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COLLECTIONS
Commentaries,
Word Studies, Devotionals, Sermons, Illustrations
Old and New Testament. |
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Genesis
Devotionals
Updated September,
2009
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GENESIS:
A
DEVOTIONALS STUDY
by Max Frazier, Jr. |
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Lessons On Living
from Abraham
Devotionals
Woodrow Kroll
Freely distributed by Back To The Bible
Free E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/devotions/
(Copyright
Back to the Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved) |
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Genesis 11:31 |
The First Step -
The Chinese philosopher Lao-Tse once
said, "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single
step." While we all tend to focus on the destination, the time
it will take to complete our journey or the items we need to
accomplish it, the trip itself cannot begin until we're
willing to take the first step.
Abraham was willing to take that first step. True, Haran was
not his ultimate destination. Some have faulted him for
stopping short of Canaan. We don't know for sure why he didn't
go on. Perhaps his father, Terah, was not physically able to
continue. We do know that Terah died in Haran. It is also
possible that Abraham got temporarily sidetracked.
Circumstances may have caused him momentarily to forget that
God's call was to Canaan, not Haran. But we should never
forget that at least Abraham took the first step toward his
ultimate destination.
You, too, may have a goal in mind. Perhaps God has burdened
your heart to teach a Sunday school class, to receive more
training in the Bible or to witness to your neighbor. But as
you look at that objective, you don't see how you can reach
it. The way seems too long or the process too difficult. The
answer is to take the first step. Even though the way may not
seem clear at the moment, you can be sure that if you don't
begin, you'll never finish.
Trust God to provide whatever is needed along the way. As you
step out in faith, expect God to step in with power. As you
take the first step, He will make sure all the other steps
fall in place.
The hardest step is always the first step |
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Genesis 12:1-3 |
The Greatest Calling
- An oil company needed a suave public relations man for its
office in Asia. After interviewing several candidates, the
officials decided to ask a local missionary to take the
position. Company executives met with this man of unusual
gifts. Whatever they proposed, however, his answer was always
"no." "What's wrong'" asked one interviewer. "Isn't the salary
big enough'" The missionary replied, "The salary is big
enough, but the job isn't."
Abraham was faced with a similar option. He could have stayed
in Haran and become a leading citizen. As a natural-born
leader, he may have become ruler of the city. Most certainly,
as a clever businessman, he would have become wealthy and
lived in luxury and ease. But all that was insignificant
compared to what God had in mind for him. By obeying God's
call, he became a blessing to the whole world.
God still calls people today. Maybe He is calling you to be a
pastor or missionary or church leader. On the other hand, He
may be calling you to be an active witness for Him in your
place of secular employment. But you also may be facing
alternatives. Another position may offer a bigger salary, a
bigger office or less hassle. Don't be fooled. Seek God's
direction. Wherever He is calling you will bring the greatest
blessing to you and to those around you.
When God calls, accepting anything else is no bargain. |
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Genesis 12:5 |
Obey All the Way -
Louis Cassels once wrote, "Obey . . . take up your cross . . .
deny yourself . . . it all sounds very hard. It is hard.
Anyone who tells you differently is peddling spiritual
soothing syrup, not real Christianity." Perhaps that's why so
many Christians stop short of complete obedience.
Even Abraham struggled with this problem. As a great man of
faith, Abraham had obeyed when God told him to "get out of
your country" (Gen. 12:1). Immediately he packed up his
possessions and left. But God also had said, "from your
kindred and from your father's house, to a land that I will
show you" (emphasis mine). It was here that Abraham stumbled.
Genesis 12:5 notes that he took "Lot his brother's son" with
him. Perhaps Abraham felt responsible for his nephew since
Haran, Lot's father, had died. But this act of incomplete
obedience became a cause of grief for himself (Ge 13:5, 6, 7)
and eventually for his nephew as well. Lot lost everything but
his two daughters in the destruction of Sodom (Ge 19:12-26).
Obedience is often hard, but partial obedience will not make
things easier. The lack of total obedience may seem justified
especially if it involves a family member. It may even seem as
if we are shirking our duty to loved ones if we do as God has
instructed us. But God has a reason for every command, and not
to obey Him completely always means forfeiting a blessing.
What is God asking of you today? What obedience is He
prompting from you right now? Are you willing to obey all the
way? Remember, incomplete obedience is the half-brother of
disobedience.
Trust and obey there's no other way. |
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Genesis 12:8 |
Pledge Your Allegiance
- Many professional athletes proudly wear the corporate logo
or company colors of those who sponsor them. They have no
qualms at all in identifying themselves with the products and
purposes of those who finance their careers.
When Abraham pitched his tents near Bethel, he boldly
identified himself with the Lord. God not only called him to
leave family and all that was familiar, but also provided for
his needs along the way. In response, Abraham built an altar
to God. This was not only an act of worship but also a public
declaration to everyone who saw it that he was a worshiper of
Yahweh. Furthermore, he "called on the name of the Lord", that
is, he publicly acknowledged his commitment to and need for
the God of Israel.
As Christians, we are to boldly identify ourselves with the
Lord as well. Be prepared. This may cost you the friendship of
those who prefer the praises of the world. It may mean that
you will experience ridicule and rejection. But Jesus reminds
us, "Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also
will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me
before men will be denied before the angels of God" (Luke
12:8, 9).
Make your allegiance known. Wherever you may be, with whomever
you may be, refuse to hide your commitment to the One who
loves you and provides for your salvation. Jesus suffered the
shame of the cross for you; be willing to suffer the ridicule
of the world for Him.
There's no place in God's service for secret agents. |
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Genesis 12:12-13 |
The Wrong Kind of Help
- A little boy asked his mother, "What is a lie?" "A lie," she
replied, "is an abomination to the Lord, but a very present
help in time of trouble."
Abraham apparently agreed. Faced with a famine in the land of
Canaan, he moved his household down to Egypt. Out of fear for
his life, he told the Egyptians that Sarah was his sister and
persuaded her to go along with his lie. When Pharaoh heard of
her beauty, and thinking her unmarried, he took her into his
harem. Abraham was on the brink of saving his life but losing
his wife. Fortunately God intervened and Pharaoh learned the
truth in time. Abraham, however, was rebuked and forced to
leave the land. In the end, his lie earned him nothing but
contempt and disgrace.
Often we are tempted to lie our way out of a tight spot.
Perhaps at work a "small lie" will help us avoid admitting we
made a mistake. Or at home "bending the truth" may seemingly
help us avoid a scene. But resorting to subterfuge always ends
up causing us more heartache than help.
When tempted to lie, remember that what seems like a "very
present help" will ultimately be "an abomination to the Lord."
Lies always result in more hurt and hassle in the long run.
That kind of help you can do without. Instead, tell the truth
and trust God. He'll take care of you.
A lie appears to offer help, but in reality only delivers
harm. |
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Genesis 13:1-2 |
Blessed Promises -
William Penn, the founder of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
was well liked by the Indians. Once they told him he could
have as much of their land as he could encompass on foot in a
single day. So early the next morning, he started out and
walked until late that night. When he finally went to claim
his land, the Indians were greatly surprised, for they didn't
think he would take them seriously. But they kept their
promise and gave him a large tract of land. Today that area is
Philadelphia.
God also made a promise to Abraham: "I will bless you" (Ge
12:2, 3). Even though Abraham made mistakes and sometimes
failed to trust the Lord fully, God never went back on His
promise. He blessed Abraham materially until he was "very rich
in livestock, in silver, and in gold." More important, He
blessed Abraham spiritually. God declared in Genesis 22:17, 18,
"In blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will
multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as
the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall
possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the
nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed
My voice." Through Abraham's descendants came the Messiah, who
brought the blessing of salvation to all nations.
God continues to bless today just as He has promised. Though
we quickly forget them, God's blessings are all around us. He
allows some of us to be the stewards of His material
blessings, but He gives all of us the opportunity to enjoy His
spiritual blessings. His salvation, forgiveness and
lovingkindness are promised blessings that God will never
forget.
Rejoice today in your blessings. Rest confidently in the truth
that what God has promised, He will never take away.
Enjoy the riches that are yours because you are His. |
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Genesis 13:5-7 |
Someone is Watching
- Whether we know it or not, people are watching us. One day
as a woman was crossing the street at London Station, an old
man stopped her. He said, "Excuse me, Ma'am, but I want to
thank you." She looked surprised and asked, "Thank me'" He
replied, "Yes'm. I used to be a ticket collector, and whenever
you went by you always gave me a cheerful smile and a good
morning. I knew that smile must come from inside somewhere.
Then one morning I saw a little Bible in your hand. So I
bought one, too, and I found Jesus."
Abraham was also very conscious that he was being watched.
Problems had developed between his nephew, Lot, and himself.
They came to possess so many sheep and cattle between them
that the land was not able to support them all. It reached the
point where the herdsmen of Abraham and the herdsmen of Lot
began to quarrel over the best grazing lands. All the while,
the Canaanites and the Perizzites, who lived in the land as
well, were watching. Abraham knew that he represented Yahweh,
the Lord God of heaven, before these pagan families. As a
result, he immediately sought a way to bring peace to the
situation.
Neither your church family nor your personal family are immune
from problems. But how you choose to deal with those problems
can encourage or hinder others who are watching. Your actions
can even influence their eternal destiny. Always choose the
way of peace. Let the God of peace rule not only in your heart
but in all your relationships.
A family at peace is the best witness to the Lord of Peace. |
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Genesis 13:8-9 |
I've Got Rights -
Everyone seems concerned about their rights. Whatever the
issue, someone is sure to claim that he or she has the right
to engage in it. Someone else will maintain that if this
person asserts his rights, it will violate their rights. It's
no wonder that one social commentator observed, "The search
for the good has yielded to the search for rights."
When it came time to separate from his nephew, Abraham
certainly could have demanded his rights. As the patriarch in
the family, Abraham had the right of first choice about where
he wanted to go, but he graciously allowed his younger
relative to choose instead. When Lot selfishly chose the lush,
fertile valleys, Abraham could have legitimately protested
that this flagrant unfairness was a violation of his rights.
Instead, he simply packed up his belongings and moved to the
more barren hill country. Obviously, Abraham was more
interested in preserving his relationship with Lot than he was
in exercising his rights.
God does not assure His children that we will always have our
rights recognized. The apostle Paul urges us, "Let nothing be
done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Php
2:3-note).
In other words, let the rights of others be first in your
mind, and God will take care of the rest.
If your "rights" have been trampled upon, turn them over to
the Lord. A loving relationship with the important people in
your life will ultimately be more satisfying than protecting
your rights.
Be more concerned about doing right than having rights. |
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Genesis 13:14-15 |
A Place Called Home
- In late summer the migration of the monarch butterfly
occurs. If you're in the right place at the right time, you
can see hundreds of them clinging to tree limbs and shrubbery
as the flock journeys to a remote mountain site in central
Mexico. Scientists have found 16 of these sites, ranging from
one to ten acres each, within a 100-mile radius, where
millions of butterflies from North America spend the winter.
No one knows how butterflies find their way there. Each
generation that migrates is new and has never been there
before. Yet something programmed into their tiny bodies
directs them to a place they have never seen, but is a home
they instinctively know they must find.
The Jews have the same attitude toward their homeland of
Israel, and it all began with Abraham. God gave him a plot of
land' not just to this Jewish patriarch, but to his
"descendants forever." Even though they are now spread
throughout the world, Jews still long to return to this small
oasis. For some, it's just for a visit; for others, it's to
start life over again. But for Jews, wherever they may live,
Israel is home.
That same instinct for home should burn in the hearts of
Christians. For us, home is not a country on earth; it's a
destination called heaven. While Abraham and his descendants
were promised a land, all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior
are promised an eternal dwelling place (John 14:2).
Take comfort in the thought that you have a home in heaven.
Each day brings you closer to home not to visit but to live.
God has reserved a dwelling place that will fulfill the
deepest longing of your heart. Rejoice!
Heaven is more than a city; it's a home. |
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Genesis 14:14 |
The Lord's Army - We
live in violent times. The American Bar Association claims
that crimes involving guns, drugs and juveniles are putting an
unprecedented crunch on the nation's courts. Every 22 seconds
someone in the United States is beaten, stabbed, shot, robbed,
raped or killed. Nearly two million people every year become
violent-crime victims.
Lot lived in violent times as well. Fortunately, he had an
uncle with his own private army. When Abraham learned that the
cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had been conquered and all their
people taken captive, including his nephew, Lot, he armed his
private militia. In a brilliant piece of military strategy, he
overtook the enemy forces and surprised them at night. When
morning arrived, the adversary was on the run and all were
rescued, including Lot.
Most of us do not have relatives who can muster a private
army. But Christians have something even better we have the
Lord. The psalmist says, "The angel of the Lord encamps all
around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Ps. 34:7-Spurgeon's note).
And again God's Word reminds us, "For He shall give His angels
charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (Ps. 91:11-Spurgeon's note).
Every believer dwells in the midst of God's protective care as
represented by His angels.
When you find yourself beginning to be afraid, remind yourself
that God's army is with you. God's angels stand guard over
you. No enemy can ever truly harm you. The mighty army of the
Lord has your safety as its responsibility. Don't be afraid.
Remember Psalm 56:3: "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in
You." (Spurgeon's
note)
Our safety rests not in the ability of man but in the army of
God. |
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Genesis 14:22-23 |
Making It God's Way
- People often want to get rich quickly. In 1989 John Bennett
established the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy. Under the
guise of a non-profit foundation, he offered donors the
opportunity to double their money within six to nine months.
In 1994 he allowed nonprofit organizations to participate.
This too-good-to-be-true offer brought waves of money from
various institutions as well as philanthropists to support
what turned out to be a pyramid scheme. In September 1997,
Bennett was sentenced to prison for defrauding charities and
others of $354 million.
Abraham also had the opportunity to gain more wealth quickly.
Bera, king of Sodom, offered Abraham all the "loot" of the
city in exchange for the people. But Abraham considered the
source and declined. The opportunity to become even more
wealthy was not worth the price of being indebted to the king
of Sodom. His city was so wicked that it would shortly be
destroyed by brimstone and fire. Abraham preferred to let God
provide for his needs; he didn't need Sodom's money.
The desire to get rich can bring many pains and heartaches.
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "For the love of money is a
root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from
the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:10). The appetite for more and
more can lead you into associations with people who can cause
you irreparable spiritual harm.
If you find yourself in any relationship, business or
personal, that is damaging your spiritual life, drop it
immediately. It may mean taking a financial loss, but when you
make your relationship with the Lord your most important
priority, He will take care of all your other needs (Mt 6:33-note).
God's wealth can't be found in Satan's treasury. |
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Genesis 15:1 |
Fear Not - Fear is
everywhere. Even people who appear brave, if they're honest,
will admit to moments of immense fear.
During World War II, a military governor met with Gen. George
Patton in Sicily. When he highly praised Patton for his
courage and bravery, the general replied, "Sir, I am not a
brave man the truth is, I am a craven coward. I have never
been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my
whole life that I wasn't so scared that I had sweat in the
palms of my hands." Patton's honesty is refreshing, but God
offers the best solution for our fears.
Abraham was just as human as you and I. Even though he had 318
trained soldiers in his personal army and had just won a major
victory over four mighty kings (Gen. 14:13, 14, 15, 16, 17), he still
experienced times of apprehension and dread. That's why God
said, "Do not be afraid." God then told Abraham why he need
not be afraid: "I am your shield [to protect you from evil],
your exceedingly great reward [to meet all your needs]."
Our fears fall into two broad categories. We fear that
something will harm us or that we will suffer need in some
way. God promises that He is sufficient for both of these
concerns. The psalmist speaks of God's protection from evil
when he says, "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten
thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you"
(Ps. 91:7 -
Spurgeon's note).
And in another psalm we are assured of God's provision: "The
young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the
Lord shall not lack any good thing" (Ps 34:10 -
Spurgeon's note).
What troubles you today? Put aside your fears and trust God.
The God of Abraham is sufficient both to protect you and to
provide for all your needs.
Where God stands, fear falls. |
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Genesis 15:2-3 |
I Wonder - Henry
Drummond, a 19th-century Scottish evangelist, observed,
"Christ never failed to
distinguish between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is can't
believe; unbelief is won't believe. Doubt is honesty; unbelief
is obstinacy. Doubt is looking for light; unbelief is being
content with darkness."
When God promised to
bless him (Gen. 15:1), Abraham responded, "How are you going
to do it?" This was not a lack of faith, because Abraham
believed God was going to keep His promise; he simply didn't
understand how God would do it. Since "blessings" were always
believed to come through children (Ps. 127:3, 4, 5 -
Spurgeon's note v3;
note v4;
note v5),
and Abraham had none (nor from a human perspective did it look
like he would have any), he inquired as to how God was going
to do it. God honored that question and told him, "One who
will come from your own body shall be your heir." Abraham was
satisfied. The case was closed.
It's not wrong to ask questions about God's plan; it's only
wrong to question the rightness of God's plan. There's a
subtle but important difference here. It's only natural for
people to want to know, "God, how do You plan to pull this
off'" In essence Abraham said, "I'm to be the father of a
great nation, and yet I have no children. I know You can do
it, Lord. But I'd sure like to know how."
If you're wondering how God will work His will and His way in
your life, it's perfectly legitimate to ask. But always ask in
faith. Feel free to question how God is going to work out His
plan, but never question His ability to work out that plan.
The first is inquiring faith; the second is irreverent
unbelief.
Doubt asks how; unbelief asks why. |
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Genesis 15:13-14 |
We Win - Life can be
tough; it can also be scary. Maybe you wonder where you'll
ever find the courage to face a fearful future. That's the
question someone asked Billy Graham; he responded, "I've read
the last chapter of Revelation, and we win."
As God revealed to Abraham the fate of his descendants, it
sounded less than exciting. For 400 years they would be the
slaves of another nation. Have you ever wondered what kept
them going when they were oppressed and mistreated by the
Egyptians' Maybe it was God's promise, "I will judge;
afterward they shall come out with great possessions." In
other words, in the end, "you win."
Yes, along the way there would be hardships and affliction,
but when Israel got to the bottom line, those who afflicted
them would be judged and they would be rewarded. This was not
a "maybe," but something God promised that Abraham could "know
certainly."
Your life, too, is bound to have its share of heartache and
sadness. No one can pass through their years on earth without
some mistreatment and unfairness. You may even echo the cry of
the prophet Habakkuk: "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You
will not hear' Even cry out to You, 'Violence!' And You will
not save" (Hab 1:2). In the midst of the pain, however, you
must always cling to the unchangeable truth that in the end we
win.
When you experience bone-crunching difficulties, meditate on
verses such as 2Corinthians 4:17, 18 and Revelation 7:14, 15,
16, 17
(see notes
Revelation 7:14;
15;
16;
17) and Rev 21:4
(note).
Take comfort in the truth that, despite what you may be going
through right now, in the end, you win.
The present is bearable when we're confident that the future
is glorious |
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Genesis 15:15-16 |
The Patience of God
- For the most part, people are very impatient. The moment the
stoplight turns green, the driver behind us invariably honks
his horn. You can just see the frustration and impatience in
the faces of those caught in a long line at the grocery store
checkout stand. Fortunately, God demonstrates a great deal
more restraint than we do.
When God revealed to Abraham some things yet to come, He
advised him that his descendants would not return to the land
for four generations because "the iniquity of the Amorites"
was not yet complete. Even though these people were pagans,
God continued to demonstrate patience toward them. With
Abraham dwelling in their midst (Ge. 13:7), there was always
the possibility that individuals, if not the nation as a
whole, might turn to the God of Abraham. While man might have
brought swift judgment, God graciously gave these people over
400 more years to turn from their idolatry and embrace the
living God.
The apostle Peter spoke of this same graciousness. He reminded
his readers, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as
some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not
willing that any should perish but that all should come to
repentance" (2Pe 3:9-note).
Satan loves to convince us that God’s patience with us has
come to an end. He tries to persuade us that we have sinned
just one time too often and God has washed His hands of us.
But we must reject this lie. While we must not abuse God’s
patience, He still stands ready to forgive and receive us back
when we repent. Be confident that you can never deplete the
patience of God, if your heart is pure and your repentance
sincere.
The perverseness of man cannot exhaust the patience of God. |
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Genesis 16:1-2 |
Running Ahead of God
- A friend went to visit the great preacher Phillips Brooks
and found him pacing the floor like a caged lion. His friend
asked, "What’s the trouble, Dr. Brooks'" He replied, "The
trouble is that I’m in a hurry but God isn’t."
Abraham could have identified with those feelings. God had
promised him a son, but, from a human perspective, time was
running out. In fact, with Abraham nearly 86 and Sarah 76
years old, most people would have said that time had already
run out. Obviously God needed help. In the Ancient Near East,
it was acceptable for a barren woman to give her maid as a
substitute to bear children for her, so Sarah suggested
Abraham take Hagar and let her bear his child. In his hurry,
Abraham ran ahead of God and the consequences are still felt
in the Middle East today. The Arab nations (descended from
Ishmael, the son of the maid servant) and Israel (descended
from Abraham’s legitimate heir, Isaac) continue to be bitter
enemies.
God not only has a divine will, He also has an eternal
timetable. Just as the apostle Paul reminded Christians that
in "the fullness of time" God sent His Son (Gal. 4:4) and "in
due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Ro 5:6-note), so God has a
schedule for everything in our lives as well. We certainly
don’t want to lag behind God’s agenda, but it’s equally
disastrous to run ahead of it.
As you seek God’s will for your life, seek His timetable as
well. Don’t let your impatience carry you ahead of God. To do
the right thing at the wrong time makes the right thing the
wrong thing.
We need to keep in step with God’s time as well as His will. |
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Genesis 16:5-6 |
Who's in Charge? - A
writer for the Chicago Tribune observed, "Americans crave
leadership, but what is it?" According to an expert he quoted,
a leader has "a moral compass, a set of core beliefs, a
firmness that is not authoritarian, strong powers of
persuasion in articulating a vision, and a self-effacing
manner." Those qualities are not only scarce in the workplace,
they’re often lacking in the home as well.
In many respects, Abraham was a great leader, but apparently
he wasn’t strong enough to do what was right in his own
household. At a time when Sarah needed a strong hand to guide
her through a fit of jealousy, Abraham failed. He abdicated
his role as the leader of his home and a grave injustice was
committed as a result.
Our society needs strong leaders everywhere, but nowhere more
than in the home. God established an order for the family that
made it normative for the man to be the leader when present.
The apostle Paul says, "For the husband is head of the wife .
. . . Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so
let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (Ep
5:23, 24-note;
cf. 1Co 11:3).
God’s design for the family is not popular in today’s culture,
but it’s still God’s design. Men, take seriously your role as
the head of the home. Know the core values God wants for your
family and see that they are established. Wives, let your
husband be the leader. Support him in his leadership and
respect his authority. When we do what is right in the home,
the nation will follow.
Leadership in the home is an issue of obedience, not equality. |
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Genesis 17:1 |
Complete in His Power
- A farmer and his son were working together in the field. The
father told the boy to throw all the large stones he could
find into a nearby ditch so they would not interfere with
plowing. After working a long time, the son called out, "Dad,
there’s one rock here I can’t move even though I’ve tried my
hardest." "No, Son," replied the father, "you haven’t tried
your hardest until you’ve called for me to help you. I can
give you the strength you need." The father came alongside the
boy and added his strength. Together, they moved the stubborn
rock with ease.
God also called upon Abraham to do something that was
impossible for him, if tried under his own power. God
commanded him to "walk before Me and be blameless." The word
blameless (Heb. tamym) carries the sense of being complete,
whole or mature. It implies a level of integrity that is
rarely found among men. Such blamelessness would have been
impossible for Abraham, except for one condition: the One who
called him to such a level of maturity was the Almighty God.
Many people have tried to live the Christian life in their own
power, and they all have failed. Some have come to believe
that it’s impossible to achieve such maturity in a sinful
world. And, apart from the Almighty God, it is. But God said,
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there
anything too hard for Me?" (Jer. 32:27). The apostle Paul
said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
(Php 4:13-note).
Cast yourself upon the mighty power of God. Only He is able to
present you faultless before the throne. In His power your
life can be complete and your walk can be blameless.
With God’s power behind us, nothing can stand before us. |
|
Genesis 17:3-6 |
Get Off the
Merry-go-Round - An irate woman met her husband when he
got off a merry-go-round and said, "Now, look at you. You
spent your money, you got off right where you got on, and you
haven’t been anywhere!" Unfortunately, that’s an accurate
picture of life for many people today. But God has so much
more to offer.
That was true with Abraham. The first 75 years he sought his
fortune, first in Ur and later in Haran (Ge 12:4). Then God
called him to begin a journey that was both physical and
spiritual. Abraham spent the next 24 years seeking to follow
his God. However, he also spent a good deal of time living by
his own wits instead of trusting the Lord. Finally, shortly
before reaching the century mark, he learned the secret. He
"fell on his face." Abraham totally surrendered to God, and it
was then that God gave His most spectacular promises. From
Abram (Father of Height), God changed his name to Abraham
(Father of a Multitude). From an obscure desert sheik, he
became the forerunner of kings and nations.
For those willing to submit to Him, God has an abundant life
in store. In fact, the apostle Paul reminds us, "Eye has not
seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man
the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1Co 2:9).
If life seems a bit like a merry-go-round to you, maybe it’s
time to discover God’s abundant life. Surrender yourself
completely to Him and find a life more fulfilling than you can
imagine.
The abundant life comes not by accumulating but by letting go. |
|
Genesis 17:17 |
A Rest for Your Faith
- When John Paton was translating the Bible for a South
Pacific island tribe, he discovered that they had no word for
trust or faith. One day a native who had been running hard
came into the missionary's house, flopped down in a large
chair and said, "It's good to rest my whole weight on this
chair." "That's it!" exclaimed Paton. "I'll translate faith as
resting one's whole weight on God." (See also Dr Piper's
discussion -
You Will be Eaten by Cannibals! Lessons
from the Life of John G. Paton)
(or download
Mp3 Audio)
Abraham was a man of faith--but sometimes that faith was in
the wrong place. When God told him he would have a son, he
looked at himself and said, "Shall a child be born to a man
who is one hundred years old?" Obviously, from a human
perspective that was a ridiculous notion. Instead of resting
his faith wholly upon God, Abraham was trying to carry part of
the burden himself.
Faith always falters when we trust in our own capabilities. If
something was doable by human standards, faith would not be
necessary. The essence of faith requires that it is something
that can be accomplished only if God undertakes it for us. The
ultimate example of this, of course, is our own salvation.
When He was asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responded,
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with
God" (Luke 18:27). The apostle Paul declares in Php 4:13
(note),
"I can do all things," but then he goes on to clarify,
"through Christ who strengthens me." It is not we who can do
all things, but Christ.
Where is your faith resting? Are you depending upon your own
resources, or are you resting your whole weight upon God?
Whether it's for your ultimate salvation or some daily
responsibility, have faith in God. Only He can do the
impossible.
What the world calls ridiculous, God calls faith. |
|
Genesis 17:10 |
Instant Obedience -
Supermarkets are filled with all kinds of instant products:
instant pudding, instant coffee, instant soup, instant
potatoes and so much more. We seem to want everything
instantly these days. Unfortunately, no supermarket stocks
instant obedience.
Throughout his years of walking with the Lord, Abraham learned
that the best type of obedience was instant obedience. When
God declared circumcision to be the sign of His covenant with
Abraham and his descendants, this desert potentate lost no
time in seeing that every male in his household was
circumcised. Nor did he exclude himself. It was not a matter
of "I direct; you perform." At the age of 99, Abraham
subjected himself to the same temporary discomfort as everyone
else. Doing God's will knows no rank or privileges.
This same instant obedience should be a part of our walk
today. To become a Christian is relatively simple; to live
like one is another matter. We become a Christian by repentant
faith; we live as a Christian only as we obey Christ's
commands. The extent of that commitment is measured by the
speed with which we obey. The Holy Spirit says through the
writer of Hebrews, "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not
harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in
the wilderness" (Heb 3:7,8-note).
If the Lord has been speaking to you about a matter of
obedience, stop delaying. The blessing you receive by doing
God's will is directly proportional to the speed with which
you begin to do it.
Salvation is through faith; maturity is through obedience. |
|
Genesis 17:22-23 |
Angels Unaware -
"Old Bill" was hired to sweep streets in a small town. During
the hot days of July and August, Mrs. Brown on the corner got
into the habit of taking him a glass of lemonade and a slice
of cake. He thanked her shyly and that was all. But one
evening there came a knock at the back door of her home. Bill
was there with a sack of apples in one hand and a handful of
roasting ears in the other. He said, "I brought you these,
Ma'am, for your kindness." "Oh, you shouldn't have," exclaimed
Mrs. Brown. "It was nothing." "Well, no," the street sweeper
agreed, "maybe it wasn't much, but it was more than anyone
else did."
Abraham was equally aware of the needs of those around him.
When three strangers appeared in front of his tent, he was
more than eager to extend hospitality to them. He could have
thought, Surely someone who is less busy than I am will have
compassion on them. But he didn't. Instead, he ran to meet
them and begged for an opportunity to show hospitality to
these travelers.
The Bible says that hospitality is to characterize the
Christian life. In fact, it's so important that it's listed as
one of the qualifications for anyone desiring a position of
leadership in the church (1Ti 3:2, Titus 1:8
[note]).
The writer of Hebrews said, "Do not forget to entertain
strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained
angels" (He 13:2-note).
Do yourself a favor: when you have opportunity to open your
home to a troubled teenager or to host a foreign student while
the dorms are closed, do it! You never know when you might
come across an angel.
Some may have the gift of hospitality, but we all have the
responsibility. |
|
Genesis 18:17-19 |
Intimate Fellowship
- It's a shame, but some people think they can get to know God
by taking drugs. One person wrote to a religious columnist
that drugs should be legalized because he felt close to God
when he smoked pot. But drugs are dangerous to a person's
physical and mental health, and they are not a pipeline to
God. What a person experiences while under the influence of
drugs does not originate with God.
Abraham had an intimate relationship with God and he used no
mood-altering stimulants to get it. God made a conscious
choice not to hide anything from Abraham. There were no
secrets between them. Furthermore, it was a relationship based
on mutual trust. God said, "For I have known him." God knew
everything about Abraham's past, present and future and loved
him anyway.
We can enjoy this same intimacy. God revealed everything we
need to know about Him in the Bible. He took the initiative to
clear away the stumbling blocks of sin by offering His Son as
our Savior. There is nothing that He desires more than to have
an intimate relationship with us.
Now it's time for you to do your part. Be as open with God as
He is with you. Set aside time to get to know Him better. Seek
Him daily in the Scriptures. Speak with Him often through
prayer. Look for His guidance in your life. The result will be
an intimacy that no drug can ever produce.
An intimate relationship with God is based on character, not
chemicals |
|
Genesis 21:1-3 |
Joy to the World -
Someone asked Joseph Haydn, the famous composer, why his music
was so cheerful. He replied, "I cannot make it otherwise. When
I think upon God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes
dance and leap from my pen!"
This must have been the way that Abraham and Sarah felt. After
Abraham waited 100 years and Sarah reached the matronly age of
90, God gave them a son. Joy surely leapt and danced in their
hearts. In fact, they named their son Isaac, which means
"laughter." Unlike the laughter of unbelief they had engaged
in earlier (Ge 17:17, 18:12), this laughter percolated
through a holy wonder at the miracle in their life. It was a
laughter of such unalloyed joy that all who heard it laughed
with them (Ge 21:6).
The joy that began with the birth of Isaac, however, reached
its crescendo in the birth of Jesus. When the angels announced
their heavenly message, they proclaimed, "Do not be afraid,
for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will
be to all people" (Luke 2:10, emphasis mine). Jesus said,
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in
you, and that your joy may be full" (Jn 15:11).
When was the last time you laughed for the sheer joy of your
salvation? People are not attracted to somber doctrines. There
is no persuasive power in a gloomy and morbid religion. Let
the world see your joy and you won't be able to keep them
away.
To be filled with God is to be filled with joy. |
|
Genesis 21:9-11 |
Truth or Consequences
- Solomon Garcia of Huntington, New York, was crushed to death
by a 600-pound safe he apparently was trying to steal. Suffolk
County police lieutenant John Gierasch said that the young man
was trying to move the iron safe down some stairs of a real
estate and insurance company office when it slipped. A
maintenance man found the body under the safe at the base of a
first-floor staircase.
When we violate God's truth, His Word, consequences always
result. Sometimes those consequences are tragic. Abraham
discovered this. In his hurry to make God's promise of a son
come true, he agreed to take Sarah's servant, Hagar, as a
substitute wife. The child born from that union, however, was
not God's intended heir. When Isaac, the son of promise, was
born, a rivalry developed that eventually caused Sarah to
demand Hagar and her son leave the house. Abraham's
disobedience brought serious consequences, not only to himself
but to everyone he loved. Only God's intervention prevented a
tragedy (Gen. 21:16, 17, 18, 19).
When we fail to obey God's truth, we can expect consequences.
This is not because God is out to get even. Instead, it's
because God's truth protects us from situations that will harm
us. When we trample down those protective fences God has set
up in His Word, we end up experiencing the evil from which
those fences were created to save us.
Take God at His word. The Scriptures can keep you from harm.
Refuse to violate God's truth either by running ahead or
lagging behind His will for your life. God's truth will keep
you from the consequences.
Accept the Truth and avoid the consequences |
|
Genesis 22:1-2 |
The Ultimate Sacrifice
- C. S. Lewis said, "To love at all is to be vulnerable.
Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and
possibly be broken."
Abraham must have felt that way. He had waited 25 years to
receive the blessing that God had promised him on the day he
packed up his family and possessions and left Haran. He had
waited 100 years to receive a very special son. How his heart
must have ached when God commanded him to take his only son,
his precious Isaac, and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on
Mount Moriah. Even though he responded in faith, we can't
imagine the hurt. It was the ultimate sacrifice.
But Abraham is not the only one who was ever asked to make an
ultimate sacrifice. God, too, gave His only begotten Son. The
apostle Paul reminds us that God "did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all" (Ro 8:32-note).
And Peter draws our attention to the fact that "you were not
redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from
your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot" (1Pe 1:18, 19-note).
God knows the pain of an ultimate sacrifice.
Has God asked you to make a sacrifice? Perhaps it's been the
loss of a child, a cancer diagnosis, a bankruptcy. Do you feel
that your life is in ashes, hopeless and irrecoverable? Lift
your eyes to the Lord. Ask Him to meet you at the point of
your need. God understands. He will comfort you.
The greater the pain, the greater the compassion. |
|
Genesis 22:7-8 |
Divine Provision - A
young girl was taking a long journey, and in the course of her
travels her train had to cross a number of rivers. Each time
the train approached water, her doubts were awakened. She
didn't understand how such raging torrents could safely be
crossed. As they drew near the river, however, a bridge
invariably appeared and provided the way over. Finally the
little girl leaned back with a sigh of relief and said with
confidence, "Somebody has put bridges for us all the way!"
Abraham showed the same confidence as he faced the possibility
of sacrificing his only son. Never had his faith been more
severely tested. Yet he could confidently reply to Isaac, "God
will supply the lamb." Abraham didn't know how God was going
to do it, but he believed without reservation that God would.
That same confidence can be yours and mine. We often don't
know how God will provide. He may supply in a way that we
would not have chosen. That is not for us to say. Our
assurance is that God will meet our needs, however He chooses.
The apostle Paul reminds us, "And my God shall supply all your
need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Php
4:19-note).
God may meet your need for healing by miraculously restoring
your body. Or, He may choose to give you the strength to
endure an illness with courage. God may relieve your financial
situation through a generous gift. Then again, He may provide
just enough to get you through each month. How He meets your
need is evidence of His sovereignty. That He meets your need
is evidence of His grace. It's not necessary that we know how,
as long as we know Him.
Our need is simply an opportunity for God's provision. |
|
Genesis 22:9-10 |
Making Sense - Pablo
Picasso was the most famous painter of the 20th century. His
paintings often broke with the traditional notion of beauty
and harmony. When questioned about his unusual artistic style,
the distinguished painter replied, "The world today doesn't
make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?" Many
people would probably agree with his observation. Often the
world doesn't seem to make sense.
Surely this thought must have passed through Abraham's mind
when God commanded him to sacrifice his son. After all,
Abraham had waited 100 years for the birth of this child. But
there was more involved here than paternal love. God had made
significant promises with worldwide implications based on
Abraham's descendants. It simply didn't make sense for Abraham
now to take this essential link to the future welfare of the
world and offer him as a sacrifice.
Fortunately, if this thought did pass through Abraham's mind,
it didn't stay. He bound his son on the altar and lifted the
sacrificial knife. He had learned from his past mistakes never
to question God and never to delay obeying Him. With a faith
that took captive his feelings, he prepared to do exactly as
God commanded.
The lesson of Abraham is clear. It is not necessary to
understand; it is only necessary to obey. The prophet Samuel
reminds us, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed
than the fat of rams" (1Sa 15:22). Jesus said, "If you love
Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
If God is calling you to take a step of faith that defies
earthly wisdom, put obedience first and let logic catch up.
If you can't understand the why, trust the Who. |
|
Genesis 22:18 |
Make My Life a Blessing
- The creed for a lot of parents these days is, "Get even.
Live long enough to be a problem to your kids." That's
humorous, and in some circumstances, understandable, but it's
not very good advice. Abraham's life illustrates a different
approach: he lived long enough to be a blessing.
Think what we might have missed had Abraham died at an earlier
age. During his first 75 years, he lived as a dutiful son to
his father, Terah, and a faithful husband to his wife, Sarah.
He was a blessing to these two, but there were many others
ahead. Through years of tests and trials God purified his life
and taught him obedience. Then finally, at age 99, he stood
ready to be a blessing to the whole world. Through his son,
born when Abraham was 100, came the Messiah, who would bring
hope and salvation to "all the nations of the earth."
Christians should view each year God gives us as an
opportunity to be an even greater blessing to those around us.
The older we grow, the more blessed our presence should be. We
must be careful that the years don't simply increase our
litany of complaints or add to our list of ailments. Let's
seal our lips against giving unwanted advice; let's be
available but not meddlesome. Instead of seeking how we can be
blessed, let's seek to be a blessing instead.
Whose life might you bless today? Is there someone you can
encourage with a note or phone call? Is there an act of
kindness you might do for a neighbor? Accumulate more for
yourself than just the years you live; collect the
opportunities to be a blessing to others.
Live life to be a blessing, not a bystander. |
|
Genesis 22:12-13 |
Guarding the Golden
Years - Before and after the Civil War, the Reverend Henry
Ward Beecher was the most famous preacher in America. He drew
crowds of thousands to his church in Brooklyn each week. He
reportedly earned the princely sum of $40,000 per year.
Delighting in his treasures, Beecher enjoyed carrying with him
uncut gems and openly endorsed commercial products ranging
from soap to watches. Then in 1874, Beecher's friend and
protégé, Theodore Tilton, accused the preacher of seducing his
wife. His trial was such an attraction that admission tickets
were sold to the public. The jury failed to reach a verdict,
but Beecher's influence and popularity continued undiminished
for another 13 years until his death.
What a contrast this is with the closing days of Abraham's
life. While he had faltered in his earlier years, failing to
fully trust the Lord, he spent his latter days as a shining
example of a man who had total faith in God. Even in the midst
of his grief, as he prepared to bury his beloved Sarah, he
maintained his integrity. Confronted with the exorbitant
request for 400 shekels of silver for a plot of ground, he
courteously conceded. Refusing to lower himself to the level
of a Bedouin huckster, he demonstrated the graciousness of a
man who had learned to put his life in God's hands.
Great Christians are not great because of what they say;
they're great because of what they do. And what they do during
their darkest days is the best indicator of their integrity.
The latter years of every Christian should be our best. A good
start is a wonderful thing, but a good finish is even better.
Make sure your golden years are more than gold-plated. |
|
Genesis 25:8,11 |
Pass It On - A man's
character often lives on long after he is gone. Take Jonathan
Edwards, for example. He loved the Lord and taught his
children to do the same. According to one estimate, he has had
929 descendants. Of these, 430 were ministers; 86 were
university professors; 13 became university presidents; 75
authored good books; and 7 were elected to the United States
Congress. One was vice president of his nation. Edwards left a
spiritual heritage that became a blessing not only for his
descendants, but for all of society.
Abraham did the same. At the age of 175 he was "gathered to
his people." But that wasn't the end. Abraham passed on to his
son a spiritual heritage that brought God's blessing upon
Isaac and, down through the centuries, to all of us through
Jesus Christ, a distant descendant of this godly patriarch.
Abraham didn't merely "pass on"; he made it possible for God
to pass on His blessings through his descendants.
We all need to live with future generations in mind. It's not
enough to live a godly life to gain God's blessings for
yourself; consider what influence your life will have on your
grandchildren, your great-grandchildren and the rest of your
family tree. The character you choose to develop will leave
its mark on the lives of generations you'll never live to see.
Don't be content to leave an inheritance of material
possessions. Instead, strive to be a channel for God's
blessings to reach generations still unborn. The greatest
inheritance your posterity can receive from you is the
heritage of God's blessing.
Live so your descendants will rise up and call you blessed |
|
|
Today
in the Word
Genesis
Moody
Bible Institute |
Genesis 1:31
Genesis 1:26-27
Genesis 1:14-25
Genesis 2
Genesis 2:1-3
Genesis 2:7
Genesis 2:23
Genesis 3
Genesis 3:15
Genesis 4
Genesis 4
Genesis 6:9
Genesis 6:9-22 |
Genesis 8
Genesis 8:1-9:17
Genesis 9:8-17
Genesis 12:3
Genesis 12:3
Genesis 12:3
Genesis 12:1-9
Genesis 15
Genesis 18:1-15
Genesis 18
Genesis 21:1-21
Genesis 22
Genesis 22 |
Genesis 27:1-40
Genesis 28:10-22
Genesis 28:10-22
Genesis 31
Genesis 32:26
Genesis 39
Genesis 45
Genesis 45
Genesis 50
Genesis 50:12-21 |
|
See
below for MBI devotionals
on these passages in Genesis
(Copyright
Moody Bible Institute. Used by permission. All rights reserved) |
|
Genesis 1:1-31
TODAY IN THE WORD -
In the early 1600s, pioneering astronomer Johannes Kepler published
his three laws of planetary motion and a textbook supporting the
Copernican model of the solar system. He was motivated by a
fascination with God’s creation, writing, “I am devoting my effort .
. . for the glory of God, who wants to be recognized from the Book
of Nature.” He even saw the universe (as understood at that time) as
a reflection of the Trinity, with the sun at the center representing
God the Father, the outer stars representing Christ, and the space
in between the Holy Spirit.
Wonder at God’s creation has
energized many a believer! Today we start to explore biblical
principles and truths related to godly leisure, and we begin at the
beginning. In Genesis 1, God brought substance from nothingness,
order from chaos, and fruitfulness from barrenness. One of the
repeating narrative patterns is the declaration “good,” climaxing in
the summary that it was all “very good” (Ge 1:31). “Very good” is a
complete assessment, including both practical and aesthetic
dimensions of creation. The trees in Eden, for example, were both
“pleasing to the eye and good for food” (Gen. 2:9).
That God created a world filled with beauty and pleasure teaches us
that He values these things. Did we really need color? Was He
obligated to make lilies, giraffes, blueberries, ladybugs, rainbow
trout, or spruce trees? Not at all. He did it in His good pleasure,
for our thankful enjoyment. Genesis 1:28-30 are sometimes called the
“creation mandate,” but “mandate” sounds too cold. “Creation gift”
better captures how God intended us to flourish and to enjoy life in
His world.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY - Why not respond today to God’s “very good”
work of creation? Do something that shows thankfulness for the
beautiful world He’s made.
|
|
Genesis 2:19-23
TODAY IN THE WORD -
Modern American composer Charles Ives dreamed of creating a massive,
open-air work of music that would reflect the grandeur of creation.
He imagined two orchestras playing from neighboring mountaintops,
with choirs singing counterpoint from the valley between. He said it
would be an attempt “to paint the creation, the mysterious
beginnings of all things, known through God to man,” and he sketched
out pieces in which the sky would be represented by one group of
instruments and the earth by another. The two groups would play
simultaneously to illustrate the harmony of nature. Though Ives died
with his Universe Symphony unfinished, he inspired another composer,
Johnny Reinhard, to complete it, and it was finally performed in
1996, though in a concert hall.
Human creativity is often inspired by God’s creativity--creativity
is part of His image in us. Creativity is the first of His qualities
that we see in action, and it certainly dominates the context of
today’s verse. Creativity is also at the core of the first specific
task or responsibility God gave to Adam: naming the animals. God
brought the animals to him “to see what he would name them” (v. 19).
It’s instructive that Adam’s first act of stewardship over creation
was imaginative--how much fun he must have had pondering the snail,
the ostrich, and the hippopotamus!
Another purpose was to look for a suitable partner for Adam, but
none could be found in the animal kingdom. So God made Eve from one
of the man’s ribs, and Adam had one more name to give. For the first
time we hear what it is--“woman”--and learn the reason--because “she
was taken out of man” (v. 23). As Adam obediently exercised his
linguistic creativity to name the animals and Eve, He reflected the
glory of his Creator. After all, God had done a lot of naming or
“calling” of things during His work of creation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY - If you’d like to find out more about the
“image of God,” we recommend a short article entitled, “Good
Question: Reflected Glory,” by theologian J. I. Packer, from
Christianity Today, December 2003. It is available online at this
link:
Click here. Packer considers the
evidence from Genesis, including Creation and the Fall, and then
moves to the New Testament to ask how Christ’s redemption has
changed our present and future in this regard. |
|
Genesis 1:26-27
TODAY IN THE WORD - James
Watson and Francis Crick are credited with discovering the
double-helix shape of the human DNA molecule.
The two scientists faced
several barriers, including that they were supposed to be
researching other things, and that Crick was still working on his
Ph.D. But they also benefited from other people’s research, in
particular an x-ray taken by another scientist which Watson was
shown without her knowledge. The two built several models of DNA
before finding the right combination, and won the Nobel Prize in
1962.
DNA is at the heart of human genetics. Scientists have been working
for many years to peer into the secrets of humanity’s creation, and
the more they discover, the better a Designer God turns out to be!
It all begins in today’s reading, with the creation of Adam and Eve:
God said, “Let us make man in our image,” a formal pronouncement
that signals the importance of the event (Ge 1: 26; cf. Gen. 5:1-2).
(“Man” here includes woman, as verse two makes clear.)
We are the zenith of creation. This is not an egotistical statement,
but simply what the narrative points to. Genesis 1 traces its way up
the ladder from geographical features (land, sea) to plant life,
then to animal life, and now finally to humanity, who is assigned
rulership over the earth (Ge 1:26). Although we were created on the
same day as the animals, this does not imply that we evolved from
them. To quote from the previously mentioned Moody doctrinal
statement: “The first human beings were a special and unique
creation by God as contrasted to being derived from any pre-existing
life forms.”
Unlike the animals, we are made in the “image of God” (Ge 1:27). One
commentator explains: “Being in God’s image means that humans share,
though imperfectly and finitely, in God’s nature, that is, in His
communicable attributes (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love,
holiness, justice), and so have the capacity for spiritual
fellowship with Him.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY Since every human being on this planet has been
created in the image of God, that makes every human life uniquely
valuable! In light of this, here are several open-ended questions
for you to reflect on today: Do you look for the image of God in
people? Do you see their God-given value? What would change if you
treated everyone you met based on this biblical truth? What you do
with your answers to these questions is between you and God. |
|
Genesis 1:14-25
TODAY IN THE WORD Carl Linné,
better known as Carolus Linnaeus, loved botany and spent a great
deal of his time in medical school studying it. In 1735, he
published Systema Naturae,a system for classifying living things by
using two Latin names--for example, humanity is “homo sapiens.” This
work continues to influence modern botanists, especially in their
naming methods and use of hierarchical classification.
Linnaeus was motivated by a
belief in the orderliness of God’s world. He believed that creation
would be like a fingerprint, revealing key aspects of the character
of the Creator. In making a classification system, he was only
discovering an order that was already there.
Today’s Scripture reading confirms that God did indeed build a wise
order or pattern into His world. On days four through six, we see
the creation of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as of fish, birds
(the term includes insects), and land animals.
One evidence of God’s order in creation is that He made living
things in “kinds” (v. 25), blessing them to be fruitful and
reproduce (v. 22). He created animal species distinct from one
another--a view quite different from that of conventional
evolutionary theory. Nonetheless, an elaboration of the Moody
doctrinal statement affirms: “God created everything 'after its
kind’ which excludes any position that allows for any evolutionary
process between kinds.”
More order is found in the purposes assigned to the sun, moon, and
stars. They are to separate day from night, and to mark seasons and
years (v. 14). Indeed, to this day we keep time according to solar
and lunar calendars. These purposes may sound ordinary, but they
contrasted strongly with how other Near Eastern cultures worshiped
these heavenly bodies (cf. note
Romans 1:25).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY - Psalm 136 begins, “Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good. His love endures forever.” (Spurgeon's
note) As we read on, we see
that the first items on the psalmist’s “thankfulness list” are from
creation, especially in terms of what those reveal about God’s
wisdom and power.
Today, why not write your own
psalm of gratitude? Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and
love to you! In imitation of Psalm 136, begin with praise and
worship based in the created world. |
Genesis 2:8-17; 3:1-7, 21-24
TODAY IN THE WORD
Robert Frost’s famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” tells the story of
a man making a choice between two roads. The final lines speak to
the consequences of taking one road over the other.
I shall be telling this with a
sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Genesis 2 speaks of the choice
between two trees, and here, as in the poem, we see the haunting
consequences of a single choice. Adam and Eve were free to eat from
any tree in the garden, except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and
Evil. Any tree, including the Tree of Life (Genesis 2:16-17). Both trees
stood in the middle of the beautiful garden in which God had placed
them (Genesis 2:9). Why, then, did they not choose to eat of the Tree of
Life? Why did they choose the forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of
Good and Evil?
This tree promised to give them, according to the serpent, God-like
knowledge. If they ate of it, they would become “like God, knowing
good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). The appeal to pride was strong: Eve saw that
it was “desirable for gaining wisdom,” as well as “good for food and
pleasing to the eye” (Genesis 3:6). This tree would give them, she thought,
nourishment, pleasure, power, greater understanding, and increased
status. She and Adam could break their dependence on the Creator and
become independent, knowing things for themselves without His input.
They could be moral judges. They could be “free.”
Every day we, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, have a
choice: to eat from the Tree of Life, or to eat from the Tree of the
Knowledge of Good and Evil. Will it be Christian fellowship or a
Sunday morning sleep-in? Ongoing, inward fellowship with Jesus or
ongoing, inward criticism of self and others? |
|
Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11
TODAY IN THE WORD - Last year, a
U.S. News & World Report cover story described how work has come to
control American life. We work more hours per week than people in
any other industrialized nation. Two-income families are “needed” to
pursue the desired standard of suburban living. Cell phones, pagers,
and e-mail have made escaping the office all but impossible. One
third of us feel overwhelmed or even crushed by long hours and heavy
workloads. Stress levels are high, especially in a shaky job
market--people feel they have no choice but to give up their quality
of life in exchange for continued employment.
In such a climate, the
principle of Sabbath feels like a fresh breeze. When God finished
His work of creation, He rested. What did this mean? That may be a
theological puzzler, since we know God doesn’t become tired or
fatigued. What we do know is why He rested--because He finished His
work. It was done, and done perfectly. For this reason, He “blessed
the seventh day and made it holy” (Gen. 2:3).
In the Mosaic Law, God commanded the Sabbath day to be kept as part
of Israel’s covenant responsibilities. God made it holy--now the
nation was to keep it holy. How? By imitating God and resting from
work. Saturday was to be set apart from the ordinary business of
life. In the cycle of consecration, if the people kept holy what God
had made holy--that is, if they obeyed the Sabbath and other
covenant obligations--then in turn God would make them holy. But He
also promised severe punishment for individuals and the nation if
they failed to honor the Sabbath (see Ex. 31:12-17; 2 Chr.
36:20-21).
Examine yourself before the
Lord today concerning your own patterns and habits in the area of
work and rest. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you about any changes
you need to make in your attitudes or actions. |
Genesis 2:4-25
TODAY IN THE WORD - In 1963, a Gallup poll found that 65 percent of
Americans agreed that the Bible represents the actual Word of God.
Last year, however, this belief reached a much lower point, as only
27 percent affirmed this statement. Another 20 percent said that the
Bible is just a human book of fables and moral precepts.
On the other hand, almost half
the population was willing to say the Bible is the inspired Word of
God, and about one-quarter claimed to read it at least once a week.
Virtually every household owns at least one Bible.
These poll results display confusion in Americans’ attitudes toward
Scripture. Our goal this month is to give you fresh perspective and
passion in your interaction with God’s Word. Though composed of 66
books, the Bible tells a single story, the story of God’s
mercy--“The Greatest Story Ever Told.” This contrasts with the
feeling many may have that the Bible is a series of familiar but
loosely connected stories told in Sunday School.
In general, we’ve chosen for our study well-known narrative passages
arranged in chronological order through Scripture. Because God’s
Word reveals His glory, we might have chosen worship as our theme.
But we’ve chosen God’s mercy as our main theme because this
characterizes His dealings with humanity.
Our story begins with creation, specifically with the creation of
Adam and Eve. God was intimately involved in this process (cf. Ps.
139:13-16 -
Spurgeon's notes). He didn’t just speak them into being; instead, he formed
Adam from the earth and Eve from one of Adam’s ribs. He made them in
His own image. Gently and powerfully, He breathed into them the
breath of life.
In your personal prayer time this New Year’s Day, praise God for the
glory and unity of His sovereign plan as revealed in Scripture.
Thank Him for His love and mercy to you personally, and for His
desire for a close relationship with you. The Lord of the universe
is also your Shepherd! |
Genesis 2:4-24
TODAY IN THE WORD - Two schools of rabbinical thought dominated the
debate over divorce in Jesus’ day. The followers of Shammai believed
the Law permitted it only in cases of marital unfaithfulness, while
the followers of Hillel allowed it any time a husband was
displeased. One day, they brought this thorny issue to Jesus.
Jesus came down on the side of
Shammai, and His answer goes back to creation. “Haven’t you read . .
. ?” This inquiry must have tweaked their scholarly noses. He quoted
some verses from Genesis, reminding them that God created humanity
and He intended two people--one man and one woman--to be united
together as one. “Therefore what God has joined together, let man
not separate” (Matt. 19:1-12).
Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce is rooted in the creation
narrative. This is the final lesson or principle we’ll consider from
Genesis: God’s original design for marriage.
Genesis 2 focuses on and retells with more details God’s creation of
humanity. Adam was “formed”--the Hebrew verb suggests pottery--from
the dust of the ground, and God gave him the “breath of life” (Genesis
2:7). He placed the first man in a special setting, Eden; gave him
special tasks: gardening and giving names to the animals (Genesis 2:15,
20); and laid down a special rule: not eating from the tree of
knowledge (Genesis 2:17).
God observed that it was “not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis
2:18),
for practical and emotional reasons (such as procreation and
companionship). That no “suitable helper” (Genesis 2:20) could be found
emphasizes the uniqueness of both man and woman. To remedy this
lack, God made Eve out of one of Adam’s ribs (Genesis 2:22)--so today’s
verse is quite literal! |
|
Genesis 3
TODAY IN THE WORD - In a
famous Greek legend, the entire world was a paradise. The first
woman's name was Pandora. One day a messenger brought a large chest
to her house and left it there. Pandora was consumed with
curiosity—what was in that box? Her husband told her to leave it
alone, but she opened it anyway. The king of the gods, however, had
sent the box to punish humanity for wrongdoing. It was full of
diseases, sorrows, vices, and crimes; when she opened it all these
evils escaped out into the world. Thus did sorrow, pain, misery, and
wickedness become part of human existence.
Though it's a legend, it has
the themes right. Humanity did live in paradise once, and our fall
from innocence is the great tragedy of human history. Satan entered
Eden, the perfect world God had created, and tempted our first
parents to disobedience (cf. John 8:44).
How did he do it? First the Devil quizzed Eve on her knowledge of
God's Word. She didn't quite get it right, adding “don't touch” to
God's prohibition. Was she unsure? Was she trying to “over-obey”?
It's not clear in the text what Eve's motives were, but attacking
her mistake, the “serpent” contradicted the punishment God had
stated, proposing instead that a good result would come from eating
the forbidden fruit. The issue was faith. Whose version of cause and
effect, whose version of reality, was more believable—Satan's or
God's? Eve made the wrong choice, followed her desires, and sinned
against God. Then Adam, who had been “with her” but silent the
entire time, joined her. In effect, he chose his relationship with
Eve over his relationship with God.
A number of consequences followed. Sin and death entered the world
(cf. note
Romans 5:12). Adam and Eve knew shame and guilt and were
separated from God. But in the midst of this, He showed them His
mercy—by giving them clothing, by barring the way to the Tree of
Life so they couldn't be both sinful and immortal, and by making a
promise of future redemption (v. 15). God's purpose of unhindered
fellowship with humanity had already been marred but not thwarted.
Hope remained because He was still at work.
In light of the Fall narrative, spend extra time in prayer today for
protection from temptation.
If you wish, go even further
and make this a prayer focus throughout the day. To help yourself
remember, you might carry with you all day a physical prompt, such
as an apple or another piece of fruit. Having this in your pocket or
on your desk can serve as a concrete reminder of how serious the
question of obedience or disobedience truly is. |
Genesis 3:1-24
TODAY IN THE WORD - The success of J. R. R. Tolkein’s The Lord of
the Rings series is phenomenal. To date, his books have sold
millions of copies, and the three recent movies based on these books
were huge box office successes. People love a good compelling story,
and Tolkein’s is one of the best. But even this masterpiece pales in
comparison with the greatest story ever told-the story of God’s
redemption of fallen humanity and His utter defeat of evil through
His Son Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1-2 tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens,
the earth, and all living creatures. The emphasis is on God, who
alone created the universe and is qualified to rule over it.
Equally amazing, however, is that humanity is the climax of God’s
creation. God intended for men and women to worship Him and to
cultivate the garden in which He had placed them. It’s essential to
grasp God’s great purposes for humanity; otherwise it’s hard to
understand why God would go to such lengths to redeem humanity.
In Genesis 3, we see that God alone knows the difference between
good and evil. God’s prohibition concerning the tree in the garden
was intended to protect Adam and Eve from knowledge that created
beings could not bear. But the serpent tempted Eve with the very
thing that had ruined him-the desire to be like God (Ge 3:5). The
results were disastrous. Adam and Eve experienced shame (Ge 3:7),
alienation from God (Ge 3:8), and deception (Ge 3:12). Eventually they
would suffer death as well. But notice that the serpent was cursed
(Ge 3:14), not Adam and Eve. Although there were consequences for
their rebellion, Adam and Eve actually received a promise-that an
offspring would crush the head of the serpent.
There are many distorted views of humanity around. Some claim that
humans are just the result of random mutations. Others claim that a
person ceases to exist at death. Yet the Bible presents a high view
of humanity. Genesis 3 shows that God provides a way of redemption
for humans, but not for the serpent.
In other words, God reveals
that the climax of His creation, humanity, is worth saving. This
doesn’t mean that we somehow deserve this great gift; instead, it
shows the depths of God’s grace and mercy. |
|
Genesis 4
TODAY IN THE WORD - One of
Aesop's lesser-known fables serves as a poignant introduction to the
story of Cain and Abel. “A man committed a murder, and was pursued
by the relations of the man whom he murdered. When he reached the
river Nile, he saw a lion on its bank—and being fearfully afraid,
climbed up a tree. He found a serpent in the upper branches of the
tree, and again being greatly alarmed, he threw himself into the
river, where a crocodile caught him and ate him. Thus the earth, the
air, and the water alike refused shelter to a murderer.”
How did Cain, the first child
of Adam and Eve, come to the fearful state of being a murderer? Cain
and Abel both brought offerings to the Lord. It is not recorded that
God had given any specific instructions about this, but no doubt
Adam had taught his family about maintaining a good relationship
with Him. Abel, being a shepherd, made an offering from the
firstborn of his flock. Cain, being a farmer, brought some of his
produce. God was pleased with Abel's sacrifice, but not with Cain's.
Why? The text does not give us a reason to think the difference lay
in the content of the sacrifices. Rather, the problem was one of
heart attitude and motivation. Abel's offering showed honor to God,
true gratitude, and worship (cf. note
Hebrews 11:4). Cain's offering was at
the least careless—he didn't offer his firstfruits—and his response
revealed an even deeper bitterness or anger. Despite a warning from
the Lord about sin “crouching at your door,” he lured his brother
out to a field and killed him (Ge 4:6).
God punished Cain professionally (farming would become difficult),
personally (exiled from home and family to be a “restless
wanderer”), and spiritually (“hidden” from God's presence). But He
also showed him mercy. He had already been gracious in warning him
against temptation and implicitly offering him a second chance to
“do right” (v. 7). After the murder, He showed more mercy by putting
some kind of mark on Cain to protect him from vengeance. He also
showed mercy to Adam and Eve by giving them another son, Seth, after
the loss of their son Abel.
Though Cain does not appear repentant in today's reading, God still
showed him mercy.
How has He shown mercy to you?
We were all sinners deserving death before Christ stepped in, so we
should all be able to give many examples. Today, share with someone
a personal testimony of a specific way in which God has been
merciful to you. Share it with a nonbeliever—you might attract them
to the Lord. Or share it with a believer—you can rejoice and glorify
God together! |
Genesis 4:1-15
TODAY IN THE WORD - A. W. Tozer describes the impact of the
Fall on worship in a poetic and poignant way: “Man was made to
worship God. God gave to man a harp and said, 'Here above all the
creatures that I have made and created I have given you the largest
harp. I put more strings on your instrument and I have given you a
wider range than I have given to any other creature. You can worship
Me in a manner that no other creature can.’ And when he sinned, man
took that instrument and threw it down in the mud and there it was
lain for centuries, rusted, broken, unstrung.”
When we consider the purpose
for which we are created-to join in the eternal worship of the
triune God-Genesis 4 is painful to read. This account can be hard to
understand. It seems as if Abel and Cain brought similar offerings
to the Lord and that the Lord accepted one offering and rejected the
other, for apparently no good reason. In fact, people sometimes look
toward this passage to claim that God is capricious. But a closer
look at the text reveals the opposite.
First, notice that Genesis 4:3 tells us that Cain brought “some of
the fruits of the soil” to the Lord. We have no indication what the
quality of this produce was; we certainly have no hint that it was
the best of the harvest. Now, notice that verse 4 tells us that Abel
brought the “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.”
The fat portions were the best pieces of meat. Additionally, the
firstborn always indicated something prized. In other words, Abel
gave the best he had, and Cain offered whatever he was willing to
spare.
Notice that the Fall didn’t destroy worship; instead, it was now
possible for worship to become horribly misdirected. But God’s favor
can never be earned by anything we offer to Him. Instead, true
worship helps us cleanse our imaginations and focus our minds on
God’s majesty and beauty. |
Genesis 6:5-7:24
TODAY IN THE WORD - Another Noah's Ark? That's what an official in
the European Space Agency proposed recently. Dr. Bernard Foing said
that efforts should be made to create a repository of genetic
samples of all plant, animal, and human life. This library of DNA
samples would be placed on the moon in case of a natural disaster,
nuclear holocaust, or other catastrophic event. “You could
repopulate Earth afterwards, like a Noah's Ark,” he said.
The original Noah's Ark was a
merciful provision from God. Sin had come to dominate the story of
humanity: “The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had
become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was
only evil all the time” (6:5). Since God hates sin, He was happy to
dish out punishment, right? Not exactly. “The Lord was grieved that
he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain”
(6:5-6). He must judge sin, but He loves us so much that it hurts
Him to do so.
Once again, this story sounds the twin notes of judgment and mercy.
God would punish sin with a Flood that would wipe out all human and
animal life, but He would save a remnant. That remnant was Noah and
his family. As a righteous man, Noah contrasted strongly with the
people of his generation. He walked with God as a friend, and God
shared His plans with him, telling him to build a large boat and put
on board a zoo of animal species—a kind of ancient DNA library! Noah
obeyed in faith (Ge 6:22; cf. Heb. 11:7). God sent the animals,
everyone got on board, and He Himself shut the door. Then it began
to rain. What a sobering picture of the extinction of life on earth,
an appalling outworking of the punishment of death.
One aspect of our purpose as Christians is to live in light of the
Second Coming of Christ. Peter said that people who don't accept the
truth of Jesus' return are as badly off as those who were skeptical
about Noah's warnings about the imminent Flood (see notes
2 Peter 3:3;
3:4;
3:5;
3:6;
3:7)!
As we can see in today's reading, God takes sin very seriously
indeed. Do we? Too often many of us do not include confession as a
regular part of our prayer lives. Too often we think only red-letter
sins need confessing. Our consciences are simply not tender enough.
Today, confess your sins before the Lord. Let His Holy Spirit
examine and convict you. Pray with the attitude of David, who said,
“I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin” (Ps. 38:18 -
Spurgeon's note). |
|
Genesis 6:9-22
TODAY IN THE WORD - The Aswan
High Dam was a massive building project that took eleven years and
one billion dollars to accomplish. A dream of Egyptian leader Gamal
Abdel Nasser, this two-mile-long dam aimed to end Nile River
flooding and provide electrical power for the entire country. The
construction involved political and environmental controversy, but
Nasser pushed his vision through.
When finished, the dam created
an enormous reservoir three hundred miles long and ten miles wide.
The project was completed in 1970, shortly before Nasser’s death,
and the lake was named in his honor.
Noah also knew about massive building projects!
Human history had gone sour since the Fall. God saw corruption and
violence everywhere (Ge 6:5-6). Though judgment was needed, He
first took the initiative to make a creation-saving covenant with
Noah, one which would preserve both human and natural life (v. 18;
cf. Gen. 9:1-17). What made Noah different? He was righteous and
blameless. He walked with God (v. 9). To maintain righteousness in
the midst of such an evil time, he must have walked closely indeed!
God gave Noah unbelievable instructions-to build a boat like no one
had ever seen before, in a landlocked place where it would appear to
be of no use. The reason for building it was even more
incredible-all living things would soon perish (v. 17). Furthermore,
it’s possible that it had never rained before. Indications are that
a somewhat different ecological system was at work before the Flood
(compare Gen. 2:5-6 with 7:11).
If possible today, go to a large, open area. Pace or measure off the
dimensions of Noah’s Ark as given in Scripture. Most translations
have converted “cubits” to feet for your convenience. |
|
Genesis 7:24-8:22
TODAY IN THE WORD - God’s
deliverance of His people throughout the Old Testament repeatedly
involves the provision of water. Lot and Abram’s herdsmen divide
over water supply; Rebekah gives water to Jacob’s camels; Moses
strikes water from the rock at Meribah during Israel’s desert
wanderings. Water in the wilderness signifies grace, the springing
up of life in a dry and weary land. But what signifies grace when
there is too much water?
Noah and his family didn’t
need an oasis of water; they were looking for an oasis of land. The
olive branch plucked from a living tree after the ravages of the
flood promised such an oasis.
While initially the dove “could find no place to set its feet” (v.
9), the second time it returned with the leaf, a sign of the water’s
recession below the tree-line. The third time it departed for good.
After a good half year of floating on water, a leaf signaled the
stability of life on land and God’s deliverance of Noah and his
family from the flood. Just think how joyful they were to see that
leaf!
The olive leaf also symbolizes a renewal of life. God destroyed the
face of the earth by the flood, and here was a fresh leaf, a sign of
new life growing in the chastened world. God in His goodness did not
return Noah’s family to a barren wasteland, but to a land of new
growth. This is a good lesson for us to remember when God
disciplines us. What awaits us afterward isn’t aridity but renewal
of life.
Can you imagine what life would be like without the pattern of
seasons? Thank God for ordering the seasons this fall: for seedtime
and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. Make a
point this September to acknowledge God’s ordering of the seasons as
good. If you or someone you know is in a time of “flood,” a loss of
an established pattern and order in life, pray for an olive leaf to
be given to them, a promise of coming stability and structure. And
thank God for the protection He offers us during these times of
tumult and storms. |
Genesis 8:1-9:17
TODAY IN THE WORD - You may have heard how coal miners formerly used
canaries. They would bring one down into the mine with them as a
kind of early warning system. If the canary keeled over dead, they
would know that oxygen was running out and they should head for the
surface as soon as possible. Otherwise they might be trapped or
suffocated.
In a similar way, in today's
reading Noah used two birds to scout for him and his family. The
rain had stopped, but was it safe yet to emerge from the Ark? First
he sent a raven, but a raven is a strong bird that could fly a long
time without alighting. So he sent a dove, which on its second try
returned with an olive leaf—nowhere to land, but evidence of plant
life. The third time the dove didn't return, and Noah knew it was
safe to come out, which God confirmed. From start to finish, they
had been in the Ark about a year.
Noah built an altar in grateful thanks and worship to the Lord.
Pleased with this attitude, God pledged never to wipe out life in
this way again (Ge 8:21-22). Because Noah was a sort of “new Adam,” God
also issued a renewed His Creation-style blessing and mandate to all
the survivors, including people and animals, though now the
relationship between the two would be changed (Ge 9:2-3). God
designated the rainbow as a sign of this fresh start, His promise,
and His covenant. Rainbows may have been a new environmental
phenomenon; and clearly they were invested here with a profound
significance. Every time we see one in the sky we should remember
God's mercy to us.
The cycle of sin and judgment could have gone on indefinitely. No
amount of “New Year's resolutions” or “moral fiber” could have
helped us escape our sinfulness, and so we would richly have
deserved any number of Floods or similar punishments. Genesis 1-9
could have kept repeating, over and over. But God took the gracious
initiative to break the cycle. He had better things in store!
Like Noah sending out birds from the Ark, perhaps you are in a
period of waiting in your life. You may be waiting to see what God
will do, or where He will lead. You can rest secure in the
confidence that He also uses these waiting times in our lives. Look
at the situation as an opportunity to grow in patience, which is
part of the fruit of the Spirit. “A patient man has great
understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly” (Pr 14:29). |
|
Genesis 9:8-17
TODAY IN THE WORD - The New Age
movement has tried to steal the symbol of the rainbow, but it
belongs to us!
Rainbows appear in association
with many representations of the New Age movement--on merchandise
such as troll dolls and crystal pendants, on posters advertising
“concerts for world peace,” and so on.
The idea seems to be that rainbows inspire thoughts of peace,
happiness, or good fortune. They stand for a bright future in which
people will have come through the “storm” of modern problems and
begun to build a New Age utopia inhabited by enlightened, generous,
mystical individuals.
The rainbow does possess a significance that lies deep in the memory
of the human race. But it has nothing to do with New Age dreams. The
reason for its symbolic force is that it stands for God’s covenant
with Noah and with all creation, as seen in today’s reading.
The worldwide Flood had ended, the waters had receded, and life was
about to start anew. God had preserved not only human beings, but
also two of every kind of animal (cf. Gen. 6:19-21) with which to
repopulate the earth.
The basis for this fresh start is a new covenant, symbolized in the
apparently new phenomenon of the rainbow. The parties to this
covenant include every creature that had been on the Ark, in
addition to Noah and his family. This is the only time in Scripture
that animals are explicitly mentioned as participating in a
covenant.
Why are they listed? The Flood had been universal, affecting the
whole of the created world. So the promise that there would never be
such a flood again (Genesis 9:11, 15) is likewise a promise to all of
creation, “an everlasting covenant between God and all living
creatures of every kind on the earth” (Genesis 9:16; cf. note
Revelation 5:13).
How much does God love creation? “God so loved the world”--the word
used here is cosmos, meaning all of creation (see January 7)--“that
He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God’s love is revealed in
Jesus Christ! |
|
Genesis 12:1-9
TODAY IN THE WORD - Several years
ago, balloonist
Steve Fossett completed one of the most amazing
journeys in the history of flight. On his sixth attempt, he became
the first person to fly around the world alone without a motor.
Fossett and his balloon, the Spirit of Freedom, traveled for 13 days
and more than 19,000 miles. He wore an oxygen mask most of the trip
and had to change fuel tanks and do other maintenance tasks under
freezing conditions. When he reached the southwestern tip of
Australia on July 3, 2002, he made history!
In today's reading, Abram also
made an amazing journey. He left behind his home culture and
everything he knew. By leaving his father's household, he may have
also forfeited his right to an inheritance. He didn't even know his
destination—all he had to go on was the character and promise of
God. But for Abram, that was enough and the 75-year-old stepped out
on faith. Earlier their family had moved from Ur to Haran; then
after his father's death Abram set out again and stopped in Canaan,
the “promised land” (Ge 12:7).
There he set up an altar and worshiped the Lord. Hebrews 11:8-10
captures his heart: “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place
he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even
though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home
in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived
in tents . . . For he was looking forward to the city with
foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Abram's faith is certainly on display here, but God's greatness and
worthiness to be trusted are even more so. He made a covenant with
Abram, a breathtaking series of promises about what He would do for
him. He would make his name great—as opposed to what people
attempted at Babel, this is fine if God does it. He would turn one
clan into a nation. He would bless and curse those who blessed and
cursed His chosen people. And He would make this nation into a
blessing for all nations (Ge 12:2-3).
An invaluable companion to your study of Genesis would be a Bible
atlas—a book of maps from Bible times that goes beyond what you may
have in the back of your Bible. As soon as you can, head off to your
local Christian bookstore to obtain one. Or if you're not yet
convinced how useful such a tool would be, at least borrow one from
your local or church library. We recommend you keep one nearby
during your devotional times this month. |
|
Genesis 11:27-12:9
TODAY IN THE WORD - Does someone
in your family have an old Bible with records of births, deaths, and
marriages? These may be mostly keepsakes today, but in the days
before public records of such events were kept, a family Bible may
have been a lot more than an heirloom. There were probably many
times when these detailed family records were the best, if not the
only, source for tracing a family’s ancestry.
Every name in the family line
was carefully recorded. A person who was able to use family records
to prove some sort of legitimate claim or relationship would have
been thankful for such careful record keeping.
God is a careful record-keeper too--every name recorded in the
genealogies of His Book is important. We could spend several days
tracing the biblical line of descent from Seth all the way to
Abraham. That line covered a long time period and some key people,
which becomes obvious when you read Genesis 5 and encounter names
like Enoch and Noah.
We’re going to pick up the story of God’s righteous line with the
patriarch who was called Abram until God changed his name to Abraham
(Gen. 17:5). This change is important because it permanently changed
the focus of Abraham’s life. The name Abram, “exalted father,”
pointed backward to Abram’s heritage, which may have included
royalty. But the name Abraham, “father of a multitude,” pointed
ahead to this man’s descendants--including Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:16).
You’ll find another key genealogy in Genesis 11:10-26. The names
here show the descent of Seth’s righteous line from Noah’s son Shem
to Terah, the father of Abram.
Abram’s initial call in Ur isn’t specifically mentioned in Genesis
11. But it’s suggested in the past tense of 12:1, “The Lord had said
to Abram” (see also Acts 7:2-4). The family left Ur but then settled
in Haran. That, however, was not God’s will for Abram, so he set out
for the land God would show him.
God is keeping a book of names, called “the book of life belonging
to the Lamb” (see note
Revelation 13:8). |
|
Genesis 12:1-8
TODAY IN THE WORD - English
professor Wayne Martindale and his wife, Nita, were teaching at a
university in China. On their way out of the classroom building one
day, they held the door open for a Chinese instructor and her
friends. The instructor was so impressed with this simple act of
kindness that she joined Nita’s class. A friendship was born, and
they were able to welcome her to their home when she arrived in the
United States for graduate study.
Her curiosity grew into
genuine seeking. She began to read the Gospels, and after coming to
the United States, began to attend an English class based on the
Bible. In due time, she trusted Christ as Savior! Says Wayne: “The
love of Christ is transforming, and love plays well in every
culture.”
From Jerusalem to China-look how far the gospel has spread! Are we
surprised? We shouldn’t be. God’s plan of redemption has always
included “all peoples on earth” (Ge 12:3). We’ll explore the worldwide
scope of God’s plan over the next six days, mostly by looking at
relevant Old Testament passages.
In today’s reading, God made a covenant with Abraham. But it wasn’t
just for Abraham--He intended Abraham’s faith and obedience to
result in blessing for the entire world!
The Lord called Abram to leave everything he knew and set out in
faith (cf. notes
Romans 4:1;
4:2;
4:3; Heb. 11:8-12). From that faith, God would
make a nation (Israel) and bless all nations. Whoever was on
Abraham’s side was also on God’s side, and would be blessed as a
result (v. 3).
When Abraham received this call, he was getting a “fresh start” at
age 75 (he would live to be 175, cf. Gen. 25:7). But he had no son,
so from a human point of view God’s promises appeared impossible.
Nonetheless, he was obedient, traveled to Canaan, and built an
altar to the Lord when he arrived (vv. 7-8). He believed God’s
promise and responded with worship.
Too often our perspective on God’s work is limited. A simple tool
such as a globe, world map, or atlas can help you broaden your
vision of God’s plan. It’s also a great way to start conversations
with family or friends. If you don’t already have one of these
items, consider obtaining one in the near future. |
Genesis 12:1-9
TODAY IN THE WORD - Lewis Smedes wrote, “Two anxieties dominate most
of our lives. We are anxious in the face of our unchangeable past. .
. . We are anxious in the face of our unpredictable futures. God
offers two answers to our deepest anxieties. He is a forgiving God
who recreates our pasts by forgiving them. He is a promising God who
controls our future by making and keeping promises. By forgiving us,
He changes our past. By promising, He secures our future.”
Abraham knew this and staked his
life on God’s promise-keeping faithfulness. The Lord told Abraham
that he would be blessed, have many descendants, and become a great
nation. Through him, all the peoples of the earth would be blessed-a
worldwide plan ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Ge 12:2-3; cf. Gal.
3:6-9).
Abraham didn’t have this historical perspective. What he did have
was a command to leave home and go to a foreign country (Ge 12:1). His
family had been living in Ur, in what is today southern Iraq. His
father, Terah, moved them more than five hundred miles north and
east along the Euphrates River, to Haran. Both cities worshiped a
moon god, among many other “deities” in whom Terah also believed
(see Josh. 24:2). Only by God’s grace could His Word have even
reached Abraham in such a setting! And since Haran was located on
prosperous caravan trade routes, there was no human reason to leave.
Nonetheless, Abraham obeyed and set out. Only after his arrival in
Canaan did God promise him the land, and he responded by building an
altar and worshiping (Ge 12:6-7). The “great tree” where this happened
was likely a prominent spot for idol worship, meaning that God was
making a point and Abraham was taking a stand. This land belonged to
the one true God, and it would belong to His people!
One good follow-up to today’s devotional is to read the article by
Lewis Smedes mentioned earlier. Entitled
CT Classic: Forgiveness—The Power
to Change the Past |
|
Genesis 15:1-18
TODAY IN THE WORD - When the U.S.
Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress
on July 4, 1776, the new nation considered it an occasion worth
celebrating. Colonial leader John Adams said of the new holiday, “I
am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding
generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be
commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion
to God Almighty.”
It’s obvious on this Fourth of
July that our country has moved a long way from the ideal John Adams
had of worshiping and thanking God on Independence Day. But anytime
God grants deliverance to a person, or a nation, it’s an occasion to
thank and worship the Lord. Abram in Genesis 15 is a case in point.
Today’s verses describe an independence day for this patriarch who
is so crucial to the story of God’s righteous line. God had
delivered Abram from the marauding kings who had kidnapped Lot (Gen.
14:1-24). And the Lord made a covenant with Abram, promising him
that a new nation would be born from his own child and would live in
its own land.
Our primary focus today is on verses 1-6 of Genesis 15, which
provide the next bridge connecting the line that leads to God’s
Redeemer. Abram received God’s specific promise that a son would be
born to him, so he didn’t need to adopt his faithful servant,
Eliezer. The promised son was Isaac, who was born years after Abram
tried to “help God out” by fathering Ishmael (see tomorrow’s study).
We have an advantage as we read this story, because we have the
Bible’s later revelation about what God was planning in the lives of
Abraham and Isaac. The apostle Paul referred to Isaac as the son of
God’s promise, even though Abraham would have other children,
children of promise (see notes
Romans 9:7;
9:8;
9:9). Isaac was therefore the
“offspring” through whom the promised Redeemer would come.
John Adams’ hope that Independence Day would be observed with
“solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty” can still happen |
Genesis 18:1-15
TODAY IN THE WORD - In Mudhouse Sabbath, Lauren F. Winner observed,
“Christians and Jews hold in common one theological basis for
hospitality: Creation. Creation is the ultimate expression of God's
hospitality to His creatures. In the words of one rabbi, everything
God created is a ”˜manifestation of His kindness. [The] world is one
big hospitality inn.' As church historian Amy Oden has put it, ”˜God
offers hospitality to all humanity . . . by establishing a home . .
. for all.' To invite people into our homes is to respond with
gratitude to the God who made a home for us.”
Abraham practiced such
hospitality in today's reading. Three mysterious strangers appeared
at his tent door one day. He welcomed them and bowed low, showing
appropriate cultural politeness and respect. He washed their feet
(meeting the same practical need as Jesus famously did during
Passion Week). He served them an excellent meal and stood nearby,
ready to serve as their “waiter” if needed.
As it turns out, two of these strangers were angels on their way to
visit Lot before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The other
was the Lord Himself, and many theologians believe it was a
theophany, a physical manifestation of God the Father (v. 22). This
means that it was God Himself who again promised Abraham a son, or
rather, reminded him of the promise. As Abraham had done in the
previous chapter, an eavesdropping Sarah laughed in disbelief at
this news. God saw her hidden thoughts and actions, and emphasized
the truthfulness of His promise. Now Isaac's name would always
remind both of them of their doubtful laughter!
Another key point here comes as a rhetorical question: “Is anything
too hard for the Lord?” (v. 14; cf. Jer. 32:17-27). Similarly,
Jesus said, “With God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). All
things! Too often we don't really believe this. Instead of living by
faith in who God is and what He has said, we “hedge our bets” to
avoid embarrassing Him, so we think. We need instead to step out
boldly, wholly trusting God to be all that He really is.
Today's application follows naturally from Abraham's treatment of
his three guests. Practice hospitality. Open your home in a friendly
and generous way. Invite someone over for dinner soon.
Your guest might be a new
family at your church, an international student at a nearby
university, or the neighbor over your back fence. Hospitality is a
concrete way to show God's love to others. And who knows? You also
may entertain angels without knowing it (cf. notes
Hebrews 13:2;
1 Peter 4:8;
4:9;
10). |
Genesis 21:1-21
TODAY IN THE WORD - Why do we laugh in everyday life? Of course, we
laugh when someone tells a joke, when we see a cartoon, or when
we're watching a comedy. But we also laugh in amazement, excitement,
surprise, resignation, anger, or bitterness. We laugh in admiration
at someone's cleverness or achievement. We laugh to relieve stress
or tension. We laugh for joy. We laugh when others are laughing,
even if we're not sure why.
God transformed Sarah's
laughter from the laughter of doubt to the laughter of celebration.
Just as God had promised, her son Isaac was finally born. Both she
and Abraham were so old—90 and 100, respectively—that clearly this
was a miracle of God. He waited until He alone could receive the
glory for this incredible birth.
As we've mentioned, the name Isaac means “he laughs,” a humbling
reminder to both Abraham and Sarah that their faith had wavered. But
God wasn't just rubbing their noses in their weakness. “Laughter”
also signified a transformation—from weakness to strength, from
incredulity to faith, and from sad or stoic waiting to joyful
fulfillment. Through laughter, Sarah testified to the fact that they
had been wrong and God had been right, that He had indeed done the
impossible!
Their previous attempt to “help” God keep His promise, though, came
back to haunt them. The birth of Isaac led to conflict with Hagar
and Ishmael, now a teenager. Though expel-ling a son, even the son
of a slave woman, was against custom, God overruled and the two of
them were sent away (cf. Gal. 4:22-31). This act of obedience was
difficult for Abra-ham, for he genuinely loved the boy. He was
forced to trust God to take care of them, and He did—at a moment of
crisis, He provided water and made a promise that Ishmael too would
become a great nation.
What did this show about God? He is gracious, promising to make
Ishmael into a nation as well. He is no respecter of persons, for He
appeared and spoke to an Egyptian slave woman. He is also sovereign,
and no man-made scheme can interfere with His grand design.
Abraham and Sarah had to laugh—God was right, they were wrong. Sound
familiar? How many times have we insisted on our idea, only to
discover that God's perfect, eternal streak of always being right is
still going on?
Similarly to what you did on
January 4, think of a time when you were wrong and God was right,
then share that testimony with a friend or family member. By telling
one another such stories, we strengthen each other's faith, give God
praise . . . and maybe even laugh together! |
|
Genesis 22:1-18
TODAY IN THE WORD - The Dome of
the Rock is one of the most impressive buildings still intact from
the ancient Middle East. The oldest surviving Islamic monument, it
was built in the late seventh century as a shrine for pilgrims. The
Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, is traditionally said to have
ascended to heaven from there.
Medieval Christians thought
the Dome was the Temple of Solomon. It is indeed located on the
Temple Mount, where Solomon's Temple and its successors stood long
ago.
This site is sacred to Jews as well. A large slab of rock under the
Dome is the place where tradition says Abraham prepared his son
Isaac to be sacrificed. Solomon built the Temple on “Mount Moriah”
(2 Chron. 3:1), while God had told Abraham to go to the “region of
Moriah” (Gen. 22:2) for the offering of Isaac.
In complete faith, Abraham immediately obeyed, though his emotions
must have been churning. Offerings to the Lord seemed to be
customary at this time (v. 7), but this occasion was clearly
different. Right from verse 1, God's command is shown to be a test
of faith (cf. Deut. 8:2) the same central issue as in yesterday's
story of Cain and Abel.
Abraham passed the test with flying colors. He trusted God with his
only son the miracle child of his old age, the child of promise. He
believed that God could resurrect Isaac from the dead if necessary
(Heb. 11:17-19). This total submission and obedience to God's
commands proved the strength of his faith (Gen. 22:12).
The ram that God provided (Gen. 22:8, 13-14) is Scripture's first
mention of a substitutionary sacrifice. The ram, as well as
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and his belief in the
possibility of resurrection for Isaac, links today's reading with
Christ.
Abraham's faith versus Cain's faithlessness presents a vivid
contrast. Abraham's total submission to God's will showed his heart
and earned God's praise, while Cain's actions showed his heart and
earned God's punishment. |
|
Genesis 22:1-18
TODAY IN THE WORD - Writing about
Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, Bible commentator Allen Ross says, “It
is one thing to claim to trust God when waiting for something; it is
quite another thing to trust and obey His word after it is received.
This was a test of how much Abraham would obey God’s word. Would he
cling to the boy now that he had him, or would he still obey and
return him to the Lord? In other words how far would Abraham go in
obedience? Did he really believe that God would still keep His word
and raise the seed of promise?”
Abraham’s obedience to God was
certainly the focus of this dramatic event. Everything about the
heavenly command seemed to fly in the face of Abraham’s expectations
from the God whose call he had heard and obeyed decades earlier.
For instance, the order to offer Isaac suggested human sacrifice,
which Abraham may have known from his pagan days in Ur. But it must
have seemed a stunning demand from the true God.
The key to this test, however, was in Isaac and all that he
represented to Abraham. God knew Abraham loved his son (v. 2), so we
can assume he felt the anguish any father would feel at the thought
of losing a dear son.
But Isaac was also the promised child Abraham had waited twenty-five
years for. All of the patriarch’s hopes for the future rested in
this boy, and for good reason. God had told Abraham, “It is through
Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned” (Gen. 21:12).
God’s command even emphasized the importance of Isaac’s place in His
plan. He said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac” (v. 2). Isaac
was not Abraham’s only physical son, but he was the only son in the
line of God’s promise.
Abraham risked everything he hoped for when he tied up Isaac, laid
him on the altar, and reached for the knife (vv. 9-10). At that
moment Abraham passed God’s test, and God provided a substitute
sacrifice--a picture of the sacrifice the future offspring, Jesus
Christ, would make to crush Satan and provide salvation.
Allen Ross is right when he says that it’s harder to keep trusting
God when we have the answer we’ve been waiting for. |
Genesis 27:1-40
TODAY IN THE WORD - On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and the
Mercury Theater company deceived the United States. They presented a
realistic radio drama based on War of the Worlds, a science fiction
novel by H. G. Wells. It was too realistic—the actors' voices and
sound effects convinced many listeners that they were hearing a real
broadcast about an actual Martian invasion of Earth. People
panicked, highways jammed, and some thought it was the end of the
world. When Welles heard about this reaction during the broadcast,
he went on the air to assure people it was only fiction. Their drama
is remembered as one of the greatest media hoaxes in American
history.
Jacob knew all about tricks
and deception. In today's reading, he lied and deceived. He took
advantage of his father's old age. He played the “parental favorites
game” to perfection, as his mother helped him trick Isaac. The
deception was quite thorough: the food was cooked just so, he wore
goatskins to simulate Esau's body hair and his brother's clothes for
the smell, and he told multiple lies in answer to his father's
suspicious questions. And what about Isaac? God had told Rebekah
that Jacob was the chosen one, and surely she communicated that to
Isaac. Yet he ignored God's words and would have given the blessing
to Esau. All in all, it was a shameful episode for everyone
involved.
Isaac's blessing was formal and sacred. He gave Jacob authority and
abundance, and despite the deceit his words still carried legal and
spiritual force (vv. 28-29). When Esau discovered Jacob had stolen
the blessing from him, his bitterness and anger forced his brother
to flee for his life.
Despite the covenant, everyone in this story had lost their sense of
purpose. How? Perhaps by trying to “help” God fulfill His
promise—was that what Rebekah thought she was doing? Perhaps by
disregarding God altogether—Jacob's reference to “your God”
(implying “not mine”) is a telling phrase (v. 20). No one in this
chapter remembered God, appealed to Him, asked Him for guidance, or
made any effort to obey Him. No wonder they had lost their purpose!
In light of the troubled family situation in today's reading, take a
specific step to improve communication with your spouse or children.
You may not be guilty of favoritism or deception, but perhaps
there's another area in which you can take a step forward. Maybe
it's discipline—do your kids know their boundaries? Or openness—do
they know they can trust you? Or thankfulness—when's the last time
you told your spouse what you most appreciate about him or her? Ask
the Spirit to reveal a needed action, and then do it today. |
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Genesis 28:10-22
TODAY IN THE WORD - When
author Charles Dickens visited Niagara Falls, he wrote, “I was in a
manner stunned, and unable to comprehend the vastness of the scene.
It was not until I came on Table Rock, and looked—Great Heaven, on
what a fall of bright green water!—that it came upon me in its full
might and majesty. Then, when I felt how near to my Creator I was
standing, the first effect, and the enduring one—instant and
lasting—of the tremendous spectacle, was Peace. . . . Niagara was at
once stamped upon my heart, an Image of Beauty; to remain there,
changeless and indelible, until its pulses cease to beat, forever.”
The awe Dickens felt at
Niagara Falls is akin to the awe Jacob felt at Bethel—the sense that
the finger of God had touched this place. And for Jacob this touch
came at the most unexpected of moments. After the events we studied
yesterday, Esau was in a murderous rage. Jacob had to run for his
life, leaving behind not only his brother but also a father who was
probably still displeased and a mother to whose apron strings he
appeared firmly tied. As he bedded down in the wilderness that
night, it probably didn't feel like he had the birthright and
blessing of Isaac and the Lord.
But that night, Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven. We picture a
ladder or modern stairway, but probably he saw something like steps
up the side of a ziggurat. Angels were going up and down the stairs,
signaling God's presence and His interaction with human affairs (cf.
John 1:51). God spoke to Jacob in the dream, renewing the covenant
and promising to be his God in a personal sense also.
God got Jacob's attention, and that night his heart started to
change . . . a little. His vow still sounded a bit like a bargain
(vv. 20-22). Nonetheless, he was awestruck by what he had seen and
comforted by God's promise in the midst of desperate circumstances.
He set up a stone of remembrance, anointed it with oil, and renamed
the place Bethel, or “house of God.”
Throughout the Old Testament we have examples of God's people
setting up places of remembrance as a testimony of what God has
done. Do you have a “stone of remembrance” for God's work in your
life? In the crush of everyday pressures we can lose sight of how
much God has done, and our faith can be refreshed from recalling
specific acts of God's goodness. Your “stone” might be a spiritual
journal, a particular artwork or display that you have as a visual
reminder, or maybe a favorite hymn or musical CD that helps you
remember God's faithfulness to you. |
|
Genesis 28:10-22
TODAY IN THE WORD - Author C. S.
Lewis was known as a person of unlimited generosity and kindness to
a wide array of people. When an army friend was killed in World War
I, Lewis kept a promise by caring for the man’s sister and invalid
mother in his home until the mother’s death in 1951. Lewis also
opened his country home, The Kilns, to children from London who were
relocated during World War II to protect them from German air raids.
The Kilns itself fell into disrepair because of the “astonishing
amounts” of money Lewis gave to people in need.
We have all known people like
this--men and women whose lives seem to bless and lift everyone they
touch. In a spiritual sense, this was also true of Abraham. His son
Isaac, and his grandson Jacob, were the direct beneficiaries of
Abraham’s legacy of faithfulness to God. And through these
patriarchs, “all peoples on earth” have been blessed (v. 14).
It’s clear from Jacob’s well-known dream that he was heir to a
wonderful blessing. Even though Jacob was on the run from Esau after
cheating his older brother out of his blessing, Jacob was still
God’s choice to carry forward the promise He made to Abraham. God
reiterated this great promise to Jacob as he lay on his stone pillow
at Bethel (vv. 13-14).
God’s intention was to be with Jacob as He had been with Jacob’s
father and grandfather. The angels going up and down the stairway in
Jacob’s dream symbolized God’s watchfulness and activity in his
life. For all of Jacob’s deceitfulness, at least he showed an
interest in God that Esau apparently lacked.
Jacob’s overnight stop in Bethel was an unforgettable, life-shaping
experience for him. He made a vow to honor and serve God--but the
rest of the story reveals that Jacob did not immediately reach great
spiritual heights after Bethel. He was still Jacob, the con man at
heart, until God wrestled him into submission and gave him a new
name, Israel (Gen. 32:22-31).
We can act as a source of blessing to the people around us in the
week ahead. |
|
Genesis 31
TODAY IN THE WORD - You may
have heard of the Mason-Dixon Line as the dividing line between the
South and the North. What you may not know is that it was originally
set up to settle a land dispute when America was still a British
colony. Charles Mason, an astronomer, and Jeremiah Dixon, a
surveyor, were charged with the task in 1763 of marking the exact
boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland and between Maryland and
Delaware. It took them five years.
The stones they placed at
one-mile intervals were large blocks of limestone, shipped from
Great Britain and weighing between 300 and 600 pounds each. Today
these stones are being searched out, catalogued, and restored.
Jacob and Laban set up stone boundary markers for a similar purpose.
The game they had played in trying to take advantage of one another
had gone sour, and Jacob had again run away, this time with family
and goods.
This most recent spat revolved around another bargain about
livestock, and thanks to God (not Jacob's superstitious actions)
Jacob had gotten the better of it. His wealth had increased. But
Laban's sons responded with coldness and jealousy, accusing Jacob of
stealing or at least draining their inheritance. So he checked his
wives' loyalty, waited until sheep-shearing time, and ran for it.
There's evidence that Jacob had changed a little—this time, he
acknowledged that God was responsible for his success (despite
Laban's cheating), and cited an encouraging dream and promise from
the Lord (vv. 5-13).
God protected Jacob by warning Laban during the pursuit (v. 24). He
obeyed, putting a good face on it and pretending that all he wanted
was a fond family farewell. Jacob, though, knew the real score. Once
again we see his changed heart: “If the God of my father, the God of
Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would
surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship
and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you” (v. 42). In
the end, they negotiated a tense agreement not to harm one another,
with a stone marker and God as witnesses between them.
Jacob spent a great deal of his life trusting in his own strength
and cunning, and in fact he was pretty good at it. But God was
trying to teach him to walk in faith and rely on His strength and
wisdom. How about you? Have you been trusting in your own strength?
If you're smart, talented, or successful, this can be a powerful
temptation. But Scripture says, “Trust in the Lord with all your
heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). |
Genesis 32
TODAY IN THE WORD - The apostle Paul chose not to boast about his
spiritual experiences, no matter how wonderful. Instead, he
“boasted” in his weaknesses. God had given him a “thorn in the
flesh”—widely thought to be some type of physical affliction— and
though he had prayed for relief three times, none had been given.
Instead of becoming frustrated by the unanswered prayer, Paul
recognized that God was at work keeping him from becoming proud: “My
grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness.” “Therefore,” Paul responded, “I will boast all the more
gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. .
. . For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:1-10).
Paul learned this lesson by
wrestling with God in prayer—Jacob learned it by actual wrestling!
On his journey, he worried what Esau might do to settle old scores,
and since patterns are hard to break, he relied on himself to solve
the problem. He sent a “test message” to his brother, strategically
divided his people and goods into two groups, and sent gifts ahead
to appease Esau's anger (these might be an implied apology as well).
The pattern may be familiar, but Jacob actually was not the same man
as before. He prayed fervently for God to save him, acknowledging
his unworthiness, giving God the glory for his protection and
success, and claiming His promises (vv. 9-12).
That night, he wrestled alone with God, though he didn't realize it
was God until the end. In this encounter, he learned he couldn't
prevail by his own strength. His inability to triumph physically was
a meta-phor for his inability to solve problems his own way. God
left Jacob with a limp, one he would bear for the rest of his life
as a reminder of his weakness. But He also left him with a blessing,
not because Jacob bargained but because he pleaded for it (v. 26).
In addition, the Lord gave the patriarch a new name, Israel, meaning
“he struggles with God” (v. 28). In what sense had Jacob “overcome”?
He had recognized God and responded in faith. That's why he named
the place Peniel, meaning “face of God.”
If you have ever wrestled with God in prayer, you know from your
experience how it changes you. You may not have a physical limp as a
result, but God does use those times to transform our hearts and
minds.
Just as Jacob and Paul spent
intense times with God, we can bring our earnest requests and
desires to the Lord. These times of prayer aren't just about getting
what we want—Paul still had his “thorn”—but it is about pouring out
our hearts to God and seeing how He shapes our lives and
perspective. |
Genesis 39
TODAY IN THE WORD - Raul Corvalan, a taxi driver in Buenos Aires,
earns less than $200 per month, but he has something money can't
buy: honesty. One day a woman left more than $3,500 worth of antique
jewelry in the back of his cab. He called the taxi company, got the
woman's address, and returned the jewelry box in person. The
Argentinian government was so impressed they awarded him and his
family a paid vacation at a nearby beach resort. Corvalan said, “I
did not expect anything in return because what I did should be
expected from everyone.”
Like Raul Corvalan, Joseph was
a model of integrity. In Egypt, he was purchased as a slave by
Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard. God was with him and gave him
success, and soon he was trusted so highly he was put in charge of
all the household affairs. As a steward, he pursued excellence and
integrity in his duties, and his work was blessed (as was Potiphar's
house) by the Lord.
Joseph also showed integrity in the area of sexual purity. He
resisted sexual advances from Potiphar's wife, not once but multiple
times. He tried to reason with her, saying it would be a betrayal of
his master, and more importantly, a sin against God (Genesis 39:9). He tried
to avoid the appearance of evil, refusing even to be with her. And
finally, when she tried to force him to come to bed with her, he
broke loose and ran away. Spurned and angry, she gave up on sex and
opted for revenge, using Joseph's cloak as evidence for her lie to
her husband. This was the second time his cloak had told an untruth
about him! Even if the other servants knew the truth, no one would
have dared to contradict her. Potiphar may have been suspicious of
the lie, though. Some laws allowed for the death penalty in rape
cases, but instead of having his slave executed Potiphar merely sent
Joseph to prison.
In prison, the pattern repeated. Joseph's faith and righteousness
remained strong. God was with him, he did well, and soon he was
trusted again with leadership and responsibility (Genesis 39:21-23).
As we did back on the 10th, today we recommend several verses to add
to your “Scripture memory bank.” These are all on the theme of
fighting against sexual temptation: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians
5:3; and
1Thessalonians 4:3;
4:4;
4:5 (notes). You can choose which one to
memorize, but it would be wonderful to choose all three and recite
them to yourself often. Be like Joseph: “Flee from sexual immorality
. . . not even a hint . . . honor God with your body.” |
Genesis 44-45
TODAY IN THE WORD - Darryl Williams was a black high school football
player with a bright future before he was shot by white youths in a
racially motivated act of violence. The bullet turned him into a
quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down. Williams, though, went
on to finish high school and university and now holds a normal job.
His assailants were arrested, convicted, and served their time in
jail. Darryl has never met them. They have never apologized, but he
chose to forgive them anyway. “Hate is a useless emotion that takes
up too much energy,” he said. “If I were to retaliate in anger, what
would make me different from them? Both my religion and my common
sense tell me it's the thing to do.”
Joseph, too, chose to forgive
his brothers' sin of selling him into slavery and telling their
father he was dead. As a high official in Egypt, he could have had
them executed or imprisoned. But he knew God had directed his every
step, and this knowledge helped him overcome his natural feelings.
In today's reading we enjoy the climax of a suspenseful plot. Joseph
planted a silver cup in his brother Benjamin's grain sack, then made
a false accusation to see what his other brothers would do. Had they
changed? Yes. Judah told the whole story to try and gain Joseph's
sympathy, and he offered to make good on his vow to take Benjamin's
place. These were not the same men who had jumped on the chance to
sell Joseph into slavery more than twenty years before.
In response, Joseph finally revealed his identity in one of the most
gripping, emotional scenes in biblical narrative. His brothers were
terrified—by the unexpectedness, the switch in languages, the sudden
presence of their long-lost brother, their powerlessness, and their
deep feelings of guilt. Joseph, however, did not seek revenge;
instead he provided for his family's needs, inviting them to come
and live in the best part of Egypt. More significantly, he comforted
and forgave his brothers, assuring them that “God sent me ahead of
you” and that it had been His saving plan governing Joseph's life
all along (Genesis 45:7-8).
Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers is a type or foreshadowing of
Christ, who died on the cross to forgive even far more grievous sins
and betrayals.
If you are struggling to
forgive someone who has hurt you, meditate on this story of Joseph
and his brothers. God does not excuse the sinful action of the
brothers, but He still redeemed the situation to ensure the survival
of His people. And He gave Joseph the ability to see His perspective
and to forgive his brothers. Pray that the Holy Spirit will grant
you His grace to forgive. |
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Genesis 45:1-15
TODAY IN THE WORD - Researching
forgiveness, the Institute for Social Research at the University of
Michigan found that almost 75 percent of those surveyed believe God
has forgiven them for past mistakes and wrongdoing. Older people
were more likely than younger ones to feel this way. The study’s
lead author wrote, “There’s a remarkably high level of confidence
across the country that God forgives us.”
On the other hand, only 52
percent of people reported forgiving others, and just 43 percent
said they’d actively sought forgiveness from others. It appears that
we easily imagine receiving divine forgiveness but are more
reluctant to take difficult, concrete steps toward reconciliation
with other people.
Joseph had the courage to extend forgiveness to his brothers. Out of
hatred and jealousy, they had almost murdered him, sold him into
slavery instead, and deceived their father into thinking him dead.
Because of them, he’d suffered exile and imprisonment.
The tables had turned, and in today’s reading, Joseph possessed the
power to do as he wished to his brothers. He could have thrown them
into prison or sent them home to starve. We can assume he was
tempted toward revenge, but he overcame that temptation and received
them with love. (He wasn’t naïve, however--he’d first tested their
character.)
Despite their evil actions, Joseph forgave his brothers “from the
heart,” as shown by his extreme emotion and invitation for the
family to come live in the best land in Egypt. His forgiving love
boggled his brothers’ minds. Their natural response would be
revenge, so they assumed it would be his, which explains their
terror (Genesis 45:1-3). Godly forgiveness is beyond worldly comprehension.
In fact, for years, Joseph’s brothers remained suspicious that he
was still out to get them (see Gen. 50:15-21).
Here’s a question similar to one asked several days ago: Do you need
to forgive a family member? Or be forgiven by one? Sometimes, the
closer a person is, the harder it is to let go of bitterness or
overcome pride. |
Genesis 50:15-26
TODAY IN THE WORD - In the late nineteenth century, an anonymous
African was taken from his grave, stuffed by French taxidermists,
dressed in feathers and skins, and until recently exhibited in a
museum in Banyoles, Spain. For decades he was known as El Negro,
looked at by generations of schoolchildren on field trips.
Now he's home. After many
years of protests and negotiations, the unknown man's remains were
returned to Botswana and given a state funeral. This powerful
symbolism was front-page news and hundreds came to view their stolen
ancestor.
Just before his mummification and burial in a foreign land, Joseph
likewise requested that his body eventually be returned home to
Canaan. Since he talked about God coming to their aid, things may
have already been going sour for the Israelites (Genesis 50:24-25).
Hundreds of years later, his descendants remembered and honored his
request (see Ex. 13:19).
After Jacob died, Joseph's brothers showed that while their hearts
had changed somewhat, they still didn't understand forgiveness. They
assumed that with their father dead, Joseph would seize the
opportunity for revenge. When he heard their feeble attempt at
trickery, aimed at escaping his imagined vengeance, he wept. Had
they lived all this time without feeling forgiven? Did they not have
enough faith to grasp the beauty of God's plan? All he could do was
repeat what he had said before. Despite their wrong motives and
actions, God had worked everything that happened for good. Through
Joseph, many lives were saved during the difficult years of famine,
his own family's not least of all. They needed to see what Joseph
saw, the bigger picture—lives saved, God's name glorified among the
nations, and His covenant promises still at work.
Our prayer is that you have also seen the big picture this month in
our study of Genesis—the grand sweep of history's origins, the
breathtaking faithfulness of God, and the purpose- filled lives
lived by those who have run the race before us (see note
Hebrews 12:1). From
this study of beginnings, we have discovered that our life purposes
can be found in God alone!
What lessons or principles have you learned this month from our
study of Genesis? Take some time today to re-read, reflect, and
review. Especially in relation to this year's overall theme of life
purposes, what do Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah,
Jacob, Rachel, and Joseph have to say to you here and now?
As we begin this new year, ask
the Lord to reveal His purposes for you, and seek to incorporate
these truths into your life. |
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Genesis 50:12-21
You intended to harm me, but God
intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the
saving of many lives. - Genesis 50:20
TODAY IN THE WORD - When the
Arthur Andersen accounting firm crashed in 2002 in the aftermath of
the Enron scandal, Steve Stoner was one of thousands who lost their
jobs. He saw his life savings, which had been invested in Andersen,
evaporate. Yet he was able to say, “Losing my job was a gift from
God.” Why? Because his career had been taking a heavy toll on his
marriage, family, and spiritual life. He had been on the road to
burnout.
In his own words: “The
collapse of Andersen was a welcomed opportunity to reclaim portions
of my life over which I’d lost control. . . . The Holy Spirit seemed
to remind me that my wealth had little to do with markets or pension
funds. It was in feeling loved and cared for by a heavenly Father
who was in control of my life.”
Like Steve Stoner, Joseph trusted in God’s sovereign goodness, no
matter what happened. He and Job make an encouraging pair-if they
trusted God after all they went through, who are we to complain?
In today’s reading, Joseph’s brothers expected him to finally take
revenge. They had intended to kill him, and eventually sold him into
foreign slavery. Now that their father Jacob was dead, they were
sure payback time had come and tried to protect themselves with a
lie (vv. 15-17). It’s so deep in human nature to think and feel this
way that they could hardly grasp Joseph’s response.
Joseph saw life through a totally different lens. In his
experiences, he beheld God working to save lives (v. 20). He knew
what his brothers had meant to do, but God’s purposes outweighed
their jealous intentions. God’s plan, not theirs, governed Joseph’s
faith and actions. And at the heart of it all was his ongoing trust
in the promises God had given to Abraham.
Joseph trusted completely in the sovereign goodness of God. Do we? |
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