Christmas with Compassion | Day 10
Day 10 - Friday, December 12
Read Psalm 78:65-72
Highlight
The psalmist here is speaking to the consistent struggle between Joseph and Judah. The tribe of Ephraim is Joseph’s second son. In Genesis 48, Jacob claims Manasseh and Ephraim as his own sons. He blessed Ephraim, the second born of Joseph, with his firstborn birthright. It is a significant moment because of two things - first, it is a reflection of his own birthright blessing. He was the second born, who ended up tricking his brother to hand over his birthright. Second, it shows that even though Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob’s sons, his sinful action and unrepentant heart cost him his firstborn birthright. But even with Ephraim receiving the birthright, he is still not the chosen tribe of Israel. Judah is chosen to be the royal lineage of Israel’s descendants.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Psalm 78:65-72
Highlight
The psalmist here is speaking to the consistent struggle between Joseph and Judah. The tribe of Ephraim is Joseph’s second son. In Genesis 48, Jacob claims Manasseh and Ephraim as his own sons. He blessed Ephraim, the second born of Joseph, with his firstborn birthright. It is a significant moment because of two things - first, it is a reflection of his own birthright blessing. He was the second born, who ended up tricking his brother to hand over his birthright. Second, it shows that even though Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob’s sons, his sinful action and unrepentant heart cost him his firstborn birthright. But even with Ephraim receiving the birthright, he is still not the chosen tribe of Israel. Judah is chosen to be the royal lineage of Israel’s descendants.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Posted in Christmas With Compassion 2024