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. What storm were you in when you felt like Jesus fell asleep on you? How did He show Himself faithful in the end?
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? Please keep them coming!
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