What About Judah?

Listen to today’s Passage – Genesis 38 – 40 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 38 

(Second Milers also read – Mark 1 – 2; Proverbs 15; Psalms 71 – 75)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 89:1

Read the “0115 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the Charles Spurgeon.

Read previous relevant posts from this passage – “Godly Character,” and “God’s Perfect Plan.“

“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Revelation 5:5)

We don’t talk a lot about Judah as a man. We know that Jesus comes from the tribe of Judah, and we know that when Israel split in the time of King Rehoboam that the tribe of Judah alone stood in Jerusalem and demonstrated better adherence to the Law of God than her neighbors to the north did. But what do we know about the man, Judah? I have been guilty of assuming that the reason that God chose the tribe of Judah above all of the other tribes was due to the fact that Judah was a more honorable man than his three older brothers. In fact, I recently posted that thought in “The High Cost of Unbridled Anger and Lust“ post from two days ago. However, after reading today’s passage, I had to give it a little more thought.

Judah’s Early Struggles

In chapter 37, we discover that it was Judah that suggested to his brothers that they sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites, and there is nothing in the context to support the fact that he did so for the purpose of sparing Joseph’s life:

“And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites (sometimes spelled Ishmaelites – Jdg 8:24; Ps 83:6), and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.” (Genesis 37:26-27)

It appears that he merely wanted to make a profit from the situation. Killing Joseph would not have benefitted him financially. By the way, we usually don’t think too highly about Reuben, but it was he who tried to save Joseph – not Judah.

Chapter 38 is a parenthetical digression dealing solely with the family of Judah. In it we see that Judah marries a woman from Canaan:

“And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.” (Genesis 38:2)

You may recall that Isaac strictly forbade Jacob (Judah’s father) from taking a wife from the daughters of Canaan (Genesis 28:1, 6).

Later on in chapter 38, we read about Judah purchasing a prostitute, which turns out to be his daughter-in-law:

“When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?” (Genesis 38:15-16)

A Surprising Turn

Now in a couple of days we are going to read a story about Judah where he is doing a good thing. In Genesis 44 he will be interceding with Joseph, pleading with him to allow Benjamin to go home to his father, Jacob. He even offers himself as a substitute. Judah got this one right because by offering himself as the substitute for Benjamin (who he thought was guilty), he perfectly pictured Christ:

“Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. … For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.” (Genesis 44:18, 32-33)

Grace, Not Merit

So, here it is: the bad and the good about Judah, and it seems that there is more bad than good recorded. So why did God choose Judah? Was it because he was a good man as opposed to his evil older brothers? No, I don’t think so. He did, however, demonstrate Christlikeness when he offered himself as a substitute for his brother Benjamin. But I still do not think that is the reason why Christ descends from Judah. Judah was just like you and me. He was a sinner. He did bad things, just like we do at times; and it was only because of God’s grace that He could do anything with Judah at all. By the way, it is only because of God’s grace that He can do anything with you or me. He saves us by His grace, and He can only use us by His grace as well.

The Lion from Judah’s Line

“Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee. Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass’s colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.” (Genesis 49:8-12)

Questions for Reflection
  • In what ways do you see God’s grace at work in your own flawed story?
  • How does Judah’s substitution for Benjamin point you afresh to Christ’s substitution for us?

I would love to hear your thoughts – Leave a comment!

 

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Joseph: A Painter of Pictures

Listen to today’s passage – Genesis 36 – 37 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 36 

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 27 – 28; Proverbs 14; Psalms 66 – 70)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33

Read the “0114 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by Charles Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from today’s passage – “Jealousy: the Green-Eyed Monster“

Joseph didn’t paint with brush and canvas, but God used his life to paint one of the clearest prophetic portraits of Jesus Christ in all the Old Testament.

“1 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. 5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.” (Gen 37:1-5)

Chapter 37 will move the focus from Jacob to Joseph. Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob and was the first of two sons born to Jacob’s wife Rachel. (Jacob had a total of 12 sons and at least one daughter through his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and his two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah.) In chapter 37 we are told that Joseph is seventeen years old, and we don’t know how old Benjamin is; but Benjamin was likely much younger as he was just born in chapter 35, which is the last chapter dealing with the family of Jacob. Apart from one chapter, which will deal with Judah (chapter 38), the rest of the Book of Genesis will surround Joseph. Joseph is an outstanding character in the Bible as he is one of the few people who is prominent in the Scripture who does not have anything recorded against him. This is not because he was sinless, but because he is a type or a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we study the life of Joseph, we will look at the many ways that Joseph foreshadows the Lord. The story of Joseph is not only an important theological account—for Israel, as a reminder that God keeps His covenants, and for the Church, as an incredible picture of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—but it also tells a wonderful and relatable human story that most of us can identify with. 

Joseph as a Type of Christ

In the first five verses of the narrative involving Joseph, we see several examples where Joseph paints a wonderful picture of Christ.

  • He was a shepherd (v. 2) 

“11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. … 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. … 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.” (John 10:11, 14, 27-30)

  • He Hated Evil (v. 2) 

“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” (Heb 1:9)

“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Rev 2:6)

  • He was beloved of the father (v. 3) 

“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mat 3:17) “5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Mat 17:5)

  • He was exalted by his father (v. 3) 

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Phil 2:9)

  • He was hated by his brothers (v. 4) 

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isa 53:3)

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11)

  • He was hated because of his words (v. 4) 

“The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” (John 7:7)

More Pictures of Christ

Genesis 37 gives us even more prophetic pictures of Christ in Joseph’s early life:

  • He is sent by the father. (vs. 13 – 14; 1 John 4:10)
  • He came seeking the good of his brothers. (v. 14; Mat 15:24)
  • He was wandering in the field. (v. 15; the field is the world Mat 13:38)
  • He continued seeking his brothers until he found them. (v. 17; Luke 15:3 – 10)
  • He was conspired against. (v. 18; Mat 12:14)
  • He was cast into a pit with no water. (v. 24; Mat 12:40)
  • He was delivered to the Gentiles. (v. 25)
  • He was sold for silver. (v. 28)
  • His blood was delivered to the father. (vs. 31 – 32)

As we study Joseph’s life, may these pictures of Christ draw us closer to the One who perfectly fulfilled every shadow. Like Joseph, Jesus was hated, sold, and cast down—yet exalted to save His people. What a Savior!

Which of these pictures of Christ encourages you most today?


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The High Cost of Unbridled Anger and Lust

Listen to Today’s Passage – Genesis 33 – 35

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 33 

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 25 – 26; Proverbs 13; Psalms 61 – 65)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 55:17

Read the “0113 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the Charles Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from today’s reading – “Lead On Softly,” and “Worried Over Nothing“

“And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.” (Genesis 34:25)

“And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:” (Genesis 35:22)

Boys Will Be Boys

Jacob’s household was full of boys—and full of trouble. I grew up in a home with four boys. We were blessed to not have any sisters. Girls have cooties: at least that is what I was told as a boy. In fact, even in my extended family, on my dad’s side, there were only boys. I had six male cousins, but no girls. I remember my grandmother would often get frustrated with our bad behavior. We were always fooling and fighting. We were being boys. She would often go get my dad and tell him: “Those Boys!” I must have heard that phrase come out of her lips a thousand times, and it usually meant that we were in trouble.

Simeon and Levi’s Wrath

Jacob also had a bunch of boys that would often find themselves in trouble. In fact the verses above tell of the shenanigans that three of the sons were involved in. The first involved sons numbers two and three: Simeon and Levi. (I was often referred to by number as a child as well.) It seems that these boys wanted to exact revenge upon a local hooligan that had raped their sister. Now, there is nothing wrong with these boys wanting to see justice done to this guy; but they took it way too far. Without the permission of their father, they go into this man’s village and kill every male. Jacob later recalls the event and says that the boys were instruments of cruelty, and that their anger was fierce (Gen 49:5 – 7). I don’t blame them for the way they felt, and I do not fault them for desiring revenge. I have three daughters of my own now, and I don’t even want to think about what I would do if this happened to one of them. Punishment for Shechem’s actions was justifiable but it needed to be done God’s way and His timing.

There will be many times in life where our passion, and our anger need to be yielded to the will of God.

Reuben’s Lust

If Simeon and Levi represent the danger of uncontrolled anger, the firstborn Reuben shows us the destructiveness of uncontrolled desire. This man also had a big problem with passion, but with him it was a sick lust for a lady related to him by marriage. This man had sex with his father’s concubine (kind of a second-class wife). His fleshly desires were out of control. He was certainly not considering the will of God when he did this. Consider for a moment the depravity of the human heart. Your heart and my heart. We need to yield our members as instruments of righteousness; and we need to walk in the Spirit so that we will not fulfill the lusts that are inside each of us.

Long-term Consequences

Unfortunately for these boys there were some severe consequences for their actions. You will recall that the boys involved in these two incidents were boys one through three, right? Reuben, the firstborn, should have received the preeminence and blessing of the birthright, but he lost it. Simeon and Levi were passed over because of their violence. The scepter—the promise of rulership—went to son number four, Judah. And from Judah came the Lion of the tribe of Judah: Jesus Christ. The only thing good that came from Reuben is a tasty sandwich with Pastrami (or Corned Beef), Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese. The bottom line is that I want to exhort you to think before you allow your passions to take control. An act of passion takes only a moment, but the consequences are long term. Please, walk with God. Run every decision, every word, every act past His desk. Let Him control your passions.

A Failure in Leadership

One more thought regarding the story of Simeon and Levi. The slaughter in Shechem by Jacob’s sons, though caused initially by Shechem’s actions toward their sister, could have been avoided had Jacob took more decisive action. He was willing to let the rape of his daughter go unpunished and was further willing to yoke up with a bunch of ungodly people. Though what Simeon and Levi did was wrong, it prevented Israel from becoming inundated with godless philosophies. Marriages with godless people has always been a problem for Israel and God will later warn His people strongly against intermarrying unbelievers (Exod 34:15 – 16; Deut 7:3 – 4; 2 Cor 6:14).

Questions for Reflection
  • When have you experienced or witnessed anger that started as a desire for justice but went too far? How does the story of Simeon and Levi challenge the way you handle offense or protect those you love?

  • Reuben’s sin was impulsive and private—yet it carried public, lasting consequences. Where in your life are passions or desires threatening to override God’s authority, even in seemingly “small” decisions?

  • Jacob called Simeon and Levi “instruments of cruelty” because they used God-given strength in their own way rather than God’s. In what areas of your life (anger, sexuality, ambition, words) are you tempted to wield God-given gifts as instruments of cruelty or selfishness instead of righteousness?

  • What is one specific passion, reaction, or decision you need to bring before the Lord today and ask Him to bring under His authority? How will you practically “run it past His desk” this week?

 
I would love to hear your thoughts – Leave a comment


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One Story, Two Perspectives: Jacob and Laban’s Divided View

Listen to today’s passage – Genesis 31 – 32 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 31

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 23 – 24; Proverbs 12; Psalms 56 – 60)

Read the “0112 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “No More Jacob,” and “Following the Will of God.“

“And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory.” (Genesis 31:1)

The dictionary would define perspective as “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view” (Apple Dictionary)

Jacob and Laban’s Sons Saw Things Very Differently

In the very first verse of our text today in Genesis 31, we see that Laban and his sons had a completely different perspective or point of view than Jacob did. From Laban’s family’s perspective, Jacob had received all of his prosperity from Laban: that Jacob had actually taken it from him and his other sons. From their point of view Jacob owed them greatly. However, Jacob had a completely different perspective. He saw things in a completely different way than Laban and his boys. Jacob’s side of the story was that Laban’s family did not have very much when Jacob joined them, and because of the hard work and blessing of God upon Jacob, God had increased both Laban and Jacob tremendously. We know from the text that Jacob’s perspective was right:

” … for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.” (Genesis 31:12)

My point, however, is that Laban and Jacob had completely different perspectives on the exact same set of circumstances. It is like those pictures that were circulating around the internet a while back. The image would be of a dress, and some people would sware that the dress was green, and others were absolutely positive that it was another color. People often see things from different perspectives. 

What do you see in the image below, an old woman or a beautiful young woman?

Again, we know that Jacob’s particular point of view in this case was the accurate one according to God, but that does not change the fact that Laban’s sons truly believed that they were right also. They were not, but they thought they were. They could not see things from Jacob’s persepective. Oftentimes, people see things through the lense of what is in their best interest. Jacob was benefiting more than the sons of Laban were from the arrangement that Laban made with Jacob, so they naturally thought that somehow something was amiss; they thought Jacob must have been stealing from them, which simply was not true. 

We Need to Try to Understand the Other Person’s Perspective

There are a couple of lessons here that I think we need to learn. First, when it comes to conflicts between two people who are in most areas likeminded, there needs to be a sincere attempt to try to understand the other’s perspective: try to see things from their point of view. Oftentimes, if an open mind is kept, conflicts can be easily resolved.

A Gospel-Shaped Perspective

However, when trying to understand people who come from a completely different perspective, a little more care will have to be taken. Christians have a God perspective, especially those believers who are well-grounded in the Scriptures. We see things from God’s perspective (at least for the most part).

A Carnal Perspective

The lost world and even some carnal Christians have a totally different perspective, partially because of the fact that they have been blinded to spiritual Truth. Satan has blinded them:

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

The lost world believes that Christians are foolish for believing what we do. They simply do not understand us:

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

The Need for Transformation

As believers, we need to try to understand that the problem is a spiritual one. We are simply living in two different worlds; we have totally different mindsets or paradigms. There needs to be a paradigm shift. We need to pray that God will open their eyes to the Truth of the gospel. If they were to get saved, the problem of different perspectives would be solved or at least eased. Like you, I get very frustrated watching and listening to the politicians and television personalities who “simply don’t get it.” But, they can’t get it because right now they are blind to the Truth. God needs to open their eyes. We need to pray for them and compassionately love them and try to preach the Truth to them.

Questions for Reflection

  • Recall a time when you and someone close to you experienced the same event or situation but interpreted it completely differently. How did differing perspectives affect your relationship, and what might have helped bridge the gap?

  • How can sincerely trying to understand another person’s point of view (even if you disagree) lead to better resolution in disagreements among fellow believers?

  • Think about someone in your life who seems to “not get” spiritual truths or the gospel. How does recognizing spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4) change your frustration into compassion?

  • This week, who is one person God might be calling you to pray for (that their eyes would be opened to the gospel) or share truth with in love? What practical step will you take?

I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment!


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Deceived by Laban: The Boomerang Principle of Sowing and Reaping

Listen to Today’s Passage – Genesis 29 – 30 

Follow along on from Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 29

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 21 – 22; Proverbs 11; Psalms 51 – 55)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Isaiah 40:31

Read previous posts from this passage – “Surprise,” and “Moving Forward“

“25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?” (Genesis 29:25)

“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

The Story

Today’s passage reveals the principle of sowing and reaping. Jacob, whose name means “supplanter” or “deceiver,” had been guilty of deceiving his father Isaac and his brother Esau back in chapter twenty-seven. Now in chapter twenty-nine, the shoe is on the other foot. In this passage we see that Jacob who had deceived his father is now being deceived himself. He had left Canaan (Israel) and travelled back to the place where his family originated (near Babylon) in order to escape the wrath of his brother and also find a wife. He arrives and meets a beautiful young lady named Rachel who happened to be his cousin (OK back in those days – really wierd today). He falls in love with her and strikes a bargain with her father (his uncle) to work for him for seven years as payment for his daughter. Oh how I wish that we still followed this program today. I have three beutiful daughters and I would have been rich. Anyway, after his seven years of hard labor is completed, Jacob wants his wife. However, when he wakes up in the morning after the wedding celebration the night before, he does not find beautiful Rachel lying next to him in the bed, but instead he sees Leah, Rachel’s older sister. You can imagine the surprise that must have been on his face when he laid eyes on Leah who the Bible describes as “tender-eyed”. That was the phrase you used in Bible days when you wanted to be kind when describing someone who was ugly. Jacob was tricked by his uncle Laban. The deceiver was deceived.

Sowing and Reaping

I have two thoughts regarding this passage of Scripture. The first is the principle of sowing and reaping. Jacob reaped deception because he was a sower of deception. In fact, I think we learn in the coming chapters that Jacob reaps a little more than he sowed regarding deceiving and being deceived. We sure have to be careful in our lives because this principle is certainly in effect today as well. The Bible says be sure your sin will find you out; and the way of the transgressor is hard. It will eventually come back to bite you. I have seen this principle often in my life and ministry. Many of the problems that I have dealt with as a pastor have been areas where I have been guilty in the past. However, the principle works for good things as well as bad. Sow some good things in your life and you will reap some good things back. Sow a little mercy toward others and you will reap a little mercy from others. Sow a little kindness, and reap a little kindness; sow a little compassion, and you will reap a little compassion. You get the idea.

Be Smart When Dealing with the World

The second thought is that you cannot trust the world. Laban was not a saved man, and Jacob was trusting him to be faithful and trustworthy in his dealings with him. Laban is a type of the devil. If you make a deal with the devil or the world for Rachel, you are going to wake up someday with Leah. Satan is a liar, and this world is completely out for itself. Even God’s people can be downright untrustworthy at times, but know this: you can trust God completely. He will always deliver what he promises, and He will always do right. Even when we don’t understand what He is doing, or why, we can be assured that He loves us and that He has our best interests in mind.

Christ Reaped What We Sowed

One added thought regarding sowing and reaping. Praise God, for the Christian, we will never reap in judgement what we sow in our lifetimes in sin. We deserve to reap Hell for eternity, but Jesus took that punishment for us by going to the Cross. So, in the most important sense, Jesus reaped what we sow. What an awesome God we serve!


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The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl – Exchanging A Lie For The Truth

Today’s Passage – Genesis 27 – 28 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 19 – 20; Proverbs 10; Psalms 46 – 50)

(Gen 28:1-5) And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. (2) Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother’s brother. (3) And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; (4) And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. (5) And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.

Good morning. If you look at the previous chapter, chapter 27, you know that Jacob lied to his dad so he could steal Esau’s blessimg. Even Isaac said that Jacob shall be blessed. But would God use sin to acomplish His purpose? No He would not. If you look back at the sin in your own life, and you will find some, The Bible says…


(Rom 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:


And…


(Rom 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;


And while we look back at what Christ did on the cross for us, those of the Old Testement were looking forward to the sacrifice of Christ.
Jacob had to work hard for Laban’s daughters and the live stock he received.


(Pro 13:15) Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.


But God did bless him.
The LORD watches over those who are His, and He takes care of them. Right now I am going through Chemo. I had my first round on this past Thursday. The second round will be this coming Thursday for Thirteen weeks total. Running along side of this will be another Chemo treatment every three weeks for the next year. But I know in Proverbs 13:15 that the way of the trangressor is hard. But I also know John 16:33…


(Joh 16:33)  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.


To all my readers with cancer, be of good cheer; Jesus is stronger than cancer.


Peace!


Posted in Devotions, The Saturday Morning Post, Thoughts from Genesis by with 1 comment.

Rebekah’s Deception: Justified Faith or Sinful Scheming?

Today’s Passage – Genesis 27 – 28 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 19 – 20; Proverbs 10; Psalms 46 – 50)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 48:1 & 2

Read the “0110 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “A Disfunctional Family,” “I am with Thee,” “The House of God” and “Savory Meat“

“5 And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. 6 And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, 7 Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death. 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee. 9 Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth: 10 And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death. 11 And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man: 12 My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing. 13 And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them. 14 And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved. 15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son: 16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck: 17 And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.” (Genesis 27:5-17)

Rebekah’s Plan

I have considered these two chapters from our reading today for many years and have previously written on many different aspects of this story involving Jacob and Esau. We have in the past covered the carnality of Isaac and the deception of Jacob but my thought this morning is on Rebekah. 

In chapter twenty-seven, we have the story of Jacob tricking his father into giving him the blessing that was intended for his brother Esau. He did this by disguising himself and pretending to be his brother, even going as far as wearing goatskin on his hands to deceive his father who was old and could not see very well. But Jacob did not come up with this idea on his own; the plot was actually hatched by Rebekah, Jacob and Esau’s mother, and Isaac’s wife. It seems a little bizarre to me that this scheme could really work. What I mean is that surely Isaac would eventually discover the truth, which in my mind should nullify any blessing that was pronounced upon Jacob. It seems to me that Isaac could have just renounced the blessing once he found out that he was tricked, but apparently that is not the way it worked in Bible times. I am reminded of the covenant that Joshua made with the Gibeonites after being tricked by them. God expected Israel to honor that covenant even though they were deceived into making it (see Joshua 9:3 – 15). In both of these cases, however, the deception could have been prevented had both Joshua and Isaac consulted the Lord before opening their mouths. And in our story here, I am very sure that God would have stopped Rebekah also had she prayed about it before deceiving her husband. God may also have stopped her husband from what he was about to do had he prayed about it first.

Situational Ethics: Her Justification for the Deception

Personally, I cannot agree with some who have said that what Rebekah did was right in the eyes of God. Their reasoning is that because God had pronounced at the time of the birth of the twins (Genesis 25:23) that the elder (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob). The theory is that Rebekah was attempting to assist the ultimate will of God by plotting and implementing a plan to deceive her husband. In other words, Rebekah did something wrong in order to accomplish something that was good. But isn’t that situational ethics? Is it ever right to do something wrong in order to accomplish something that is right? That is a hard question. The biblical example of the Rahab the harlot lying to the leaders of Jericho regarding the Israelite spies that she had hidden on her roof comes to mind (see Joshua 2). God commended her for what she did and she is even included in the lineage of Christ (see Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25; Matthew 1:5). There is also the example of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah who refused to kill the male babies at their births as the Egyptian government instructed and then lied to Pharaoh about how they survived (Exodus 1:15 – 22). Peter and John also disobeyed the command of the religious authority about preaching the gospel because the commandment of God was higher than the commandment of men (Acts 5:29).

Was She Right?

However, I do not think that Rebekah’s case is the same as Rahab’s or the case of the midwives. First, Rebekah was not a harlot from a heathen city; she was the wife of a man who knew the Lord and surely came to know the Lord herself. The Lord had spoken directly to her when her twins were born (Genesis 25:23). She knew that lying was wrong and she also knew that she should have been in submission to her husband instead of deceiving him and plotting against what he was trying to do. Now, I do believe that she could have spoken up to her husband and strongly reminded him of what God had told her about their sons. And, she should have prayed fervently about the situation to the Lord. The Lord was not dependent upon the sinful actions of Rebekah to accomplish His will. Esau was going to serve Jacob regardless of what Rebekah decided to do, and the descendants of Jacob (Israel) were going to be God’s chosen people. 

The Consequences 

Another sad part about this story is that as a result of what happened, Esau becomes angry and plots to kill his brother, which causes Rebekah and Isaac to send Jacob away, back to the Rebekah’s family’s homeland. Jacob would be deceived himself there by Rebekah’s brother, Laban, and will not be free to return home for many years. Rebekah would never again see the son that she loved so dearly because she would die while he was away. 

What Do You Think?
 
Was Rebekah right to act in the way that she did? Was she right to deceive her husband, even if it was for what she may have thought to be a good reason?

Leave a Comment


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Two Nations, Two Natures: The Flesh vs. Spirit Battle in Genesis 25

Listen to today’s passage – Genesis 25 – 26 

Read along at Blue Letter Bible –  Genesis 25

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 17 – 18; Proverbs 9; Psalms 41 – 45)

Listen to this today’s Scripture Song – Psalm 47:1

Read the “0109 Evening and Morning” devotion for today by C. H. Spurgeon.

“And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” (Gen 25:23)
“32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.” (Gen 25:32-33)
The focus in the Book of Genesis will now shift from Abraham to Isaac. This chapter will briefly explain what happens to Abraham’s other children; but then will concentrate on Isaac and his children, Jacob and Esau. Abraham began his pilgrimage with the Lord at the age of 75 when God called him out of Ur of the Chaldees over in Mesopotamia. Now, after walking by faith and living for the Lord for a full century, Abraham finally “gives up the ghost.” Many people start out well in their relationship with God, but few finish like Abraham.
The first two sections of chapter 25 deal with:
  1. The Death of Abraham (vs. 1 – 11)
  2. The Descendants of Ishmael (vs. 12 – 18)

The focus of this devotion will be on the last two sections of the chapter (vs. 19 – 34):

The Delivery of the Twins (vs. 19 – 26)

There are some wonderful spiritual truths to think about from this passage. First, let us consider the fact that Rebekah is barren. She could not produce fruit (a child). Isaac interceded for her. We are reminded of the fact that Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Remember, Rebekah is a picture of the church; but the church without Christ is merely flesh; and “the flesh profiteth nothing.” We are nothing without Christ. We can produce neither the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of winning a soul apart from a relationship with Christ.

Secondly, we see in this passage that Rebekah had a struggle of two natures inside of her. Every believer has the same struggle going on inside of them. We have the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The nature that we feed will prove to be the one that gets the victory. (Rom 7:15 – 25; Gal 5:16-17)

  • The Births Were Miraculous
  • The Boys Were Cantankerous

1. They struggled in the womb

2. They struggled after birth

God explains to Rebekah in verse 23 that there are two very different children in her womb. Jacob, the younger, will be the child of promise. His older brother Esau will serve him. Esau is a picture or type of the flesh as we will soon see.

Important note regarding v. 23:

“And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” (Gen 25:23)

Notice the Scripture did not say here in Genesis 25 that God “hated” Esau. He will say that 1,500 years later in Malachi 1:3, and it will be repeated in Romans 9:13. In both Malachi and Romans, however, the context is dealing with the nations that descended from Jacob and Esau (Israel and Edom), not the individuals. Here in Genesis, it just states that Esau would be a servant to Jacob, which meant that Jacob would receive the inheritance and the blessing, not Esau. The person, Esau, never served his brother in his lifetime. His descendants, however, would.

The Despising of the Birthright (vs. 27 – 34; Heb 12:16 – 17)

“16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” (Heb 12:16-17)

  • The Development of the Boys (v. 27)

1. Esau was a cunning hunter – a man of the field

2. Jacob was a plain man – dwelling in tent

  • The Division in the Home (v. 28)

1. Isaac loved Esau – because of his venison

2. Rebekah loved Jacob – no reason

  • The Decision for the Flesh (vs. 29 – 34)

Esau gives up his birthright simply because of his hunger, his carnal appetite. Now Jacob, whose name means trickster, is willing to take advantage of Esau’s fleshly appetite to get what God was going to give him anyway. The appetites of the flesh are very powerful. How many times have God’s children sacrificed the will of God because of some carnal appetite? 

1. He sacrificed the eternal on the altar of the temporal.

2. He sacrificed the spiritual on the altar of the carnal.

“The flesh craves the immediate – the Spirit seeks the eternal”

What are some examples in your life when you chose the carnal over the eternal? (i.e. choosing extra sleep over a devotional time with the Lord; spending hours of time scrolling through social media or binge watching television over spending time reading your Bible or giving quality time to your family).

  • The Details of the Birthright

1. It contained the right to Isaac’s Possessions. The eldest received at least a double portion of the inheritance.

2. It contained the right to Isaac’s Patriarchy. The eldest son becomes the head of the family. In this case it contained also the seed of the Savior. Christ would be born from the seed of Jacob; not Esau.

I would love to hear your thoughts – leave a comment!
 
Read related previous posts from this passage – “The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree,“ “From A Father To A Son,” and“Keep Digging Wells.”


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A Bride for Isaac: Practical Teaching and a Picture Treasury from Genesis 24

Today’s Passage – Genesis 23 – 24 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 15 – 16; Proverbs 8; Psalms 36 – 40)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 34:6

Read the “0108 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “The Blessing of the Lord,” “Taker or Giver?,” “Praying for Clear Direction,” and “The Bride of Christ”

“4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. … 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” (Gen 24:4, 67)

Introduction

Chapter 24 is the longest chapter in the book of Genesis and it tells the very beautiful story of Abraham (through his servant) searching for and finding a wife for his son Isaac. This chapter is one of the great chapters in Scripture as it contains much in the way of practical teaching, but also is replete with types or pictures of Christ and His Bride, the Church.  As we have seen many times before in our study of Genesis, this chapter is all about the Lord Jesus. How amazing our God is that He can paint a marvelous portrait of Christ in a real, historical narrative of people living thousands of years before Christ. As we read this chapter, let’s look for these pictures of Christ and pictures of New Testament truth as they are woven throughout the story.

Practical Teaching

Simple Timeline Within the Story

Abraham commands the servant to go find a bride for his son in the land of Mesopotamia where Abraham was from. (vs. 1 – 9)

The servant sets out with gifts and provision for the trip, and finally arrives in the city of Nahor. (v. 10)

The servant prays unto the Lord to show him clearly the right woman for Isaac. (vs. 11 – 14)

The Lord brings the right woman to the servant. (vs. 15 – 21)

The servant gives gifts unto Rebekah and inquires of her family. (vs. 22 – 28)

The servant goes to the family and explains his purpose. (vs. 29 – 49)

After receiving gifts from the servant, the family agrees to allow Rebekah to go with the servant. (vs. 50 – 60)

The servant brings Rebekah back to Isaac. (v. 61)

Isaac takes Rebekah as his bride. (vs. 62 – 67)

Scriptural Teaching on Marriage

Abraham was very involved in the selection of his son’s bride.

    • Christian parents have a right and an obligation to assist and approve the choices of their children.
    • Christian couples should get the blessing of their parents and the counsel of their pastor(s) before getting engaged.

Isaac was not to marry one of the Canaanites which were known for their wickedness. God does not want us to marry someone who is not a Christian and who is not serving the Lord faithfully.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

The Lord directed the servant to the right bride. If young people will wait on the Lord, He will direct them in His will regarding marriage.

Picture Treasury

Now let us look at the picture or types of Christ and His Bride (the Church) that we can see in this narrative. There are many more types in this passage than we will discuss here, but we will attempt to point out the obvious ones.  Remember, it is not wise to build doctrine solely on types, but these pictures do give us wonderful reinforcement of the doctrines plainly taught elsewhere in the Scripture, and they also remind us of the infallibility of the Word of God.

It is important to remember that this story takes place after the events in chapter 22, where Isaac is offered on the altar of sacrifice by Abraham at Moriah. Christ could only get His bride after He finished the work of redemption on the cross of Calvary.

Abraham is a type of God the Father.

Isaac is a type of God the Son.

Rebekah is a picture of the church, the bride of Christ. (Ephesians 5:22 – 33) Note – Even though God sovereignly directed this marriage, Rebekah still made a choice to be Isaac’s bride. 

The Servant is a type of the Holy Spirit.

    • He is un-named. 

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

    • He guides and protects the bride until she gets to Christ.
    • He teaches the bride about Christ. Isaac became more real to Rebekah, the closer she got to him.
    • He gives gifts to the Bride. (v. 22; v. 53; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12)
    • He gives precious things to the world. (v. 53)

Laban is picture of the world. We will learn more about him in future chapters.

    • He is enamored with the spiritual gifts; but not with the Son. (v 30)
    • He attempts to hinder the work of the Spirit in the life of the Bride. (v. 55)

Sarah is a picture of the nation of Israel. (Jehovah’s bride)

    • Notice that Isaac gets his bride after Sarah is gone.
    • Notice also that the bride occupies the tent of Sarah. The church is not the Nation of Israel; but it occupies a special place of blessing in the eyes of God.  God will someday restore Israel; but not until after the church is removed from the earth. 

The camels are a picture of the grace of God. It is grace that brings the Bride on the long journey through the desert of this world to the Son.

Abraham’s country (v. 4) is a picture of the earth. (Matthew 28:18 -20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)

The entire story is a picture of soul winning.  It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict a sinner of their need for the Saviour. 

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (John 16:8)

 In this passage we see both the sovereignty of God; and the free will of man.  God directed the servant to a specific bride; yet she could have refused. (v. 8)

Genesis 24 is more than an ancient love story—it is a divine romance revealing God’s redemptive plan. Through the servant’s mission, Rebekah’s willing response, and Isaac’s joyful union, we see both a pattern for godly marriage and a glorious picture of Christ and His Bride, the Church. May we trust the Father’s choice, yield to the Holy Spirit’s direction, and, like Rebekah, lift our eyes in anticipation for the coming Bridegroom.

Questions for Reflection

  1. In Genesis 24, Abraham’s servant prayed specifically for God’s guidance (vs. 12–14). How specifically do you seek God’s direction when making major life decisions, such as choosing a spouse?

  2. Both Abraham and the servant refused to let Isaac leave the promised land to fetch a bride. Are there any “compromises” in your life or relationships that might take you outside of God’s promised will?

  3. The chapter ends with Isaac being comforted by Rebekah after his mother’s death (v. 67). How does your relationship with Christ (or your earthly marriage) bring comfort in seasons of loss or grief?


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God Will Provide Himself a Lamb: Abraham’s Test and the Shadow of Christ

 

Listen to today’s passage – Genesis 20 – 22 (audio)

Read along at Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 20

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 13 – 14; Psalms 31 – 35; Proverbs 7

Read the “0107 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Listen to today’s Scripture song – Psalm 34

“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Heream I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” Genesis 22:7-8

Before I begin my thought this morning from today’s passage in the Scripture, let me say that I feel totally inadequate to even attempt to glean all of the depth and beauty that is contained in chapter 22. We are certainly treading on Holy Ground as we deal with the great test that God gave Abraham when He asked him to offer up his only son, Isaac. I strongly encourage you to prayerfully re-read this chapter, and ask God to open your eyes to the many wonderful pictures of the Lord Jesus Christ that we will see in this chapter. I will discuss some of these types of Christ from this passage in a minute, but first let me say, that God was definitely putting Abraham to the test by asking this of him. God had first promised Abraham a son twenty-five years before He actually gave him. Abraham had waited so long, but God finally delivered on His promise. To make matters worse, Abraham’s other son, Ishmael, who was born to a concubine had been sent away; so Isaac was all that Abraham had, and God was now asking him to give him back. Think now how you would respond to this. What if God were to ask you to sacrifice your only child? What if God were to ask you to let your child serve Him on a foreign mission field? We become very attached to the children God gives us, don’t we?

The Person of the Sacrifice

First, let us consider the person of the sacrifice. Before, we look at the pictures of Christ contained in chapter 22, let’s examine how the child, Isaac, is a picture of Christ. The birth of Isaac bears a striking resemblance to the birth of Christ in many ways making Isaac’s birth a type of the birth of our Lord.

A. W. Pink in his work, Gleanings in Genesis,points out the following:[1]

  • Isaac was the promised seed and son; and so was Christ. (Genesis 17:16; 3:5; Isaiah 7:14)
  • In both cases there was a long period of time between the promise of birth and the fulfillment of that promise. (Genesis 12:7)
  • In both cases the announcement of the birth to the mothers and the reception of the news were similar. (Genesis 18:12 – 14; Luke 1:34 – 37)
  • In both cases the name of the child was specified before birth. (Genesis 17:19; Matthew 1:21)
  • Both births occurred at an appointed time. (Genesis 21:2; Galatians 4:4)
  • Both births were miraculous. (Consider also the birth of Samuel and the birth of John the Baptist)
  • The name Isaac, which means laughter, was given by Abraham indicating the delight of the father.  So too did Jesus’ Father declare His delight, when He said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

These types, which are replete throughout the Book of Genesis, remind us of the infallibility of the Word of God. How could any human instrument paint such an accurate and beautiful picture of our Lord centuries before His birth.

The Place of the Sacrifice

Now let’s consider the place of the sacrifice. Did you know that this Mt. Moriah is the very same mountain that the Lord Jesus would be crucified on years later. By the way, it is also the place where David offers his sacrifice (2 Sam 24:18 – 25); and also the same mountain where the temple would be built.

The Pictures in the Sacrifice

Finally. let us look at some of the other pictures contained in this chapter:

  • They arrived at Moriah on the third day (v 4). For three days Isaac was thought to be as good as dead to Abraham. But on this third day, Abraham was given back his son alive.  Of course, the third day is the day of resurrection.
  • The wood for the sacrifice was placed upon Isaac (v. 6) and carried by Isaac to the place of the sacrifice. Remember that Christ carried the wood for His sacrifice as well.
  • In verse five, they leave the servants behind. This was between the father and the son. Christ also left the disciples at Gethsemane; and even the two thieves were excluded when the darkness fell when Christ was on the cross.
  • Notice in verse eight, “God will provide himself a lamb.” This is not a reference to the ram that was given later on in the chapter. This is clearly a reference to Christ.
  • The Ram was caught in a thicket. Thorns were upon the head of the Saviour.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

Questions for Reflection
  • What details in Genesis 22 most vividly point you to Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross?
  • Abraham trusted God to provide—even to the point of believing in resurrection (Hebrews 11:19). How does this encourage you when God calls you to surrender something precious?
  • Where in your life right now do you need to trust that “God will provide Himself a lamb”?
  • How does seeing Jesus as the ultimate substitute change your perspective on obedience and fear?
  • Spend a moment thanking God for providing the Lamb.

[1] Arthur W. Pink, Gleanings in Genesis (Chicago: Moody Press, 1922), 211.

Read related previous posts from today’s passage – “The Whole Truth,“ “When God Withholds You,” and “Waiting on the Will of God“

 


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