Day 21, January 21, 2021
Scriptures: Genesis 37-38, Matthew 15 “What goes into your mouth does not defile you, but what comes out of your mouth, that is what defiles you.” – Jesus (Matthew 15:11) What comes out of your mouth, that’s what defiles you. Jesus, in the context of his disciples not washing their hands before they eat. The Pharisees and the disciples momma’s were disappointed. The story of Joseph’s brothers gives a nice illustration of what actually defiles. The brothers plot the death of their brother. Their anger, bitterness and frustration come from their lips. “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.” (Genesis 37:5) Jesus further commentary on what actually defiles us, brings to light what comes from within: “17“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you. 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what defile you; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile you.” The brothers of Joseph certainly make for a good case of the evil that comes from the heart. False testimony, and potential murder pour out of the brothers, in attempt to thwart Joseph’s dream. Of course, Joseph’s dream is going to turn true. And God is going to work in miraculous ways to bring about provision and protection for God’s people. God is going to work through Joseph’s misfortunes to bring about His purposes. He will rescue the Israelites from the famine that is coming, and provide a place for them to grow and prosper as a nation. In our Gospel reading, Matthews thoughts on food and stomach take him to an important account regarding the provision of God. Jesus has compassion on the crowd, Jesus says to the disciples that these folks have been with us for three days, they don’t have anything to eat. Jesus once again provides for them all. Today’s reading helps me to see my own depravity, my own brokenness and sin, the things that have come out of me and truly defiled me. But I also see the gracious, compassionate provision of God, through Christ. I know the rest of the story, my familiarity helps me put this part of the reading into perspective. I know that God is going to act. I know that God is going to ultimately do something to help and care for Joseph. I also know that God is going to do something for the condition of my heart. His Son is going to go to the cross, and offer forgiveness of sins. He’s going to give me a new heart, so what flows from it is more like the Holy Spirit, than this heart of stone I was born with. Out of the overflow of a heart for God, my mouth will speak of His Praise and Glory. Praise Him and His Gracious provision! Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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