For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+34&version=NIV.
This is a terrible and revealing chapter. A close reading of the text over that last few chapters suggests Jacob should never have gone down to Shechem in Canaan. Jacob's daughter through Leah, both of whom it seems he didn't care for overly much, is taken by force by a man named Shechem (in the town of Shechem) who seems to have some standing in the community.
This is an awful chapter in every way, but it is still Holy Scripture and has powerul meaning for us as God's Word.
Reflections, questions, etc.
Have a blessed day.
Prayers,
Matt
6.28.2010
6.21.2010
Gensis 33
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+33&version=NIV
Here's a bit better side to both Jacob, and especially Esau. Everything about their relationship as brothers has been tense, filled with manipulation, self-centered, deceitful, and has led to their estrangement from each other for about 20 years!
Jacob, having wrestled with God (ch. 32), an answer to his earlier prayer, now faces his brother, from whom he had stolen both birthright and blessing. He expects Esau has kindled rage toward him, and makes his own preparations.
But Jacob is surprised by his brother's actions, and there is some surprise in Esau over Jacob as well.
Reflections, questions, applications...
Have a great day!
Prayers,
Matt
Here's a bit better side to both Jacob, and especially Esau. Everything about their relationship as brothers has been tense, filled with manipulation, self-centered, deceitful, and has led to their estrangement from each other for about 20 years!
Jacob, having wrestled with God (ch. 32), an answer to his earlier prayer, now faces his brother, from whom he had stolen both birthright and blessing. He expects Esau has kindled rage toward him, and makes his own preparations.
But Jacob is surprised by his brother's actions, and there is some surprise in Esau over Jacob as well.
Reflections, questions, applications...
Have a great day!
Prayers,
Matt
6.17.2010
Genesis 32
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+32&version=NIV
The next bunch of chapters are some of my many favorite sections of narrative in the Bible. In this chapter, Jacob gets a new name, a new walk, a new touch from God (that hurts!!!), a new understanding about power through weakness (see 1 Corinthians 1-3) and a new sense of awe in his encounter with God's will.
I suppose most of us have times when we are lovingly tossed around by God's power, and like Jacob, we might be willing to pray our longest prayer during those times. Jacob is clearly anxious and afraid about meeting up with his brother Esau whom he mistreated so many years ago (about 20!), but this experience with God seems to prepare him for it.
God's work has been accomplished by injuring Jacob who nevertheless walks away much stronger in the strength of God.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
The next bunch of chapters are some of my many favorite sections of narrative in the Bible. In this chapter, Jacob gets a new name, a new walk, a new touch from God (that hurts!!!), a new understanding about power through weakness (see 1 Corinthians 1-3) and a new sense of awe in his encounter with God's will.
I suppose most of us have times when we are lovingly tossed around by God's power, and like Jacob, we might be willing to pray our longest prayer during those times. Jacob is clearly anxious and afraid about meeting up with his brother Esau whom he mistreated so many years ago (about 20!), but this experience with God seems to prepare him for it.
God's work has been accomplished by injuring Jacob who nevertheless walks away much stronger in the strength of God.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
6.14.2010
Genesis 30:25-31:55
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2030:25-31:55&version=NIV
Very strange and interesting stories here. Jacob's wealth in flocks increases, Jacob sets out to return home after many years away in service to Laban for marriage rights to his two dauthers. Jacob doesn't tell Laban about his plans to leave, but he hears about it, pursues Jacob but is then warned in a dream not to do harm.
Laban accuses (rightly) them of stealing his 'household gods,' but Rachel, who had stolen them, deceives her father about it. So Jacob, not knowing about Rachel's theivery, unloads a lot of pent up anger at Laban (31:36-42) for his injustice toward Jacob.
Chapter 31 ends with Laban requesting a covenant with Jacob (though Laban seems to set the terms which Jacob agrees to). They both mark the covenant with a pillar of stones and closed it with a meal.
Reflections, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
Very strange and interesting stories here. Jacob's wealth in flocks increases, Jacob sets out to return home after many years away in service to Laban for marriage rights to his two dauthers. Jacob doesn't tell Laban about his plans to leave, but he hears about it, pursues Jacob but is then warned in a dream not to do harm.
Laban accuses (rightly) them of stealing his 'household gods,' but Rachel, who had stolen them, deceives her father about it. So Jacob, not knowing about Rachel's theivery, unloads a lot of pent up anger at Laban (31:36-42) for his injustice toward Jacob.
Chapter 31 ends with Laban requesting a covenant with Jacob (though Laban seems to set the terms which Jacob agrees to). They both mark the covenant with a pillar of stones and closed it with a meal.
Reflections, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
6.11.2010
Genesis 29:1-30:24
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2029:1-30:24&version=NIV
The next few chapters are really to be read together as they form something like one chapter in the Genesis story. The section is still about Jacob. Here we read about Jacob's love for Rachel and yet marriage to both Leah and Rachel after working for Laban. Children are born, first to Leah, and after some time has passed to Rachel, too.
Should we all work 7 years for permission to marry??? Would we? Not really the point of the story but interesting nonetheless.
The similarities between Laban's family and Jacob's are interesting, too: tension between Leah and Rachel, like that between Jacob and Esau; Laban manipulates circumstances in order to benefit one of his children, much like Rebekah did on behalf of Jacob; the older sibling is passed over against local custom and practice; deception is used in both families; etc.
Great story, a great God of grace and promise...thoughts, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
The next few chapters are really to be read together as they form something like one chapter in the Genesis story. The section is still about Jacob. Here we read about Jacob's love for Rachel and yet marriage to both Leah and Rachel after working for Laban. Children are born, first to Leah, and after some time has passed to Rachel, too.
Should we all work 7 years for permission to marry??? Would we? Not really the point of the story but interesting nonetheless.
The similarities between Laban's family and Jacob's are interesting, too: tension between Leah and Rachel, like that between Jacob and Esau; Laban manipulates circumstances in order to benefit one of his children, much like Rebekah did on behalf of Jacob; the older sibling is passed over against local custom and practice; deception is used in both families; etc.
Great story, a great God of grace and promise...thoughts, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
6.10.2010
Genesis 28
NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2027:46-28:22&version=NIV
The reading includes the end of the last chapter - remember chapter and verse divisions were added hundreds of years after the original writing, so they don't always line up as we think they should.
Some more info on Jacob and his marriage...another insight into Esau, and Jacob dreams of a stairway/ladder connecting to heaven with God reaffirming the promises to Abraham's family.
The chapter wraps up with Jacob affirming his vows to God, though it seems with some conditions. These stories are fascinating!
Prayers,
Matt
The reading includes the end of the last chapter - remember chapter and verse divisions were added hundreds of years after the original writing, so they don't always line up as we think they should.
Some more info on Jacob and his marriage...another insight into Esau, and Jacob dreams of a stairway/ladder connecting to heaven with God reaffirming the promises to Abraham's family.
The chapter wraps up with Jacob affirming his vows to God, though it seems with some conditions. These stories are fascinating!
Prayers,
Matt
6.08.2010
Genesis 27:1-45
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2027:1-45&version=NIV
More drama in the promised family...not only has Jacob already weasled his way into Esau's birthright (though Esau seemed to be driven more by his stomach than by the value of the birthright), now Jacob works with mom (Rebekah) to grab hold of the 'blessing' as well.
Though story really rings a tragic note, especially vv. 23-40, which is really sad reading.
The brotherly relationship seems to be beyond repair at this point, though Rebekah thinks it will heal over time.
Comments, questions, applications...
Have a great day.
Prayers,
Matt
More drama in the promised family...not only has Jacob already weasled his way into Esau's birthright (though Esau seemed to be driven more by his stomach than by the value of the birthright), now Jacob works with mom (Rebekah) to grab hold of the 'blessing' as well.
Though story really rings a tragic note, especially vv. 23-40, which is really sad reading.
The brotherly relationship seems to be beyond repair at this point, though Rebekah thinks it will heal over time.
Comments, questions, applications...
Have a great day.
Prayers,
Matt
6.07.2010
GENESIS 26
For NIV reading click here
Like father like son...Isaac pulls the same stunt with Rebekah as dad did with Sarah! Including this story reminds us God is as much with Isaac as He was with Abraham.
God blesses Isaac with fruitfulness in the fields but again, like Abraham faces some challenges: like v. 15 with the Philistines plugging up the wells; quarreling with the people of Gerar over a well.
Isaac builds an altar after hearing God reaffirm His promises to his family.
Verses 27-30 recount a pact between Isaac's family and Abimelech's.
The chapter rounds out with a note about continued difficulty within the family.
Some of this continues to remind us of our own families, struggles, blessings and the presence of God in all of it. But the bigger story is still about God's particular blessings to and through Abraham that has reached all of us in Christ.
Comments, questions, responses...
Have a great day.
Prayers,
Matt
Like father like son...Isaac pulls the same stunt with Rebekah as dad did with Sarah! Including this story reminds us God is as much with Isaac as He was with Abraham.
God blesses Isaac with fruitfulness in the fields but again, like Abraham faces some challenges: like v. 15 with the Philistines plugging up the wells; quarreling with the people of Gerar over a well.
Isaac builds an altar after hearing God reaffirm His promises to his family.
Verses 27-30 recount a pact between Isaac's family and Abimelech's.
The chapter rounds out with a note about continued difficulty within the family.
Some of this continues to remind us of our own families, struggles, blessings and the presence of God in all of it. But the bigger story is still about God's particular blessings to and through Abraham that has reached all of us in Christ.
Comments, questions, responses...
Have a great day.
Prayers,
Matt
6.04.2010
GENESIS 25
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25&version=NIV
After a note about his second marriage, the story of Abraham draws to a close with his death in this chapter. The transition moves toward Isaac and his own sons who are described as 'struggling in the womb.' Esau and Jacob contend with each other from the beginning including Jacob's manipulation of Esau to get his birthright.
Thoughts, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
P.S. Sorry I haven't posted much this week...preparations for Springdale and a few other unforeseen ministry needs...
After a note about his second marriage, the story of Abraham draws to a close with his death in this chapter. The transition moves toward Isaac and his own sons who are described as 'struggling in the womb.' Esau and Jacob contend with each other from the beginning including Jacob's manipulation of Esau to get his birthright.
Thoughts, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
P.S. Sorry I haven't posted much this week...preparations for Springdale and a few other unforeseen ministry needs...
6.02.2010
GENESIS 24
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24&version=NIV
This is the story of the coming together of Isaac and Rebekah. Not all praying goes exactly like this, neither do all relationships! But not every story in the Bible implies that our stories line up exactly, but it does remind us of who God is and how God sometimes does work. No matter how the unfolding happens, this story does remind us that God does fulfill His promises and is faithful.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
This is the story of the coming together of Isaac and Rebekah. Not all praying goes exactly like this, neither do all relationships! But not every story in the Bible implies that our stories line up exactly, but it does remind us of who God is and how God sometimes does work. No matter how the unfolding happens, this story does remind us that God does fulfill His promises and is faithful.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
6.01.2010
GENESIS 23
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+23&version=NIV
An account of the events surrounding Sarah's death...much has happened since chapter 12. Here, Abraham attentively deals with Sarah's death and burial.
I will post some comments on chapter 22 soon.
Have a great day!
Prayers,
Matt
An account of the events surrounding Sarah's death...much has happened since chapter 12. Here, Abraham attentively deals with Sarah's death and burial.
I will post some comments on chapter 22 soon.
Have a great day!
Prayers,
Matt
5.28.2010
GENESIS 21 and 22
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2021-22&version=NIV
Two readings for the weekend: Genesis 21 and Genesis 22. They revolve around Isaac, though there are a couple of accounts sprinkled in about Hagar and Ishmael as well as Abraham and Abimelech. There are some troubling aspects to these stories that don't sit well if read quickly and dismissed without some reflection, so I recommend carving out a little time to prayerfully read these stories, especially chapter 22.
You'll see how God answers prayers even if long in coming; you'll see Abraham's faith has truly matured (far beyond mine!) and you'll see some interesting aspects to God's character.
For the weekend, questions, comments, applications...
Have a great weekend...worship the Lord...fellowship with other believers...enjoy God's blessings!
Prayers,
Matt
Two readings for the weekend: Genesis 21 and Genesis 22. They revolve around Isaac, though there are a couple of accounts sprinkled in about Hagar and Ishmael as well as Abraham and Abimelech. There are some troubling aspects to these stories that don't sit well if read quickly and dismissed without some reflection, so I recommend carving out a little time to prayerfully read these stories, especially chapter 22.
You'll see how God answers prayers even if long in coming; you'll see Abraham's faith has truly matured (far beyond mine!) and you'll see some interesting aspects to God's character.
For the weekend, questions, comments, applications...
Have a great weekend...worship the Lord...fellowship with other believers...enjoy God's blessings!
Prayers,
Matt
5.27.2010
GENESIS 20
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+20&version=NIV
Not again! Abraham gets he and Sarah and others into a mess by having Sarah pose as his sister (remember chapter 12 in Egypt?). Verse 13 tells us that Abraham had this as a guiding principle in order to protect him from his fears. How's that working out, Abraham?
Once again, it is God's promises that carry things forward and God's intervention that offer protection of His will and people, though not without pain and consequences for unfaithful choices and actions.
Notice the maturity of Abimelech in this story too, in spite of Abraham's assumption that there would be 'no fear of God in this place.'
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
Not again! Abraham gets he and Sarah and others into a mess by having Sarah pose as his sister (remember chapter 12 in Egypt?). Verse 13 tells us that Abraham had this as a guiding principle in order to protect him from his fears. How's that working out, Abraham?
Once again, it is God's promises that carry things forward and God's intervention that offer protection of His will and people, though not without pain and consequences for unfaithful choices and actions.
Notice the maturity of Abimelech in this story too, in spite of Abraham's assumption that there would be 'no fear of God in this place.'
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
5.26.2010
GENESIS 19
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+19&version=NIV
Two stories in chapter 19: the first is the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the second is the episode of Lot and his two daughters. There are connections between the two stories, however, and much to reflect on theologically. For example, how does what we have read of Lot, his decision-making, leading to his residing in Sodom and Gomorrah, impact what happens in both stories of chapter 19? What is Abraham's role in all this and how does it relate to God's initial call on his life in 12:1-3? Etc.
These are some of the stories that have fascinated readers including me...but more importantly, they show us truths about God, humanity, and what it means to live for God or not.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
Two stories in chapter 19: the first is the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the second is the episode of Lot and his two daughters. There are connections between the two stories, however, and much to reflect on theologically. For example, how does what we have read of Lot, his decision-making, leading to his residing in Sodom and Gomorrah, impact what happens in both stories of chapter 19? What is Abraham's role in all this and how does it relate to God's initial call on his life in 12:1-3? Etc.
These are some of the stories that have fascinated readers including me...but more importantly, they show us truths about God, humanity, and what it means to live for God or not.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
5.25.2010
GENESIS 18
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18&version=NIV
Abraham and Sarah get visited by 3 men who turn out to be more than ordinary. This visit is far better than the visit Lot will have by 2 less than ordinary men in the next chapter. In ch. 18 we hear, as does Sarah, a reaffirmation of God's promise to the elderly couple to bear a child. As Abraham laughed earlier, Sarah laughs, and is held accountable for it.
God takes His promises very seriously and, as always, expects us to trust Him. We sometimes do pretty well at trusting, but not always.
In this chapter, Abraham also serves as a man of prayer for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham seems to be the compassionate one here, but at the end, we get the feeling God had it designed all along, and simply wanted Abraham to be involved in being the blessing God called him to be in chapter 12:1-3.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Enjoy the day!
Prayers,
Matt
Abraham and Sarah get visited by 3 men who turn out to be more than ordinary. This visit is far better than the visit Lot will have by 2 less than ordinary men in the next chapter. In ch. 18 we hear, as does Sarah, a reaffirmation of God's promise to the elderly couple to bear a child. As Abraham laughed earlier, Sarah laughs, and is held accountable for it.
God takes His promises very seriously and, as always, expects us to trust Him. We sometimes do pretty well at trusting, but not always.
In this chapter, Abraham also serves as a man of prayer for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham seems to be the compassionate one here, but at the end, we get the feeling God had it designed all along, and simply wanted Abraham to be involved in being the blessing God called him to be in chapter 12:1-3.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Enjoy the day!
Prayers,
Matt
5.24.2010
GENESIS 17
For NIV reading, click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+17&version=NIV
Like chapter 15, this is another chapter on covenant between God and Abram...he and Sarai get their names changed, God lays out the expectations on all those involved in order to keep the covenant (notice all the "as for me," "as for you," "as for Sarai," etc). Then the whole relationship is sealed by circumcision.
A hugely important chapter in Genesis and for all the Bible. Covenant is a major theological theme throughout and helps us understand more clearly what is involved in relationship with God, and clarifies what faith means...not just believing something or even believing in someone, but believing in someone enough to live for Him in a promise-keeping relationship.
Comments, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
Like chapter 15, this is another chapter on covenant between God and Abram...he and Sarai get their names changed, God lays out the expectations on all those involved in order to keep the covenant (notice all the "as for me," "as for you," "as for Sarai," etc). Then the whole relationship is sealed by circumcision.
A hugely important chapter in Genesis and for all the Bible. Covenant is a major theological theme throughout and helps us understand more clearly what is involved in relationship with God, and clarifies what faith means...not just believing something or even believing in someone, but believing in someone enough to live for Him in a promise-keeping relationship.
Comments, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
5.21.2010
GENESIS 16
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+16&version=NIV
Not quite the radically trusting man and woman of faith reflected in 15:6! But very human, very much like us with some doubts and problems with God's timing. So Sarai takes initiative and gets Abram to sleep with Sarai's maidservant (an easy sell?) and she bears a son (Ishmael) but then begins to 'despise' Sarai, so Saria 'mistreats' her. All this with 86 year old Abram's knowledge/permission.
God comes to Hagar the maidservant (like He did to Abram?) and informs her of His plan for her life...they don't sound so comforting on the surface, do they? But she seems greatful? And she 'gives a name to the Lord.' !!!
Have a wonderful day!
Prayers,
Matt
Not quite the radically trusting man and woman of faith reflected in 15:6! But very human, very much like us with some doubts and problems with God's timing. So Sarai takes initiative and gets Abram to sleep with Sarai's maidservant (an easy sell?) and she bears a son (Ishmael) but then begins to 'despise' Sarai, so Saria 'mistreats' her. All this with 86 year old Abram's knowledge/permission.
God comes to Hagar the maidservant (like He did to Abram?) and informs her of His plan for her life...they don't sound so comforting on the surface, do they? But she seems greatful? And she 'gives a name to the Lord.' !!!
Have a wonderful day!
Prayers,
Matt
5.20.2010
GENESIS 15
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+15&version=NIV
In this chapter, Abram begins to wonder about God's promises, especially of fathering any children. Abram looks at his life and sees other ways in which God could fulfull His promises, and even has some suggestions for God:) I suppose we do this, too.
God reiterates His promises and Abram responds much like Zechariah and Mary each do in the first couple of chapters of Luke.
Abram chooses to trust God, and v. 6 marks how Abram will be remembered for centuries.
God responds with a covenant shrouded in mystery.
Great chapter. May God speak into your heart through His Word today.
Comments, questions, ways of living the text...
Prayers,
Matt
In this chapter, Abram begins to wonder about God's promises, especially of fathering any children. Abram looks at his life and sees other ways in which God could fulfull His promises, and even has some suggestions for God:) I suppose we do this, too.
God reiterates His promises and Abram responds much like Zechariah and Mary each do in the first couple of chapters of Luke.
Abram chooses to trust God, and v. 6 marks how Abram will be remembered for centuries.
God responds with a covenant shrouded in mystery.
Great chapter. May God speak into your heart through His Word today.
Comments, questions, ways of living the text...
Prayers,
Matt
5.19.2010
GENESIS 14
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+14&version=NIV
Lots of strange names and activity...if you know someone looking for a name for their newborn, you might want to point them here:) International history connects with the history of this family through which God has planned to reach the world.
This chapter shows kings at battle leading to the pillaging of Sodom and Gomorrah where Lot had settled. Abram and some trained family pursue Lot's rescue.
This all leads to a noble encounter with a king named Melchizedek.
Abram once again shows himself living a little closer to the man of character that seemed to be missing a bit in the 'say-you're-my-sister' story.
Thoughts, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
Lots of strange names and activity...if you know someone looking for a name for their newborn, you might want to point them here:) International history connects with the history of this family through which God has planned to reach the world.
This chapter shows kings at battle leading to the pillaging of Sodom and Gomorrah where Lot had settled. Abram and some trained family pursue Lot's rescue.
This all leads to a noble encounter with a king named Melchizedek.
Abram once again shows himself living a little closer to the man of character that seemed to be missing a bit in the 'say-you're-my-sister' story.
Thoughts, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
5.18.2010
GENESIS 13
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2013&version=NIV
Abram and Lot
A lighter-feeling story than the one with Abram and Sarai in Egypt. Here, Abram and Lot have to figure out how to locate themselves considering their great wealth in animals. Abram seems a little more level-headed here.
Doc, good question about 'calling on the name of the Lord' (see yesterday's comments). Up to this point, the phrase has a broad range of meanings and refers to worshp and gratitude as well as recognizing and declaring God's presence in a place, and prayer as well. The Hebrew qara means to proclaim, call, cry, name...
Other references like Joel have more of a specific context of crying out for deliverance...
Comments, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
Abram and Lot
A lighter-feeling story than the one with Abram and Sarai in Egypt. Here, Abram and Lot have to figure out how to locate themselves considering their great wealth in animals. Abram seems a little more level-headed here.
Doc, good question about 'calling on the name of the Lord' (see yesterday's comments). Up to this point, the phrase has a broad range of meanings and refers to worshp and gratitude as well as recognizing and declaring God's presence in a place, and prayer as well. The Hebrew qara means to proclaim, call, cry, name...
Other references like Joel have more of a specific context of crying out for deliverance...
Comments, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
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