Desertide 8

The Old Testament readings in Genesis bring the Joseph account to its conclusion, as Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt in the midst of famine, only to be confronted by an unrecognizable Joseph. They who resented him who dreamed that he would be lord over them end up bowing before him, and he who saw that he would be lord over them ended up showing them grace. The reconciliation between the brothers resulted in the clan relocating to Egypt, initially temporarily, but ultimately for more than 400 years. The end of the Genesis account sets the stage for God’s great deliverance under the Old Covenant, the Exodus from Egypt.

This week’s New Testament readings in Revelation complete that prophecy. The Bowl judgments of chapter 16 represent the climatic Final Judgment on mankind for sin. Chapters 17 and 18 describe the destruction of the Whore of Babylon, the world system that opposes God’s people. Chapter 19 shows the triumphant return of Christ Jesus at the end of the Age, and chapters 21 and 22 describe the New Heavens and New Earth, where God’s people will find eternal rest with their Lord.

The Psalm readings continue the Psalms of David.