Genesis 38
Judah left his brothers, moved, married a Canaanite woman, and had children. His first son did evil and died. His second son died---leaving his wife. The third son defiled his deceased brother's wife, and died. She ended up being pregnant. Tamar was sent away with the promise of Judah's youngest son once he is old enough. Tamar got word about Judah traveling because his wife died. So she showed up on the side of the road dressed like a prostitute, and ended up sleeping with Judah (Father in Law). Truth found out about her prostituting. Judah says for her to be burned alive, but once he finds out that he slept with her. He calls the whole thing off. She gives birth to twins, and they never have relations ever again.
Genesis 39
Joseph was sold to the Egyptians in the palace belonging to the officers. Potiphar made Joseph his servant. God made Joseph suceed in everything he did, and his owner saw this. Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned (even the wife), and God blessed the Egyptian household. Potiphar did not concern himself with anything but food. Joseph was well-built, and probably hot looking. Potiphar's wife kept desiring Joseph and wanted him to go to bed with her. She tried to tempt him on numerous occasions I am sure.. Finally unfortunately, she tries to seduce him leaving him running outside with his robe in her hands. She told everyone that he tried to rape her. His master has Joseph arrested. The Lord blessed Joseph---helping him to win the jailer's favor. He put Joseph in charge of the whole jail. The jailer gave his responsibilities to Joseph. The Lord blessed him successfully in all he did.
Genesis 40
The wine steward and chief baker offended the king, and went to prison where Joseph was the servant. Both had a dream, and were obviously very upset about the dream and not knowing what it meant for them in the long run. Joseph saw that they were upset, and interpreted their dreams for them. The win steward's dream meant that they were to be released and pardoned in three days by the King, and Joseph pleased to be mentioned to the king for release since he did no wrong. The chef baker's dream was interpreted and meant that the king would release him and behead him in three days and the birds will eat his flesh. Three days later, the king will restore the wine steward's position and execute the chief baker. It happened just as Joseph had said, but the wine steward never mentioned Joseph or thought about him anymore.
After Joseph's help, the people had wronged him. The owner's wife, the wine steward. Even when people clearly wronged him, he still gave his best to others. This is seen as he interactions with his brothers who had sold him to Egypt. When others wrong or hurt me, I can still choose to give my best to others.
Genesis 38 to 40 show two different pictures of how we can live out our lives based on circumstances. Tamar reacts to what happened to her, and acts like a prostitute---sleeping with Judah without him knowing who she is. Joseph is trusting God to make a way in spite of his circumstances. I want to cherish where God has me now. It is about making the most of my situations and living by faith. It is about cherishing where I am right now. It is not waiting for fibromyalgia to vanish, waiting for a man or friends to pop up, or waiting for a job to pop up, but it is about accepting and cherishing where God has me in this moment. What is God doing in my life that will make an impact? How can I be a light to the darkness in SPITE of where I am right now? It is about making the most of things.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Genesis 35-37
Genesis 35
God spoke to Jacob, and sent him and his family to Bethel to live there and make an altar to God. They buried their foreign goods, including the earrings that the women were wearing. He told his family to purify themselves, and put on clean clothes. They would build an altar and worship the God that has helped Jacob in his troubles! Jacob built an altar once he got there. God reaffirms his plans for Jacob's life. He tells him to have many children, nations and kings will spring from Jacob, and God will give him the land that he promised Abraham and Isaac. Bethel was a very special place, where God spoke to Jacob!
Rachel died while in a difficult child birth with Benjamin.
Reuben had an affair with one of his father's concubines. When Jacob heard about it, he was furious.
Then Isaac died, and Esau and Jacob buried him.
My family has nothing on Jacob's family. They win for one of the most dysfunctional families.
One of the things I notice is Jacob continued to find places where God spoke to him. Where I can go, so I can speak to God? How can I invite God into my daily life, so I can hear His awesome voice?
Genesis 36
Just as Abraham and Lot had to part ways, Jacob and Esau had to part ways. Between the two of them, they had too much livestock and property and their city cannot support them. So, Esau moved away from Jacob with all his property, wives, children, and livestock. Esau moved to the hill country of Edom. Many tribes descended from Esau and his children. In verses 31-39, we see the beginning of the kings in Edom. Esau was the start of many tribes in Edom.
Genesis 37
Joseph was 17 years old, and tended his father's flock.
It is written that Jacob loved Joseph more than the rest of his sons, because he was born to Jacob while he was old in his age. I think an important fact to be noted is Joseph is his first born from Rachel. Remember, Jacob really loved Rachel. I think that is an important observation to be made, as we look at the passage. Jacob flourished Joseph with a long coat as a gift. Joseph's brothers did not just not like him, but they hated Joseph. They were jealous of his relationship with his father, Jacob.
Jacob had a dream. He told his brothers about his dream, which did more harm than good. It just drove them to hate Joseph even more. In his first dream, his brothers would bow down to him. In his second dream, the universe bowed down to him. He shared the dream with his father as well. While his brothers hated him and were encompassed with jealousy, Jacob pondered his son's dream.
Joseph's brother plotted to kill him once he followed his father's wishes to go check on his brothers to ensure that they are safe. His brothers sought to sell him instead of entrapping him in a well. The purchasers of Joseph took him to Egypt. The brothers instead killed a goat, dipped his coat in its blood, and took it to Jacob---creating the idea that Joseph had died a horrible death.
Joseph was, then, sold to one of the kings's officers in Egypt.
Questions to ponder:
Am I jealous of anyone?
Are my relationships in need of mending?
How have I damaged my relationships?
How can I pray for those who I am jealous toward?
What harm have I done to those around me?
Joseph has some serious relationship problems with his brothers. It makes me thankful for the calmness of my life, and the fact that there is not quite so much drama. I do not have siblings seeking to kidnap, leave me in a well, or try to sell me to foreigners. Reading this chapter really puts perspective on situations that we may think are bad---they really are not that bad!
God spoke to Jacob, and sent him and his family to Bethel to live there and make an altar to God. They buried their foreign goods, including the earrings that the women were wearing. He told his family to purify themselves, and put on clean clothes. They would build an altar and worship the God that has helped Jacob in his troubles! Jacob built an altar once he got there. God reaffirms his plans for Jacob's life. He tells him to have many children, nations and kings will spring from Jacob, and God will give him the land that he promised Abraham and Isaac. Bethel was a very special place, where God spoke to Jacob!
Rachel died while in a difficult child birth with Benjamin.
Reuben had an affair with one of his father's concubines. When Jacob heard about it, he was furious.
Then Isaac died, and Esau and Jacob buried him.
My family has nothing on Jacob's family. They win for one of the most dysfunctional families.
One of the things I notice is Jacob continued to find places where God spoke to him. Where I can go, so I can speak to God? How can I invite God into my daily life, so I can hear His awesome voice?
Genesis 36
Just as Abraham and Lot had to part ways, Jacob and Esau had to part ways. Between the two of them, they had too much livestock and property and their city cannot support them. So, Esau moved away from Jacob with all his property, wives, children, and livestock. Esau moved to the hill country of Edom. Many tribes descended from Esau and his children. In verses 31-39, we see the beginning of the kings in Edom. Esau was the start of many tribes in Edom.
Genesis 37
Joseph was 17 years old, and tended his father's flock.
It is written that Jacob loved Joseph more than the rest of his sons, because he was born to Jacob while he was old in his age. I think an important fact to be noted is Joseph is his first born from Rachel. Remember, Jacob really loved Rachel. I think that is an important observation to be made, as we look at the passage. Jacob flourished Joseph with a long coat as a gift. Joseph's brothers did not just not like him, but they hated Joseph. They were jealous of his relationship with his father, Jacob.
Jacob had a dream. He told his brothers about his dream, which did more harm than good. It just drove them to hate Joseph even more. In his first dream, his brothers would bow down to him. In his second dream, the universe bowed down to him. He shared the dream with his father as well. While his brothers hated him and were encompassed with jealousy, Jacob pondered his son's dream.
Joseph's brother plotted to kill him once he followed his father's wishes to go check on his brothers to ensure that they are safe. His brothers sought to sell him instead of entrapping him in a well. The purchasers of Joseph took him to Egypt. The brothers instead killed a goat, dipped his coat in its blood, and took it to Jacob---creating the idea that Joseph had died a horrible death.
Joseph was, then, sold to one of the kings's officers in Egypt.
Questions to ponder:
Am I jealous of anyone?
Are my relationships in need of mending?
How have I damaged my relationships?
How can I pray for those who I am jealous toward?
What harm have I done to those around me?
Joseph has some serious relationship problems with his brothers. It makes me thankful for the calmness of my life, and the fact that there is not quite so much drama. I do not have siblings seeking to kidnap, leave me in a well, or try to sell me to foreigners. Reading this chapter really puts perspective on situations that we may think are bad---they really are not that bad!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Genesis 32-34
Genesis 32
Jacob is preparing to meet Esau. He sends his servants to give a message to Esau. God made Jacob prosper just as He promised! He has enough property as two camps. Esau received Jacob's message, and him and 400 men are coming to meet Jacob. Jacob prepares a selection of animals to give to his brother (Esau). He sets his property in two groups, so if Esau attacks---one of the groups can get away. Jacob sent herds ahead of him as gifts to hopefully warm Esau up to seeing Jacob to avoid harming him..
The second part of Genesis 32 really puzzles me, and leaves questions.. God initiated a wrestling with Jacob. People are constantly saying "don't wrestle with God. Don't wrestle with God." In this passage, God is wrestling with Jacob. I know, there is purpose behind it. It seems like it is to test Jacob.
The question: Was Jacob really wrestling God?
Why did not God overpower him, like we know He can?
God gave Jacob victory and power to overcome.
God in human formed is wrestling with Jacob, as he is alone in this place. Touching his hip, his hip wrenched as he was wrestling. God blessed Jacob.
Genesis 33
After Jacob's encounter with God, Jacob looked up and saw Esau. Esau was coming with his 400 men.The passage is very particular about the order of the wives/children, as Jacob went ahead to meet Esau. Esau run to Jacob and embraced him. Esau was loving toward Jacob, which showing God's presence and his obvious forgiveness toward Jacob. He stated something has significance...To see Esau was like seeing the face of God. There is purpose. Jacob had fled once he stole Esau's blessing, and now they were looking at each other again after many years of being apart. What speaks to me is about how they gave to each other and said "accept this gift if I find favor in your eyes." Esau was going to go with Jacob as he journeyed home to his father's country, but Jacob sent him ahead for the sake of his flock and children.
The importance is of forgiveness and also loving each other.. Jacob freely gave, as did Esau.. Blessing each other. Loving one another. Supporting one another, despite what may have happened in the past.
Genesis 34
Dinah is defiled by one of the men (Shechem) living in the land. Then, there is this whole agreement that is taken place for Dinah to be intermarried with the man who violated her. Women were property, so it was about making the best deal. Shechem claimed to "love" her with his heart. His father (Hamor) wants to intermarry, so that they can marry Jacob's daughters and they can take wives from Hamor and community. The deal is made that the men in in Canaan have to be circumcised, and while they were still hurting--they were attacked. Rightly so, as they should be attacked. It could have been as simple as that. But Dinah's two brothers took her from Shechem's house, and they attacked and killed all the men in Canaan, taking their wives and children. Jacob is upset for they may come and attack his entire household.
It is hard to know what we would done in a similar situation. Thankfully, our laws today are much different than they were in Old Testament days where the rapist marries the woman. But, God's presence does not seem near in Genesis 34. There is much evil and violance, but God does not seem near. We know God was present in this situation, but what would God have had Jacob and his family to do? What would be the way of serving God in situations that are incredibly difficult before the Law is present?
In Dinah's story, what makes it difficult is Dinah did not have a voice. Her voice was left unheard. If she was in today's world, she would have a voice and could be heard. But back then, women did not have a voice--they were property.
Jacob is preparing to meet Esau. He sends his servants to give a message to Esau. God made Jacob prosper just as He promised! He has enough property as two camps. Esau received Jacob's message, and him and 400 men are coming to meet Jacob. Jacob prepares a selection of animals to give to his brother (Esau). He sets his property in two groups, so if Esau attacks---one of the groups can get away. Jacob sent herds ahead of him as gifts to hopefully warm Esau up to seeing Jacob to avoid harming him..
The second part of Genesis 32 really puzzles me, and leaves questions.. God initiated a wrestling with Jacob. People are constantly saying "don't wrestle with God. Don't wrestle with God." In this passage, God is wrestling with Jacob. I know, there is purpose behind it. It seems like it is to test Jacob.
The question: Was Jacob really wrestling God?
Why did not God overpower him, like we know He can?
God gave Jacob victory and power to overcome.
God in human formed is wrestling with Jacob, as he is alone in this place. Touching his hip, his hip wrenched as he was wrestling. God blessed Jacob.
Genesis 33
After Jacob's encounter with God, Jacob looked up and saw Esau. Esau was coming with his 400 men.The passage is very particular about the order of the wives/children, as Jacob went ahead to meet Esau. Esau run to Jacob and embraced him. Esau was loving toward Jacob, which showing God's presence and his obvious forgiveness toward Jacob. He stated something has significance...To see Esau was like seeing the face of God. There is purpose. Jacob had fled once he stole Esau's blessing, and now they were looking at each other again after many years of being apart. What speaks to me is about how they gave to each other and said "accept this gift if I find favor in your eyes." Esau was going to go with Jacob as he journeyed home to his father's country, but Jacob sent him ahead for the sake of his flock and children.
The importance is of forgiveness and also loving each other.. Jacob freely gave, as did Esau.. Blessing each other. Loving one another. Supporting one another, despite what may have happened in the past.
Genesis 34
Dinah is defiled by one of the men (Shechem) living in the land. Then, there is this whole agreement that is taken place for Dinah to be intermarried with the man who violated her. Women were property, so it was about making the best deal. Shechem claimed to "love" her with his heart. His father (Hamor) wants to intermarry, so that they can marry Jacob's daughters and they can take wives from Hamor and community. The deal is made that the men in in Canaan have to be circumcised, and while they were still hurting--they were attacked. Rightly so, as they should be attacked. It could have been as simple as that. But Dinah's two brothers took her from Shechem's house, and they attacked and killed all the men in Canaan, taking their wives and children. Jacob is upset for they may come and attack his entire household.
It is hard to know what we would done in a similar situation. Thankfully, our laws today are much different than they were in Old Testament days where the rapist marries the woman. But, God's presence does not seem near in Genesis 34. There is much evil and violance, but God does not seem near. We know God was present in this situation, but what would God have had Jacob and his family to do? What would be the way of serving God in situations that are incredibly difficult before the Law is present?
In Dinah's story, what makes it difficult is Dinah did not have a voice. Her voice was left unheard. If she was in today's world, she would have a voice and could be heard. But back then, women did not have a voice--they were property.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Genesis 30-31
Genesis 30 to 31
Leah has 7 kids, in hopes to win the heart of Jacob.
Rachel gives Jacob her maidservant to bear her children.
(remember, it's all about property back then..)
Rachel's maidservant has two children by Jacob.
Leah has her maidservant have Jacob's children.
So, there is two more children.
Rachel is finally able to give Jacob a son, Joseph..
Total of 12 children, and at least 4 wives.
A whole big amount of jealousy and competition is going on between the two sisters, Leah and Rachel as they battle who can give Jacob the most children.
Jacob goes to his father-in-law Laban, to ask that he may go to his father's land with his wives and children.
Laban tells him that he can have the striped and spotted animals in 3 days. Meanwhile, Laban goes and takes all the striped and spotted animals--putting them with his sons' flocks.
After being tricked by his F-I-L, he is given a dream by God to take some of the flock and go to his father's country. He took the stronger animals, leaving Laban with the weaker animals. Three days later, Laban finds out and goes to find Jacob and his daughter's. Just before fleeing, Rachel stole her father's gods to avoid any curses being thrown out at them. Just before Laban finds them, God appears to him in a dream to not say anything to Jacob good or bad. Laban finds them, checks belongings, couldn't find the gods possessions, and makes a pact with Jacob. In the place of Galeed, they are to not past the pillar--each staying on their own side.
Jacob's heart in this place does not seem to be much different than when he stole Esau's blessing. We can see how Jacob is obviously rubbing off on Rachel, Laban's corruptness also is apparent (he changed Jacob's wages 10x over 20 years. hiding the animals he promised Jacob, giving him Leah when he said he would give Rachel to Jacob.) One thing that does come out is: we need to be checking our heart. Bad things will happen to us. We have the choice to decide how we react. We can choose to be filled with jealousy (Notice Rachel and Leah goes at it with, who can produce the most children?), constantly running off when situations happen (Jacob ran off after stealing Esau's birthright, and again now once he took Laban's stronger animals), or we can choose to be diligent in how we handle our situations.
One thing worth noting is Rachel gets mad, and yells at Jacob for her not being able to bear children. He response is about how he cannot do anything.. But as we know, Rebekah was able to bear children from his husband (Isaac)'s prayers for her.
Leah has 7 kids, in hopes to win the heart of Jacob.
Rachel gives Jacob her maidservant to bear her children.
(remember, it's all about property back then..)
Rachel's maidservant has two children by Jacob.
Leah has her maidservant have Jacob's children.
So, there is two more children.
Rachel is finally able to give Jacob a son, Joseph..
Total of 12 children, and at least 4 wives.
A whole big amount of jealousy and competition is going on between the two sisters, Leah and Rachel as they battle who can give Jacob the most children.
Jacob goes to his father-in-law Laban, to ask that he may go to his father's land with his wives and children.
Laban tells him that he can have the striped and spotted animals in 3 days. Meanwhile, Laban goes and takes all the striped and spotted animals--putting them with his sons' flocks.
After being tricked by his F-I-L, he is given a dream by God to take some of the flock and go to his father's country. He took the stronger animals, leaving Laban with the weaker animals. Three days later, Laban finds out and goes to find Jacob and his daughter's. Just before fleeing, Rachel stole her father's gods to avoid any curses being thrown out at them. Just before Laban finds them, God appears to him in a dream to not say anything to Jacob good or bad. Laban finds them, checks belongings, couldn't find the gods possessions, and makes a pact with Jacob. In the place of Galeed, they are to not past the pillar--each staying on their own side.
Jacob's heart in this place does not seem to be much different than when he stole Esau's blessing. We can see how Jacob is obviously rubbing off on Rachel, Laban's corruptness also is apparent (he changed Jacob's wages 10x over 20 years. hiding the animals he promised Jacob, giving him Leah when he said he would give Rachel to Jacob.) One thing that does come out is: we need to be checking our heart. Bad things will happen to us. We have the choice to decide how we react. We can choose to be filled with jealousy (Notice Rachel and Leah goes at it with, who can produce the most children?), constantly running off when situations happen (Jacob ran off after stealing Esau's birthright, and again now once he took Laban's stronger animals), or we can choose to be diligent in how we handle our situations.
One thing worth noting is Rachel gets mad, and yells at Jacob for her not being able to bear children. He response is about how he cannot do anything.. But as we know, Rebekah was able to bear children from his husband (Isaac)'s prayers for her.
Genesis 12-26
One Sunday afternoon, I went ahead and read through Genesis 12-26..I tried to jot some notes down about what I noticed in the text.. Might as well share some of the highlights.
Genesis 12-15:
Abraham had to leave his family behind, in order to receive God's blessings.
What if we needed to leave our family behind in a sense to fulfill God's purposes for our lives? Also, affecting our blessings..
Abraham did not leave behind Lot. Lot went. Abram and Lot parted ways.
Lot faces issues. Leaves Gomorrah. His wife disobeys God and dies.
God promises to give Abram the land, and Abram will have a son who will get everything Abraham owns.
Genesis 16-18
Sarai gives Abraham her maidservant to bear his child. Snowball effect. Haggai thinks she's better than Sarai once she conceives her boss' husband's kid. Sarai gets mad at Abram. Sarai is cruel to Hagar, Hagar runs off. Angel speaks to Hagai, and she goes back, because God can see her even there were she was.. in the middle of nowhere.Ishmael will be his name. Many will be his descendants.
God promises to give Abram the land and make him the father of many nations. The way to prove his faithfulness: him and other males must be circumcised on the eighth day as a symbol of their faithfulness to God. It is keeping the agreement that was made. God told Abram that he and Sarai will have a son (Isaac) in one year. Sarai laughed at the idea of having a baby in her old age. God goes to Sodom and Gomorrah, and his plan is to get Abraham's descendants to obey Him and seek to do what is right, then the promise is purposed.
Genesis 19-21
Lot welcomes the angels in, they see the wickedness of the land, save Lot before he can get hurt. They were told to not look back. Lot's wife looks back (daughters would not leave the land), and she dies (turned into a grain of salt). Things will happen to make us keep looking back. Our powerful past will always be there, but we need to look and move forward not backwards. Lot's daughters pondered finding a husband and having children. They got their father drunk, and impregnated themselves. Their children becomes Ammorites and Moabites. King took Sarah, because she lied about being Abraham's sister again. King was warned by God in a dream, so he gave Sarah back to Abraham plus gave slaves, animals, and land. The king sought to respect God and live right. Sarah had Isaac, and he was circumcised as a reminder of the agreement between Abraham and God. They partied. Sarah wanted Hagar and Ishmael gone. Abraham gave them food and water. They moved to the desert. God constantly provided for them. God heard Haggi's cry, and provided a well for them. Hagar found a wife for her son, and they continued to live there in the desert.
Genesis 22-24
God tests Abraham. He has to take Isaac up to the mountain to sacrifice him. Abraham showed himself faithful, and did not have to sacrifice his son. Abraham's faith was there. Sometimes, we need to be tested. We need to be brought to the place of "where is our faith really?" This was the case for Abraham, and his faith was enough. A ram appears and becomes the sacrifice. Sarah dies, Abraham cries and buries her. God prepared peoples' hearts, and they were very generous to Abraham---giving him land in addition to the cave to bury Sarah in. Abraham sends his head servant on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He goes, prays, and finds Rebekah who would be Isaac's wife. God is praised for answering the servant's prayer and showing him exactly who Isaac's wife should be.
Genesis 25-26
Abraham remarries, and has more children. He lived a full life and died to go "with his people". Isaac and Ishmael bury him in the cave next to Sarah. Isaac gets everything except what is given to his children of his slave women. Issac marries Rebekah. She was unable to have children, until Isaac prayed for her. (Never underestimate the power of praying for one another!) Then, God allows her to become pregnant. Jacob and Esau are born. (leaders for two separate nations that would fight w/ one another) Esau was Isaac's favorite. Jacob was Rebekah's favorite. Esau sold his birth right to Jacob. Isaac and family moves. He tells everyone that Rebekah is his sister. He is caught in trouble for lying again. His lying could have caused others to sin! Isaac begins to harvest, becomes very rich, and the king asks him to leave the land. Esau marries two women. These marriages make Rebekah and Isaac very unhappy.
Lots of things happened in the line of Abraham in just 14-15 chapters!
Genesis 12-15:
Abraham had to leave his family behind, in order to receive God's blessings.
What if we needed to leave our family behind in a sense to fulfill God's purposes for our lives? Also, affecting our blessings..
Abraham did not leave behind Lot. Lot went. Abram and Lot parted ways.
Lot faces issues. Leaves Gomorrah. His wife disobeys God and dies.
God promises to give Abram the land, and Abram will have a son who will get everything Abraham owns.
Genesis 16-18
Sarai gives Abraham her maidservant to bear his child. Snowball effect. Haggai thinks she's better than Sarai once she conceives her boss' husband's kid. Sarai gets mad at Abram. Sarai is cruel to Hagar, Hagar runs off. Angel speaks to Hagai, and she goes back, because God can see her even there were she was.. in the middle of nowhere.Ishmael will be his name. Many will be his descendants.
God promises to give Abram the land and make him the father of many nations. The way to prove his faithfulness: him and other males must be circumcised on the eighth day as a symbol of their faithfulness to God. It is keeping the agreement that was made. God told Abram that he and Sarai will have a son (Isaac) in one year. Sarai laughed at the idea of having a baby in her old age. God goes to Sodom and Gomorrah, and his plan is to get Abraham's descendants to obey Him and seek to do what is right, then the promise is purposed.
Genesis 19-21
Lot welcomes the angels in, they see the wickedness of the land, save Lot before he can get hurt. They were told to not look back. Lot's wife looks back (daughters would not leave the land), and she dies (turned into a grain of salt). Things will happen to make us keep looking back. Our powerful past will always be there, but we need to look and move forward not backwards. Lot's daughters pondered finding a husband and having children. They got their father drunk, and impregnated themselves. Their children becomes Ammorites and Moabites. King took Sarah, because she lied about being Abraham's sister again. King was warned by God in a dream, so he gave Sarah back to Abraham plus gave slaves, animals, and land. The king sought to respect God and live right. Sarah had Isaac, and he was circumcised as a reminder of the agreement between Abraham and God. They partied. Sarah wanted Hagar and Ishmael gone. Abraham gave them food and water. They moved to the desert. God constantly provided for them. God heard Haggi's cry, and provided a well for them. Hagar found a wife for her son, and they continued to live there in the desert.
Genesis 22-24
God tests Abraham. He has to take Isaac up to the mountain to sacrifice him. Abraham showed himself faithful, and did not have to sacrifice his son. Abraham's faith was there. Sometimes, we need to be tested. We need to be brought to the place of "where is our faith really?" This was the case for Abraham, and his faith was enough. A ram appears and becomes the sacrifice. Sarah dies, Abraham cries and buries her. God prepared peoples' hearts, and they were very generous to Abraham---giving him land in addition to the cave to bury Sarah in. Abraham sends his head servant on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He goes, prays, and finds Rebekah who would be Isaac's wife. God is praised for answering the servant's prayer and showing him exactly who Isaac's wife should be.
Genesis 25-26
Abraham remarries, and has more children. He lived a full life and died to go "with his people". Isaac and Ishmael bury him in the cave next to Sarah. Isaac gets everything except what is given to his children of his slave women. Issac marries Rebekah. She was unable to have children, until Isaac prayed for her. (Never underestimate the power of praying for one another!) Then, God allows her to become pregnant. Jacob and Esau are born. (leaders for two separate nations that would fight w/ one another) Esau was Isaac's favorite. Jacob was Rebekah's favorite. Esau sold his birth right to Jacob. Isaac and family moves. He tells everyone that Rebekah is his sister. He is caught in trouble for lying again. His lying could have caused others to sin! Isaac begins to harvest, becomes very rich, and the king asks him to leave the land. Esau marries two women. These marriages make Rebekah and Isaac very unhappy.
Lots of things happened in the line of Abraham in just 14-15 chapters!
Genesis 27-29
Finally, getting back into my study..
What really sticks with me is Leah's comments after having 3 (total kids: 4) kids that she wanted the children to attach Jacob to her and make Jacob love her.. It is a dangerous game to play..As we will see in Gen 30: 20, she is still hoping her husband will love her six kids later.. Having children without someone cannot make them love you...
Also, we should not be idle but work with our hands. And if we cannot work with our hands, we can be about something more. We can be pursuing something more, instead of living without purpose. I may not have energy to do constantly throughout the day, but I can be about something more! =)
Genesis 27-29
What really sticks with me is Leah's comments after having 3 (total kids: 4) kids that she wanted the children to attach Jacob to her and make Jacob love her.. It is a dangerous game to play..As we will see in Gen 30: 20, she is still hoping her husband will love her six kids later.. Having children without someone cannot make them love you...
Also, we should not be idle but work with our hands. And if we cannot work with our hands, we can be about something more. We can be pursuing something more, instead of living without purpose. I may not have energy to do constantly throughout the day, but I can be about something more! =)
Genesis 27-29
Genesis 27
Talk about a messy situation: Esau is supposed to receive a blessing from Isaac his dying father, Rebekah sends Jacob to go and get goats so she can prepare a tasty meal for Isaac, with her help—Jacob receives Esau’s blessing, Esau finds out and wants to kill his brother, Rebekah sends Jacob away to protect him, and Rebekah does not him to marry an Hittite woman (which Esau had done..). We see a sticky situation in the midst of Isaac dying.
Lying to get a blessing can be very dangerous. Faking to be your brother may have and must have caused friction between Isaac and Rebekah. The text does not say, but I can only imagine. Who knows?
Genesis 28
Isaac, then, blessed Jacob again while commanding him to not take a Cannonite wife for himself. Jacob obeyed his father and mother, and went to the city of his mother’s brother (Paddan Aram). While Esau overhead this, he went and took for himself another wife. Esau obviously married Ishmael’s daughter as a way of pleasing his parents, for he married his father’s niece. Jacob, on the other hand, was to marry his mother’s niece.
Verse 15 is key. It says: “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 promised!”
While Jacob is on this journey and stops for the night to sleep, he has a dream where he is at the stairway of Heaven surrounded by angels and God is at the top of the staircase, the dream is important because God is going to give Jacob the land and his descendants will be many. Jacob saw this place as importance that was the house of God. He set the stone and made it a pillar to be used to make the house of God.
Genesis 29
Jacob went and met Rachel. He fell in love with Rachel. He worked seven years for Rachel. Instead, he is given Leah and makes love to Leah. Does anyone else think it is weird that he did not notice it was Leah until morning? He would have to do seven additional years of work in exchange for Rachel. It was not customary to marry up the younger daughter first… When God saw Leah was not loved and cherished, she became the one to conceive while Rachel did not and could not conceive. The words that Leah speaks in verses 32 to 35 are quite popular, even today. “I am unloved, so let me have his baby.” After three kids, her words were the same. She wanted her husband to be attached and to love her. As we saw from the beginning, Jacob did not want Leah. Jacob did not love Leah, for his love was with Rachel.
In verse 14, What I notice is the desire to work and not to be idle. Jacob stayed with Laban (his mother’s brother) for a whole month and was not idle. He continued working, which is what gave him the benefit of being able to work toward getting Rachel as well as Leah. We should be working for what we want, and not be idle.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Job 40-42
Job 40
Who are we to argue with God? Although we all do it, we should not do it more than we feel is absolutely necessary. God is the Lord Almighty! Who am I to argue with Him? He made the Heavens and the Earth. He made the stars in the sky. All of Creation must answer to Him. We are completely unworthy, yet God still loves us and wants us. We are unable to save ourselves! We need to be careful to not allow our pride to put a separation between us and God.
Job 41
God begins by speaking about a Leviathan. It is strong, but graceful. God talks about this strong animal and a few things stood out..
In verses 10b-11, God says: "Who then is able to stand against me? Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me."
In verses 33-34, it says "Nothing on earth is its equal— a creature without fear. It looks down on all that are haughty; it is king over all that are proud.”
No one of us are equal to God. God is King over all!
Job 42
It is about Job's heart. In Job 40, Job realizes he is worthless and arguing with God is wrong.
Job says something very powerful. He said, "“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." (verses 2-3). Nothing can stop God's plans! How awesome is that?!?!? Nothing we do can ever stop God's plans. Nothing anyone else can do will ever stop God's plans!
The Lord told Eliphaz- "I am angry with you and your two friends for you have not spoken the truth about me to Job!" They, then, were instructed to take "seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves". They really did it. They had to take 14 animals to sacrifice in regards to their sins.. Job had to pray for his friends, in order to protect his friends from suffering consequences for their sins. Job acted as a priest. They were instructed to take the animals to Job and have them sacrificed, then Job would pray on their behalf.
After Job prayed for his three friends, the Lord restored Job's fortunes. Job's fortunes were not just restored, but he received twice as what he had before. His latter years were much more blessed than earlier years. His brothers and sisters and everyone he knew came and ate, and each gave me him a piece of silver and a gold ring. Everyone consoled and comforted him. He had seven sons and three daughters. His daughters were much more beautiful than the other girls in the land. He lived to see his children and their children to the fourth generation..
Who are we to argue with God? Although we all do it, we should not do it more than we feel is absolutely necessary. God is the Lord Almighty! Who am I to argue with Him? He made the Heavens and the Earth. He made the stars in the sky. All of Creation must answer to Him. We are completely unworthy, yet God still loves us and wants us. We are unable to save ourselves! We need to be careful to not allow our pride to put a separation between us and God.
Job 41
God begins by speaking about a Leviathan. It is strong, but graceful. God talks about this strong animal and a few things stood out..
In verses 10b-11, God says: "Who then is able to stand against me? Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me."
In verses 33-34, it says "Nothing on earth is its equal— a creature without fear. It looks down on all that are haughty; it is king over all that are proud.”
No one of us are equal to God. God is King over all!
Job 42
It is about Job's heart. In Job 40, Job realizes he is worthless and arguing with God is wrong.
Job says something very powerful. He said, "“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." (verses 2-3). Nothing can stop God's plans! How awesome is that?!?!? Nothing we do can ever stop God's plans. Nothing anyone else can do will ever stop God's plans!
The Lord told Eliphaz- "I am angry with you and your two friends for you have not spoken the truth about me to Job!" They, then, were instructed to take "seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves". They really did it. They had to take 14 animals to sacrifice in regards to their sins.. Job had to pray for his friends, in order to protect his friends from suffering consequences for their sins. Job acted as a priest. They were instructed to take the animals to Job and have them sacrificed, then Job would pray on their behalf.
After Job prayed for his three friends, the Lord restored Job's fortunes. Job's fortunes were not just restored, but he received twice as what he had before. His latter years were much more blessed than earlier years. His brothers and sisters and everyone he knew came and ate, and each gave me him a piece of silver and a gold ring. Everyone consoled and comforted him. He had seven sons and three daughters. His daughters were much more beautiful than the other girls in the land. He lived to see his children and their children to the fourth generation..
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