Victory in Christ

In Genesis chapter 28 we read of Jacob’s dream of the ladder going into Heaven and God’s promise to him.  Just one chapter prior to this, Jacob, with the help of his mother had deceived his father Isaac.  What has changed?  What was the purpose of God giving Jacob this dream?  In the dream He promises Jacob that thru him, “all the families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen 28:14)  The dream had to be humbling to Jacob.  It was more than a dream like we would have today.  Jacob knew this was truly God speaking to him.  “Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.’” (Genesis 28:16)  This is another instance of God working thru imperfect men.  Like Jacob, none of us will ever be perfect, but if we stay close to God and His word we can glorify His name by the way that we live.

Today’s reading: Genesis 27-29

In today’s reading we see the account of Esau selling his birthright to his brother for just one meal. (Genesis 25:29-34) There are many points we could make about this incident, but a powerful statement is made that Esau is remembered for this in the New Testament as well. “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.” (Hebrews 12:14-16 NASB) Sometimes it is not easy to do as the Hebrew writer tells us here and “pursue peace with all men”, but as Christians we should strive to do so daily.

Today’s reading: Genesis 25-26

Abraham was a man known for his faith.  Another man who showed great faith was Abraham’s servant who was trusted to find a wife for Isaac.  He went on his way to find a wife, but when he got close, he prayed.  His prayer was for God’s guidance.  He knew this was a big responsibility that was placed on him.  He did not not just sit at home and pray waiting for God to drop a solution into his lap.  He went to work while also asking God for guidance.  We should pray with the same trust that God will guide us.  We know there will be no miraculous sign, but if we are striving toward righteous goals He will be there to lead us on the right path.

Today’s reading: Genesis 22-24

We have probably all heard about Lot’s wife and what happened to her. “But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26 ESV) When this happened, God was destroying Sodom and Gomorrah because of the sinfulness of the people who lived there. God had promised Abraham that if there were just 10 righteous people living there, He would spare the cities. (Genesis 18:32) There were not 10 found. Lot was then given the opportunity to flee the area and save himself, his wife, his daughters and his son-in-laws. The son-in-laws did not leave because they thought it was just a joke. As they were fleeing the area, Lot’s wife looked back one more time. God had provided them an opportunity to escape, He had given them specific instructions on how to do so, all they had to do was follow His commands. We see what happened to one who did not follow His commands and to the ones who thought is was a joke. In the same way today, we have an opportunity to escape an eternal life in hell. All we have to do is follow His commands.

Today’s reading: Genesis 19-21

God promised Abraham that his descendants would be great. (Genesis 12:2, 17:4)  Abraham was getting older and wondering if this promise was really going to happen.  When God again made this promise to Abraham (17:16), he laughed and questioned to himself how this could happen to a man who was a hundred years old and a woman who was ninety. (17:17)  Sarah also laughed when she heard this promise. (18:12)  God works in ways we sometimes do not understand, but He always keeps His promises.

Today’s reading: Genesis 16-18

We think of Abraham as a man of great faith.  When he was still known as Abram, God had already promised him great things:  “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen 12:2-3)  Then just a few verses down we read of Abram deciding to take things into his own hands.  He was afraid of what the Egyptians might do to him so he planned to deceive them by saying Sarai was sister.  There was some truth in that statement, (Gen 20:12) but his intentions were to hide the truth and imply that she was not his wife.  A couple of lessons we can learn from this situation.  Even with a little bit of truth mixed in, when the intent is to deceive, it is still a lie.  The Bible tells us how God feels about telling lies (Proverbs 6:16-19).  Another lesson to learn is that we should always trust God and His plans.  No matter how great a man’s plan may seem, it is nothing in comparison to God’s plan.  We are told that even “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Today’s reading: Genesis 12-15

After God had challenged Job with some tough questions, we see the response.  “Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.  You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.’” (Job 42:1-3)  It took some hard questions straight from God’s own voice, but Job was completely humbled.  He realized that his knowledge was nothing compared to the knowledge of the One who created everything.  Paul told the Corinthians (and us) something very similar.  “If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.  But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:2-3)

Today’s reading: Job 40-42

Elihu continues his speech to Job with descriptions of God’s majesty.  As he is listing these powers, he rhetorically asks Job if he is God’s partner in His work.  In the following chapter (38) we read the continued questioning of Job, but this time the questions come from God.  Verse 1 tells us that God is talking to Job from a whirlwind and He tells Job to be prepared.  “Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.” (Job 38:3)  I would imagine Job was a little scared at this point since he is being told by God to bring forth his best effort.  Like Job, none of us can compare to the majesty of our Heavenly Father.  The good news is that we do not have to compare to Him.  We just need to be willing to follow Him with all of our being and let Him take care of us.

Today’s reading: Job 38-39

Elihu rebuked Job and gave his opinion about how Job had reacted to all of his suffering.  He felt that Job’s opinion of himself was that he was more righteous than God.  “Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God’s?” (Job 35:2)  We do not read anywhere that Job had made a statement like this, but Elihu seemed to think that was how he acted.  Elihu does make some good points about God’s awesome power and How he blesses every person on this earth much more richly than we deserve.  One of his messages to Job (also applies to us) is to give God the glory He deserves.  “Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.” (Job 36:24)

Today’s reading: Job 35-37

Elihu had his own opinion about the trials and suffering that Job had endured.  When he shared that opinion with Job he had a good point that he made was about opportunities God provides us to repent and get our lives right with Him.  His point is still fitting in our lives today.  “Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be lighted with the light of life.” (Job 33:30)  We know that God does not want anyone to be lost.  “…who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

Today’s reading: Job 32-34