The final portion of the Book of Genesis contains the passing of the blessing from Jacob to the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh. As in the case of Esau and Jacob, the younger is preferred to the older. Joseph objects with strong feelings as his father switches his hands placed on the heads of these two boys.

The names of the two sons will help to understand the verse for the day, a blessing whose importance is seen as a part of Aaron’s blessing (Numbers 6:22) and the opening of the Lord’s Prayer. The key lies in the meaning of the names of the sons: Ephraim, “Fruitful,” and Manasseh, “One who causes forgetfulness.” It is indeed a blessing from God to forget one’s painful, sinful past, and that one’s future be fruitful. Make this your prayer as you bless your loved ones.

Genesis 47:28—48:22

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Vayhi (And He Lived).
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.
Genesis 47:28—50:26

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: You, Lord, my inheritance 48:6

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information

The readings for this week mingle marvelously with each other in Epiphany themes. Today, return to the Magi story, this time linking it with the tragedy in the reaction of Herod. Evil resists God outlandishly, always harming the innocent. Consider the children who are victims of abuse, murder, and genocide.

As we begin reading Exodus as the Sabbath readings about this time, Matthew sees Jesus as a New Moses who will lead us out of the bondage in the “Egypts” of our lives. God’s eternal plan is that we be free from all “Pharaohs” or “Herods” who scramble to protect their power by destroying ours.

Matthew 2

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Opening my gifts for You v. 11

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Luke 1 2; Matthew 1 7.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

In the Magi, Gentiles have free access to the living God in Christ. Here the great apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, depicts the essence of his call: Gentiles have total access to the grace of God without having to fulfill the prescriptions of the law. We catch a glimpse of the conflict in personal terms, imagining what must have been the sparks that flew between Peter and Paul.

Along with the first chapter, this one completes the first of three parts of the letter—the call and credential of Paul himself. The end of the chapter presents the point of doctrine, which will Paul develops in chapters 3 and 4: the human person is justified by faith, and not by works.

Memorize verse 20 and let it fall upon your heart as the coals of fire upon the lips of Isaiah—as the burning embers of frankincense, gift of the Magi.

Galatians 2

Find out all about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: No more I, but Christ in me v. 20

Thursdays are dedicated to the letters of Paul, other letters,
the Book of Acts, and the Book of Revelation.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Titus, Philemon, Galatians and Philippians.

For all the Firestarters in the original version, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.