Today´s reading:
OT: Genesis 44-45
NT: Matthew 14:13-36
Ps: Psalm 16:37-50
Pr: Proverbs 4:11-13
Gospel Thread - OT:
But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Genesis 45:7 (NIV)
And even so is the gospel, biblical history - even the entirety of world history - God's plan to preserve for us a remnant of hope and to save our lives by a great deliverance: the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Though we often do not see it, in all things God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Here we see in the example of Joseph, a circumstance that was intended for the harm of one (Joseph), that God foreknew and ordained to bring about salvation and good for the many (all of Jacob's family). Likewise, what was intended for the harm of One (Jesus Christ, God the Son), God the Father foreknew and ordained to bring about salvation and good for all mankind.
Gospel Thread - NT:
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
Matthew 14:20 (NIV)
Jesus' miracle of feeding 5,000 takes place with a crowd of Jewish people. Later, we will see Jesus perform a similar miracle, feeding 4,000 Gentiles. In the former miracle, twelve basketfuls remain; in the latter, seven remain. These miracles are perhaps symbolic of Christ's ministry: first to the Jews (for the 12 baskets represent the 12 tribes of Israel), then to the Gentiles (for the 7 baskets represent the number of completion - as in the completion of Christ's ministry).
Gospel Thread - Psalms/Proverbs:
You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations; people I did not know are subject to me.
Psalm 18:43 (NIV)
David is praising God for giving him victory over his adversaries, but these verses also seem to foreshadow a triumphant Messiah (for the Christ was attacked, delivered from death, and made the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom all creation is subject).
OYB Photo of the Day:
The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.