This week's Old and New Testament readings in Genesis and Revelation respectively to a conclusion.
Genesis
Joseph, the Bridge Between the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants (Gen. 37-50)
For the delivered Israelites, the Joseph narrative explains why the nation went down to Egypt in the first place and the covenantal basis for God’s delivering them. It does not evidence direct revelatory engagement between God and His people, but both Joseph and his brothers come see God’s providential working in the events that unfold.
Lectionary Reading – Year A Week 9
The Old Testament readings in Genesis cover the account of Joseph through his rise to be the vizier in Egypt during the seven years of famine. The New Testament readings in Revelation comprise the center of the vision, not merely formally, but also in terms of the narrative, as chapters 12-14 describe the heart of the spiritual conflict that is behind the persecution that believers face.
The Covenant with Jacob (Gen. 28:10-36:43)
The Jacob narrative is bookended by his time in Bethel. It is in Bethel, when he is fleeing from his brother Esau that he receives a vision of a ladder between Heaven and Earth on which angels of God were ascending and descending (Gen. 28:12). Jacob learned hesed, covenantal love during his sojourn in Padan Aram.
Lectionary Readings – Year A Week 8
This week's Old Testament readings in Genesis describe Jacob's flight from Laban and return to the land which God had promised his grandfather Abraham. Covenantally, this reflects God's fulfillment of the vow Jacob made when he fled his home for Haran, that if God would care for him and bring him home safely then Yahweh would be his God (Gen. 28:21). The New Testament readings begin the Book of Revelation.
Covenantide 