God’s word provides clear instruction to His children. As we meditate on His Word, we find exactly what we need to continue our journey through this life.
This week, our passage for meditation is Genesis 44:3-13.
As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. 4 They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? 5 Is it not from this that my lord drinks, and by this that he practices divination? You have done evil in doing this.’”
Genesis 44:3-13 ESV
6 When he overtook them, he spoke to them these words. 7 They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing! 8 Behold, the money that we found in the mouths of our sacks we brought back to you from the land of Canaan. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? 9 Whichever of your servants is found with it shall die, and we also will be my lord’s servants.” 10 He said, “Let it be as you say: he who is found with it shall be my servant, and the rest of you shall be innocent.” 11 Then each man quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 And he searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city.
PAUSE
Approaching the word of God for meditation requires us to pause (the creation of space).
- Create an environment to reduce interruption of thought.
- Grab some resources, like different bible versions or commentaries.
- Quiet your thoughts in order to receive God’s wisdom and instruction.
How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
PRAY
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of God-inspired scripture. It is through Your word that I am able to gain heavenly instruction. God, use this meditation time to impart Your wisdom into my spirit. Teach me more about who You are, Lord. Show me how to become a better image bearer and shine Your light into this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*This is a prayer starter. Feel free to modify as the Spirit leads you.
PONDER
- Review the passage.
- Explore the context.
- Who was the author? Who was the original audience?
- When was it written? Are there any historical events taking place?
- What is the overall message of this book of the Bible?
- Explore the language.
- Review different translations.
- Are there any themes in the language?
- Review cross-references from different areas of the Bible.
- Explore further.
- Review trusted commentaries.
- Where does this story fit into the bigger story of redemption?
- What principles are found in the passage?
- Explore the context.
- Listen for God’s wisdom.
- Examine your takeaways.
- Look for ways to apply what you have learned.
PRAY(SE)
As your meditation time begins to wrap up, honor God through prayer and praise for new insights and wisdom from His Heavenly Kingdom.
