Scripture: Genesis chapter 38
Observation: Judah, Jacob's fourth son, comes into the picture almost as an interlude. He has 3 sons, Er, Onan and Shelah. The oldest son, Er, takes a wife, Tamar. Er was a wicked man, and God ends his life early and with no children. So Judah tells Onan to take Tamar as his wife so as to give Er descendants, but Onan doesn't like the idea of having children for his brother, so he does what he can to keep Tamar from getting pregnant. For his wickedness Onan is also put to death. Judah must now give Tamar to Shelah as his wife, but he doesn't want to; he blames Tamar for the death of his sons and decides it's best to keep Shelah from Tamar. He uses the excuse that Shelah is too young, and Tamar must go to her father's house and wait for Shelah to grow up. Tamar soon realizes her father-in-law has no intention of marrying her to his son. She hears that Judah's wife has died, and that he is in Timnah with his sheepshearers, and she acts. She takes off her widow's clothes, dresses as a prostitute with her face covered, and sits by the road where she knows Judah will pass. When he sees her, he comes over and asks her for her services. He promises to pay with a young goat, and she asks for security - his signet, cord and staff. He agrees, and sleeps with her. She then goes home and dresses again in her widow's garb. Judah tries to send the young goat but finds that no one knows who this prostitute is that he seeks, so he decides to keep quiet about the matter. In time Judah hears that his daughter-in-law is pregnant, and he calls for her to be put to death for immorality. But Tamar has proof of who got her pregnant, and Judah realizes he's been tricked because of his own unrighteousness. Tamar gives birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Perez is in the genealogical lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:3).
Application: It's easy to try and blame others for the unrighteousness of ourselves or our loved ones, but God sees the truth and acts justly. We should never question God's justice, because He knows all and is righteous. He will take that which is wrong and make it right, and He will use the unlikely to fulfill His purpose.
Prayer: Father, no one is good on this earth. Even the most godly person is still a sinner. Help me to see people as You see them, not better or worse than myself, but all worthy of compassion and forgiveness, because Jesus died for all, and all who call upon the name of Jesus are saved. You will carry out judgement and punishment; it's not for me to decide who is worthy in Your eyes. I ask only that You find me worthy, and show me those areas in my life that need correcting and changing so that I too may be found righteous. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Genesis 37
Scripture: Genesis 37:12-36
Observation: Jacob sends Joseph to spy on his brothers, who are supposed to be in Shechem pasturing their father's flocks. Joseph goes looking for them and finds out they'd gone to Dothan instead. When the brothers see Joseph coming, they plot to kill him, but the oldest, Reuben, convinces then to just throw Joseph into a pit. His intention is to come back for him later and rescue him. The brothers agree, but when they see the Ishmaelite's caravan go by, Judah decides it would benefit them more to sell Joseph as a slave. The others agree, and when the Midianites go by they pull Joseph out and sell him into slavery. Reuben wasn't with them; when he returned to help his brother he realized what had happened and tore his clothes. They all decide to deceive their father, and taking Joseph's coat, they dip it in goat's blood and tell Jacob that they'd found the coat in this condition. Jacob is convinced a wild animal attacked and killed his son, and his is beyond consolation.
Application: Here again we see a parenting flaw. Jacob must have known his older son's hatred for Joseph, yet he sends Joseph to spy on his brothers. This could only bring more animosity and hatred. It would have been wiser for Jacob to find ways for his sons to love each other instead of feeding into their hatred. Reuben had better intentions than his brothers; at least he realized that killing his brother would have been terribly wrong, no matter how much they hated him. Still, he didn't stand up to his brothers and tell them this. Instead he tried to please his brothers by throwing Joseph into the pit, believing all along that he'd save Joseph and everything would be alright. This plan backfired. Had he stood up for what was right this situation could have been avoided.
Prayer: Father, many times it's easier to go with the flow and not cause waves. Now, though, I see how this made matters worse, and caused so much pain and grief. Give me the courage to stand up for what is right with my children, with my friends, with my family. Even when the truth and righteousness are not the popular road, keep me on it, that I may set the right example for those around me and bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: Jacob sends Joseph to spy on his brothers, who are supposed to be in Shechem pasturing their father's flocks. Joseph goes looking for them and finds out they'd gone to Dothan instead. When the brothers see Joseph coming, they plot to kill him, but the oldest, Reuben, convinces then to just throw Joseph into a pit. His intention is to come back for him later and rescue him. The brothers agree, but when they see the Ishmaelite's caravan go by, Judah decides it would benefit them more to sell Joseph as a slave. The others agree, and when the Midianites go by they pull Joseph out and sell him into slavery. Reuben wasn't with them; when he returned to help his brother he realized what had happened and tore his clothes. They all decide to deceive their father, and taking Joseph's coat, they dip it in goat's blood and tell Jacob that they'd found the coat in this condition. Jacob is convinced a wild animal attacked and killed his son, and his is beyond consolation.
Application: Here again we see a parenting flaw. Jacob must have known his older son's hatred for Joseph, yet he sends Joseph to spy on his brothers. This could only bring more animosity and hatred. It would have been wiser for Jacob to find ways for his sons to love each other instead of feeding into their hatred. Reuben had better intentions than his brothers; at least he realized that killing his brother would have been terribly wrong, no matter how much they hated him. Still, he didn't stand up to his brothers and tell them this. Instead he tried to please his brothers by throwing Joseph into the pit, believing all along that he'd save Joseph and everything would be alright. This plan backfired. Had he stood up for what was right this situation could have been avoided.
Prayer: Father, many times it's easier to go with the flow and not cause waves. Now, though, I see how this made matters worse, and caused so much pain and grief. Give me the courage to stand up for what is right with my children, with my friends, with my family. Even when the truth and righteousness are not the popular road, keep me on it, that I may set the right example for those around me and bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Genesis 37
Scripture: Genesis 37:1-11
Observation: Joseph is a young 17 year old, favorite of his father even though he was neither the oldest nor the youngest. His status as favorite causes friction between him and his brothers. They hate him, and when he tells them of 2 dreams he's had, in which his brothers and even his parents bow down to him, the hatred and jealousy grows stronger.
Application: Family dynamics can be complicated, especially in a large family where many siblings are involved. It's easy for some to feel more empowered and others to feel less loved. It's the parent's responsibility not only to raise these children in the admonition of the Lord, but to love them all equally and treat them all fairly. A parent who plants jealousy in the hearts of children by picking favorites is asking for rivalry and ill-feelings. The results can be devastating.
Prayer: Father, the children You gave me, each is a gift. No one child is more a gift than the other. Help me to always treat them with love equally, and not show any preferential treatment. Help me to also nurture their love for each other, because they are siblings, brothers and sister, and they should love each other as siblings and as friends. Help me to show them by example what it means to love a brother or a sister. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: Joseph is a young 17 year old, favorite of his father even though he was neither the oldest nor the youngest. His status as favorite causes friction between him and his brothers. They hate him, and when he tells them of 2 dreams he's had, in which his brothers and even his parents bow down to him, the hatred and jealousy grows stronger.
Application: Family dynamics can be complicated, especially in a large family where many siblings are involved. It's easy for some to feel more empowered and others to feel less loved. It's the parent's responsibility not only to raise these children in the admonition of the Lord, but to love them all equally and treat them all fairly. A parent who plants jealousy in the hearts of children by picking favorites is asking for rivalry and ill-feelings. The results can be devastating.
Prayer: Father, the children You gave me, each is a gift. No one child is more a gift than the other. Help me to always treat them with love equally, and not show any preferential treatment. Help me to also nurture their love for each other, because they are siblings, brothers and sister, and they should love each other as siblings and as friends. Help me to show them by example what it means to love a brother or a sister. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Genesis 36
Scripture: Genesis chapter 36
Observation: An entire chapter dedicated to the lineage of Jacob's twin brother Esau, also known as Edom. It's noted that Esau and Jacob lived separate due to the fact that their families and livestock were too large for them to be close to each other. Esau took his family south of Moab to a territory which would be called Edom after the name given to Esau which means Red. Mount Seir is a notable landmark.
Application: The lineage of Esau is listed for an important reason. Not only because this was a son of Isaac, but because later on the Edomites and the Israelites would be enemies. Although Esau made up with Jacob, their animosity was never truly gone, and hatred between both nations would be evident throughout Bible history. Here is where we see it start. One bad decision made by Esau brought thousands of years of trouble for his descendants and those of his brother. But we all make bad decisions at some point; does that mean our lives and the lives of our descendants are all doomed because of it? No. Esau's bad decision brought trouble between him and his brother, but unforgiveness and hatred continued it throughout their families. It's important to break that chain of unforgiveness if our children are to have peace.
Prayer: That is my desire today, Lord, to have full and complete forgiveness for those who have wronged me, so that I don't live with that dread in my heart for the rest of my life. You know what has been done to me; You see the injustices, and You will take care of me. Help me to forgive those who hurt me. Help me to move on from my pain. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Genesis 35
Scripture: Genesis chapter 35
Observation: God calls Jacob to return to Bethel. This is the place where God met with Jacob and wrestled with him. Jacob leaves with his whole family, and God protects them on their journey. Once there, God appears again to Jacob and changes his name to Israel, for his descendants will be a great nation for God. As they leave Bethel, Rachel goes into labor and gives birth to a son, but the delivery is very difficult and she dies. Before her death she names the son Ben-oni, which means Son of my sorrow. Jacob changes the baby's name to Benjamin, Son of my right hand. Reuben also brings trouble to the household by sleeping with Bilhah, Rachel's maid and his father's concubine. Jacob arrives to the land where his father Isaac is, and shortly thereafter Isaac dies. Esau and Jacob bury their father.
Application: The Lord appeared to Jacob and made him a promise, to make of him a great nation and to give him the land that He'd promised to Abraham and Isaac. Yet no sooner does Jacob leave the presence of God in Bethel than he loses his wife Rachel, his son Reuben commits a grave sin, and his father Isaac dies. It's a reminder that God promises to bring good, but that doesn't mean there will be no suffering. Jesus even told us that "in this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). The suffering does not cancel out God's promises, though. Those are secure, and we can trust in Him to bring them about. What we cannot do, is lose faith because of tribulations. Even godly men of old suffered hard times, but they saw the hand of God in their lives because they remained faithful.
Prayer: Lord, there are some painful circumstances in my life right now, You know about them better than anyone, and at times it's hard to see what good can come from so much suffering. Your Word has shown me time and time again that if I trust in You, You will bring about good from evil. I trust in You, Lord. I believe in You. Give me the strength to stand firm in times of trouble, so that I may see Your Hand of mercy in my life. I love You. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.
Observation: God calls Jacob to return to Bethel. This is the place where God met with Jacob and wrestled with him. Jacob leaves with his whole family, and God protects them on their journey. Once there, God appears again to Jacob and changes his name to Israel, for his descendants will be a great nation for God. As they leave Bethel, Rachel goes into labor and gives birth to a son, but the delivery is very difficult and she dies. Before her death she names the son Ben-oni, which means Son of my sorrow. Jacob changes the baby's name to Benjamin, Son of my right hand. Reuben also brings trouble to the household by sleeping with Bilhah, Rachel's maid and his father's concubine. Jacob arrives to the land where his father Isaac is, and shortly thereafter Isaac dies. Esau and Jacob bury their father.
Application: The Lord appeared to Jacob and made him a promise, to make of him a great nation and to give him the land that He'd promised to Abraham and Isaac. Yet no sooner does Jacob leave the presence of God in Bethel than he loses his wife Rachel, his son Reuben commits a grave sin, and his father Isaac dies. It's a reminder that God promises to bring good, but that doesn't mean there will be no suffering. Jesus even told us that "in this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). The suffering does not cancel out God's promises, though. Those are secure, and we can trust in Him to bring them about. What we cannot do, is lose faith because of tribulations. Even godly men of old suffered hard times, but they saw the hand of God in their lives because they remained faithful.
Prayer: Lord, there are some painful circumstances in my life right now, You know about them better than anyone, and at times it's hard to see what good can come from so much suffering. Your Word has shown me time and time again that if I trust in You, You will bring about good from evil. I trust in You, Lord. I believe in You. Give me the strength to stand firm in times of trouble, so that I may see Your Hand of mercy in my life. I love You. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Genesis 34
Scripture: Genesis chapter 34
Observation: This is one difficult chapter to read. If it were a movie, it would be rated R. Dinah, Leah's daughter, goes to visit the Hivite women, the women who live in the land where her father Jacob has purchased land. There she is seen by Shechem, the son of Hamor who owns everything in those parts. Shechem is obviously the apple of his father's eye; the city where they live is named after him. Shechem takes Dinah, and violates (rapes) her (v.2). However, he doesn't do it like some serial rapist; he actually falls in love with her and demands that his father get him Dinah for his wife. Hamor meets with Jacob to arrange the marriage. Jacob had heard of the rape, but it was his sons who reacted with grief and anger over what had been done to their little sister. Hamor pleads with Jacob to allow a marriage between their children. He made it sound like a sound investment - they'd intermarry, trade, and live together peacefully. Jacob's sons had other plans. They told Hamor and Shechem that it would be impossible to allow their sister to marry an uncircumcised man. They would not intermarry with such uncleanliness. If the men of Shechem agreed to be circumcised, then the sons of Israel would consent to Dinah's marriage. Hamor and Shechem agreed, and convinced the men of the city to do the same. Three days after their circumcision, when they were in extreme pain, Simeon and Levi came into the city and killed all the men. Then their brothers came in and ransacked the city, taking women, children and slaves prisoners. Jacob is outraged at his son's behavior, and worried about the consequences. They will now be outcasts, and what's more the Canaanites and Perizzites may come against him because of what his sons had done. But they stood firm; they would not allow these men to get away with treating their sister like a prostitute.
Application: So many things went wrong during this time. First, Dinah shouldn't have been mixing in the company of the Hivite women. Their beliefs and culture were totally contrary to that of her family. Shechem is completely responsible for his actions towards Dinah, but had she been with her own family perhaps this incident could have been avoided altogether. Second, we see the deceit that had been Jacob's downfall with his own brother, and the deceit of their grandfather Laban, giving fruit to yet more deceit, this time from Jacob's sons. They knew they couldn't defeat the men of Shechem because they were outnumbered, so instead they trick them into getting circumcised, knowing full well they wouldn't be able to fight back. Had Simeon and Levi attacked only Shechem and his father, it would have been considered justice, an eye for an eye. But to kill every man in the city, and then destroy the town as they did, was uncalled for. This was no longer vengeance, it was murder, and that is not justifiable. Keeping apart from the world, and leaving vengeance to the Lord, would have been the proper course for these young people to take.
Prayer: Father, Your Word tells us that we will reap what we sow. How true that is! It's easy to point to these people and see what's wrong with their actions, but what about my own? Am I so quick to see what I'm doing that is contrary to Your will, and am I eager to change my ways? Help me to see my faults and my failings, and to humbly come to You for correction, so that I don't have to suffer the way Dinah and her family suffered because of what seemed to be an innocent mistake. Thank You for Your guidance and wisdom imparted in Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: This is one difficult chapter to read. If it were a movie, it would be rated R. Dinah, Leah's daughter, goes to visit the Hivite women, the women who live in the land where her father Jacob has purchased land. There she is seen by Shechem, the son of Hamor who owns everything in those parts. Shechem is obviously the apple of his father's eye; the city where they live is named after him. Shechem takes Dinah, and violates (rapes) her (v.2). However, he doesn't do it like some serial rapist; he actually falls in love with her and demands that his father get him Dinah for his wife. Hamor meets with Jacob to arrange the marriage. Jacob had heard of the rape, but it was his sons who reacted with grief and anger over what had been done to their little sister. Hamor pleads with Jacob to allow a marriage between their children. He made it sound like a sound investment - they'd intermarry, trade, and live together peacefully. Jacob's sons had other plans. They told Hamor and Shechem that it would be impossible to allow their sister to marry an uncircumcised man. They would not intermarry with such uncleanliness. If the men of Shechem agreed to be circumcised, then the sons of Israel would consent to Dinah's marriage. Hamor and Shechem agreed, and convinced the men of the city to do the same. Three days after their circumcision, when they were in extreme pain, Simeon and Levi came into the city and killed all the men. Then their brothers came in and ransacked the city, taking women, children and slaves prisoners. Jacob is outraged at his son's behavior, and worried about the consequences. They will now be outcasts, and what's more the Canaanites and Perizzites may come against him because of what his sons had done. But they stood firm; they would not allow these men to get away with treating their sister like a prostitute.
Application: So many things went wrong during this time. First, Dinah shouldn't have been mixing in the company of the Hivite women. Their beliefs and culture were totally contrary to that of her family. Shechem is completely responsible for his actions towards Dinah, but had she been with her own family perhaps this incident could have been avoided altogether. Second, we see the deceit that had been Jacob's downfall with his own brother, and the deceit of their grandfather Laban, giving fruit to yet more deceit, this time from Jacob's sons. They knew they couldn't defeat the men of Shechem because they were outnumbered, so instead they trick them into getting circumcised, knowing full well they wouldn't be able to fight back. Had Simeon and Levi attacked only Shechem and his father, it would have been considered justice, an eye for an eye. But to kill every man in the city, and then destroy the town as they did, was uncalled for. This was no longer vengeance, it was murder, and that is not justifiable. Keeping apart from the world, and leaving vengeance to the Lord, would have been the proper course for these young people to take.
Prayer: Father, Your Word tells us that we will reap what we sow. How true that is! It's easy to point to these people and see what's wrong with their actions, but what about my own? Am I so quick to see what I'm doing that is contrary to Your will, and am I eager to change my ways? Help me to see my faults and my failings, and to humbly come to You for correction, so that I don't have to suffer the way Dinah and her family suffered because of what seemed to be an innocent mistake. Thank You for Your guidance and wisdom imparted in Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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