asking them to place their source of livelihood entirely in His hands. Leaning on His provision alone, they would experience the thrill of living by faith and watching God supply their daily needs. Imagine the excitement of watching farmland suddenly produce double and even triple its usual crop! God was saying to the people, “Just trust Me.”

God has staked His reputation on the fact that when you obey Him, He will follow through on His promises. “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Select one of those two verses and make it yours for today.

Insight - Don’t Take Those Sabbatical Years Lightly

God’s command to let the land rest every seven years (and again every 50 years) fell on deaf ears. Later, the people would go into captivity in Babylon and spend one year in exile for every sabbatical year they had ignored (2 Chronicles 36:20-21).

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Numbers

Numbers begins with Israel’s 11-day march from Sinai to Kadesh, records the subsequent rebellion and 38 years of wilderness wandering, and ends on the doorstep of the Promised Land. The book contrasts God's faithfulness with His people's fickleness. Even though He must judge their disobedience, God faithfully leads His people through 40 years of agony. Working through Moses, Caleb, and Joshua, God demonstrates His willingness to reward those who trust Him.

February 11

Numbers 1–4

Counting and Ordering the People

Key Passage: Numbers 1: 1-3, 45–46

Overview

The Book of Numbers might well be called “the Book of Censuses,” for that is how it begins and ends. With the nation of Israel poised at Mount Sinai and ready to begin its march to Canaan, God commands Moses to number the fighting men and Levites. A detailed blueprint is given for arranging the people both on the march and in the camp. In the intervening 430 years since Joseph and his brothers moved to Egypt (Exodus 12:40), the nation’s fighting force has grown to an impressive 603,550, suggesting a total population of several million.

Your Daily Walk

Censuses are prominent throughout Scripture. In fact, the pivotal event of Scripture was associated with a census. Mary and Joseph were there when Jesus was born in Bethlehem because a census was being conducted (see Luke 2).

Even more important than the presence of censuses in the Bible is the purpose behind them: to show that God is a God of order and detail. Confusion and disorder in your home, church, or private life are a sure sign that God-honoring principles are being overlooked (see 1 Corinthians 14:40). Pick an area of your Christian life where the goal of doing all things “in a fitting and orderly way” has proven elusive. Write it in the margin, and make it the target of your prayer and planning this week.

Insight - On Your Mark...Get Set...March!

Leviticus prepared the people for worship; Numbers prepared them for war. After reading today’s section, summarize the census and the preparations for the march to Canaan.

• How many total warriors?
• How many Workers for the Levites? (one month upward)
• How many Workers for the Levites? (30 to 50 years)
• Who is the largest tribe and what is their population?
• Who is the smallest tribe and what is their population?
• Who takes care of the tabernacle?
• Who transports the tabernacle?

WANDERING THROUGH
Numbers

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February 12

Numbers 5–8

Cleansing the People

Key Passage: Numbers 6: 1–7: 11

Overview

Three weeks remain before the people leave Sinai to begin the last leg of their journey to Canaan. During this time Moses receives specific commands from God designed to cleanse the people and prepare them to enter the Promised Land. They must be free from immorality and jealousy; they must understand the binding nature of vows made to God; the Levites must realize the sacred nature of their calling. Through the generous gifts of the tribal leaders, the tabernacle implements and supplies are provided for worshiping the Lord.

Your Daily Walk

What is the most important tool you will ever use in your service for God? What is the first thing that comes to mind?

Perhaps you thought of a book or the Bible or a God-given ability. Here’s another tool you may not have considered: your body. Any service you render for God in this life will be done through the use of your body. And while you may pride yourself on how you discipline your mind, your body may be one of the most neglected tools God has entrusted you.

The Old Testament man or woman who wanted to be used in God’s service but was not eligible as a Levite or priest could take the Nazirite vow. This vow involved abstaining from certain hindrances to holiness to be wholly devoted to the service of the Lord. It was a voluntary vow, challenging to enter and equally tricky to exit. Yet, it held the promise of personal blessing for those who successfully fulfilled it.

Is your body available to God today, cleansed and prepared for His use? Romans 12:1-2 will show you how, but only you can volunteer.

Insight - Who Took “the Vow”?

We all know of Samson, who took the Nazirite vow and thus let his hair grow long. But there are at least two others who also took that vow— Samuel, the last judge of Israel, and John the Baptist.

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February 13

Numbers 9–12

The People Complain

Key Passage: Numbers 10: 11-13; 11: 1-15

Overview

The time has come for the final journey to Canaan. After a special celebration of the Passover, the people watch as the pillar of cloud begins to move. Trumpets blare forth the exciting news: It is time to march! But the thrill of expectation soon gives way to the tedium of travel. Moses is faced with numerous problems: complaints about the traveling conditions and the food, longings for the good old days in Egypt, hoarding the quail, and jealousy by Miriam and Aaron. Despite the difficulties, the people finally arrive at Kadesh-Barnea—on the doorstep of Canaan.

Your Daily Walk

How do you react when God’s will for you is inconvenient? Do you think, “Maybe later, God, but not right now”? For Israel, God’s will was easily determined by the movement of the cloud covering the tabernacle. When it moved, they moved. When it lingered, they camped. At first glance, that may seem like an exciting way to live—but consider the possibilities.

It is 3 a.m. You are sound asleep after a 14-hour march when a trumpet’s blast shatters the quiet desert air. Time to march! Or consider another scene. For three days now, the cloud has hovered motionless. You sense that any minute, it is going to move, so instead of unpacking your tent and all those cooking pots, you just “live off the camel.” Another day goes by. And another. Finally, you give in and begin the arduous task of unpacking. No sooner do you drive in the last tent peg when...

Obedience to God’s will is not always convenient, but it is always profitable. Do you see a pillar of cloud moving in your life? What do you suppose you ought to do about it?

Insight - Quail Dinner—All You Can Eat!

When God sent quail in response to the people’s complaining, the least amount gathered by one person was ten homers. One homer is eleven bushels—a total of 880 gallons.

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February 14

Numbers 13–16

Spying out the Land

Key Passage: Numbers 13: 1-2, 26–33; 14:20-35

Overview

Following God’s instructions, Moses selects one representative from each of the 12 tribes to form a scouting party. Their assignment was to spy out the defenses of the land and bring back a sample of the produce grown there. The 12 obey and, like many a committee, return with a divided report. Ten see only the obstacles; two see the opportunities. The nation—disheartened, faithless, and afraid—threatens to stone Moses and return to Egypt rather than face what lies ahead. As a result, the Lord condemns that unbelieving generation to 40 years of fruitless wandering in the wilderness.

Your Daily Walk

Every part of the human body gets tired eventually, except the tongue. It is no accident the Bible describes the tongue as sharp (Psalm 140:3), biting like a cold wind (Proverbs 25:23), and untamable (James 3:8).

Do you have trouble controlling your tongue? Then, ask your spouse or a close Christian friend to hold you accountable (Colossians 4:6). Every time you make an ungracious remark during the next seven days, you must pay 50 cents. Try it! What you lose in material wealth, you’ll more than regain in spiritual maturity.

Insight - ...8...9...10...You’re Out! (14:22)

On 10 separate occasions, the Israelites grumbled and murmured against God. Can you find what prompted each complaint in the following passages?

• Exodus 5:20-21
• Exodus 14:10-12
• Exodus 15:24
• Exodus 16:2-3
• Exodus 16:20, 27
• Exodus 17:2-3
• Exodus 32:1-4
• Numbers 11:1
• Numbers 11:4-5
• Numbers 13:26–14:3

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February 15/16

Numbers 17–20

Dying in the Wilderness

Key Passage: Key Passage: Numbers 20: 1-13

Overview

Throughout their wilderness wanderings, the children of Israel are reminded of two things: death and hope. Death as the result of their unbelief at Kadeshbarnea, and hope in the promise that God would still give His people a land of their own. God’s authority continues to rest with Moses and Aaron, as demonstrated in the miracle of Aaron’s budding rod. And the priests and Levites are still God’s chosen servants to lead the nation in corporate worship. But death becomes the constant companion of the Israelites on their march: death in the sacrifices, death of the red cow for purification, and the death of the high priest Aaron.

Your Daily Walk

Find a hammer, nail, and piece of wood. Drive the nail halfway into the wood, then remove it carefully. What do you have left? (To make this a truly memorable experience, drive the nail into your front door or perhaps your favorite piece of furniture.)

That illustration provides a parable of the permanent results of sin. Once confessed, we receive God’s complete forgiveness (1 John 1:9)— like removing the nail from the piece of wood. But you will not be able to erase fully the scars that sin leaves behind.

Are you, like Moses, tempted to “strike a rock” when God has told you to “speak softly”? Weigh the consequences ahead of time. Christ not only died so that sin might be forgiven, but He died so that sin might be avoided. Thank Him for a scar or a nail hole you’ll never have to carry because you were willing to say no to sin and yes to Him.

Insight - Cow in the Old, Savior in the New

Chapter 19 describes God’s provision for the people’s uncleanness by using water mingled with the ashes of a red cow. This curious rite becomes more apparent in the light of Hebrews 9:11-14 as a foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as the ashes of the sin offering had a purifying effect when applied by water, so Jesus’ offering for sin purifies everyone to whom it is applied by His Spirit.

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February 15/16

Numbers 17–20

Dying in the Wilderness

Key Passage: Key Passage: Numbers 20: 1-13

Overview

Throughout their wilderness wanderings, the children of Israel are reminded of two things: death and hope. Death as the result of their unbelief at Kadeshbarnea, and hope in the promise that God would still give His people a land of their own. God’s authority continues to rest with Moses and Aaron, as demonstrated in the miracle of Aaron’s budding rod. And the priests and Levites are still God’s chosen servants to lead the nation in corporate worship. But death becomes the constant companion of the Israelites on their march: death in the sacrifices, death of the red cow for purification, and the death of the high priest Aaron.

Your Daily Walk

Find a hammer, nail, and piece of wood. Drive the nail halfway into the wood, then remove it carefully. What do you have left? (To make this a truly memorable experience, drive the nail into your front door or perhaps your favorite piece of furniture.)

That illustration provides a parable of the permanent results of sin. Once confessed, we receive God’s complete forgiveness (1 John 1:9)— like removing the nail from the piece of wood. But you will not be able to erase entirely the scars that sin leaves behind.

Are you, like Moses, tempted to “strike a rock” when God has told you to “speak softly”? Weigh the consequences ahead of time. Christ not only died so that sin might be forgiven, but He died so that sin might be avoided. Thank Him for a scar or a nail hole you’ll never have to carry because you were willing to say no to sin and yes to Him.

Insight - Cow in the Old, Savior in the New

Chapter 19 describes God’s provision for the people’s uncleanness by using water mingled with the ashes of a red cow. This curious rite becomes more apparent in the light of Hebrews 9:11-14 as a foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as the ashes of the sin offering had a purifying effect when applied by water, so Jesus’ offering for sin purifies everyone to whom it is applied by His Spirit.

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February 17

Numbers 21–25

The Bronze Snake and Brash Seer

Key Passage: Numbers 21–22

Overview

As the Israelites march to Canaan, they meet and defeat three enemies: the Canaanites, Amorites, and Bashanites. But on the heels of victory, they suffer defeat at the hands of a persistent foe: grumbling. Because of the people’s constant complaining, God sends fiery snakes to chasten His rebellious nation. The threat of Israel’s advance prompts the neighboring pagan nations to hire the prophet Balaam to bring down a curse upon God’s people. But instead of a curse, Balaam delivers a sweeping witness to the glorious future of Yahweh’s nation. What Balaam could not do with his voice, however, is accomplished by his evil influence, as the Israelites give in to idolatry and mixed marriage.

Your Daily Walk

Find a small piece of sandpaper and tuck it in your pocket or purse. Then, read the next few paragraphs thoughtfully and prayerfully.

In chapter 21, the nation of Israel conquered three national powers. Smashing victories! Stunning triumphs! But for some of the people, it wasn’t enough. After all, they were still on the wrong side of the Jordan and didn’t possess even a spadeful of the Promised Land. Their impatience led to criticism, and criticism to fiery judgment.

One key to consistency in the Christian life is to simply give God time to work. Rough edges take time to smooth. Growth to maturity never occurs overnight. But each day can be a step in the right direction.

Is God using a little sandpaper on your life right now? How can you cooperate with, rather than oppose, the work of the Master Carpenter?

Insight - Jesus and Numbers—They Go Together!

Look up the following verses in Numbers to discover how they provide a preview of Jesus centuries before His birth:

• Snake of bronze (21:4-9; John 3:14)
• Water from rocks (20:11; 1 Corinthians 10:4)
• Manna (11:7-9; John 6:31-33)

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February 18

Numbers 26–30

Second Census

Key Passage: Numbers 26:52-56; 27:18-23

Overview

Now that the journey is virtually over, it is time for a second census to assess Israel’s military strength and apportion the soon-to-be conquered territory of Canaan. In addition, it is time to appoint Moses’ successor—the one who will lead the people in their conquest. God’s choice is Joshua, one of only two generation members who left Egypt to survive the wilderness wanderings and enter the Promised Land. Under Joshua’s leadership, the nation will enjoy military victory and spiritual vitality as they obey God’s commands and fulfill their holy obligations.

Your Daily Walk

After multiplying from a family of 70 to a nation of 600,000 fighting men in the space of about 400 years, Israel declined in population during the next 40 years. In part, the lack of growth was because of the numerous judgments God sent to discipline Israel’s disobedience: for example, 14,700 dead after Korah’s rebellion (16:49); 24,000 dead after following Balaam’s teaching (25:9).

Is God enlarging or shrinking your sphere of influence? Jabez, an obscure Old Testament figure, prayed in 1 Chronicles 4:10: “ ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” God delights in blessing His obedient children. Talk to Him today about an “expanded border” with which you want to be entrusted.

Insight - Tallying Up the Second Census by Tribes

Can you add up these numbers and find the grand total?

1. Reuben - 46,500
2. Simeon - 59,300
3. Gad - 45,650
4. Judah - 74,600
5. 5. Issachar - 54,400
6. Zebulun - 57,400
7. Ephraim - 40,500
8. Manasseh - 32,200
9. Benjamin 35,400
10. Dan - 62,700
11. Asher - 41,500
12. Naphtali - 53,400

What is the grand total?

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February 19

Numbers 31–33

Preparing to Possess the Land

Key Passage: Numbers 33

Overview

During the final days of his life, Moses is active in at least three roles: commander-in-chief of Israel’s army, administrator of the nation’s internal affairs, and travel guide bringing the people to the plains of Moab. The Israelite army, using only a token force of troops, exterminates Midian for its idolatrous influence. Later, Moses had to deal with the request of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh that they be allowed to settle east of Jordan. The section closes with a review of the travel route from Egypt to Moab.

Your Daily Walk

Numbers 33 is both one of the darkest and one of the brightest chapters in the Bible. It is a dark chapter because it chronicles the journey from Egypt to Moab—a journey that should have taken just a few weeks but consumed four decades plus the lives of an entire generation.

But the picture is not all dark, for chapter 33 also portrays the nation's movements under God's watchful eye. Guided through the barren wilderness, provided with manna from heaven, and protected from marauding bands, the people experienced God’s tender care daily, even as they felt the sting of His discipline.

Christian, do you view God’s discipline in your life as “pain with a purpose”? God loves us too much to allow disobedience to go unpunished. Having read chapter 33, write these words in the margin of your Bible: “A chapter that should have read differently.”

A chapter is being written in your life today. How will it read? Learn a lesson from Israel’s mistake: Take God at His word.

Insight - Victory Without Casualty

Chapter 31 describes the Midianites' extermination—a command God delivered earlier (25:16-17). This most remarkable confrontation would prove to be Moses’ last military battle. Twelve thousand Israelite troops engaged an innumerable host of Midianites. When the battle was over, and the Israelites assembled to determine their losses, not a single man was missing—a miraculous case of divine protection!

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February 20

Numbers 34–36

Entering the Land

Key Passage:Numbers 34: 1-15

Overview

The Book of Numbers closes with a list of the geographic boundaries of the Promised Land and the names of those who will apportion the land to the nine-and-a-half tribes still awaiting the inheritance. Since the Levites are allotted no land, they are given 48 cities scattered throughout Canaan. Laws are established to provide for justice in cases of manslaughter and protect the inheritance of families with no surviving male heir.

Your Daily Walk

You cannot enjoy what you do not possess. God had promised to give His people a great land. You’ll find the description of its borders in chapter 34. It extended as far north as Mount Hor and Hamath, south as Kadesh-Barnea and the Wadi of Egypt, and east as the Jordan River. Sadly, Israel would seldom enjoy the full extent of these promised boundaries. Only briefly in the reigns of David and Solomon would the nation encompass that much territory.

Was God’s promise no good? Or was there something else that kept the people from enjoying the full blessing God intended? Every promise has two parts: the promise itself and the possession of that promise by the person for whom it is intended. God told His nation repeatedly, “Go in and possess the land. It’s all yours!” But because of unbelief and indifference, the people settled for God’s second best. They could not enjoy what they did not possess.

Look back through the sections you’ve already read. Is there a promise you’ve yet to possess—a blessing from God you’ve yet to stake your claim to? What are you waiting for?

Insight - Obscure Names, Outstanding Truths

Of those selected by God to allot the land (34:16-29), only Caleb is familiar. But consider the names of some of the others: Shemuel, “name of God”; Elidad, “God has loved”; Hanniel, “favor of God”; Elizaphan, “my God protects”; Paltiel, “God is my deliverance”; Pedahel, “God has redeemed.” Names can carry timeless truths, can’t they?

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Genesis

"In the beginning...” These are the first words of Genesis, the very first book of the Bible. The 50 chapters of Genesis outline human history from creation to Babel (chapters 1–11) and Abraham to Joseph (chapters 12–50). The first 11 chapters introduce the Creator God and the beginning of life, sin, judgment, family, worship, and salvation. The remainder of the book focuses on the lives of the four patriarchs of the faith—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—from whom will come the nation Israel and, ultimately, the Savior, Jesus Christ.

January 1

Genesis 1-2

“In the Beginning...”

Key Passage: Genesis 2:4-25

Overview

Genesis opens with two accounts of creation. The first account (1:1–2:3) describes the events chronologically; the second (2:4-25) considers the events topically to focus on one aspect of creation. The first provides a wide-angle view of the creation of the universe; the second takes a zoom-lens look at man and woman, the climax of creation—for they are the ones who will bear God’s image and enjoy His fellowship in the garden prepared especially for them.

Your Daily Walk

• What’s the longest book you ever read?
• What’s the greatest distance you have ever walked?
• What’s the biggest meal you ever ate?
• What do these questions possibly have in common?

They are all examples of significant projects completed in small stages. You read that book one page at a time, covered that distance one step at a time, and ate that meal one bite at a time. One page, one step, one bite might not seem like much compared to the whole, but each brings you closer to your goal.

This year, with the help of this devotional guide, you’ll be fulfilling what, for many people, has been a lifelong dream: to read through the Bible—all 1,189 chapters of it. Like thousands of others, you’ll discover you can reach your goal—one day at a time. It all starts with the first words of Genesis: “In the beginning God created . . .”

Insight - The Days of Creation

The Book of Genesis is the foundation of God’s revelation to us as He gave it in the Bible. There are at least 200 quotations or allusions to Genesis in the New Testament, and Jesus often quoted or referred to it. However, it is not only a record of humanity’s past. But it is also a prophecy of humanity’s future because much of what is introduced in Genesis is concluded and reversed in Revelation.

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January 2

Genesis 3–5

From Paradise to Pain

Key Passage: Genesis 3

Overview

What began as Paradise is soon spoiled by sin. In disguise, Satan tempts Eve by turning her gaze from God’s bountiful provision (the many trees) to God’s one prohibition (the single tree of the knowledge of good and evil)—Adam and Eve’s disobedience results in their expulsion from the garden. The seeds of their sin quickly grow as the first son (Cain) commits the first murder. For generation after generation, the sinful spiral continues, setting the stage for God’s judgment.

Your Daily Walk

Satan is a master at taking God’s blessings and twisting them into something that brings a curse instead. If given a chance, he’ll convince you to seek the blessings of marriage outside the bonds of marriage, exchange the worship of the Creator for the worship of the creation, and substitute what is convenient for what is obedient. The temptation will be cunning; the promise will be inviting. However, as Adam and Eve discovered, the painful consequences far outweigh the temporary pleasures.

Resisting temptation is difficult for many Christians because they don’t want to discourage it completely. God has promised to provide an avenue of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)—but that doesn’t help if we continue to entertain it. Write the references of James 4:7 and 2 Timothy 2:22 in the margin of your Bible next to Genesis 3. Look them up; read them twice; take them to heart.

Insight - Cataloging a Curse

Chapter 3 introduces more than the beginning of sin. You’ll also find some of its consequences: crabgrass, labor pains, family dissension, and sweat. After reading Chapter 3, summarize each part of the curse as it relates to...

• the serpent (3:14);
• Satan (3:15);
• the woman (3:16);
• the man (3:17-19).

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January 3

Genesis 6–9

Noah’s Ark and God’s Judgment

Key Passage: Genesis 6

Overview

As the generations begin to multiply on the face of the earth, the world’s wickedness also significantly increases (6:5). At last, God prepares to destroy humanity with a judgment of water. But one man and his family receive God’s commendation, while the rest of humanity faces God’s condemnation. Noah obediently undertakes a century-long shipbuilding project in preparation for saving his believing family. As the floodwaters rise, Noah’s eight-member family rides high in God’s loving protection.

Your Daily Walk

When a man repeatedly repeats a promise, you can be pretty sure he must have a problem keeping it. When God repeats a promise over and over, you can be absolutely sure that He will keep it.

Is God trustworthy? The ancient shipbuilder named Noah must have wrestled with this question, for his life and the lives of his family were bound up in the promises of God. Spend a few minutes evaluating God’s “scorecard” on how well He kept His promises to Noah.

• “I will wipe mankind . . . from the face of the earth” (6:7). Yes or No?
• “I will send rain on the earth” (7:4). Yes or No?
• “Never again will I curse the ground” (8:21). Yes or No?
• “I will remember my covenant” (9:15). Yes or No?

The rainbow in the sky (9:12-16) is God’s eternal reminder that He will never repeat the watery horror of Noah’s day. Watch for rainbows in photographs and drawings—or even in the sky. Let each one remind you (as it did Noah) that when you’re resting on a promise of God, you need not worry about how deep the water gets.

Insight - Water Everywhere...and Very Little Else

Three times in three verses (7:18-20), it is said, “The waters rose.” God made it clear that this was no ordinary flood, and His promise that “I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made” (7:4) was no idle threat.

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January 4/5

Genesis 10–11

Building Confusion

Key Passage: Genesis 11: 1-9, 27–32

Overview

God begins to repopulate the world with Noah and his three sons. But since the root of sin has not been removed, the fruit of sin soon becomes apparent again in proud, disobedient actions. As Noah’s descendants seek to build “a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens” (11:4), God stops the project by confusing their speech, causing them to scatter over the face of the earth precisely as God had originally commanded (9:1).

Your Daily Walk

Even on TV, the sight is impressive. Delegates from around the world meet in the General Assembly of the United Nations to discuss world problems and seek solutions to international tensions. Most wear headsets—an eloquent reminder of the barriers that divide humanity—as they labor to make the nations united in more than name alone.

Centuries ago, humanity rebelled against God. The result was confusion. Genesis 11 paints a pathetic picture of disoriented people separating from one another in distrust and bewilderment. And yet, that scene is not so far removed from today’s world.

The Babel of antiquity foreshadows the babble of today. Languages are still divided, and people are still perplexed. But God’s solution for our chaos is still the same: truth communicated through people who have experienced it. This message is timeless and knows no language or culture barriers: the good news of sins forgiven in Jesus Christ. Today would be a great day to look for someone who needs to know that God speaks his or her language.

Insight - Looking Down from Above

The Babel-builders were proud of the mighty tower they thought reached up to heaven (11:4). But from God’s viewpoint, He had to stoop down to view their puny pinnacle far below.

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January 6

Genesis 12–14

Abram’s Call and God’s Promises

Key Passage: Genesis 12: 1-9; 13: 14-18

Overview

Having dealt with rebellious humanity for generations, God now begins to unfold His great plan of redemption—a plan beginning with one man, Abram. God calls Abram to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldeans and travel to a distant but unspecified new land. Responding in faith, Abram obeys with nothing to cling to but the promises of God. The journey has moments of danger and decision, as seen in Lot’s life. But through it all, Abram dares to believe God for the impossible despite his childless condition.

Your Daily Walk

How long have you lived in your present home? If you had to pull up stakes and move quickly, would it be difficult to do? Think about logistics, packing, and leaving behind everything that’s familiar.

Genesis 12:1-4 describes a similar “moving experience”—a God-fearing man obeying God’s voice, pulling up stakes in Ur, and heading for a new home more than a thousand miles away. In Hebrews 11:8, we see why this was no ordinary move. “Abraham . . . went, even though he did not know where he was going.“ The command of God was clear, but the destination was not. That’s faith—the kind that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6) and the kind God wants you to exercise today as you face situations in which His will may be clear, but the way He wants you to accomplish it is not. Abraham found that you don’t always need to know where you’re going as long as you know the One you’re following.

Call a family council this evening to discuss a decision you are facing involving career, home, or finances—and how Abram’s example can make the decision easier.

Insight - The Land of the Red Purple

Canaan literally means “belonging to the land of the red-purple.” The locals were well known for trading red-purple dyes derived from murex shells on the Mediterranean coast. In later years, the term Palestine was used to describe the territory, which is derived from Israel’s archenemies, the Philistines.

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January 7

Genesis 15–17

God’s Covenant with Abram

Key Passage: Genesis 15: 1-6; 16: 1-10; 17: 1-8

Overview

It is one thing to walk with God; it is something else to run ahead of him. God’s promise to Abram of many descendants is repeated (12:2; 13:16; 15:4-5). But as the years pass with no evidence of fulfillment, Abram acts foolishly and impatiently. The result is a son, Ishmael, who becomes the heartbreak of his father and a constant reminder of the high price of unbelief. But God’s promise stands sure. Though biologically impossible because of their ages, Abram and Sarai will yet give birth to a son—a promise confirmed by the new names God provides the parents-to-be with: Abraham (“father of a multitude”) and Sarah (“princess”).

Your Daily Walk

Hindsight may be a harsh teacher, but its clarity of vision is always 20/20. The Book of Genesis does not seek to cover up the frailties of Abraham and Sarah but includes them along with their moments of shining faith and obedience. Why? So that you might learn from their example, whether good or bad.

Here are two lessons hindsight can teach from Abraham’s life about the danger of running ahead of God: (1) Abraham’s God was too small. Abraham assumed that Sarah’s barrenness was a permanent obstacle to God’s promise, forgetting that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). (2) Abraham’s patience was too short. He was in a hurry. He decided to act to fulfill a promise that was God’s responsibility humanly.

Write out one of God’s timeless promises to you and attach it to a clock you glance at regularly. This is a great way to remind yourself throughout the day that there’s no time like the present to take God at His Word.

Insight - Who Gets the Estate?

In the ancient Middle East, the heir of a man’s property at his death was determined in this order: (1) the son of his first wife; (2) the son of another wife; (3) the son of a slave girl; (4) the ranking servant in his house. Using this guide, who would have received the estate in 15:2-3? In 16:1? In 16:15?

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January 8

Genesis 18–20

God’s Judgment on Sodom

Key Passage: Key Passage: Genesis 18

Overview

Three heavenly messengers arrive with good and bad news for Abraham’s family. The good news is that Abraham and Sarah’s long-awaited dream is coming true. They will soon experience the joys of parenthood. The bad news: Sodom and Gomorrah will soon experience the full fury of God’s judgment for their grievous sins. In response to Abraham’s intercession, God spares Lot’s family during Sodom’s destruction, though their grudging departure reflects their lukewarm spiritual condition.

Your Daily Walk

It didn’t happen this way, but it might as well have. One day, a man sat down at his desk, pulled out a sheet of paper, and wrote across the top: “Goals for My Life.” Then, he began to list the goals that would shape the direction of his life:

1. To live in a lawless, immoral environment.
2. To forfeit all spiritual authority in my home.
3. To exert no influence for good in my community.
4. To lose everything and everyone dear to me.

Ridiculous, you say? Then consider this: Lot made no such goals, yet he accomplished everything on that list. Those disastrous results were the natural consequences of his worldly choices.

Lot may not have had spiritual goals, but you should. Written goals help prevent the kind of purposeless drift that sets Lot up for disaster. What do you want to accomplish this year in Scripture memorization, time in God’s Word, reading good Christian books, and sharing your faith? Write your goals down, hang them up, pray them through, and with God’s help, watch them happen.

Insight - Where Are They Today?

From the offspring of Lot’s incest with his daughters (19:37-38) came the forerunners of the Moabites and Ammonites, who, though related to them, were the Israelites’ constant enemies. For their gross idolatry, both Moab (Amos 2:1-3) and Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7) would later be destroyed.

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January 9

Genesis 21–24

Isaac—God’s Promise in Flesh and Blood

Key Passage: Genesis 21: 1–22: 19

Overview

Chapters 21–24 describe Isaac's birth and early years, the long-awaited son God had promised Abraham. After many years of learning to walk by faith, Abraham and Sarah experience the greatest joy of their lives: the miraculous birth of a son—an heir and the one through whom God would form a great nation. The stage is set for Abraham’s severest test—the command to sacrifice his treasured son as an offering to God. Drawing upon a faith in God that has grown with the years, Abraham offers Isaac to God, thereby learning another lesson in God’s faithfulness. Sarah, who has seen her son reach manhood, does not live to see his marriage.

Your Daily Walk

“There is no such thing as an accident, only incidents in the perfect will of God.” That’s not just a glib maxim. It was spoken by a father whose teenage daughter had just undergone brain surgery after a car and bus collision. He meant that both the type and the timing of “accidents” are under God’s wise control.

It is no coincidence that chapter 22 begins with these words: “And it came to pass after these things” (KJV). What things? The faith-stretching experiences of chapters 12–21. Only then did God put Abraham through the supreme test with Isaac.

Are you learning lessons today that will help you handle tomorrow's tests? Think of one faith-stretching situation you are facing today. How might God use it to prepare you for tomorrow? Pause now and ask Him to make you teachable in today’s little tests so you’ll be prepared for tomorrow’s big ones.

Insight - Ephron’s Generosity...or Was It?

As a burial place for Sarah, Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah at Hebron from Ephron, a Hittite (23:3-16). In Hittite law, a property owner was subject to military duty. Abraham only wanted to buy the cave; Ephron urged him to take the whole field. In this way, Ephron, if he owned no other property, freed himself of his military obligation.

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January 10

Genesis 25–26

Isaac’s Family and Fortunes

Key Passage: Genesis 25: 19-34

Overview

Although presented only briefly in the Book of Genesis, Isaac's family is immensely significant. Born to Isaac are twin sons who would later be the fathers of twin nations: Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom). Although Isaac lives longer than his father, Abraham, he repeats some of his father’s most memorable mistakes (see 26:6-16). Despite his failures, Isaac hears the reassuring promise from God: “I will...confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham” (26:3).

Your Daily Walk

List everything you know about the life of Isaac. Then, compare your list with the following paragraph: Isaac was Abraham’s son, Rebekah’s husband, and Jacob’s father. He imitated his father and was tricked by one of his sons. He dug a few wells, and he fathered a set of twins. In short, he generally did, without much fanfare, what God told him to do.

How would you like your epitaph to read: “He pretty much did what God told him to do”? There’s not a lot of glamour in quiet faithfulness, but as far as God is concerned, it’s more important than just about anything else. Maybe that’s one reason Isaac gets equal billing with his father and son every time God identifies Himself as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Has God assigned you a supporting role that escapes the crowd's notice? Not everyone can function without applause, but God knows that by His grace, you can. Thank God for the privilege of serving in the “Isaac Brigade.” Ask Him for that same steadfastness of spirit that produced His commendation for Isaac.

Insight - Abraham’s Life—Filled to the Brim

The original Hebrew text of Genesis 25:8 reads: “Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years.” When Abraham died, he was full not only of years but also of trials and temptations, victories and failures, and reminders and reassurances that God’s promises would come to pass.

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January 11/12

Genesis 27–31

Jacob’s Dream and Flight from Esau

Key Passage: Genesis 27; 28: 10-22

Overview

The conflict that began in their mother’s womb carries over into the adult lives of the twins, Esau and Jacob. After following Rebekah’s plan to trick Isaac into giving him the patriarchal blessing, Jacob flees to Haran for safety. While traveling, He receives assurance from God in a dream that he is indeed the heir to the covenant promises. After 20 years in Haran learning painful lessons from his Uncle Laban, Jacob returns to Canaan with his livestock, servants, and family—the nucleus from which God will fashion a new nation: Israel.

Your Daily Walk

The first important experience of a newborn Hebrew baby was receiving a name. Often, the name given would describe the parents’ hopes for the child or picture the child’s personality, so an infant would tend to live up to his name.

As a child of God, you bear a new name, a name you will carry throughout eternity (Revelation 3:12; 22:4). That concept raises a penetrating question: Are you living up to your name? Talk to your heavenly Father about it right now. If you are willing to be a Christian in more than name alone, tell Him so.

Insight - You Can’t Tell the Patriarchs Without a Program

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January 13

Genesis 32–36

Jacob’s Encounter with Esau

Key Passage: Genesis 32

Overview

Having survived the pursuit of his jealous Uncle Laban, Jacob now faces an even greater danger from his estranged brother, Esau. After sending his family across the ford of Jabbok, Jacob wrestles with the angel of God until daybreak. The angel assures him of God’s continued presence and leaves Jacob with both a new name—Israel (“struggled with God”)—and a permanent limp as reminders of the encounter. Once reconciled to God, Jacob is ready to be reconciled to Esau and to return to Canaan as the vital link in God’s continuing promises.

Your Daily Walk

David, Jabez, and Jacob—a more unlikely trio you will never meet. David, the mighty king of Israel; Jabez, an obscure figure from the pages of 1 Chronicles; Jacob, the schemer-turned-servant. Yet they shared a common experience. Do you know what it was?

David prayed: “May God be gracious to us and bless us” (Psalm 67:1). Jabez “cried out to the God of Israel: ‘Oh, that you would bless me’ ” (1 Chronicles 4:10). Jacob wrestled with the angel of God, not willing to let go “unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26). In each case, God did precisely that. David’s kingdom enjoyed “salvation among all nations” (Psalm 67:2); “God granted [Jabez’s] request” (1 Chronicles 4:10); and in response to Jacob’s petition, the angel of God “blessed him there” (Genesis 32:29).

Is it possible God has a blessing in store for you but that “you do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2)? Use the prayer of David, Jabez, or Jacob to express the desire of your heart. Don’t be surprised when God answers. He’s in the business of blessing.

Insight - Run, Fight, or Get Married

After Hamor’s son had defiled Dinah, Jacob’s sons were ready for war. Realizing the impending danger, Hamor tried to offer his daughters in marriage to promote peace. The tactic failed this time, but it would plague Jacob’s descendants.

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January 14

Genesis 37–40

Joseph’s Bondage in Egypt

Key Passage: Genesis 37, 39

Overview

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and now Joseph, the fourth major character in the Genesis account of the fathers of the faith. Favored by his father but alienated from his brothers, Joseph is sold into Egyptian slavery. Imprisoned for a crime he did not commit and ignored by the forgetful chief butler, Joseph finds his faith—and his integrity—sorely tested. Though Joseph doesn’t realize it, through it all, God is preparing him for an important role that will bring to fruition all his childhood dreams.

Your Daily Walk

“God, why did You let this happen to me?” Have you ever felt the urge to ask that question?

“Why?” is a question Christians frequently ask—and one that God often leaves unanswered. Joseph must have been tempted often to ask for a heavenly explanation for his earthly troubles. Though God did not answer all of Joseph’s questions, He did meet all of Joseph’s needs (Genesis 39:21)—and He has promised to do the same for you (Philippians 4:13, 19). That means He will give you power over discouragement when you’re down in the pit (37:24). He will give you power over temptation from lustful thoughts (39:11-12). He will give you purpose for living even when you’re mistreated or ignored (39:20-21).

Joseph’s faith in God fortified him to face the pit of Canaan, the dungeon of Egypt, and everything in between. You can develop a faith like that, too. Please read about it in James 1:2-4.

Insight - Brothers in the Business

The members of the Ishmaelite caravan who bought Joseph from his brothers and sold him in Egypt were called Midianites (Genesis 37:28, 36). Midian and Medan were two sons of Abraham by his second wife Keturah (Genesis 25:2). From them, they developed a nomadic people who, though blood brothers of the Jews, became their constant enemies (Judges 6:1).

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January 15

Genesis 41–44

Joseph’s Brothers in Egypt

Key Passage: Genesis 41

Overview

During his two-year imprisonment, Joseph gains a reputation as an accurate interpreter of dreams. His God-given ability is now called upon to interpret the disturbing dreams of Pharaoh. Though the interpretation is ominous, Pharaoh’s response is overwhelming: Joseph becomes prime minister of the land, with power second only to Pharaoh himself. With a worldwide famine approaching, Joseph becomes Pharaoh’s choice to administer a relief program to meet the challenge. His new position allows Joseph to confront his brothers with their carefully concealed crime.

Your Daily Walk
You can learn many skills in just an afternoon: how to ride a bicycle, change the oil in your car, and bake a batch of cookies. Other skills take weeks to master: how to read 1,000 words a minute, sing four-part harmony, and drive a car. Then there are skills you will hone and develop for the rest of your life: how to work with people, study God’s Word, and draw upon God’s promises even when the circumstances aren’t too promising.

Thirteen years of Joseph’s life were spent in obscurity in Egypt. But they were not wasted years. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that the man who emerged in chapter 41 had to be different from the man who submerged in chapter 37.

It takes a world with trouble to train men and women for their high calling as God’s children. Faced with trouble, some people grow wings; others buy crutches. Which kind are you? Read Isaiah 40:31, but everywhere you encounter the word they, substitute your own name. It’s a promise aimed at you.

Insight - From Prison to Palace in One Day
At age 17, Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery (37:2). Thirteen years later, he was still in the dungeon (41:46), but when the time was right, God promoted him from the prison to the palace overnight. That’s a much-needed reminder that God’s “Graduate School of Growing” is seldom a one-year curriculum.

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