Today's Reading
Genesis begins with one of the classic questions in Scripture: "Will you go with this man?" After all the bargaining and arrangements were done, the choice still lay with Rebekah. The future of God's people was permanently marked by her choice. When she and Isaac had twins, it immediately set up something that happened numerous times in the Bible: sibling rivalry. Notice the damaging effects that happen when each parent has a favorite.
Notice today that Isaac picked up a very bad habit from his dad. Then notice how the growth of the population started numerous conflicts over who got to live where. The ancient Philistines and the modern Palestinians...same people!
Matthew. These were people who, like us, started to follow Jesus. But the way is often difficult. Almost as if to demonstrate Jesus' words about the cost of discipleship, the storm came up on the lake and Jesus was asleep. When have you felt that He was sleeping when a storm came up in your life?
In the last part of the passage, Jesus sends some demons into pigs. On the one hand, pigs were "unclean" and Jews didn't eat pork. On the other hand, those pigs were worth money to these people from the other side of the lake. What do you make of that?
Psalms. Life can be difficult. "The wicked" might be compared to difficulties we have with a family member or our workplace or someone we do business with. Try to think of a time when you felt out of control and uncared for.
Proverbs introduces us to the idea of "fearing" God. This doesn't mean to cower, but to have a deep, awesome respect for Him.
Many of you are really getting in to this. Remember, if you lose a day, let it go and join us on the current day. Little by little you are learning the character of God.
Questions? Comments?
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Have you decided not to continue your blog? or are you just taking a break?
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea about Jesus being asleep on that boat. Never thought about it that way. Guess I'm to "literal". I don't think "deep" enough. That's why I need your help!
Thank you for being here.
Ok, I'm caught back up in the readings...missed a few days. It's funny, after getting through a few days of readings I was thinking of how much wisdom is in the scripture and then the final scripture read was in Proverbs:
ReplyDelete"Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones."
Thank God for His wisdom...it truly is the lamp unto our feet for our daily walk.
Sam, I started out reading Matthew Henry's Commentary, but find yours so much more insightful in today's world. I am truly enjoying my time in the early morning in The Word.
ReplyDeleteThanks for what you do - and for being His faithful servant.
Hey Chewie! My schedule has been pretty tight at the beginning of this new year. I have tried to use free hours to do more reading. I'm certain that I will get back to writing before long. You're very kind for asking about Dwell & Cultivate, my personal blog.
ReplyDeleteSean, I am hit right in the soft spot by your comment. Oh, how easy it easy it is to start taking credit for those gifts which God has freely given.
Linda, thanks for the kind comment. I've learned much from Matthew Henry over the years, but he certainly wrote for a different era.
I am unsure of what to make of the pig situation in Matthew 8. It seems like Jesus going to the other side of the river caused some major problems for the people of that town. They lost an entire herd of pigs, which must have been a big part of their livelihood. In fact, in verse 34 the townspeople are so upset that they beg Jesus to leave. The day definitely turned out well for the two demon possessed men, but I wonder why Jesus didn't heal them in a less destructive way?
ReplyDeleteI first read your comment very early this morning, Missy, and began to chew on how to respond. As I reread it just now, I realized that some things may never be understood until we get to heaven. Proverbs 3 reminds us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding. I could give you all kinds of speculation about the pigs and Jesus' actions, but the truth is I don't know.
ReplyDelete