by William Hill | Mar 6, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for March 6, 2025
Reading: Genesis 47 | John 19 | Psalm 47
Genesis 47
Genesis 47 describes the events when Jacob and his family arrive in Egypt. There are two main sections. The first (47:1-6) contains the request and permission of Pharaoh to live in the land of Goshen. That land would be the home of the people of God for the next 430 years. God provides for them through the decisions of a pagan king. The second section (47:13-31) highlights Joseph’s wisdom in dealing with the people. The famine is great, and he continues to provide for the people. This section also contains Jacob’s demand and promise that he would not be buried in Egypt but that he would be buried with his father. Joseph promises to do so. That promise is later fulfilled in chapter 49.
John 19
John 19 contains the events of the crucifixion. First, John records the events of Jesus standing before Pilate. After the interrogation, Pilate declared him to be without fault, but the people demanded that he be crucified because he “made himself the son of God.” Pilate is a classic example of a man without conviction. On the one hand, he finds no fault with the Savior.
On the other hand, he cannot resist the people’s influence. As Christians, we will face this kind of dilemma. Either we are going to side with the Lord, or we will side with the world. Pilate chose poorly and turned Christ over to be executed. Next, John records the events of the crucifixion. There are a few items to note. First, Jesus was crucified with other condemned people. That picture is striking. On both sides are actual criminals. One repents the other scoffs. Second, the prophecy of the Old Testament is fulfilled through the wicked acts of men when they divided his garments. Third, John records the Savior’s trust in him by telling him to care for his mother, who witnessed the awful events. Fourth, Jesus declares, “It is finished.” All that the Scripture spoke about regarding him was accomplished. The work of atonement promised in Gen. 3:15 has been completed. Fifth, No man took his life, but he offered it of his own accord. Finally, the burial of Christ is witnessed. He was buried in a borrowed tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea (a member of the Sanhedrin and probably a convert).
Psalm 47
Psalm 47 praises God as the true King who rules heaven and earth. It is written during a period of idolatry, not unlike our world today. Three stanzas highlight that central theme.
47:1-4
The opening lines of the Psalm call all people to worship and praise the one true God as revealed to us in the Bible. It specifically calls the people of God to praise him for his redeeming work, as highlighted in 47:3-4. Those verses teach us about God’s favor for us in subduing us to himself and choosing us as the seed of Abraham. We have great reason to sing for joy to our God and have that express privilege each Lord’s Day. We are called to worship our God with joy and gladness because he loves us and rescued us from the misery of this fallen world. We are called to praise him because he is our King.
47:5-7
This brief section highlights one primary imperative: It encourages us to praise our God, who is our King. Yet, he is not only our King but the King of all the earth. That fact alone should bring comfort to us as we consider the chaos of this fallen world. Our God is sovereign and orders all things to fall out for the good of his people.
47:8-9
This final section highlights the kingship of our God and gives us another reason to praise him: As Abraham worshipped and praised God, so too will the nations on that great day.
by William Hill | Mar 6, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for March 5, 2025
Reading: Genesis 46 | John 18 | Psalm 46
Genesis 46
Genesis 46 contains two main sections. First, God’s instructions to Jacob not to be afraid highlight the preparation to go to Egypt. Though the journey will be difficult, it is highlighted by the comforting words of God promising to be with him and make his name great. We have that same promise today. Our pilgrimage in this life is challenging, but we have God’s promise to be with us and help us on the journey (Read Is. 43). Second is a list of the people who moved to Egypt, highlighting God’s covenantal care for the family life of Jacob, the seed of the woman who will eventually produce the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 18
John 18 begins the beginning of the end of the earthly ministry of Christ. The chapter can be divided into four main sections. The first (19:1-11) describes the arrest of Jesus after Judas, one of the twelve, betrays him into the hands of evil men. As followers of Christ, we may face such betrayal in our lives. It may not lead to our death, but it is painful, nonetheless. The second section (19:12-14; 19-24) contains the interrogation of the high priest. The irony is striking. The earthly high priest is questioning the heavenly great high priest! The third major section highlights the denial of Peter (19:15-18; 25-27). The final section finds the Lord before Pilate, eventually turning him over to the Romans for execution.
Psalm 46
Psalm 46 is a corporate hymn “celebrating Zion as the special city, to which God has pledged himself and through which he will bless the world.” [1] Specifically, the emphasis is on the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a corporate song sung in praise to God for his promise to be with his people, guiding and protecting them. The Psalm can be divided into three sections.
46:1-3
This section states the premise of the Psalm: God is a refuge and strength for those who love and are called by him. A refuge is a place of safety and security. It is a place of rest and respite from the world’s noise and chaos. It is a place God’s people can flee when life is hard and full of trials. Note that God is the refuge. It is not a temple or a building. It is God alone that we find comfort. We do not place our hope in edifices or other things, which would be idolatry. We place our hope in the God of the Bible and him alone.
46:4-7
This section pictures the centrality of God’s presence with language that reflects the place of God’s dwelling in those days: the Temple in the Holy City of Jerusalem. The imagery is explicit, for there is no river in Jerusalem (46:4). The language of this verse points us back to the Garden of Eden (see Gen. 2:10-15). The reason that God’s people are not moved is because he is with them. As the church of the Lord Jesus, we have no reason to fear regardless of what happens. Our God will never abandon the church. The gates of hell cannot prevail against the church.
46:8-11
This section calls us to behold the works of the Lord against those who seek to harm the church. He is the one that stops the adversaries (and the Adversary). He is the one who calls the nations to stop, be still, and know that he alone is God. That will be ultimately accomplished on the great day when every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
[1] Crossway Bibles, ed., ESV: Study Bible: English Standard Version, ESV text ed (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles, 2007), 994.
by William Hill | Mar 4, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for March 4, 2025
Reading: Genesis 45 | John 17 | Psalm 45
Genesis 45
Gen. 45 continues the narrative, which started in Gen. 42. In this short chapter, we witness the brothers reconciled to Joseph and the promise of protection he offers as he prepares to move his family to Egypt. In this short chapter, we learn two things. First, reconciliation is always possible between God and man. Joseph is the offended party, yet he orchestrates events in a way that brings his brothers to an understanding of their sins. As a result of their plagued conscience, they worry about judgment. Joseph, on the other hand, is concerned with reconciliation. Our God is that way. Though we are sinners, God reconciled us to himself through the work of his Son. We were made to see our sins and offense against him, and he saved us. Second, God’s reconciling work carries with it a promise of protection. The famine in the region of Egypt was severe. After the brothers are reconciled to Joseph, he tells them to move to Egypt under the wings of his protection. It is the same for us as adopted children of God. Reconciled through the atoning work of Christ, we are now guaranteed his protection, which promises to guide us through our whole lives, leading to that glorious promise of eternity with him.
Spend time thanking our God and Father for his reconciling work and promise of protection as he guides your steps today (Prov. 3:5-6).
John 17
John 17 is the “High Priestly Prayer” of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is one of the longest-recorded prayers in the Bible. There are three main sections in this prayer. First, we note that Jesus prays for himself (17:1-5). Let that be a lesson to each of us. We must plead with the God of heaven for the state of our soul. We cannot live the Christian life without the help of the Holy Spirit. Pray for his guidance and strength as you begin each day. Second, Jesus turns to pray for his disciples (17:6-19). That is a significant act of the Savior as he intercedes on behalf of his followers. He does that today as well, always making intercessions on our behalf. We learn of the great love of Christ for his disciples, and we also learn of our need to pray for others. The final section (17:20-26) finds Jesus praying for future believers. Of course, he knows his own and who will be brought into his kingdom. We don’t. Therefore, we pray and ask the Father to save the souls of many. Each of us knows people who do not know the Savior. Some of these people are friends or loved ones. Pray earnestly that the God of heaven would be pleased to rescue them from their miserable condition.
Psalm 45
Psalm 45 is a love song, as indicated by its title. It is customarily applied to the kings of Israel, though we do not know to which king it was first dedicated. However, it doesn’t matter. The application of it ultimately leads us to the Lord Jesus Christ, the true King.
45:1
The opening of the Psalm describes the writer’s intent as he addresses the King.
45:2-9
This section describes the appearance, attire, and speech of the King. It also describes his wisdom and might as he fights for righteousness and truth. The writer to the Hebrews uses these words in Hebrews 1.
45:10-12
This section focuses attention on the bride of the King. If we maintain the theme of Christ the King, this describes the church of the Lord Jesus.
45:13-17
This section highlights the consummation of the bride and King.
by William Hill | Mar 3, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for March 3, 2025
Reading: Genesis 44 | John 16 | Psalm 44
Genesis 44
In our last reading, we left off with the brothers dining in Joseph’s house. If you recall, this was the second trip to Egypt to buy grain, bringing Benjamin with them. Judah pledged his life for Benjamin if anything happened to him. Joseph orchestrates a plan to entrap Benjamin, provoking the conspiracy’s ringleader to sell Joseph into slavery to stand and defend his brother and offer his life for him. There are two things to note from this brief chapter. First, the character of Judah has changed. Many years earlier, he was a mean-spirited architect who sold his brother into slavery. Now, through the providential working of God, he is the mediator for his brother, pleading his case before his brother (44:18-34). Whatever the reason, the favor of God was with Judah, and he matured and grew.
The second item to note is that we see Judah’s mediatorial nature as a picture of what Christ does for us daily. He is the only mediator between God and men. He is the one who pleads our case. Unlike Benjamin, who was innocent, we are guilty of offending a holy God. The Lord Jesus, the Lion of Judah, pleads for us. As a result, we live.
John 16
John 16 continues the discourse that was started in chapter 15. Over the first fifteen verses, Jesus highlights the work of the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. First, he convicts the world of sin. One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to show men their sin and convict them of it as that which offends God. Second, he guides us into all truth. We must have him if we are to understand the Word of God. Third, just as we are called to glorify the Son, he delights in doing the same.
The following section in the chapter continues Christ’s teaching, specifically dealing with the period between his death and resurrection and during his resurrection appearances.
The third section is one of comfort for the disciples. Knowing that they will suffer hardship in this life because of the Savior, he tells them to take heart because he has overcome the world. Like the disciples, we must take heart in this simple fact. The Savior has overcome the world. We do not need to fret. What can our enemies do to us? Within this comforting truth is that the Lord Jesus continues to comfort his disciples, who are aware of his departure. Though absent, the Savior still serves his church through the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 44
There are times in life when God’s providence will baffle even the strongest of saints. Sometimes, the Lord takes his church through very hard times, although it doesn’t appear that his people have wandered from his commandments. Of course, no church is perfect. There has never been a sinless church, but that doesn’t mean that they have not been faithful to walk with the Lord and follow him. Some churches are more or less pure. This Psalm is a hymn that describes the calamity suffered at the hands of evil people, although it doesn’t appear that the people of God have done anything wrong. There are four main sections of the Psalm.
44:1-8
This section reflects on the history of God’s people as they think through God’s faithfulness to them throughout the years. The opening words of the Psalm set that theme for us when it says, “O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days.” The people have been told all that the Lord did for them. The parents of this generation have communicated God’s faithfulness. That faithfulness is detailed in this section:
- 44:2-3 – This is a description of God’s deliverance of his Old Testament church over the land of Canaan. He went before them and won the victory.
- 44:4-8 – This describes the people’s trust in the Lord, not their abilities or talents.
44:9-16
The middle section of the Psalm laments their current status: they feel rejected by God and do not understand why. Everything they have secured over the years and the blessings they have received seems to be taken from them. Consider the language:
- 44:9 – Defeat. What they enjoyed in the past no longer seems to be happening in the present.
- 44:10-16 – Disgraced before the nations. No longer are they triumphing over their enemies. Instead, their enemies seem to be dominating them.
Why would God take his cherished people through these hardships when they seem to have done nothing wrong? Indeed, it could be explained if they sinned against him and faced his discipline for it. However, that doesn’t seem to be the reason.
44:17-22
Considering this perplexing middle section, the worshipers proclaim they have not forgotten their God. They have not wandered into gross sin. They have not committed idolatry. They have not allowed their hearts to turn from the living God. There is an admission that they would understand their calamity if they had. However, they don’t. They are perplexed. The church will face times like this. We are left to scratch our heads and ask, “Why”? We don’t always understand God’s providence. We can say before him that we have not wandered from his ways and still face difficult and perplexing situations. Therefore, the people respond with a plea for help.
44:23-26
The response of the people in this section is striking. They ask the Lord to “wake up!” They picture their situation as one under the control of a sleeping God who is aloof to their circumstances. They see him as hiding from them and will not help them. They plead for his help. They do not abandon him or wander from his commands. The Psalm doesn’t tell us the end of the story, though we can be assured of one thing: God saw their plight. He saw, and he knew. In some sense, this Psalm reflects the emotions of the enslaved people in Egypt. For four hundred years, they wondered if God would remember his promises to them. God saw, and he knew. He did deliver them. He will deliver his people from those perplexing circumstances and free them. In those times, we must remain devoted to him and maintain faithfulness to him.
by William Hill | Mar 2, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for February 28, 2025
Reading: Genesis 43 | John 15 | Psalm 43
Genesis 43
A view of the mountains in the background with a Bible and a coffee mug.
The events of Ch. 42 continue into the chapter before us today. In the previous chapter, the sons of Jacob return to Jacob in the land of Canaan and give their report of events that occurred while in Egypt. They also tell Jacob of the need to return to the land, bringing Benjamin with them. The severe famine prompts Jacob to send his sons back to Egypt. Judah reminds him they must bring Benjamin, or Joseph will not see them. After Judah offers himself as a pledge of security, Jacob relents, and the brothers begin the journey to Egypt. Upon arriving, Joseph throws them a dinner party. Fearing Joseph, the brothers consider that this could be a plot to enslave them as thieves. But, of course, it is all by design to prepare how Joseph would reveal himself to them.
Judah is of interest in this chapter. He is compared with Reuben (42:37), but more importantly, he is the one who pledges security for Benjamin. Our Savior has done the same. As the one who comes from Judah, he pledged his life for ours. He was willing to offer himself a ransom for us. In this narrative, Judah acts as a type of Christ for the sake of his brother. Likewise, Jesus Christ offers himself for his brothers (See Heb. 2:10-13).
John 15
John 15 is the discourse of the True Vine. There are two primary sections in this chapter. First, the speech itself is found in 15:1-11, and the typical response of the world towards those who are part of the true vine (15:18-27).
The discourse of the True Vine is another one of those times in which Jesus uses readily known and seen items. Jesus is a master storyteller. The simple thrust of the discourse is that we cannot do anything without being connected to the vine. Just as grapes cannot grow unless attached to the vine, we cannot do what is right and good unless we are connected to the Vine, Christ. Without him, we can do nothing.
All those united to the Vine will suffer persecution from those who are not. The world hated Jesus, and they will hate his followers. Persecution and suffering are part of living the Christian life. However, Jesus promises his Spirit to help us in whatever circumstance we find ourselves.
Psalm 43
Psalm 43 is the compendium Psalm of Psalm 42. The subject is worship, precisely the lament presented by the writer, who is prevented from being in public worship. The words are similar, and the complaint is the same. There are three stanzas.
43:1-2
This section describes the complaint issued by the writer. He is prevented from being in worship because of unkind people. The circumstances are not given, but we know it is enough to cause his heartache. We, too, should feel a certain level of distress when we are prevented from being in worship on the Lord’s Day. The reasons may be legitimate, but we should miss it when we cannot be in attendance.
43:3-4
This section is a cry for relief with the goal of being able to attend the worship of God. The words and pictures regarding God’s “holy hill” and the “altar” confirm that desire. When we are prevented from worship, we should pray that God will remove every obstacle so we can be in God’s worship.
43:5
Again, the Psalmist reiterates his distress but reminds himself of his hope in God, especially when prevented from publicly worshipping Him.
by William Hill | Feb 27, 2025 | Bible Reading
Devotional for February 27, 2025
Reading: Genesis 42 | John 14 | Psalm 42
Genesis 42
There are two scenes in this chapter. The first scene describes the events that take place in Canaan. We note that description in 42:1-5 and 42:29-38. The middle scene describes the events that occur when Jacob’s sons go to Egypt to buy grain because the famine was great in the land (42:5).
The first scene contains the instructions from Jacob to go to the land of Egypt to buy grain. The famine predicted in Ch. 41 has arrived. Therefore, these events are at least seven years since Joseph was promoted as governor of Egypt. Benjamin did not travel with his brothers because Jacob feared harm would come to him (42:4). That decision would prove helpful to Joseph very shortly.
The middle scene of the chapter finds the brothers in Egypt. Immediately, Joseph recognizes them and begins to interrogate them. The Lord uses the events in this section to awaken the brothers’ consciences for what they had done to Joseph. Joseph accuses them of being spies, then presses them about the family’s welfare and demands that they bring the youngest to him (Benjamin). Joseph then confines them to prison for three days. After their release, he reiterates the words given to them previously. Reuben is stricken with guilt and rebukes his brothers for the harm they brought Joseph. Before returning home, Joseph sets them up by secretly returning their money in their bags. Upon discovering it, they were fearful because they feared God and the king of Egypt.
The final scene finds the brothers back in Canaan. There, they retell the events that occurred while they were in Egypt. Fear struck the house as they showed their father the money. Jacob is grieved at the demands of Joseph to return with Benjamin.
These events serve a singular purpose in the life of Joseph’s brothers: to press their conscience for their sin against Joseph. There will be times in our lives when we resist the discipline of God. As a result, circumstances may come to us to remind us to fear him and walk in his ways. Those events that occur to us should not be resisted but seen as God’s loving care because he loves his own and disciplines his children (Heb. 12).
John 14
John 14 contains two sections. The first (14:1-14) includes words of comfort to the troubled disciples. Jesus told them what would take place shortly. He tells them of his impending death and will leave them soon (12:31-35). As a result, the hearts of the disciples are troubled. The context of this section is framed by the words of Christ when he tells them, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” He then tells them of his plans to go and prepares a place for them where he is and where they will be. Thomas asks the Lord about this place and the way to it, to which Jesus responds with a verse that most of us know well: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (14:6). Then, responding to Philip, Jesus makes an astounding declaration: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” That is another of the numerous references to the deity of Christ in the gospel of John. This section teaches us many things. First, Jesus is a kind, compassionate Savior who desires to comfort his people. There will be many times in our lives that we will need this comfort, and it is that which we can count on with certainty. Second, Jesus proclaims with absolute clarity that he is the only means by which one can be saved. Regardless of the assertions of many in our world today, Christ alone is the only way to eternal life.
The second section (14:15-31) highlights the hope of another Comforter sent by the Father and the Son to help and encourage God’s people. The Holy Spirit is the one who will be with them as they move out into the world, proclaiming the gospel to others. He is also the one who will teach them all that they need to know. He belongs to God’s people today as well. We have the same hope of the same Comforter who is with us, guiding, leading, and teaching us all we need to know. He is the one who illuminates our minds and hearts to the truths of the Word of God. Without him, we would know nothing. As such, we should ask the Father for help each day (See Luke 11).
Psalm 42
Psalm 42 begins Book Two of the Psalter and heads this section of the Psalms with a desire to be in the presence of the Lord in corporate worship. Psalm 42 and 43 have the same theme and should be taken together. They both contain three stanzas. Both laments highlight the psalmist’s desire to worship but is prevented due to providential circumstances.
42:1-4
This section sets the foundation and theme of the psalmist’s desire to gather with God’s people in worship publicly. It is filled with deep emotion and imagery as he tries to convey his heart’s agony for being prevented from worship. Consider:
- The picture of a deer panting for water – it is thirsty and looks for relief in water. The psalmist compares this with the soul’s desire to worship the God of heaven.
- The picture of tears that flow from the eyes of the psalmist – whether literal or figurative the emotion is evident. The psalmist is in deep emotional pain because he cannot be in worship.
We should feel this way when we are prevented from worship for providential reasons: sickness, health, and other matters that fall within this category of providential hindrance should cause us to ache and lament. Sadly, too many people don’t miss worship when prevented from being there. It is a heart problem. Do we long for it like the psalmist conveys it in this section?
42:5-10
This section, simply put and summarized, highlights the agony of the psalmist because of evil people. His soul is cast down; he is depressed (yes, Christians do get depressed). Two times in this section, he mentions that his soul is cast down, but he also decides to revive it again, though he is prevented from the ordinary means of worship. He places his hope in the Lord, and he reminds himself of the Lord’s unfailing love for him.
42:11
The final section again asks, “Why are you cast down?” It isn’t that the psalmist doesn’t know the answer. He knows. He has just written it down. He says it to remind himself to “hope in God.” God will restore the broken days that keep us from worship. He will bring his people to the public gathering of the saints. He will do it, indeed, on that great day when we will worship him with the myriads of saints and angels. Therefore, hope in the Lord.
