Genesis 27-28
Oh, Rebekah.... have you ever watched a movie in which you feel dread for the main character as they make choices you know are not going to turn out well? Even though Isaac's blessing **somehow** had to land on Jacob, I just cringe at the way that all transpired. I think I cringe mostly because Rebekah and Jacob were so manipulative and took advantage of the fact Isaac could not see well. How many times have I manipulated situations to my benefit?
Isaac should have trusted his intuition when at first he questioned whether it was really Esau (vs 22). I find myself in Isaac's position once in a while too. When Esau does finally come in with his father's stew, I have so much compassion for Isaac. In verse 33 the Bible says, "Isaac trembled violently..." As the reality settles in and Isaac realizes he had been duped, I can't imagine how he felt not having any blessing left for his favored son. (okay, well that was a problem too... the favor part... for both Isaac and Rebekah!)
Jacob is usually crowned as the "hero" in this story, but I do feel sorry for Esau. Yes, he was foolish to give up his birthright in the first place, but I'm guilty of not looking beyond the nose on the front of my face too. I can't understand the longing for stew, but if it was chocolate....
I love how at the end of chapter 28, God restates the promise he made with Abraham and Isaac. God's whole "agenda" is to spread His people throughout the earth so that all people can be blessed through them. The blessings, the descendants, the land... all would be given to them so that they would become a blessing to the world... showing others who God is. God promises in verse 15 of chapter 28,
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."
Can you imagine being Jacob and receiving that promise from God. God has given us a promise too... in Philippians 1:6 we read,
"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
What work is God doing in you that you need to be confident that He will complete?
Psalm 14
"Oh, that the salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!" (vs.7) Thank you God, that it has! You have restored the fortune of your people let us rejoice and be glad!
Proverbs 14
Wow, anyone could spend a life time gleaning wisdom from this 35 verse proverb! Verse 33 really stood out to me. "Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning, and even among fools she lets herself be known." I love that God does not hide the Truth from those who refuse to accept it. Often times the Truth stares them right in the face, but they just refuse to see it. God's wisdom prevails over all and He will make sure that even among those who don't believe, the Truth will shine through.
John 14
There is so much in this chapter... it is one of those chapters where I can picture myself curled up on Jesus' lap with him reading it to me, arms around me....
In my Bible most of this entire page is "red" as Jesus was quite long winded here! But the words he says in this chapter have life long consequences for every person on earth. Jesus starts by giving us the prescription for a trouble-free heart.... "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (vs.1)
Wow, that's it! Trust. So, why do our hearts seem to be troubled so much? I find it interesting that Thomas (who asked Jesus the first of three questions in this chapter) decided to camp on the fact that he didn't know where Jesus was going instead of learning more about the trust. Personally, I would have camped on how to trust better!
Later, after a question from Philip in verse 8, Jesus remarks, "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you for such a long time?"
I picture how it must have felt to be Philip hearing the Son of God say that to him. Sometimes I wonder what the disciples were thinking when they would ask certain things. Having the benefit of 2000 or so years we have some hindsight that makes what they asked seem ridiculous. However, if I'm really honest with myself, I'm guessing I would have asked some of the same questions. And, if I'm REALLY honest with myself... I find I do now. Really, all Jesus asks of us is to believe him. Trust in him. Love him. Obey him. We don't need to solve all the world's problems, just lead the world to Who already has....
The third question asked of Jesus came from Judas (not Judas Iscariot the Bible tells us). He asked Jesus in verse 22, "but Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"
Oh, how small our vision can be sometimes! Jesus starts his explanation of the Holy Spirit with the words, "If ANYONE" (vs. 23) Not just jews... anyone loves me.... He goes on to explain the Holy Spirit will come and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will make their home with anyone who loves them. I love how Jesus used the word "home" and not "house". It feels so warm and inviting....
All this Jesus tells the disciples ahead of time for one reason... so they will believe (vs 29). That's what God wants most from us... our belief. Not just belief in Him, that He exists... actually believing the promises God gives us... that He is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do. Do we truly believe?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 19 - Week 12 - Doug Mathers
We are finishing our 3rd month of Bible reading ~ if you are still with us (and I hope you are), way to go!
Here are some thoughts, observations and questions for this week's chapters:
Monday Genesis 25
Did you notice Abraham got married again? Wow, talk about stamina. He was an old man when he was married to Sarah, she dies and next thing we know he's married again, apparently to a younger woman because she gave him more children!
Reread verse 5. What wisdom did Abraham demonstrate in the manner he left his inheritance? How did that protect Isaac and his half brothers?
Jump to 27-34 --- why would Esau make this deal? Does it not sound like the dumbest decision in the Bible? For a moment, give Esau the benefit of the doubt concerning his intelligence. Remembering this all took place about 2000 years prior to Jesus, what situation would make this "trade" a good one?
Tuesday Genesis 26
Reread verse 5. What do you notice about God and how he honors faith and obedience? Does this seem fair and right? How does it change how we view our own faith/obedience? Is there more on the line than you thought?
We as Americans have been trained to think as individuals. We hold the inward conviction that each generation will be responsible for itself (for good or bad). But the reality seems to be that each generation sets the trajectory for the next.
How do you think you are setting the trajectory for your children and grandchildren today? How are we doing it as a culture?
Wednesday, Psalm 13
What is the tension the author is feeling? What is his conclusion? When have you felt a similar tension in your life? What was your conclusion?
Thursday, Proverbs 13
Reread verse 22. How does this echo Genesis 26:5?
Friday, John 13
What struck me most as I read this chapter was Jesus' understanding of the events around him and his own future. Verses 1,3,and 11 all emphasize this with the words "He knew.." But read the chapter and observe other ways John emphasizes that Jesus knew exactly what was happening and going to happen to him.
What difference does this foreknowledge make? Why does it matter to you as you follow Jesus or trust God?
Here are some thoughts, observations and questions for this week's chapters:
Monday Genesis 25
Did you notice Abraham got married again? Wow, talk about stamina. He was an old man when he was married to Sarah, she dies and next thing we know he's married again, apparently to a younger woman because she gave him more children!
Reread verse 5. What wisdom did Abraham demonstrate in the manner he left his inheritance? How did that protect Isaac and his half brothers?
Jump to 27-34 --- why would Esau make this deal? Does it not sound like the dumbest decision in the Bible? For a moment, give Esau the benefit of the doubt concerning his intelligence. Remembering this all took place about 2000 years prior to Jesus, what situation would make this "trade" a good one?
Tuesday Genesis 26
Reread verse 5. What do you notice about God and how he honors faith and obedience? Does this seem fair and right? How does it change how we view our own faith/obedience? Is there more on the line than you thought?
We as Americans have been trained to think as individuals. We hold the inward conviction that each generation will be responsible for itself (for good or bad). But the reality seems to be that each generation sets the trajectory for the next.
How do you think you are setting the trajectory for your children and grandchildren today? How are we doing it as a culture?
Wednesday, Psalm 13
What is the tension the author is feeling? What is his conclusion? When have you felt a similar tension in your life? What was your conclusion?
Thursday, Proverbs 13
Reread verse 22. How does this echo Genesis 26:5?
Friday, John 13
What struck me most as I read this chapter was Jesus' understanding of the events around him and his own future. Verses 1,3,and 11 all emphasize this with the words "He knew.." But read the chapter and observe other ways John emphasizes that Jesus knew exactly what was happening and going to happen to him.
What difference does this foreknowledge make? Why does it matter to you as you follow Jesus or trust God?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What if I've fallen way behind?
So I am in "Easter Recovery Mode" (a pastoral affliction). And I find myself a bit behind my usual pace right now. It got me thinking that some of you maybe in recovery mode as well (pick your own favorite holiday for a name).
And maybe... you have fallen grossly behind in your efforts to read the Bible with us... and the question you are asking is:
"What do I do if I've fallen behind in my Bible reading?"
Well I think you have some options:
Option A
Feel guilty! Of course this accomplishes nothing except to make you feel even less worthy as a person and especially as a follow of Jesus. But guilt is where many of us find life and life less abundantly!
Option B
Pretend I'm not behind. Quickly read a chapter or two and then tell a friend what you received out of your devotional reading today. This will create the impression that you read every day without fail and will likely give your friend a case of the "spiritually inferior to you" syndrome.
Option C
Quit the plan! This is by far the easiest. Just don't think about your intentions to read the Bible this year. Don't talk about reading the Bible and if someone else brings it up... change the topic! As in... "Hey, how about those Twins this year?!"
Option D
Start reading again. Don't play catch up... don't feel guilty... just turn to this week's reading and dig in again. You miss out on the guilt. You don't get to be spiritually superior to others. But you do get to engage in God's word just like you planned on in January (remember that?).
What about the parts you missed?
They aren't going anywhere... you can pick up on them our next read through!
Please use the comment button to leave feedback about this blog or any of this week's readings. I would LOVE to see more of us, okay after last week I will say "someone" leave some comments!
-doug
And maybe... you have fallen grossly behind in your efforts to read the Bible with us... and the question you are asking is:
"What do I do if I've fallen behind in my Bible reading?"
Well I think you have some options:
Option A
Feel guilty! Of course this accomplishes nothing except to make you feel even less worthy as a person and especially as a follow of Jesus. But guilt is where many of us find life and life less abundantly!
Option B
Pretend I'm not behind. Quickly read a chapter or two and then tell a friend what you received out of your devotional reading today. This will create the impression that you read every day without fail and will likely give your friend a case of the "spiritually inferior to you" syndrome.
Option C
Quit the plan! This is by far the easiest. Just don't think about your intentions to read the Bible this year. Don't talk about reading the Bible and if someone else brings it up... change the topic! As in... "Hey, how about those Twins this year?!"
Option D
Start reading again. Don't play catch up... don't feel guilty... just turn to this week's reading and dig in again. You miss out on the guilt. You don't get to be spiritually superior to others. But you do get to engage in God's word just like you planned on in January (remember that?).
What about the parts you missed?
They aren't going anywhere... you can pick up on them our next read through!
Please use the comment button to leave feedback about this blog or any of this week's readings. I would LOVE to see more of us, okay after last week I will say "someone" leave some comments!
-doug
Monday, April 6, 2009
4/6 - 4/10 Comments Only Week!
Okay - so every week we've had different folks around church leave write a blog of their comments and questions from the readings.
So this week - we are going to try something new. Instead of reading the thoughts of someone else, we want to hear your thoughts, insights and questions. (We always want to but this week we are putting the pressure on!)
So below there are no comments... but you can see each day's readings. After you read - share a thought - question - problem or insight!
All you have to do is click on comments for each day.
Looking forward to learning from you!
So this week - we are going to try something new. Instead of reading the thoughts of someone else, we want to hear your thoughts, insights and questions. (We always want to but this week we are putting the pressure on!)
So below there are no comments... but you can see each day's readings. After you read - share a thought - question - problem or insight!
All you have to do is click on comments for each day.
Looking forward to learning from you!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Week 10 - March 29 - Doug Mathers
Sorry this is late…
Wow – Merv was complaining about circumcision? Try Genesis 19! There’s a lot to think about and some difficult moments…
Genesis 19
Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed. Okay, troubling aspects for me include:
1. God destroys entire cities because of their evil. This is after Noah’s family repopulated the earth and after a rainbow (that signified a promise not to destroy all of humanity again). I just don’t ever like God’s judgment being delivered.
The good news I don’t think God likes it either. In fact I think this passage is only part of the story. Notice that the men gathered to commit violence and rape these angels of God accused the men of judging them. They were angry apparently the men had been warning them of God’s anger. (God’s justice was being deeply violated)
So did God relish the opportunity to bring judgment? No! I believe he was hoping for repentance but it never came. Contrast this with Jonah in Nineveh. There God sent Jonah to tell the people of Nineveh that God was going to destroy their city. They repent! And God “changed his mind” and did not destroy them. And Jonah was angry because this was a foreign city and he wanted their destruction. He was mad at God because he understood that God was a merciful and forgiving God. He didn’t want Nineveh to survive. (read it for yourself)
Sodom and Gomorrah did not repent – in face they wanted to harm the messengers. So God’s judgment fell hard on them.
2. I don’t like Lot offering his virgin daughters to the men for pleasure. I their fiancées didn’t like it either! But this shows incredible desperation on the part of Lot. He knew they were virgins. He knew they were looking forward to marriage… and yet he was about to throw them to the wolves. It just bothers me that Lot would consider that as a solution.
3. Lot’s wife looking back and being turned to salt. How do you not look back? Although my opinion is that she looked back with longing or regret. But I don’t know if I could have kept my eyes straight ahead.
The second section of chapter 19 doesn’t get any better. Because Lot’s daughters’ fiancées wouldn’t believe Lot, they were destroyed in the city. Because Lot’s wife looked back she died. So now it is just Lot and his two daughters. Bad situation.
The young women get Lot drunk and have sex with him in order to get pregnant. (The Bible would be at least an R rated movie.) They get pregnant and give birth to two nations that both become problematic to the Israelite in the future.
Genesis 20 – Abraham lies
Okay – so Abraham technically didn’t lie, but he deceived. I’ll let you read it for yourselves. I like that God protected Abimelech from committing sin.
Abraham’s strategy (partial truth) reminds me of me! Select the facts you want and omit the ones that might lead to trouble. It’s natural, it’s common place, it’s politically shrewd and it is lying!
Psalm 10
So isn’t ironic that psalm 10 and Genesis 19 are in the same week’s readings? One bothers us greatly because it is God punishing the wicked. The other is a complaint against God for not punishing the wicked.
Of course, the heart of God is for the wicked to change and be saved. And the heart of the Psalmist is crying out for God to bring justice in light of the pain and suffering the wicked bring.
If you can’t imagine yourself praying for the destruction of the wicked, think back a bit. Would you pray for the destruction of Hitler, Idi Amin, Sodom Hussein? There are times when we long for God to punish. But we need to be careful to remember our own sin and pray cautiously.
Proverbs 10
Lot’s of wisdom here… but I was struck by 10:10
10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof promotes peace.
This requires a ton of wisdom as we try to promote peace.
John 10
I’ve written enough for this week… but let me ask a question: why is it significant to us that the people were going to stone Jesus for blasphemy? How might this passage enter into a conversation with someone who says “Jesus was just a good teacher?”
Wow – Merv was complaining about circumcision? Try Genesis 19! There’s a lot to think about and some difficult moments…
Genesis 19
Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed. Okay, troubling aspects for me include:
1. God destroys entire cities because of their evil. This is after Noah’s family repopulated the earth and after a rainbow (that signified a promise not to destroy all of humanity again). I just don’t ever like God’s judgment being delivered.
The good news I don’t think God likes it either. In fact I think this passage is only part of the story. Notice that the men gathered to commit violence and rape these angels of God accused the men of judging them. They were angry apparently the men had been warning them of God’s anger. (God’s justice was being deeply violated)
So did God relish the opportunity to bring judgment? No! I believe he was hoping for repentance but it never came. Contrast this with Jonah in Nineveh. There God sent Jonah to tell the people of Nineveh that God was going to destroy their city. They repent! And God “changed his mind” and did not destroy them. And Jonah was angry because this was a foreign city and he wanted their destruction. He was mad at God because he understood that God was a merciful and forgiving God. He didn’t want Nineveh to survive. (read it for yourself)
Sodom and Gomorrah did not repent – in face they wanted to harm the messengers. So God’s judgment fell hard on them.
2. I don’t like Lot offering his virgin daughters to the men for pleasure. I their fiancées didn’t like it either! But this shows incredible desperation on the part of Lot. He knew they were virgins. He knew they were looking forward to marriage… and yet he was about to throw them to the wolves. It just bothers me that Lot would consider that as a solution.
3. Lot’s wife looking back and being turned to salt. How do you not look back? Although my opinion is that she looked back with longing or regret. But I don’t know if I could have kept my eyes straight ahead.
The second section of chapter 19 doesn’t get any better. Because Lot’s daughters’ fiancées wouldn’t believe Lot, they were destroyed in the city. Because Lot’s wife looked back she died. So now it is just Lot and his two daughters. Bad situation.
The young women get Lot drunk and have sex with him in order to get pregnant. (The Bible would be at least an R rated movie.) They get pregnant and give birth to two nations that both become problematic to the Israelite in the future.
Genesis 20 – Abraham lies
Okay – so Abraham technically didn’t lie, but he deceived. I’ll let you read it for yourselves. I like that God protected Abimelech from committing sin.
Abraham’s strategy (partial truth) reminds me of me! Select the facts you want and omit the ones that might lead to trouble. It’s natural, it’s common place, it’s politically shrewd and it is lying!
Psalm 10
So isn’t ironic that psalm 10 and Genesis 19 are in the same week’s readings? One bothers us greatly because it is God punishing the wicked. The other is a complaint against God for not punishing the wicked.
Of course, the heart of God is for the wicked to change and be saved. And the heart of the Psalmist is crying out for God to bring justice in light of the pain and suffering the wicked bring.
If you can’t imagine yourself praying for the destruction of the wicked, think back a bit. Would you pray for the destruction of Hitler, Idi Amin, Sodom Hussein? There are times when we long for God to punish. But we need to be careful to remember our own sin and pray cautiously.
Proverbs 10
Lot’s of wisdom here… but I was struck by 10:10
10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof promotes peace.
This requires a ton of wisdom as we try to promote peace.
John 10
I’ve written enough for this week… but let me ask a question: why is it significant to us that the people were going to stone Jesus for blasphemy? How might this passage enter into a conversation with someone who says “Jesus was just a good teacher?”
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