Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Memories, Yeast, and Satan

Jim:

Genesis 42:1-17
Verse 9 says, “Joseph also remembered the dreams that he had dreamed about them.” As his brothers bowed before him, Joseph was able to trace the providence of God back to the beginning and see that God’s word to him had been true. The dreams he had once shared with his family had, in God’s time and in God’s was, come to fruition. It had been a difficult process, but it had reached a point of clarity. Poet Maya Angelou has a book entitled “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now.” I wonder if that isn’t how Joseph felt. I also wonder why it is so difficult for us to be patient and allow God to work out the divine purpose in our lives, even when we know that it is unfolding. At least that is something I have to work at.

1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Paul uses a powerful metaphor in verse 8. “Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Jesus, of course, uses the same metaphor in warning the disciples about the “yeast of the Pharisees” (Matthew 16:6). A little yeast goes a long way, and allowing evil to remain a part of the community would do much damage. So the church in Corinth is encouraged to cleanse itself of those practices and those individuals who may cause the entire congregation to lose focus on the gospel.

Mark 3:19b-35
Jesus words in verse 24 are referring to Satan. “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” If Jesus is casting out demons, how can he be possessed as some claim? But the words are a reminder to members of the church as well to seek unity and to work together.

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