Job 42
1 Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do anything,
and no one can stop you.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’
It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
things far too wonderful for me.
4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!
I have some questions for you,
and you must answer them.’
5 I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
6 I take back everything I said,
and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”
After the Lord has spoken to Job out of the whirlwind (I love that imagery), Job realizes that while he has not accused God of anything, he has spoken out of ignorance and he repents right on the spot. It is okay to inquire of God, but the appropriate response to God’s answer is to repent, and submit to God’s authority, glory, and majesty. May I have an attitude of repentance and submission every day of my life.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Who Am I To Question God?
Job 38
1 Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:
2 “Who is this that questions my wisdom
with such ignorant words?
3 Brace yourself like a man,
because I have some questions for you,
and you must answer them.”
Finally God addresses Job, and unleashes a torrent of questions, none of which Job could answer. When God is finished in chapters 38 & 39, we read the following:
Job 40
1 Then the Lord said to Job,
2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?
You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”
3 Then Job replied to the Lord,
4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers?
I will cover my mouth with my hand.
5 I have said too much already.
I have nothing more to say.”
This last statement from Job is the wisest thing he has said throughout this book. Who are we as mere mortals to question God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? How arrogant of us to presume to be able to question God. Forgive me of my arrogance, Lord, and help me keep my mouth shut.
1 Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:
2 “Who is this that questions my wisdom
with such ignorant words?
3 Brace yourself like a man,
because I have some questions for you,
and you must answer them.”
Finally God addresses Job, and unleashes a torrent of questions, none of which Job could answer. When God is finished in chapters 38 & 39, we read the following:
Job 40
1 Then the Lord said to Job,
2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?
You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”
3 Then Job replied to the Lord,
4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers?
I will cover my mouth with my hand.
5 I have said too much already.
I have nothing more to say.”
This last statement from Job is the wisest thing he has said throughout this book. Who are we as mere mortals to question God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? How arrogant of us to presume to be able to question God. Forgive me of my arrogance, Lord, and help me keep my mouth shut.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Lifesong of Praise
Job 36
22 “Look, God is all-powerful.
Who is a teacher like him?
23 No one can tell him what to do,
or say to him, ‘You have done wrong.’
24 Instead, glorify his mighty works,
singing songs of praise.”
Again the young man, Elihu speaks words that put to shame the ranting of Job’s three friends, and Job’s ranting as well. When we finally realize that the focus must not be on us, but rather on God, then we can truly worship Him in spirit and in truth. God is the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth. He spoke the universe into existence. How could we DARE presume to tell God what to do? (“Oh God, if You will only [fill in the blank with your latest demand disguised as a request], then I will be good, I promise”). How could we DARE accuse God of doing us wrong? (“Oh God, why have YOU done this to me?”). May it never more be so! May my lips, and my life be a song of praise glorifying God for His mighty works.
22 “Look, God is all-powerful.
Who is a teacher like him?
23 No one can tell him what to do,
or say to him, ‘You have done wrong.’
24 Instead, glorify his mighty works,
singing songs of praise.”
Again the young man, Elihu speaks words that put to shame the ranting of Job’s three friends, and Job’s ranting as well. When we finally realize that the focus must not be on us, but rather on God, then we can truly worship Him in spirit and in truth. God is the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth. He spoke the universe into existence. How could we DARE presume to tell God what to do? (“Oh God, if You will only [fill in the blank with your latest demand disguised as a request], then I will be good, I promise”). How could we DARE accuse God of doing us wrong? (“Oh God, why have YOU done this to me?”). May it never more be so! May my lips, and my life be a song of praise glorifying God for His mighty works.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
True Justice
Job 34
10 “Listen to me, you who have understanding.
Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin!
The Almighty can do no wrong.
11 He repays people according to their deeds.
He treats people as they deserve.
12 Truly, God will not do wrong.
The Almighty will not twist justice.”
The young man, Elihu, who is speaking here against Job, almost has it right. The things he says are correct: God doesn’t sin, the Almighty can do no wrong, and He does not twist justice. Where Elihu gets off track is in the mistaken thinking that life on this planet is the be all-end all. He is saying that God treats people as they deserve while they are living on this planet. God does not treat us as we deserve, because if we got what we deserve, we would all wind up in hell. God treats us better than we deserve in that Jesus came to take away our sins. I realize that Elihu didn’t have the privilege of living after Jesus had fulfilled the Promise of God. However, it is mistaken thinking to assume that justice, fairness, etc. will be meted out while we live on this earth. Justice comes when we stand before God’s Judgment Seat, and we are declared not guilty by reason of Jesus’ Blood. Anything that happens before then has nothing to do with Justice, and everything to do with living in a sinful world. Job’s life is a perfect example of the fact that God doesn’t CAUSE bad things to happen, but that He sometimes ALLOWS them to happen. In any event, God still does not twist justice thanks to Jesus!
10 “Listen to me, you who have understanding.
Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin!
The Almighty can do no wrong.
11 He repays people according to their deeds.
He treats people as they deserve.
12 Truly, God will not do wrong.
The Almighty will not twist justice.”
The young man, Elihu, who is speaking here against Job, almost has it right. The things he says are correct: God doesn’t sin, the Almighty can do no wrong, and He does not twist justice. Where Elihu gets off track is in the mistaken thinking that life on this planet is the be all-end all. He is saying that God treats people as they deserve while they are living on this planet. God does not treat us as we deserve, because if we got what we deserve, we would all wind up in hell. God treats us better than we deserve in that Jesus came to take away our sins. I realize that Elihu didn’t have the privilege of living after Jesus had fulfilled the Promise of God. However, it is mistaken thinking to assume that justice, fairness, etc. will be meted out while we live on this earth. Justice comes when we stand before God’s Judgment Seat, and we are declared not guilty by reason of Jesus’ Blood. Anything that happens before then has nothing to do with Justice, and everything to do with living in a sinful world. Job’s life is a perfect example of the fact that God doesn’t CAUSE bad things to happen, but that He sometimes ALLOWS them to happen. In any event, God still does not twist justice thanks to Jesus!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Clothed With Christ
Job 30
18 In his great power God becomes like clothing to me ;
he binds me like the neck of my garment.
In his great lament, Job stumbles across a nugget of truth in such a way as to change the relationship between God and man forever. Paul in writing to the Galatian church put it this way:
Galatians 3
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Now, I realize that when Job said his words, he was considering being clothed by God to be restrictive, or as a means of God controlling or punishing him, but the truth of the matter is, when we are clothed by God through faith AND through immersion in Christ, we are set free from sin. Now, Job has been listing his long list of sin free accomplishments. I cannot help but think that this pride-filled list in chapters 30 & 31 might indeed be a sin. Job still does not accuse God of anything, and he is simply stating his case for his obedience to God, however, I’ll take being clothed with Christ as my defense any day. When God, the Righteous Judge, looks at me, I want Him to see Christ living in and through me. At that time, the Judge can declare, “case dismissed.”
18 In his great power God becomes like clothing to me ;
he binds me like the neck of my garment.
In his great lament, Job stumbles across a nugget of truth in such a way as to change the relationship between God and man forever. Paul in writing to the Galatian church put it this way:
Galatians 3
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Now, I realize that when Job said his words, he was considering being clothed by God to be restrictive, or as a means of God controlling or punishing him, but the truth of the matter is, when we are clothed by God through faith AND through immersion in Christ, we are set free from sin. Now, Job has been listing his long list of sin free accomplishments. I cannot help but think that this pride-filled list in chapters 30 & 31 might indeed be a sin. Job still does not accuse God of anything, and he is simply stating his case for his obedience to God, however, I’ll take being clothed with Christ as my defense any day. When God, the Righteous Judge, looks at me, I want Him to see Christ living in and through me. At that time, the Judge can declare, “case dismissed.”
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wisdom & Understanding
Job 28
20 “But do people know where to find wisdom?
Where can they find understanding?
23 God alone understands the way to wisdom;
he knows where it can be found,
28 And this is what he says to all humanity:
‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom;
to forsake evil is real understanding.’”.
The proverbs are filled with wisdom sayings, and they no doubt get much of the understanding about wisdom from Job. We all desire to be considered “wise” by our peers, our family, etc. We all want to be thought of as “understanding” and as a source of advice that will help others along life’s journey. Job sums it up nicely here: want wisdom? Fear the Lord. Want understanding? Forsake evil. So easy to say, so difficult to put into practice.
20 “But do people know where to find wisdom?
Where can they find understanding?
23 God alone understands the way to wisdom;
he knows where it can be found,
28 And this is what he says to all humanity:
‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom;
to forsake evil is real understanding.’”.
The proverbs are filled with wisdom sayings, and they no doubt get much of the understanding about wisdom from Job. We all desire to be considered “wise” by our peers, our family, etc. We all want to be thought of as “understanding” and as a source of advice that will help others along life’s journey. Job sums it up nicely here: want wisdom? Fear the Lord. Want understanding? Forsake evil. So easy to say, so difficult to put into practice.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Submission To God
Job 23
13 But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind?
Whatever he wants to do, he does.
14 So he will do to me whatever he has planned.
He controls my destiny.
In this passage of Scripture, Job nails submission to God. In the midst of life’s most terrible circumstances, Job freely confesses that God is in control, always has been, always will be, and that his only course of action is submission. Now, that is a man of great strength and great faith! Oh, if I could only have a portion of the strength and faith of Job.
13 But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind?
Whatever he wants to do, he does.
14 So he will do to me whatever he has planned.
He controls my destiny.
In this passage of Scripture, Job nails submission to God. In the midst of life’s most terrible circumstances, Job freely confesses that God is in control, always has been, always will be, and that his only course of action is submission. Now, that is a man of great strength and great faith! Oh, if I could only have a portion of the strength and faith of Job.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
My Redeemer Lives
From the One Year Chronological Bible reading for today:
Job 19
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
26 And after my body has decayed,
yet in my body I will see God!
27 I will see him for myself.
Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
I am overwhelmed at the thought!”
In the midst of life’s most horrible circumstances, Job stops to offer up this prayer of hope. Having lost everything on this earth, including the love of his wife, and his friends (not to mention the literal loss of his wealth and all of his children), Job still does not give up on his duty to glorify God. Yeah, Job complains about his circumstances, and realizes that his complaints are about God, but he never BLAMES God. Instead, he looks forward to the day when he will see God, believing that God will accept and bless him. How many times to I allow my “pity party” to get to the point that I don’t even want to talk with God? I would do well to remember Job’s attitude, and imitate it. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that my Redeemer loves. I know that I need to give my Redeemer the glory always. So easy to write, not so easy to put into practice.
Job 19
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
26 And after my body has decayed,
yet in my body I will see God!
27 I will see him for myself.
Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
I am overwhelmed at the thought!”
In the midst of life’s most horrible circumstances, Job stops to offer up this prayer of hope. Having lost everything on this earth, including the love of his wife, and his friends (not to mention the literal loss of his wealth and all of his children), Job still does not give up on his duty to glorify God. Yeah, Job complains about his circumstances, and realizes that his complaints are about God, but he never BLAMES God. Instead, he looks forward to the day when he will see God, believing that God will accept and bless him. How many times to I allow my “pity party” to get to the point that I don’t even want to talk with God? I would do well to remember Job’s attitude, and imitate it. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that my Redeemer loves. I know that I need to give my Redeemer the glory always. So easy to write, not so easy to put into practice.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A New Hope
Job 17
21 I need someone to mediate between God and me,
as a person mediates between friends.
22 For soon I must go down that road
from which I will never return.
Job 18
15 Where then is my hope?
Can anyone find it?
16 No, my hope will go down with me to the grave.
Poor Job. He lived before Jesus came to earth to redeem us and to mediate on our behalf. I know I referenced this fact only a couple of days ago, but it is worthy of noting again. Job didn’t know what we can know today: Jesus paid it all. Our sins can be forgiven, and hope can be restored because of Jesus.
The writer of the Hebrew letter sums it all up:
Hebrews 8
6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
Let us cling to that better promise through that better covenant available to us because of Jesus.
21 I need someone to mediate between God and me,
as a person mediates between friends.
22 For soon I must go down that road
from which I will never return.
Job 18
15 Where then is my hope?
Can anyone find it?
16 No, my hope will go down with me to the grave.
Poor Job. He lived before Jesus came to earth to redeem us and to mediate on our behalf. I know I referenced this fact only a couple of days ago, but it is worthy of noting again. Job didn’t know what we can know today: Jesus paid it all. Our sins can be forgiven, and hope can be restored because of Jesus.
The writer of the Hebrew letter sums it all up:
Hebrews 8
6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
Let us cling to that better promise through that better covenant available to us because of Jesus.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wise Judges Become Fools
Job 12
12 “Wisdom belongs to the aged,
and understanding to the old.
13 But true wisdom and power are found in God;
counsel and understanding are his.
17 He leads counselors away, stripped of good judgment;
wise judges become fools.”
Job lays it out pretty plainly here. We often tend to think of ourselves as “wise” or “able to judge.” We are so wrong. Only God is Wise. Only God can truly, fairly, and honestly Judge. Today is the anniversary of the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court Decision that made abortion the law of the land. Need I say more? How foolish are we as a nation, when we give legal sanction (and taxpayer funding) to kill unborn babies? How dare we ask God to bless this country, when we spit in His face at every turn! How dare those who claim to follow Christ be silent on such matters! May we, instead, be wise in how we handle such matters, trying to lovingly persuade those who have been deceived by satan’s lies about the value of human life. Good judgment has been stripped away, and we are approaching a time when those mistakes will be compounded even further by a President that believes killing unborn babies is okay. Lord, forgive us for our foolishness!
12 “Wisdom belongs to the aged,
and understanding to the old.
13 But true wisdom and power are found in God;
counsel and understanding are his.
17 He leads counselors away, stripped of good judgment;
wise judges become fools.”
Job lays it out pretty plainly here. We often tend to think of ourselves as “wise” or “able to judge.” We are so wrong. Only God is Wise. Only God can truly, fairly, and honestly Judge. Today is the anniversary of the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court Decision that made abortion the law of the land. Need I say more? How foolish are we as a nation, when we give legal sanction (and taxpayer funding) to kill unborn babies? How dare we ask God to bless this country, when we spit in His face at every turn! How dare those who claim to follow Christ be silent on such matters! May we, instead, be wise in how we handle such matters, trying to lovingly persuade those who have been deceived by satan’s lies about the value of human life. Good judgment has been stripped away, and we are approaching a time when those mistakes will be compounded even further by a President that believes killing unborn babies is okay. Lord, forgive us for our foolishness!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
One Mediator
Job 9
32 “God is not a mortal like me,
so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial.
33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together.
34 The mediator could make God stop beating me,
and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment.
35 Then I could speak to him without fear,
but I cannot do that in my own strength.
Job hit it right on the head: as a sinful man, he needed a mediator between God and him. God knew that from the Beginning, thus, God had devised a plan through which sinful man (that’s all of us) could be redeemed to Him. Paul lays this out in what could easily be seen as his answer to Job when he wrote:
1 Timothy 2
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
Praise God for Jesus, Who at just the right time, came to mediate between mankind and God. Because of Jesus, we can speak to God without fear, and He listens with love!
32 “God is not a mortal like me,
so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial.
33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together.
34 The mediator could make God stop beating me,
and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment.
35 Then I could speak to him without fear,
but I cannot do that in my own strength.
Job hit it right on the head: as a sinful man, he needed a mediator between God and him. God knew that from the Beginning, thus, God had devised a plan through which sinful man (that’s all of us) could be redeemed to Him. Paul lays this out in what could easily be seen as his answer to Job when he wrote:
1 Timothy 2
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
Praise God for Jesus, Who at just the right time, came to mediate between mankind and God. Because of Jesus, we can speak to God without fear, and He listens with love!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Testing...One, Two, Three
Job 7
17 “What are people, that you should make so much of us,
that you should think of us so often?
18 For you examine us every morning
and test us every moment.”
At the risk of sounding like one of Job’s “friends,” let me offer some thoughts on what he has to say in these verses. God is consumed by love for us. Our pictures are in His wallet; stuck on his refrigerator. When God created the world, he called everything good until He created man in His own likeness. Then declared that it was VERY GOOD. God desires for us to desire close, daily communion with Him. Yes, God tests us. Yes, God wants us to be holy because He is holy. Yes, while Job didn’t know it, we do: Jesus paid the price so we can be declared to be holy in the sight of God. Examine me, Oh Lord. Test me, Oh God. Discipline me, Father. Strengthen me just as you strengthened Job. Whatever it takes. I know nothing, and You know exactly what I need to grow into the likeness of Jesus that You desire for me. I pray that I will be patient, submissive, and filled with the desire to praise You even in the midst of those times of trial and testing.
17 “What are people, that you should make so much of us,
that you should think of us so often?
18 For you examine us every morning
and test us every moment.”
At the risk of sounding like one of Job’s “friends,” let me offer some thoughts on what he has to say in these verses. God is consumed by love for us. Our pictures are in His wallet; stuck on his refrigerator. When God created the world, he called everything good until He created man in His own likeness. Then declared that it was VERY GOOD. God desires for us to desire close, daily communion with Him. Yes, God tests us. Yes, God wants us to be holy because He is holy. Yes, while Job didn’t know it, we do: Jesus paid the price so we can be declared to be holy in the sight of God. Examine me, Oh Lord. Test me, Oh God. Discipline me, Father. Strengthen me just as you strengthened Job. Whatever it takes. I know nothing, and You know exactly what I need to grow into the likeness of Jesus that You desire for me. I pray that I will be patient, submissive, and filled with the desire to praise You even in the midst of those times of trial and testing.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Blameless - A Man Of Integrity
Job 1
20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. 21 He said,
“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!”
22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.
Job 2
9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”
10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.
Job is the man! He realizes that everything comes from and belongs to God, even our health. He refuses to blame God or say anything wrong when all of his wealth, all of his family and all of his health is taken away. Man, has he set the bar high. No wonder God calls Job, “blameless – a man of complete integrity.” May I remember the lesson of Job’s integrity, and live accordingly.
20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. 21 He said,
“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!”
22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.
Job 2
9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”
10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.
Job is the man! He realizes that everything comes from and belongs to God, even our health. He refuses to blame God or say anything wrong when all of his wealth, all of his family and all of his health is taken away. Man, has he set the bar high. No wonder God calls Job, “blameless – a man of complete integrity.” May I remember the lesson of Job’s integrity, and live accordingly.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Let God Sort It Out
Genesis 49
29 Then Jacob instructed them, “Soon I will die and join my ancestors. Bury me with my father and grandfather in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. 30 This is the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a permanent burial site. 31 There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried. There Isaac and his wife, Rebekah, are buried. And there I buried Leah. 32 It is the plot of land and the cave that my grandfather Abraham bought from the Hittites.”
As many times as I have read this passage of Scripture, a significance contained herein had never caught my attention until a sermon I heard last year pointed it out. Jacob makes Joseph promise to bury him in the family “graveyard.” Yes, he wants to be buried with Abraham and Isaac, and LEAH! The wife who was unloved in life was buried in the family plot! Where was Rachel buried? In the land of Canaan, beside the road to Ephrath. Leah’s faithfulness to God throughout the hardships of her life, landed her in a place of honor upon her death. No matter how hard life may be, I need to be faithful to God, and let Him sort out all the details. Let Him be the One who bestows any honor (if any is) due.
29 Then Jacob instructed them, “Soon I will die and join my ancestors. Bury me with my father and grandfather in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. 30 This is the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a permanent burial site. 31 There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried. There Isaac and his wife, Rebekah, are buried. And there I buried Leah. 32 It is the plot of land and the cave that my grandfather Abraham bought from the Hittites.”
As many times as I have read this passage of Scripture, a significance contained herein had never caught my attention until a sermon I heard last year pointed it out. Jacob makes Joseph promise to bury him in the family “graveyard.” Yes, he wants to be buried with Abraham and Isaac, and LEAH! The wife who was unloved in life was buried in the family plot! Where was Rachel buried? In the land of Canaan, beside the road to Ephrath. Leah’s faithfulness to God throughout the hardships of her life, landed her in a place of honor upon her death. No matter how hard life may be, I need to be faithful to God, and let Him sort out all the details. Let Him be the One who bestows any honor (if any is) due.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Greater
Genesis 41
7 Then Joseph brought in his father, Jacob, and presented him to Pharaoh. And Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
8 “How old are you?” Pharaoh asked him.
9 Jacob replied, “I have traveled this earth for 130 hard years. But my life has been short compared to the lives of my ancestors.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh again before leaving his court.
This notion of Jacob blessing Pharaoh has me intrigued today. Especially in light of my study this past week in Hebrews chapter 7. In that study, I was examining Melchizedek and Abram. Melchizedek blessed Abram after Abram presented him with a tenth of the plunder from a military conquest. Hebrews 7:7 states, “And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater.”
With this in mind, while Pharaoh was the mighty ruler of Egypt, in God’s mind, Jacob was greater by far. Jacob was the father of nations, through whom the Messiah would come. Easy call as to who was greater. It may not always be apparent to us with our “earthly eyes,” that’s why we need to judge greatness through God’s eyes.
7 Then Joseph brought in his father, Jacob, and presented him to Pharaoh. And Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
8 “How old are you?” Pharaoh asked him.
9 Jacob replied, “I have traveled this earth for 130 hard years. But my life has been short compared to the lives of my ancestors.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh again before leaving his court.
This notion of Jacob blessing Pharaoh has me intrigued today. Especially in light of my study this past week in Hebrews chapter 7. In that study, I was examining Melchizedek and Abram. Melchizedek blessed Abram after Abram presented him with a tenth of the plunder from a military conquest. Hebrews 7:7 states, “And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater.”
With this in mind, while Pharaoh was the mighty ruler of Egypt, in God’s mind, Jacob was greater by far. Jacob was the father of nations, through whom the Messiah would come. Easy call as to who was greater. It may not always be apparent to us with our “earthly eyes,” that’s why we need to judge greatness through God’s eyes.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Being About The Lord's Business
Genesis 45
3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them.
Okay, so I’ve just read (again) the account of Joseph dealing with his brothers during the time of the great famine. I am conflicted as I read this story. Joseph treats his brothers horribly before he reveals who he is. He gets revenge, if you will, by playing the game he plays with his brothers before revealing who he is and setting things up to save the family. Sure, his brothers deserved to suffer for what they did to Joseph, but Joseph wasn’t the one who had the right to inflict that vengeance. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. Okay, so Joseph was doing the Lord’s work, some may say. One of my favorite lines from Singer/Songwriter Rich Mullins doesn’t come from a song, but from a statement he made during a concert appearance, “ ‘Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord’ and I just LOVE being about the Lord’s business.” Now, he said that in jest (sort of), but it reflects an attitude many of us carry around. I want to be in the forgiveness business, not the vengeance business. Guess I just have a long way to go to understand it all.
3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them.
Okay, so I’ve just read (again) the account of Joseph dealing with his brothers during the time of the great famine. I am conflicted as I read this story. Joseph treats his brothers horribly before he reveals who he is. He gets revenge, if you will, by playing the game he plays with his brothers before revealing who he is and setting things up to save the family. Sure, his brothers deserved to suffer for what they did to Joseph, but Joseph wasn’t the one who had the right to inflict that vengeance. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. Okay, so Joseph was doing the Lord’s work, some may say. One of my favorite lines from Singer/Songwriter Rich Mullins doesn’t come from a song, but from a statement he made during a concert appearance, “ ‘Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord’ and I just LOVE being about the Lord’s business.” Now, he said that in jest (sort of), but it reflects an attitude many of us carry around. I want to be in the forgiveness business, not the vengeance business. Guess I just have a long way to go to understand it all.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
Genesis 41
15 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.”
16 “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”
Joseph understood the importance of giving credit where credit is due. By the age of thirty, Joseph has spent nearly as much time incarcerated in one form or another (down in a deep dry well, a slave in route to Egypt, and in an Egyptian prison) as he has in “freedom.” Joseph has cried out to the Lord over the years only to continually be placed in what seemed like God-forsaken circumstances. However, all that had happened to Joseph up to this point was to prepare him for, and to place him where God’s perfect plan had designed. Joseph’s attitude of giving God credit for the ability to tell what dreams meant is only appropriate, and shows a deep love and faith for God. I haven’t suffered nearly what Joseph had suffered, nor do I claim to have near the gifts or abilities Joseph had, but the gifts and abilities I do have all have come from God. I want to make sure that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that is around me that God deserves the credit, and the glory. Give credit where credit is due. Give glory where glory is due. It is all due to God!
15 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.”
16 “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”
Joseph understood the importance of giving credit where credit is due. By the age of thirty, Joseph has spent nearly as much time incarcerated in one form or another (down in a deep dry well, a slave in route to Egypt, and in an Egyptian prison) as he has in “freedom.” Joseph has cried out to the Lord over the years only to continually be placed in what seemed like God-forsaken circumstances. However, all that had happened to Joseph up to this point was to prepare him for, and to place him where God’s perfect plan had designed. Joseph’s attitude of giving God credit for the ability to tell what dreams meant is only appropriate, and shows a deep love and faith for God. I haven’t suffered nearly what Joseph had suffered, nor do I claim to have near the gifts or abilities Joseph had, but the gifts and abilities I do have all have come from God. I want to make sure that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that is around me that God deserves the credit, and the glory. Give credit where credit is due. Give glory where glory is due. It is all due to God!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
How could I do such a wicked thing?
Genesis 39
9 “No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”
Joseph not only got it right, he got it with the right priority. To cheat his earthly master is to sin against God. To commit adultery is to sin against God. To dishonor those in a position of authority over him is to sin against God. Next time we are tempted to cheat, to dishonor, to fudge, to lie, to take what does not belong to us, etc. how about skipping all the rationalization, and just remembering that to do those things would be to sin against God?
9 “No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”
Joseph not only got it right, he got it with the right priority. To cheat his earthly master is to sin against God. To commit adultery is to sin against God. To dishonor those in a position of authority over him is to sin against God. Next time we are tempted to cheat, to dishonor, to fudge, to lie, to take what does not belong to us, etc. how about skipping all the rationalization, and just remembering that to do those things would be to sin against God?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Family Ties
Genesis 36
40 These are the names of the leaders of the clans descended from Esau, who lived in the places named for them: Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, 41 Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, 42 Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 43 Magdiel, and Iram. These are the leaders of the clans of Edom, listed according to their settlements in the land they occupied. They all descended from Esau, the ancestor of the Edomites.
Both Abraham and Isaac were promised by the Lord God that their descendents would be too numerous to be able to count. Grains of sand, stars in the sky kind of too numerous to count. We keep track more of the descendents of Jacob, because through his descendents come Messiah. However, it is interesting to me this morning to think that the folks occupying the Promised Land when the children of Israel came back to claim it had to have included some distant cousins through the family line of Esau. Same family; different belief systems. When we talk about sharing the Gospel message, we usually think about doing so with strangers, or acquaintances and friends. Family is the hardest people group to reach for the Gospel, but should this people group be ignored because they are difficult to reach? I think not. May our determination to share the Good News extend to our family, close relatives and extended ones, too!
40 These are the names of the leaders of the clans descended from Esau, who lived in the places named for them: Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, 41 Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, 42 Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 43 Magdiel, and Iram. These are the leaders of the clans of Edom, listed according to their settlements in the land they occupied. They all descended from Esau, the ancestor of the Edomites.
Both Abraham and Isaac were promised by the Lord God that their descendents would be too numerous to be able to count. Grains of sand, stars in the sky kind of too numerous to count. We keep track more of the descendents of Jacob, because through his descendents come Messiah. However, it is interesting to me this morning to think that the folks occupying the Promised Land when the children of Israel came back to claim it had to have included some distant cousins through the family line of Esau. Same family; different belief systems. When we talk about sharing the Gospel message, we usually think about doing so with strangers, or acquaintances and friends. Family is the hardest people group to reach for the Gospel, but should this people group be ignored because they are difficult to reach? I think not. May our determination to share the Good News extend to our family, close relatives and extended ones, too!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Runs In The Family
Genesis 34
13 Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob's sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor.
Our children learn as much from us by our actions as they do from any formal teaching time we spend with them. They imitate their parents, in both the good and the bad habits the parents live out. Oh, to be sure, my children picked up on all my bad habits easily enough. I just pray that they run with my good habits as well. Jacob’s family was filled with deceit, and his sons certainly knew how to play that game. I don’t want to go into details concerning the circumstances, today it is simply enough for me to remember that sowing deceit in the family reaps a harvest of deceivers as children. What seeds am I sowing today?
13 Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob's sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor.
Our children learn as much from us by our actions as they do from any formal teaching time we spend with them. They imitate their parents, in both the good and the bad habits the parents live out. Oh, to be sure, my children picked up on all my bad habits easily enough. I just pray that they run with my good habits as well. Jacob’s family was filled with deceit, and his sons certainly knew how to play that game. I don’t want to go into details concerning the circumstances, today it is simply enough for me to remember that sowing deceit in the family reaps a harvest of deceivers as children. What seeds am I sowing today?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
God Uses Flawed People
Genesis 31
17 So Jacob put his wives and children on camels, 18 and he drove all his livestock in front of him. He packed all the belongings he had acquired in Paddan-aram and set out for the land of Canaan, where his father, Isaac, lived. 19 At the time they left, Laban was some distance away, shearing his sheep. Rachel stole her father’s household idols and took them with her.
Jacob the Deceiver has been playing the deception game with Laban for two decades. Laban has been deceptive as well, changing Jacob’s wages in the middle of the “game” but Jacob always stacked the deck (with God’s help) and overcame. Finally, Jacob packs up his wives, children, and possessions and flees. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as Rachel steals one of her dad’s household idols. Later, when Laban catches up with Jacob’s party and searches everything, Rachel keeps the idol hidden, so she “gets by” with her deception. This is a seriously dysfunctional family on many levels. Even so, God used them for His purposes. God can use flawed people, and I am grateful for that, for my flaws are many. I pray that God will use me for His purpose, and I pray that my flaws (read sins) will be reduced in number, forgiven, and forgotten!
17 So Jacob put his wives and children on camels, 18 and he drove all his livestock in front of him. He packed all the belongings he had acquired in Paddan-aram and set out for the land of Canaan, where his father, Isaac, lived. 19 At the time they left, Laban was some distance away, shearing his sheep. Rachel stole her father’s household idols and took them with her.
Jacob the Deceiver has been playing the deception game with Laban for two decades. Laban has been deceptive as well, changing Jacob’s wages in the middle of the “game” but Jacob always stacked the deck (with God’s help) and overcame. Finally, Jacob packs up his wives, children, and possessions and flees. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as Rachel steals one of her dad’s household idols. Later, when Laban catches up with Jacob’s party and searches everything, Rachel keeps the idol hidden, so she “gets by” with her deception. This is a seriously dysfunctional family on many levels. Even so, God used them for His purposes. God can use flawed people, and I am grateful for that, for my flaws are many. I pray that God will use me for His purpose, and I pray that my flaws (read sins) will be reduced in number, forgiven, and forgotten!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Bargaining With God
Genesis 28
20 Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, 21 and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. 22 And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.”
This vow of Jacob’s bothers me. This conditional “if” that he keeps throwing in there reminds me of, well, me. Don’t we always try to bargain with God? “Lord, if You will do this, then I will be Yours forever…” Guess what? God has already done more for me than I could ever deserve! God sent Jesus to take my sin away! There is no “if” in my dealings with God. May my vow simply be: “God You have already blessed me beyond any reasonable expectation. I am Yours, do with me as You will. Put me where You want me. I just want to serve You and live so that others will want to do the same.”
Be God's,
Scott
20 Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, 21 and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. 22 And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.”
This vow of Jacob’s bothers me. This conditional “if” that he keeps throwing in there reminds me of, well, me. Don’t we always try to bargain with God? “Lord, if You will do this, then I will be Yours forever…” Guess what? God has already done more for me than I could ever deserve! God sent Jesus to take my sin away! There is no “if” in my dealings with God. May my vow simply be: “God You have already blessed me beyond any reasonable expectation. I am Yours, do with me as You will. Put me where You want me. I just want to serve You and live so that others will want to do the same.”
Be God's,
Scott
Friday, January 9, 2009
Playing Favorites
Genesis 25
27 As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. 28 Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Each of our three children are different, and Peggy & I love them. We have tried to never make a difference among them. We love them equally, and we love their differences. Isaac & Rebekah set themselves up for trouble by picking “favorites.” I believe that a parent’s love must model God’s love. God loves us all in our uniqueness. To differentiate in that love would be to invite disaster. I love the children with which God has blessed my life. They all have their own personalities, and there are things about each of them that really stand out. I love them for those features. Mostly I love them, because they are precious gifts from God. I am so glad that God doesn’t play favorites, and I never want to be guilty of such silliness myself!
Be God's,
Scott
27 As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. 28 Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Each of our three children are different, and Peggy & I love them. We have tried to never make a difference among them. We love them equally, and we love their differences. Isaac & Rebekah set themselves up for trouble by picking “favorites.” I believe that a parent’s love must model God’s love. God loves us all in our uniqueness. To differentiate in that love would be to invite disaster. I love the children with which God has blessed my life. They all have their own personalities, and there are things about each of them that really stand out. I love them for those features. Mostly I love them, because they are precious gifts from God. I am so glad that God doesn’t play favorites, and I never want to be guilty of such silliness myself!
Be God's,
Scott
Thursday, January 8, 2009
What's In A Name?
From today's One Year Chronological Bible reading:
Genesis 25
24 And when the time came to give birth, Rebekah discovered that she did indeed have twins! 25 The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau. 26 Then the other twin was born with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. So they named him Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born.
In biblical times names had meanings, and folks took those names & meanings seriously. Esau means “hairy,” and Jacob means “deceiver.” Both appropriate names for these twins. I looked up the meaning of my name this morning…Scott means “painted warrior.” That is a serious meaning, now! Painted with the Blood of Christ, I am a warrior for His Kingdom. I need to take that name and that meaning more seriously, and redouble my efforts in battling for the sake and for the cause of Jesus! By the way, just for giggles, I thought I would look up the meaning of my middle name, Kevin. “Beautiful at birth.” How appropriate. Lol.
Be God's,
Scott
Genesis 25
24 And when the time came to give birth, Rebekah discovered that she did indeed have twins! 25 The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau. 26 Then the other twin was born with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. So they named him Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born.
In biblical times names had meanings, and folks took those names & meanings seriously. Esau means “hairy,” and Jacob means “deceiver.” Both appropriate names for these twins. I looked up the meaning of my name this morning…Scott means “painted warrior.” That is a serious meaning, now! Painted with the Blood of Christ, I am a warrior for His Kingdom. I need to take that name and that meaning more seriously, and redouble my efforts in battling for the sake and for the cause of Jesus! By the way, just for giggles, I thought I would look up the meaning of my middle name, Kevin. “Beautiful at birth.” How appropriate. Lol.
Be God's,
Scott
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Faith Tested
From today's reading in the One Year Chronological Bible...
Genesis 22
1a Later on, God tested Abraham’s faith and obedience.
Abraham has already packed up his family and left the land of his forefathers to take up residence in the land promised to him & his descendents. Abraham has been faithful and obedient in believing that he would be the Father of a Great Nation even when he was 99 years old. Abraham has already been described as one whose faith was credited to him as righteousness, and he has already been described as a friend of God. Yet, in Genesis 22, we read that God was going to test Abraham’s faith and obedience. If Abraham was not immune to further tests from God, why should I think that I would be? I am certainly no Abraham! May I always pass the test, and may all who follow Christ do the same.
Genesis 22
1a Later on, God tested Abraham’s faith and obedience.
Abraham has already packed up his family and left the land of his forefathers to take up residence in the land promised to him & his descendents. Abraham has been faithful and obedient in believing that he would be the Father of a Great Nation even when he was 99 years old. Abraham has already been described as one whose faith was credited to him as righteousness, and he has already been described as a friend of God. Yet, in Genesis 22, we read that God was going to test Abraham’s faith and obedience. If Abraham was not immune to further tests from God, why should I think that I would be? I am certainly no Abraham! May I always pass the test, and may all who follow Christ do the same.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Impossible? No!
From today's reading of the One Year Chronological Bible:
Genesis 18
14a “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
God is speaking here to Abraham after Sarah has laughed at the news that she will bear a son to Abraham in one year. Abraham is 99 years old, and Sarah is approaching 90. Of course the answer to God’s question about Himself is, NO! Remember when an angel of the Lord told Mary that she would conceive a child, and that her cousin Elizabeth (long thought to have been barren) was pregnant? Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing is impossible with God.” God is not just in the baby business; God is in the business of doing the impossible. Nothing is too hard for the Lord, and if I am doing my best to follow Him, and His direction for my life…well He will take care of the obstacles and opportunities that present themselves along the way.
Be God's,
Scott
Genesis 18
14a “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
God is speaking here to Abraham after Sarah has laughed at the news that she will bear a son to Abraham in one year. Abraham is 99 years old, and Sarah is approaching 90. Of course the answer to God’s question about Himself is, NO! Remember when an angel of the Lord told Mary that she would conceive a child, and that her cousin Elizabeth (long thought to have been barren) was pregnant? Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing is impossible with God.” God is not just in the baby business; God is in the business of doing the impossible. Nothing is too hard for the Lord, and if I am doing my best to follow Him, and His direction for my life…well He will take care of the obstacles and opportunities that present themselves along the way.
Be God's,
Scott
Monday, January 5, 2009
Long Time, No Blog/My Responsibility
Nearly a year since I posted here. Whew, does time fly or what? I will *try* to be a little more frequent in my postings, and who knows, maybe someone will even notice. lol
I am reading the Chronological One Year Bible this year, just to mix up my daily devotional reading a bit. I've done the one year Bible reading plan each year for over a decade now, and decided to change things up a bit this year. From today's reading in Genesis 17 (New Living Translation), I saw this: 9 Then God said to Abraham, “Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility." It has me thinking about my responsibility as a child of Abraham (spiritually). The New Covenant is summed up by Jesus when He said that we should love God with all we are and all we have AND we should love people the way God loves them (love your neighbor as yourself). My responsibility is live that way. It isn't easy, but it is my responsibility as a child of God. I often fail to live up to my responsibility, but it is my responsibility nonetheless.
May 2009 be one of accepting my responsibility, embracing it, and running headlong to Jesus with it. May this be the year that you do the same.
I am reading the Chronological One Year Bible this year, just to mix up my daily devotional reading a bit. I've done the one year Bible reading plan each year for over a decade now, and decided to change things up a bit this year. From today's reading in Genesis 17 (New Living Translation), I saw this: 9 Then God said to Abraham, “Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility." It has me thinking about my responsibility as a child of Abraham (spiritually). The New Covenant is summed up by Jesus when He said that we should love God with all we are and all we have AND we should love people the way God loves them (love your neighbor as yourself). My responsibility is live that way. It isn't easy, but it is my responsibility as a child of God. I often fail to live up to my responsibility, but it is my responsibility nonetheless.
May 2009 be one of accepting my responsibility, embracing it, and running headlong to Jesus with it. May this be the year that you do the same.
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