Exodus. Today begins the long struggle between God and Pharaoh. I noticed how God tried to get Moses to take on the full responsibility of speaking and Moses argued that he wasn't eloquent. The Lord seems reluctant to make Aaron the spokesman "to the people." I wonder if that is because Aaron is the one who would give in to the people in the matter of the golden calf. How often does God prompt us in a direction that we refuse and we find out later that He was trying to protect us from pain.
Before Moses arrived back in Egypt, a mysterious event takes place when it seems as if God will judge Moses because he has refused to circumcise his son. Here is at least part of the meaning...
Circumcision was the sign of Israel's covenant with God. The shedding of blood in this way looked forward to the day when blood would be shed to pay for all the sins of humankind. It was, then, a severe violation that Moses hadn't circumcised his son. It was a compromise on Moses' part. Ethnically Hebrew, he had grown up like the Egyptians. When he fled to the wilderness, he married a woman who grew up worshipping other gods. Perhaps it was Zipporah who didn't want to circumcise her son in the custom of the Jews and Moses didn't push the matter. Now, though, they were going back to be among God's chosen people and the true nature of the compromise was seen. God himself would have intervened if Moses' wife hadn't. Why didn't Moses take care of it? What do you think?
Monday, January 31, 2011
January 31, Day 31
Sunday, January 30, 2011
January 30, Day 30
Exodus. We fast forward about 400 years and pick up the story of God's people in this second book of the Bible. Despite human indignity, this is a story of grace, mercy and deliverance.
An interesting note to today's reading. The story of humans on earth had been told verbally from generation to generation until the time of Moses. He was the one who started writing down the hundreds of years of human history. Consequently, he is now telling us his own story.
We receive some beautiful detail about Moses' birth and a small story about his flight from Egypt. The encounter with the burning bush begins a journal of many significant events. By this time, Moses was 80 years old. He was in Egypt for about 40 years, in Midian for about 40 years and leading the people for his last 40 years. I believe it was Dwight L. Moody who said, "Moses spent the first 40 years of his life thinking he was somebody, the next 40 years of his life finding out he was a nobody, and the last 40 years of his life discovering what God can do with somebody who finds out he's a nobody."
Saturday, January 29, 2011
January 29, Day 29
Genesis. It amazes me how God gave insight to the Patriarchs as they pronounced blessings upon their descendants. Ephraim did become a greater tribe than his older brother, just as Jacob had said. Then, this blessing upon Judah, the ancestor of Jesus:
8 “Judah, your brothers will praise you. You will grasp your enemies by the neck. All your relatives will bow before you. (This was fulfilled in King David, then in Christ.)
9 Judah, my son, is a young lion that has finished eating its prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? (The lion became the banner of Judah. Jesus was the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Interesting that C.S. Lewis portrays Him as a lion in Chronicles of Narnia.)
10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor. (Every knee shall bow to Him and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.)
11 He ties his foal to a grapevine, the colt of his donkey to a choice vine. He washes his clothes in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. (He rode into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey. His blood-covered robe was left intact.)
12 His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk. Genesis 49:8-12 (NLT) (I am not sure if we have references to this verse later in Scripture. Do any of you have insight?)
Joseph came to Egypt 17 and died at 110. He lived there for 93 years. His family came when he was almost 40. He was alive for the first 70 years of their long stay; they would be slaves soon after this.
We have completed Genesis and Job, two long and amazing Bible books. Tomorrow we launch into Exodus!
Friday, January 28, 2011
January 28, Day 28
God used the Egyptians (Egypt symbolizes the world in many Biblical references) to saved the Israelites. He used a pagan king, one who took full advantage of the famine to conscript his entire nation as servants, to save His beloved people. I have been reading a book about God's love for cities and the need to reach them. One of the principles is to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where God has placed you (Jeremiah 29). Joseph sought the peace of Egypt, then his father spoke a blessing upon Pharaoh. God did bless the Egyptian king, taking care of Israel in the process.
Amazing!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
January 27, Day 27
Genesis. Notice that their father didn't let the brothers take Benjamin to Egypt until Judah offered his own life in exchange. He had refused to accept the offer of Reuben to give up two of his sons. Judah, the direct ancestor of Jesus, showed us a picture of salvation. It is not by our own works, but because God offered Himself, through Jesus, as our substitute.
I always read today's passage with tears. The story of reconciliation is, I believe, the most powerful story of all. God sent His Son Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus' ancestor Judah took the front position so that Joseph could be reconciled to his family. I deeply hope to hear many of your responses to this today!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
January 26, Day 26
Genesis. In today's passage, Joseph meets Pharaoh. Pharaoh was almost certainly the most powerful ruler in the world at the time. What do you think about their meeting and the results? I wonder if Pharaoh had received word from the dungeon about this Hebrew who managed with excellence.
Potiphar was the captain of the guard. Surely he was in the room when Pharaoh appointed Joseph. Do you think he believed Joseph all along, but had him put in jail to appease his wife? I think so, because Potiphar was a shrewd judge of character. He had seen the honor of Joseph and the duplicity of his wife, so he surely guessed what happened.
The next chapter describes Joseph facing his past. He puts his brothers to a test. I can only imagine the emotional upheaval he experienced. Your thoughts?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
January 25, Day 25
Genesis. Before we complete Joseph's story, we take a side journey. It's an important detour. Why? Jacob/Israel had 12 sons and only one of them would be the direct ancestor of Jesus Christ. That son was Judah. Jesus' lineage came through Judah and Tamar, and you read about it in this mysterious story today. When you think about it, the Old Testament women in Jesus' lineage is more than interesting. It included the Tamar the scorned daughter-in-law, Rahab the harlot, Ruth the Moabitess and Bathsheba the adulteress. Hmmmm.
So much about the story of Joseph rivets me. Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, blessed by God in Potiphar's house, betrayed by Potiphar's wife and blessed by God in prison. After all that, he is forgotten by one of Pharaoh's servants. All that pain! Yet, God always has a purpose.
What do you think of this story so far?
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24, Day 24
Genesis. Big life changes help prepare our hearts for deeper works of God. This is certainly the case with Jacob. He sought God before he met Esau. He wrestled with God through the night. He returns to "House of God" (Bethel) and discovers another of God's names: El-Shaddai. Then he goes through the loss of Rachel and of his father Isaac. I'm amazed that Isaac, old before Jacob left, was still alive. Perhaps God let him live so he could see his two sons reunited.
Chapter 36 contains a long list of the descendants of Esau (aka Edom). You should feel free to skim this passage, with its long list of names. For you history buffs who like to know how this people group ended up, I googled "modern day Edomites" and found that the descendants of Esau pretty much intermarried and assimilated in to the Jewish people near the time of Christ. We will meet them, though, as we study through the Old Testament.
Chapter 37 is our introduction to the man whose story will occupy the rest of Genesis. It was Joseph's brother Judah whose line included Jesus the Messiah, but Joseph was orchestrated by God to be a savior of sorts to the rest of his family. His story is my favorite in all the Old Testament. The narrative begins with sibling rivalry. Where do you think Jacob learned to play favorites with his children?
Sunday, January 23, 2011
January 23, Day 23
Genesis. Jacob was on the eve of meeting Esau after so many years. That meant that he must face his past and his deception. Have you ever experienced a moment like that? I have. Funny thing, though; the truth I had wanted to avoid set me free. Before he met the day, Jacob spent the night wrestling with God. Jacob the supplanter became Israel, the one who prevails with God. God left His mark on Jacob's body as well as his soul. No doubt Jacob was reminded of that night every time his hip ached.
The day came, along with the dreaded reunion. What do you think about this part of the story? What must have been going on in the hearts of Jacob and Esau? Did you notice the bargaining. Jacob wanted Esau to take the gift; Esau said, "No." (No self-respecting Hebrew would receive such a gift; unless, of course the giver insisted.) Jacob insisted; Esau accepted. What happened after Esau left? Jacob didn't go right to him, but moved nearby.
The very next part of the story turns dark in many ways. How does it affect you? What do you think of what Jacob's sons did to the people of Shechem?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 22, Day 22
Genesis. Having again read about the final sparring between Jacob and his father-in-law Laban, I am reflecting. Laban was blinded by his desire to rule everyone within his reach. Jacob was a better businessman. Both were shrewd. God obviously had a plan for Jacob back in the land of his father.
What do you think about the sparring that went on between the two sisters? I'm not sure they grew up in a healthy family environment and had probably fought their whole lives for everything they got.
Friday, January 21, 2011
January 21, Day 21
Genesis. The long and troubled history of Jesus' earthly ancestry continues. Jacob (whose name would later be changed to Israel) was the younger son. In most cases, the older son got the lion's share of the property and the benefits from their father's estate. That was the plan here, but Esau gave up his birthright. The blessing was different, however. The blessing was given by the father himself and Esau expected to received it. The blessing carried with it the expected power of God to make it come true. The birthright could have been rendered meager if Jacob lost the blessing. His mother knew that as well as he. So they cheated. What do you think about it?
Chapter 28 marks the beginning of a spiritual turning in Jacob's life. What we often read past is that, in his dream, the angels were ascending and descending. This is significant because Jesus (John 1:51) told Nathaniel ("in whom is no guile") that he would see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. Look carefully. They weren't descending from heaven, then going back to God; they were ascending from earth to God, then coming back down. The primary purpose of angels during this age is found on earth, not in heaven. They are constantly among us, ascending to heaven as needed, then right back to their duties on our behalf.
Chapter 29 is a beautiful story of love worth fighting for. During this account, Jacob meets someone who is at the very least his equal at cheating. This conflict will continue in our reading tomorrow.
What is speaking to you?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
January 20, Day 20
Genesis. As I read of Abraham's death, then of Ishmael's lineage, a part of verse 18 jumped out at me: "There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives." Ancient Ishmaelites are modern-day Arabs. Everything I read about their world contains the strife that is constant among them. The only thing that seems to unite them is their despite for Israel.
Notice how quick Esau was to give up his birthright. Before you criticize him, think about how much we give up as followers of Christ when we choose to give our hearts to the things of this world. Our hearts are quickly empty and we throw away our birthright as His children.
In chapter 26, 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! Notice the tribal conflict and how a covenant changes the situation. The covenant meal was in important part of the process. It indicated a brotherhood between the former enemies. To understand covenant meal, think Passover. Then think of the Last Supper.
What speaks to you today?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
January 19, Day 19
Genesis 22 is a powerful story about Abraham's commitment and trust level. I think it's probable that he took Isaac up for sacrifice to the very mountain that Jesus was sacrificed on hundreds of years later. How far am I willing to go in my commitment to God?
In chapter 23, notice the bargaining that goes on when Abraham bought her burial place. We had discovered Abe to be a bargainer when he talked to God about the imminent destruction of Sodom. Now he bargains over property. This was very typical by the way (think Algodones). Ephron's offer to "give" him the property followed by a price was a way of haggling and saving face at the same time. If Abe had accepted the property as a gift he would have lost credibility and if Ephron had required payment, he would have lost credibility.
Genesis 24 gives the details of finding a wife for Isaac. You may have many questions about them, but don't overlook the faithfulness of God to take care of His people. I know I'm a crybaby, but I wept as I read again this story of God's faithfulness and His care for His people. Notice that the account contains 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.
As you read the sometimes sordid history of God's people, remember that they are the foundation of the nation from which would come the Son of God. For all who follow Christ, this is our family history.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
January 18, Day 18
In Genesis 19 (Abraham was interceding up on the mountain) spiritual war broke out in the valley. The depth of sin in those cities doesn't surpass the sins in many places today. Yet God would have spared the cities for ten righteous people...amazing! You will be shocked at the actions of Lot's daughters; remember that they grew up in the home of a good man, yet they were infected by the horrible sin around them.
In chapter 20 we find Abraham up to his old tricks. Chapter 21 includes the birth of Isaac, the promised heir. 37 years pass between the beginning of chapter 21 and chapter 22. We will be there tomorrow.
How is your reading coming along? Do you have questions for us? Please feel free to comment!
Monday, January 17, 2011
January 17, Day 17
Genesis. O, what a tangled web we weave... Sarai was so desperate to have a son that she suggested her servant as a concubine to Abram. Multiples wives and concubines were common in that part of the world -- still are -- but the decision to take charge (since God was taking so long and must have surely forgotten about them) resulted in pain that continues to this day. The modern Arabs came through the line of Hagar and Ishmael. Over the centuries, tens of thousands have died in the conflicts and it all began with Sarai's impatience and Abram's cooperation. This is a strong reminder for me when I get ahead of God.
God reminded Abram of His promise in Chapter 17. To affirm His promise, God changed Abe's name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of a great multitude). He also changed Sarai (lady; princess) to Sarai (lady/princess of a multitude). Throughout Scripture, we will see names changed to demonstrate a new facet of God's design for individuals. Abraham accepted the sign of the covenant by circumcising the males. This cutting of the foreskin was symbolic of cutting off their old life and accepting the new life God was offering them.
In chapter 18, God got specific: "At this time next year..." This chapter also shows Abraham's intercession, done in the form of bargaining common in that culture.
What speaks to you today?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January 16, Day 16
Genesis. We have finished the story of Job and are back to Abram. "Abram believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness." (Romans 4, Galatians 3, James 2) I'm not sure that we can fully comprehend the significance of Abram's belief. He was surely the only monotheist around. His family, his neighbors, and his friends worshiped many "gods." Abram believed, worshipped and followed only One.
That brings up a great question which can't be answered until heaven. Did Abram know about Job? Abram started out in Haran, which was probably in modern-day Turkey, north of Israel. He traveled down to modern Israel, then to Egypt, then back to Israel, finally settling in Hebron, which is south of Jerusalem. Uz was most likely east and slightly north of Israel, so it was clearly in the neighborhood where Abram traveled.
Had Job lived and died by the time Abram got there? We're not sure, but it's probable. Had Abram heard of Job's reputation? Again not sure, but very possible. Yet Abram never met another worshipper of only the One, Most High God until He met Melchizedek (chapter 14 in today's reading). Imagine how his heart must have leaped. Notice how quick he was to give Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils from the victory. If you read Hebrews 7 in the New Testament, you will be left with the clear impression that Melchizedek was an Old Testament appearance of God in human form. No wonder Abram was in awe!
Before you judge Abram's duplicity by calling Sarai his sister while down in Egypt, consider the challenge of Christian's who carry Scripture into places where it is illegal. Do they tell the truth when they are asked by officials if they have anything to declare? Or do they not? I have known those who have to wrestle with this question on a very personal level. I am in no place to judge.
Sorry for the length today, but this section is chocked full of interesting questions. Do you have any?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
January 15, Day 15
God's challenge to Job includes two mysterious references. Most likely "behemoth" was a hippopotamus. But what about "leviathan"? An alligator? A sea monster (as some suggest)? A dragon? The older I get, the more mysterious this is and the less likely I am to listen to arguments that want to explain it in simplistic terms. This planet is still revealing mysteries long hidden by the Creator. The idea of a scaly, large, powerful, fire-breathing animal just may be one of them.
The real treasure, though (to me), comes down to this one verse in the final chapter: "I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes." At the beginning of the book, God Himself described Job as righteous. Yet Job had to go through the trials in order to fully "see" God. Jesus said (Matthew 5:8), "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Job was purified in the fires of trial and he saw God. I hope you and I can remember that when the fires burn hot in our lives!
How about you?
Friday, January 14, 2011
January 14, Day 14
Job has the kind of drama that Hollywood makes its bread and butter on. A good man is attacked by an evil villain, leaving his life in ruins. He claws back against the overwhelming darkness and finally reaches the climactic scene. Only, in this drama, the triumph isn't about the man taking vengeance on his oppressor. It's about the man coming to grips with the Source of real life. That said, the whole book has been leading to this encounter with God. Now Job (as well as you and I) must face his weakness, his smallness, his ineptitude, his failings and his inability to understand. He must face them in front of the mirror of the greatness of God Himself.
As you hear God describe His splendor, take a moment to reflect on some of the times you have tried to be in charge of your own world. Imagine then how ill-prepared you are for the task. Only God...can be God.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January 13, Day 13
Job. Elihu's basic message: let God be God! Don't try to second-guess Him. He is just in what He does. Don't fight Him; trust Him!
In Job 35:15, Elihu says..."You say he does not respond to sinners with anger
and is not greatly concerned about wickedness." How many times have I watched someone speed past me on the freeway and hoped I would see them pulled over up the road? How many times have I quietly hoped someone would get punished for something I saw them do? But what does the next verse say? "But you are talking nonsense, Job. You have spoken like a fool.” Ouch!
Chapter 36 is full of "attitude checks" for me. Here is but one contrast..."“God is mighty, but he does not despise anyone! He is mighty in both power and understanding." (Verse 5) Then, "For the godless are full of resentment." (Verse 13). Which one represents my character?
Chapter 37 seems to be a warm-up for Job's encounter with God Himself. Elihu points to the awesome power of creation. God will ask Job, "Where were you when I created...?"
God saw Job as a "righteous" man. However, Job still needed to be refined. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, we become righteous in Him (2 Corinthians 5), but that is just the beginning of the refining process. God then goes methodically about the work of conforming us into Christ's image.
How does this speak to you?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 12, Day 12
Job. The appearance and speech of Elihu often puzzle me. Today, as I pondered his words, I was impressed by two facets of his argument. First, Elihu made it clear the God IS God. His ways are past finding out. Job, in his suffering, had stooped to a human attempt to judge God. "God is too good to be unkind. He is too wise to be confused. If I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart." C. H. Spurgeon Job had ceased trusting and started judging. (Don't blame him; he worshiped God, but didn't know the indwelling Holy Spirit. He hadn't seen God manifest in a human body.)
The second facet of Elihu's argument was an indictment of Job for his sin. The three accusers tried to say that Job must have some hidden sin. He had failed to care for the poor, or been immoral, or had failed to pay his workers. Elihu cuts to the heart by exposing Job's real sin of arrogantly putting God on trial and finding Him guilty. You and I may think this a small sin compared to murder or adultery. However, such arrogance is at the root of all sin. In fact it was just such arrogance that rotted the heart of Lucifer and caused him to rebel against God.
What do you think?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
January 11, Day 11
Job. God Himself remarked about Job's righteousness many years after Job lived. 13 "Son of man, if a country sins against Me by committing unfaithfulness, and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it and cut off from it both man and beast, 14 even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves," declares the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 14:13-14 (NASB) Noah, Daniel and Job all lived in places where the entire population refused to worship God; but they stood firm.
I tried to put this into perspective as I read today. Job probably lived about the time of Abraham, but they almost certainly didn't know each other. They both served only the one, true God in the face of everything from quiet skepticism to blatant opposition. Surrounded by polytheists, they stood firm. As I think about that, I am slow to criticize Job as he struggled during his suffering.
Chapter 29 is a review of how God had blessed Job in the past. After describing the respect he was given, Job points out his compassion for the poor and downtrodden.
Chapter 30 moves back and forth from the rejection of people to the questioning of God. Job just couldn't understand why a righteous man like him would have to endure such pain.
Chapter 31 is Job's list of righteous choices he had made in his life. It's like a defense toward God. You and I know that our righteousness, at it's best, is like filthy rags. Our only hope is in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Job, however, was still clinging to his own work. His encounter with Holy God is just ahead!
Monday, January 10, 2011
January 10, Day 10
In Chapter 24, Job seems to vacillate between questioning God's judgment of the wicked and recognizing that their ultimate end is the grave. Bildad jumps in (Chapter 25) and defends God. Of course, his view is that God is an angry judge who lashes out at wrongdoers like Job. Job's response to Bildad is a defense of God's might and creativity.
Today's final two chapters are powerful. Job agrees that God is the righteous judge. However, Job maintains his own innocence. Then he begins to acknowledge God's power over the mysteries of creation. He describes some of the advances of civilization so long ago. They had learned to mine and refine ore, which is pretty amazing. Job uses the beauty of creation to describe God's wisdom.
On the day before I wrote this, Cathy and I traveled back from vacation in New Mexico. As we cruised along Interstate 40 near Gallup, it was late afternoon. The winter sun was rapidly descending in the southwest. To our north were the amazing red ridges that define that region. Snow was on the ground, but the sky was clear. The beauty of God's creation seemed to cry out, "Designed by the author of wisdom!"
Sunday, January 9, 2011
January 9, Day 9
Job. What an exchange in today's chapters. It begins with Job's response to Zophar from yesterday. "That's not true!" Job seems to say. "Evil people die fat and happy sometimes. They don't all get judged the way you say! Don't try to explain away my misery by calling it judgment on my sins."
In Chapter 22, Eliphaz resorts to, "You must have..." In other words, "Job, if you would open your eyes you will finally see all these sins God is judging." Job's response is to again wish for time in God's court so he can prove his innocence.
What a mess!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8, Day 8
Job. In Psalm 42:11, the sons of Korah cried out, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God!" Job, in Chapter 19, seems to move from placing his hope in God to losing all hope that God will have mercy. Instead he begs for mercy from his three judgmental friends and you know where that leads. Job's loss of hope is, I think, one reason God reproves him so sternly later.
Zophar, in Chapter 20, hurls even stronger accusations toward innocent Job. Zophar's words don't apply to Job, but read them carefully and think of people today who thoughtlessly use the labor of the poor to enrich themselves. Mistreatment of the poor is mistreatment of God Himself!
Friday, January 7, 2011
January 7, Day 7
Job. Is weakness evil? If you believe the argument of Eliphaz in today's passage, you will think that weakness is evidence of evil. The cry of Job is that of someone who honestly can't say, "I deserve this pain because of my sinfulness." Job isn't saying he's perfect, but that he can't pinpoint a sin (or sins) as the root of his suffering. Eliphaz, meanwhile, keeps hammering Job with the message, "Get right with God and your suffering will flee."
To be sure, some suffering comes as a result of our sins. But not all. Suffering provides a great opportunity to boast about our weaknesses. Jim Cymbala in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, said, "I have discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him."
In his answer to Eliphaz, Job repeats the same cry that he mentioned earlier..."21 I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends. 22 For soon I must go down that road from which I will never return." (Job 16) Thank God that, in His perfect righteousness, He sent His only Son as that mediator. I am hopeless without Him!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January 6, Day 6
Job. Zophar flew into Job like a buzz saw. He added condemnation to the pain Job was already experiencing. Not unlike people who approach a Christian with cancer and say, "If you had faith, God would heal you." Then the cancer victim feels guilty in addition to the physical ailment.
In his initial response to suffering, Job seemed to simply question, "Why?" All the while, he maintained his innocence. He seems to turn a corner today, getting a bit frustrated with his "friends" who keep trying to add guilt to Job's woes. Job even gets direct with God: "23 Tell me, what have I done wrong?Show me my rebellion and my sin. 24 Why do you turn away from me? Why do you treat me as your enemy?"
All the while, God was there, loving Job and allowing him to suffer. On a microscopic level, parents know what it is to allow their children to suffer so they can get better. God knew the end as well as the beginning and He was working His great purpose in Job's life. Stay tuned...
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
January 5, Day 5
Job. I read today's passage while on vacation in New Mexico. At least two or three family members had arrived for the holidays with colds and I caught one of them (feels like I caught all of them; I'm yucky). In that context, I read Job 7:5, "My body is covered with maggots and scabs. My skin breaks open, oozing with pus." I feel like a truck has run over me, but it can't compare to real suffering. Job kept going back to his only hope: the Lord.
Today we meet the second of Job's friends who was anything but comforting during Job's pain. (I have heard that Bildad the Shoe-height was the shortest man in the Bible.) Job's cry includes these words: "33 If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together." In 1 John (New Testament) we are told that Jesus Christ is the mediator between us and God. What a wonderful answer to our dilemma!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
January 4, Day 4
Today's reading switches to Job which is most likely the first big surprise to many readers. Scholars generally place Job among the ancients. He may have been a contemporary of Abram, which is why we are interrupting Genesis to read about his trials.
Many followers of Christ in our culture have trouble imagining a world where virtually everyone was worshiping multiple gods. Part of what made Job and Abram stick out is that they went against the grain and wholeheartedly worshiped only God Most High. They refused to water down their faith by adapting to all the popular cultural practices. God saw that faith and honored both men greatly, along with significant testing.
Notice that Satan couldn't touch Job without God's permission. Notice that Job's "friends" treated him the same way many Christians are treated today when they have severe testing or physical illness: "If you would get right with God or have enough faith, all your misery would disappear." In other ways, you are suffering and it's all your own fault.
Job is a painful book, with a mountain of life lessons. As God to speak to you as you read along.
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3, Day 3
God keeps His covenants. We humans are prone to wander from ours. Every time we look at a rainbow, it should remind us of the faithfulness of God.
Genesis describes the descendants of Noah's three sons. Japheth's line moved to the north. Ancient Magog is thought to be modern Moscow. Ham's descendants moved to what we today call the Middle East, including modern Iran and Iraq. Shem's descendants were largely nomadic at that time. Down through the ages, God would call one of them to a Land of Promise. His name; Abram.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
January 2, Day 2
Genesis 4 shows how quickly the power of sin advances when we give into it. Cain gave some while Abel gave first fruits. God's response to Cain was, "Do well and your feelings will follow." The world's message is, "Do what you feel, disregarding whether it's right or not." No wonder we're in such a mess!
Genesis 5-7 describes just how the effects of sin began to take over the whole world. "Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence." (Genesis 6:11) Imagine how holy God must see our planet today. Yet, every generation has a remnant who seek after God, just like Noah. We may be misunderstood and ridiculed, but the truth is always evident in the end.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
January 1, Day 1
Genesis
The first book of the Bible is attributed to Moses, who wrote approximately 2600-2700 years after the arrival of humans on the planet (based on the timing listed in the Bible). Why is Moses the one who wrote it down? Early civilization didn't have written communication so history was passed down verbally from one generation to the next. For whatever reason -- probably because he believed that God wanted him to -- Moses preserved that history in written form.
Today's Genesis passage is the original story of creation in Chapter 1 followed by a more extensive retelling of a portion of it in Chapter 2.
IF you have time today, take a long look at Genesis 3. See how many hidden objects you can find in the story.
For instance, can you find...
Lucifer,
The Fall of humans into sin,
The Virgin Birth,
Jesus' sacrificial death,
The final judgment of Satan and sin?
They are all there. And more. Just in chapter 3.
Want to talk about it? Leave your questions and comments, then keep following along.
