A. When the State of Israel became independent in 1948, it didn’t go down well with some countries but they couldn’t do anything about it. The 48th season is a time to salute and celebrate the sovereign power and grace of God. In this season, God demonstrates His Sovereignty in the decisions He makes to bless or to judge.
In Genesis 48, God released grace on Joseph and his sons. Three things happened there:
1. Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph was given the right of a firstborn. Joseph protested but his father did not listen to him.
2. The two sons of Joseph became Jacob’s sons and were brought to the status of their uncles and made to share inheritance with them.
3. Joseph was given a double portion in Israel through Ephraim and Manasseh. That was grace speaking loudly.
In the book of Galatians (the 48th book of the Bible), Paul declared that his apostleship came directly from God. No man would have chosen him, or thought him fit, to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. The 4th chapter of Galatians also reveals that by faith we have become sons and heirs of God like Jesus Christ and are given the very Holy Spirit of God. By faith, also, we have become sons of Abraham as Isaac was – and are entitled to the blessings of Abraham.
The Grace of God speaks loudly and clearly in the 48th season. God’s Sovereignty and grace will speak again in favour of His people this week. This 48th week of the year, the Lord wants His people to step forward into their God-given place without fear or condemnation. We cannot afford to disqualify ourselves (for whatever reason) from what God had qualified us to have.
B. This 48th week is the week of God’s City. It is a governmental season. The city of God is the place of His dominion – where He rules from. In Psalm 48, Mount Zion is the City of God – where He resides. God could have chosen other places but He chose Zion. In Ezekiel 48:35 (the last verse of the last chapter) a city is named ‘The Lord is there’. In the 48th season, God’s presence is everything; and His City receives attention.
C. Heaven fights sinful pride in the 48th season because grace and arrogance do not go together. In Jeremiah 48, God pronounced judgment on Moab because of her pride. She did not acknowledge the grace of God. This week, the Lord will judge arrogant pride.
This is the week of those made and changed by the Grace of God.
Be thankful.
Be humble.
Be gracious.
Be generous.
Be responsible.
BIBLE READING SUGGESTIONS
Read the 48th book of the Bible (Galatians) and the 48th chapters of the Bible. You may read as follows or as led by the Spirit.
November 26: Genesis 48; Galatians 1
November 27: Galatians 2;
November 28: Galatians 3
November 29: Galatians 4; Psalm 48
November 30: Galatians 5
December 1: Galatians 6; Isaiah 48
December 2: Jeremiah 48; Ezekiel 48
PRAYER POINTS FOR THE 48TH WEEK
1. Pray for favor and open doors (beyond merit and beyond what man can do) for God’s people in the nations. Bless all God’s people accordingly – as you pray.
2. Pray that the Lord will bless and beautify the assembly and family of His saints with His presence. Let it be said concerning them that the Lord is there.
3. Pray Psalm 48 and Ezekiel 48 over Israel, the City of God. Speak blessings over Israel as a people. Let it be said, this week, that the Lord is there.
4. Pray that prideful boasting and arrogance and un-forgiveness will find no place in your heart. Pray for strength to treat others better than they deserve. Ask the Lord for grace to be gracious.
SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah 48:11: For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.
Have a tremendously blessed 48th week of the year!
