The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Blessing, Genesis 48 OT S1:E39

Jacob grows reflective in his dying days, recounting how God had faithfully shepherded him through all his sojourning. A shepherd himself, he appreciated the closeness and love between shepherd and sheep. This metaphor of close care and concern resounds now as well as it did then because God is still the Shepherd of His people.

Holy Table Scraps, Matthew 15 NT S1:E23

Is your faith more form than substance? In this passage, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for a false faith while commending a woman of the "wrong" practice and ethnicity. Here we have opportunity to reflect on what truly matters when it comes to faith and practice.

Blessed Be Pharaoh, Genesis 46-47 OT S1:E38

Jacob and Joseph are reunited in most dramatic fashion with the two grown men collapsing and weeping on each other. The day Jacob never dared hope for had come and his spirit was revived by his long lost son. Joseph immediately plans to set his family up for success by planting seeds in his brothers' minds and Pharaoh's that will land his family in the best part of the land. His brothers even get to manage Pharaoh's own flocks. Here we learn how to use cunning and planning in a positive way, by seeking the welfare of all parties, as Joseph did in this story.

A True Redemption Story, Genesis 45 OT S1:E37

Joseph, overcome by his brothers' changed character, breaks down and reveals his true identity to his brothers. They thought they were dead men. But Joseph had forgiven them. He saw how God had used their treachery to save his family. After the initial shock, all rejoiced in God's favor and glorious provision. When word reached Jacob, he couldn't believe it at first. Amazed and perplexed, he decided he was going to Egypt to see his long lost son.

Dying To Serve, Matthew 14 NT S1:E22

Jesus hears of the death of His cousin John and crosses the sea for some rest and spiritual refreshment. But the crowds heard of it and were waiting for Him. Before He could rest, Jesus healed, taught and fed them all. When the day had passed, we see Jesus make that alone time He needed to be refreshed by His Father. In this passage, we again see Jesus' care and receive divine permission to stop and rest when we need personal time with the Lord.

A Trap Is Set, Genesis 44 OT S1:E36

Joseph gets an opportunity to seek revenge on his brothers for selling him into slavery so many years ago. When they return to buy grain, the youngest, Benjamin is with them. He sets Benjamin up for a crime, demanding he be imprisoned for theft. The brothers plead with Benjamin, defending his cause and willingly offering themselves up on behalf of their younger brother. Joseph sees his brothers have changes and are no longer the ruthless men who had sold him into slavery. How will Joseph respond?

No Other Choice, Genesis 43 OT S1:E35

The famine presses in on Jacob and his family so much so that he has no other choice than to send his youngest son Benjamin to Egypt with his brothers to buy grain. The last time he sent the youngest to his brothers, it was Joseph, who didn't return from the trip. Jacob hopes against hope that all of the boys return. He had run out of options and ends up trusting the Lord to take care of them all. Here Jacob is like all of us who will only turn to the Lord after we've exhausted every other option.

You Are A Treasure! Matthew 13:34-58 NT S1:E21

How do you know if you are in or out of the Kingdom of God? This podcast explores parables of God's wrath bracketing two parables of great mercy. We will learn the wisdom of focusing on the revealed will of God in Christ Jesus when exploring mysteries of the faith instead of getting lost in the hidden will of God.

A Dreamer’s Dream, Genesis 42 OT S1:E34

Jacob and his sons are reduced to poverty by the famine that has spread from Egypt and into the Promised Land. Jacob sends ten of his sons down to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognizes his brothers, interrogates them, imprisons Simeon and lets the others go, threatening that if they don't bring Benjamin with them next time, that they won't be allowed to buy more grain. When the brothers return and tell their father Jacob what had happened, his depression deepens. The loss of yet another son and the prospect of losing Benjamin, his only living reminder of his beloved Rachel, was too much for him to bear.

Fruitful In Affliction, Genesis 41 OT S1:E33

Joseph's friend in Pharaoh's court remembers Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams when Pharaoh has a troubling vision. Summoned from the prison, Joseph is dressed and gets to meet Pharaoh. In interpreting the dream, Joseph gives God all the credit for the interpretation. He offers a solution to Pharaoh's problems along with the interpretation of the dream that pleases Pharaoh. In this chapter, Joseph experiences a true rags-to-riches rise from prisoner to Governor of all Egypt.