2023 Bible Study Notes

2023 Bible Study Notes • Sermon • Submitted 4 months ago • Presented 4 months ago

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Day 1: January 1, 2023: Creation as Victim (Genesis 1-3)

Today’s reading emphasized the goodness of creation, as God was found saying “it was good” quite often (see Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). God’s point is that the functions he put in place from the beginning made the creation, particularly earth, a good [beneficial, pleasant] place to be. However, once creation’s steward is infected by sin and the earth’s functions are disrupted, the goodness of creation seems more difficult to find. In fact, creation can never be beneficial to man or God’s plan unless the functions he put in place are restored.

Therefore, it seems the beginning of the story focuses on the fact that creation had a purpose and God’s purpose for creation has been interrupted but not denied. For, God’s plan will stand forever. Nevertheless, this establishes another point.

If the beginning of the story is focused on creation, shouldn’t the entire story end with its focus on creation? For, we have placed far too much emphasis on the personal and individual status of man, that we forgotten the true victim—creation.

Creation is the true victim of the biblical narrative and man is the offender. Therefore, it is a true testament of the goodness of God that He has decided from the very beginning to save the offender and the victim, together. For it is man that has victimized the earth by making sin and Satan his and its ruler.

Furthermore, we should recognize the presence of the evil serpent, who existed before there ever was the fall of man. He subtly comes in to frustrate God’s purpose in creation, and succeeds by the power he acquired from Adam. This is the moment God’s good creation turned “bad.” Let it be known that it did not turn bad because of the presence of Satan, but because of Adam’s surrender to Satan.

Yet, the amazing promise is given in Genesis 3:15 demonstrating the day when God will bring the seed that will bruise the head of the serpent.

Day 2: January 2, 2023: The Power of Doing What is Right (Genesis 4-7)

The appetite for the promised seed who would crush the head of the serpent is set. Each generation is wondering if their generation would be the bearer of the unique one who will grant them victory over man’s greatest foe. Signs of this is found in Genesis 5:29.

However, Genesis 4:7 is interesting because it establishes an expectation that seems to be misplaced in the biblical narrative. How could it be that man is able to defeat sin in the Old Testament, without the presence of the Savior who would both justify and sanctify?

God tells Cain sin desires to control him. Yet, he should not let sin control him, and should be the master over it. How could this be? By what source or power would he be able to dominate sin after the infamous fall of Adam?

Well there are a few things to understand about this text. First, God states when a person does not do what is right, sin awaits them at their door. This means sin’s control over us begins with a decision and the choice to do right or wrong? Is this any different from what we found in the case of Adam? Wasn’t he dominated by sin when he made the decision to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? So it is with man after Adam. Sin lurks around the house of those who make a decision to do wrong.

Secondly, sin wants or desires those who are doing wrong. Sin does not want the company of those who are doing right. It preys on those who have made the decision to do wrong and then takes dominion on them. This is clearly seen in Genesis 6:1-8. However, God’s people are called to exercise authority over sin as one exercises rule or authority over a government.

Yet, if one asks as, we have before, “how can this be?” We will answer, it is so by the decision one makes to do what is right. It just so happened that no one in the earth made the conscious decision to do what is right until Enoch (Genesis 5:22) and Noah was granted the opportunity to live in a similar decision as the prophet of the world(Genesis 6:9). Consequently, the earth was overtaken by a flood.

Day 3: January 3, 2023: The Differences in Two Birds (Genesis 8-11)

Matthew 7:25 “25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.”

This is the verse that comes to mind when reading about the flood in Genesis 8-11. It may seem rare to have such a response to today’s reading. However, there’s an interesting detail included in Genesis 8 that is often bypassed or ignored. It seems to be so out of place and irrelevant to the overall series of events. Yet, it demonstrates a significant point that speaks to Matthew 7:25.

In Genesis 8:6-12, there are two different birds mentioned—a raven and a dove. Both birds are helpful to the seaman for different reasons. However, these two birds have two different foundations and behaviors. The raven is a scavenger. He can fly back and forth without ever returning to the place from which he came. However, the dove is different. He lives and flies at a lower elevation than a raven and only eats plants. Furthermore, the dove always needs some place to land. It will not assume that it can survive by its own strength.

Now, I take a little liberty as Philo the Jewish philosopher would. There seems to be some spiritual connection to the habits of the dove that relates to the responsibility of the believer. When I think about the differences of these two animals, I would rather be a dove any day, because I will always need a foundation as strong as a rock. The dove is dependent on the assistance of some other.

These two birds are not simply referenced to demonstrate their functional differences. Rather, they are also mentioned to demonstrate their spiritual differences that are relatable to those who will discern their need for a landing place that will hold them up in the time of a storm.

Another outstanding point in this text is the fact that Genesis 8:20-22 demonstrates a sacrificial system that was already existing before the times of Moses that paid respect to clean verses unclean animals. There seems to be no coincidence that Noah used birds to sacrifice and the raven and the dove are depicted in such a contrasting way.

Day 4: January 4, 2023: Heaven’s Philosophical Quandary (Job 1-5)

The first five chapters of Job’s book might create all sorts of problems for the non-believer as it does for some believers. The very first chapter of the book of Job presents a conversation between God and the Adversary. I use the descriptive name of Satan, because that is the point of the text. The point is not to highlight some evil being. Rather, the point is to highlight, as it was in the garden where no name is designated, the role that the enemy played in the biblical narrative.

The Adversary is standing against mankind, specifically Job. Yet, his opposition to Job is not of his own doing. Rather, it is invited by God who suggested Job is the proper candidate for Satan’s tactics. Furthermore, the reason is all the more interesting.

In Job 1:9-10, 2:4-7, we find that the entire experience of Job was based on God’s intention to prove the integrity of Job to Satan. However, if one was to analyze this entire experience, the question of how and why this is happening should come up. The normal inquirer would ask, “Why would God entertain the opinion of Satan, especially at the expense of such a noble character as Job?” Imagine your child is being criticized by some antagonist on whether he or she can conquer a lion. A parent’s natural inclination is not to throw the child into the ring with the lion. Rather, the intention would be to defend the innocence and ability or inability of the child rather than throw him into the ring to prove himself. Yet, I should ask why wouldn’t one throw the child into the ring unless one’s confidence of the child’s ability is slightly mingled with a bit of doubt?

Now, if that same antagonist went on to say, one’s child cannot defeat a nat, then one may be inclined to prove the dominance of the child by putting the nat and the antagonist to the test. The parent will take that child and with a single swipe prove the power of the child over the nat. (For surely, even the smallest child can overthrow a pesky nat.)

And here is where we find our problem. Many, not including Job, see Satan as a lion when God sees him as only a nat. For, God’s decree to allow Job’s temptation is simply motivated by the greatest assurance that he would measure up to His expectation. And so committed was God to this opinion that He assessed Job’s danger as being no danger at all. For, rather than concluding that Job was no match for Satan, God concluded that Satan was no match for Job.

The permission God grants to Satan to destroy Job’s life is based on this simple fact we find throughout Scripture: God is glorified through the suffering of His people. This is so, because God’s claim is that his people will serve and worship Him irregardless of earth’s condition. God has a claim out on the people of God that they will do what He has designed for them to do, no matter the circumstance.

Job proves God to be right in Job 1:21-22. He responds with a philosophical idea of his own in Job 2:10 “10 “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said.” In Job’s philosophical world, Satan does not exist. God exists and is sovereignly in control of everything. God brings the good and the bad.

It is amazing to see how heaven is intrigued by the activities of man. It is also interesting to see the lengths to which God will prove hell wrong. In fact, God is adamant that man is exactly what He intended him to be, despite the tragic fall of Adam in the garden.

Day 5: January 5, 2023: Worthy of Turmoil (Job 6-9)

The modern-day man is so spiritually persuaded of heaven’s value that nothing can get them down. Yet, the Bible speaks of Job who was more perfect and upright than nearly any other that has ever lived, and he demonstrated acts such as complaining and desires to take his life. The transparency of Job is humbling. It is confirmation that real believers struggle with the complexities of living in a creation that is remarkably different from the one that existed before the reign of sin and death.

The truth is Job is experiencing pain that does not match the expected life of a righteous person. He is facing the turmoil of an evildoer. He has done the things that matter the right way. Yet, he was smitten by the hand of God’s sovereignty as if he had lived wickedly and unrighteously.

The truth is, God’s sovereignty has led many righteous people to hate their life (see Job 7:16). There may be some that wish not to live, because God has allowed some struggle to arise in their life in a way that seems not to match His character. And this is the troublesome part of this entire book. It is the fact that God’s sovereignty and the permission He grants Satan may allow such tragedy in one’s life.

Yet, if we are to consider Job and his life, we would understand that God is not at all unrighteous. For, God only gives to those who are worthy of such turmoil the pain of being perfect. Think not for one moment God is giving this sort of experience to anyone. For, surely if He had given it to the unrighteous, they would prove Satan right. Yet, God placed Job into the hands of Satan because He deemed him worthy to suffer turmoil.

Perhaps, this point is meant to lead us to a final conclusion that is made in the rest of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:12 “12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” There’s hope for those who suffer, but not everyone’s worthy to suffer.

In a world where God has instituted a universal law for how one is to be blessed by obeying His commands, He has also created unique opportunities for those who are deemed worthy to suffer, and these inherit not only blessings on earth, but glorification. Job was deemed worthy for turmoil, and God is faithful to grant Him glorification while here on earth.

For such individuals there are, then, two things they may inherit while on earth. They may inherit blessings, which is prosperity. But for the truly righteous, blessings is minor to glorification. Glorification means one will be honored. That is, God promises the one worthy of turmoil both prosperity and honor.

Day 6: January 6, 2023: Silent Sovereignty (Job 10-13)

Any modern student of Scripture, as in the case of reformers, would take joy in the sovereignty of God. However, the book of Job creates all sorts of problem for the modern man as they consider the reality of the sovereignty of God. For, it perplexed Job beyond what he felt he could bear.

Not only is God sovereignly responsible for the grief Job is experiencing, God is also silent during the process. Job 13:20-25 demonstrates Job’s desire to talk with God. It is obvious the weight of his grief is not simply from the series of events he is experiencing. Rather, it is from the fact that God has remained silent and has not intervened. It also comes from the fact he has no understanding of what is happening in view of what he knows about God.

Meanwhile, Job’s friends are arguing against Job’s integrity, which, in my opinion, is the truest expression of Satan’s place in this narrative. Satan is called the Accuser, and it is evident that his accusations are expressed through those who are supposed to be Job’s friends.

What do we do when God’s power and control is present without His voice? How are we to respond when God imposes His will in the most negative way and refuses to answer the call of His righteous followers? Here it is proven that one may endure temporary hardships on the account of God’s silent sovereignty, and the most natural and reasonable response is the one given by Job.

Job’s complaints are righteous, though irresponsible. He does what is completely reasonable with the understanding he has of God. In fact, it is quite noble that he only seeks to understand rather than turn away from God altogether. For he said in Job 13:15 “15 Even if he kills me, I will hope in him. I will still defend my ways before him.”

Day 7: January 7, 2023: Where My Hope Lies (Job 14-16)

It has always been my opinion that Job was not as sure as others, namely Abraham, of the resurrection. Passages such as Job 14:10 and Job 14:14 imply that Job was wrestling with the reality of life after death. Consequently, all of his hopes were upon what would manifest here on earth.

As Christians, we understand that the providence of God and the blessings granted to those who believe while on earth is an incredible gift. However, we also understand that whatever our experience might be on earth, our ultimate aim is that which is eternal.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:19 “19 If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.” When our hope lies in the things gained on earth, misery is our fortune. Such was the case with Job. Therefore, his response to the grief experienced can only be justified when one accepts the premise that one’s ultimate joy is here on earth.

Yet, we know this is not so. Our ultimate joy is not here on earth, though joy can be found while here in our temporary homes. For, we are simply renting space until that space for us in eternity shall be completely furnished with the things that God has prepared for us since the beginning of the world.

Oh, Job! If only you would have known of the things that await you in eternity. Can one’s value of eternity diminish or even eliminate the misery of pain while on earth? I am not sure. Yet, I can only hope that our eyes can be so set on eternity that the greatest of pains will only lead us to trust God more.

Day 8: January 8, 2023: My Redeemer Has a Net (Job 17-20)

The ongoing concern Job has for the lack of justice is apparent in today’s reading. He continues to question God in His mind, because God has not intervened in his struggle. He literally says God has wronged me (Job 19:6).

The allusion to God having a net that catches the godly for their time of turmoil is astounding. In Job 19:7, he claims that, with God, he can find no justice. Again, the struggle that we are reading about is not about going through bad times. Rather, it is about the issue of justice.

In Paul’s mind, God is the carrier of justice and this problem has created all sorts of problems for his theological view of God. Yet, the nobility and virtue of Job is seen in Job 19:25-27.

He states, in essence, He who has a net is also the Redeemer. Job does not lose his confidence in the redemptive ability of God, even while holding God responsible for his trouble. Rather, he concludes that the one who has trapped him is able to deliver him. Furthermore, he concludes God will deliver him from the net He has used to trapped him.

What a great consolation to know that God, who holds the world in His hands and sometimes places those He love into the hand of the enemy so they might be proven, also delivers those from the net He has created for the purpose of His glory. Yes, God has a net. Yet, He is the deliverer from the net He has.

Once more, we must draw our attention to the fact that Job’s understanding is concerned with what can be experienced in the flesh. For, he says “in my body I will see God” (Job 19:26). Job is convinced that God’s redemptive work will be one he experiences in the flesh. No, he won’t receive it in death. He will receive it in the flesh after God has completed His will in him.

Day 9: January 9, 2023: When I Can’t Find Him, I’ll Trust Him (Job 21-23)

"If I go east, he is not there, and if I go west, I cannot perceive him. 9 When he is at work to the north, I cannot see him; when he turns south, I cannot find him.” (Job 23:8-9).

Job continues to express how discomforting it is to serve the sovereign God who allows His people to experience harm. This experience has proven to be multi-dimensional in that it leads Job to draw a variety of conclusions. This experience touches every facet of his being, and garners every emotion possible.

In this series of passages, Job presents the case that he has searched for God, but cannot find him. Eliphaz has condemned him of some wrongdoing and he has justified himself in the eyes of his friends. Yet, his problem is not with friends. Rather, his greatest trouble is with God who has smitten Him. And now, God is not only the one that has smitten him. But he is the One that has smitten him and hidden from Job.

These experiences are typical of any man. However, the trust that Job has in a God he felt has done Him so wrong is unmatched. In Job 23:8-9, Job states he can’t find God. Yet, in Job 23:10, he calls God the One who is sovereignly working towards a process that will make him better. It is as if Job comes to his senses as various times of his struggle.

Job is evidence that it is possible to trust God and not understand Him. In fact, many indeed, are forced to trust the God that they don’t understand. For, it is evident—His ways are past finding out. There’s no telling what He is doing. However, whatsoever He does is for our good.

Day 10: January 10, 2023: When I Can’t Find Him, I’ll Trust Him (Job 24-28)

While individuals may wonder why bad things happen to good people, Job was asking why don’t bad things happen to bad people? That is a fair and very deep question.

In chapter 24, Job goes through a variety of examples for how the evil are given blessings and fortunes.

Day 11: January 11, 2023: Understanding that Does Not Understand (Job 29-31)

In Job 29-31, Job offers his final appeal to God. In this appeal, Job offers what I see as the heart of his philosophical view for how God governs. Yet, it must be first mentioned how he elaborates on what he initially called his greatest fear in Job 30. It may all be wrapped up by saying his dignity and honor had been taken away from him. He became, for the lack of better words, a “has-been.” He no longer has the respect he once had, and he is no longer honored as he once was.

As he goes into Job 31, we find that his idea of how God interacts fits within a transactional model. That is, Job lived with integrity, and it was expected that God would bless him with honor. In chapter 31, he goes through a list of things he has done and considers the possibility of some wrong doing. Yet, when all has been surveyed, he concluded, there’s no wrong to be found.

Essentially, Job’s understanding of God has been completely shaken. The God who rewards the righteous also allows them to suffer. It turns out—God is not at all a transactional god as the other gods would have been. He cannot be forced to action, and one’s life is not simply based on the merits of their behavior. Rather, involved in all of our lives is the influence of God’s sovereignty, which leads us into a variety of experiences for His glory. It is as if Job assumed suffering could be avoided, and the clear answer he receives from this experience is suffering cannot and is not avoided, no matter how righteous one may be. What a startling reality to discover.

Day 12: January 12, 2023: I Don’t Understand Him, So I’ll Trust Him (Job 32-34)

Today’s reading introduces a character we never knew existed until now. It is the young man, Elihu, who respectfully disagrees with the entire conversation as it is presented. He criticizes the three friends of being incompetent, since they cannot answer Job appropriately. Yet, he criticizes Job for insisting on his innocence.

There’s a critical problem with Elihu’s argument. He rightly had a high view of God. Yet, he had a poor view of Job, and God’s testimony about Job is altogether different. God’s testimony concerning Job was that he was righteous and perfect. Elihu assumed that Job must have sinned or done some wrong. This imbalance of understanding leads to a misunderstanding of what is really going on.

Job’s life bears record to the fact that man can never know the ways of God. That is, we are incapable for figuring out why He does everything He does. Therefore, the ultimate goal should be to understand God. Rather, the goal should be to trust Him.

And this is the failure of these three men and perhaps many of us who are reading their story— we forget to trust God when we cannot understand Him. We forget to depend on what we do know about God during those times we don’t understand what He’s doing.

So then, many have lost faith because they seek to understand the One they are to trust. Trust in God will answer that which our philosophical rationale cannot. When we cannot understand God, we must trust Him.

Day 13: January 13, 2023: Blinding Splendor (Job 35-37)

Elihu offers a compelling perspective of God. His view of God is so high and pure. He is mesmerized by the glory and awesomeness of God. Such a high view may be found in today’s world. For, some have such a high view of God that they are blinded by it.

This is the case with Elihu. He sees God as this awesome and dare I say terrible Being that becomes One that man cannot relate to. And surely, this was the common view during this time. Yet, it is one that God wishes to move away from. For, God does not desire to be outside of His creation, even though He must remain at a distant for the sake of sin. Rather, He wishes to be in close communion with that which He has created, and time would allot such a reunion between God and man.

Yet, Elihu’s view of God, as zealous as it may be, causes him to judge poorly concerning Job. And while his adoration of God is worthy of consideration, we must draw ourselves back to the point of this book. The book is not about proving anything idea about God. Rather, the point is to confirm a claim God made about Job.

The point we are currently facing in Elihu’s case, as we have in all of Job’s friends is, they have all gotten it wrong about Job. However right their claim concerning God’s righteous may have been, the point is those views and claims led to them to draw a incorrect claim about Job.

Here, my friends, we should be reminded of the things God had to say about mankind. While we are burdened by sin, God has assessed mankind valuable and capable of fulfilling their earthly responsibility. While there were some who do not participate in their earthly responsibility, there was at least one—Job—who did. This is the point Job’s friends missed—a point we should be very careful to identify so we don’t make the same mistake as Job’s friends.

Day 14: January 14, 2023: God’s Knowledge is God’s Power (Job 38-39)

God decided to answer Job, and it is important to recognize that this was God’s choice. For, He could have continued in His silence. Yet, it was His decision, I believe through grace, to answer Him before He restored Him.

There is a lesson in God’s decision. From it we can now conclude that God does not desire the ignorance of man. Had not God chose to answer, we might have concluded that God cares more about the restoration of a man than the knowledge and understanding of a man. Yet, now we must conclude that God desires to reveal, at least to some extent, the rationale for such suffering. I believe this is the case so one can see the beauty of God’s works and glorify Him for it. It is intended to discern the awesomeness of God from a view that is not skewed by the limitations of man’s logic, but by the divine revelation that comes from seeing God’s mind at work in one’s life. So, God shares with Job as he requested.

What do we find in God’s response? It is this central message—God’s knowledge is God’s power. That is, God is powerful because He knows everything. This is a wonderful place to remind Job of such a reality, considering the proximity of his life from the life of Adam. And this is where we find the beauty and continuity of the biblical narrative.

Man is boasting in this newly discovered knowledge, which they received from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Here in Job’s book, just 11 chapters into the Book of Genesis, we are reading of ancient philosophers who are engaging in a seemingly heated dialogue concerning the justice of God and the pain of suffering. From where did they get their knowledge to argue such truths? Was it from God? Surely, it was not. The pains of sin and death has isolated them from such wisdom, and it is the wisdom of man that they have gained such knowledge.

Here, again, it is the grace of God at work. For, what does God gain from correcting the discrepancies of man? What is added to Him, if He stoops down to concern Himself with the limited thoughts of finite men? Nothing. Yet, in His grace and at a time where man’s thoughts are the furthest from that which is true and right, God corrects the understanding of the ones who have been stung by the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Essentially, God tells Job in these two short chapters, I can allow whatsoever I desire, because I know everything. And because I know everything, everything must listen to me. The question to Job was—is this the case for you? If not, why are you questioning me?

May we who know nothing learn not to question He who knows everything.

Day 15: January 15, 2023: (Job 40-42)

God

Day 16: January 16, 2023: Leftovers (Genesis 12-15)

In Genesis 13, we find the setting in which the land of Promise is established. Abraham thought it was a good decision to travel with his nephew Lot. They both traveled to a land God would show them. However, the problem is their possessions became great and the land was unable to hold them. A split was necessary.

There’s only one good time to split or divide—that’s when the land is unable to hold you. For any other division for any other purposes always seems to be harmful and purposeless. In fact, one may say that this split was uniquely orchestrated by God. For, in this split came the identification of the land God would give to Abraham.

Abraham was generous enough to give Lot the first choice of the land for his tribes. He, of course, did the most sensible thing for man in his position—he picked the best land out of the two possibilities. Consequently, Abraham received the less developed land. Indeed, he received the leftovers.

However, in the leftover land was the promise. Everything God had planned for Abraham’s life were in the leftover land. From this land would come the hope of the future for his seed and it would literally serve a critical role in the story of Israel.

Genesis 14 shows that the land may have been more trouble than it was worth. For, Abraham had to go and save his nephew from the intruders that stole them away. Genesis 15 shows that God makes a special covenant about the seed that would come from Abraham. Everything was in the leftovers, and it was probably one of the biggest blessings in disguise that Abraham ever received.

Day 17: January 17, 2023: Submitting to Sarai (Genesis 16-18)

Abraham has left his mother and father with the hopes of receiving the promise God has made to him. He and his wife are now wandering from place to place with no seed and the hope of receiving God’s fulfilled promise. Yet, it is obvious they are desperate and Sarai wants so badly to fulfill her role in the promise that she gives Abraham her servant. Abraham, who is in no mood to deny the opportunity, gladly accepts.

In this entire story, Hagar is a victim. She is simply the servant that is caught in the middle of a nightmare. Sarai takes every opportunity to torment Ishmael who arrived by her request. Consequently, Hagar fled to avoid the abuse.

However, she received specific instructions from the angel of the Lord to return, because God has placed a promise on her seed. Here’s the amazing thing. God has chosen to bless the seed that was never supposed to be. Hagar is asked to recognize the importance of submission, and she does by gladly returning after her experience with God.

There are a few interesting takeaways here. First, it’s easier to submit to our adversary when you have promise. She knew her future was bright, because God gave her a promise that made anything Sarai did to Hagar seem small in comparison to all she had to gain.

Secondly, God honors the innocent. Hagar did nothing. Yet, she was mistreated and demeaned. The great thing about this story is that God came and paid respect to her circumstance. And though she was a Gentile servant girl, she received favor on behalf of her innocence.

God sees the innocent and He comes to their rescue. We should submit to those God has instructed us to submit to, because He holds the pen to our story. He will vindicate us for righteousness sake.

Day 18: January 18, 2023: The Cries of What You’ve Carried (Genesis 19-21)

Abraham is a friend of God and their friendship warrants what God is going to do to Sodom and Gomorrah. The idea of God’s justice is constant in the book of Genesis. For, we know Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah on the merits of God’s righteousness. And even in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, God’s justice is evident.

Furthermore, God’s protection and mercy for Lot is seen in Genesis 19:22. The angel had strict orders not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah with Lot in it. He was aware of his instructions and again, the righteousness of God is clear.

Again, God’s justice is placed on display in the case of Abimelech who desired and made an effort to take Sarah unto himself. However, Abimelech was warned of God because of his innocence, which again, speaks of God’s justice. For, God dare not destroy him for his innocent mistake. Rather, He interceded and prevented Abimelech from his own fall.

However, where is the justice for Hagar, the lowly slave girl who is being mistreated by her master, Sarah? It seems she is being mistreated at every mention of her name. Will God not intervene for her?

Yes, He does! God intervenes and does so with consistency and faithfulness. Genesis 21:17 says God heard the cry of the boy and called out to the Hagar. Notice, it was not the cries of Hagar who was crying in verse 16. Rather, it was the cry of the boy, the thing she carried and gave birth to. This is important, because God wants to assure the reader that God will honor the blessing He made in Genesis 16.

It is the gifts we carry that gets God’s attention. The reason we are so important to God is because of the things we are responsible over. God has given us unique gifts and responsibilities that will bring glory to His name. It is God’s protection of those things that have protected us from harm. Accordingly, Hagar was protected because of Ishmael, who plays an important role in the things of God.

Day 19: January 19, 2023: T (Genesis 22-24)

Abraha

Day 20: January 20, 2023: Best Friends With God (Genesis 25-26)

James 2:18, 20, 26 all speak of the importance of works with faith. Where did James get this idea? It is important that we answer this question, because many such as Martin Luther have claimed that the epistle of James should be torn out of the Bible. However, I say that if one were to remove James from the Bible they may as well remove the entire book of Genesis. For, James’s doctrine is not his mere thoughts. Rather, it is the interpretation of that which was written long ago regarding the father and patriarch of the Jewish people.

God said, Abraham’s promises are not merely based on James’s faith as most Protestants have believed. Rather, it is based on the sort of faith that produces results or actions or “works.” Even Paul accepts this idea (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Timothy 5:10). Yet, so many have ignored these things to their disadvantage.

When we ignore the point that James and Paul share concerning the importance of works or good works, we are missing their explanation for how the covenant was formed with Abraham in the first place. Yes, it was based upon Abraham’s faith. Yet, Abraham’s faith was so strong and solid that it caused him to “listen to God.” Abraham’s faith and obedience formed a relationship with God that was unlike any other seen in Scripture.

God was proud to be Abraham’s friend, and we see in Abraham’s friendship with God, what it means to have God as your friend. When God is your friend, He makes you a promise that He refuses to break. When God is your friend, He does not consider all the mistakes you’ve made that may otherwise imply your lack of faithfulness. Rather, He considers that one faithful thing that you did that solidified your faithfulness to Him and He shows up even when His faithfulness is not reciprocated. God does not consider the baggage that is attached to you. He is faithful, because in that one moment that was allotted to prove your faithfulness you showed that your heart was where it needed to be. Genesis 26:5 shows us the meaning of real faith.

Faith is keeping all the commandments, decrees, and requirements before there’s a public or institutional requirement of such obedience. It is doing what is right, because there’s an appreciation that values the person over the legalistic/ institutional responsibility. Therefore, legalism is not obeying a law. Legalism is obeying a law that must be obeyed through an established institution that removes the personal relationship from one’s expressions towards another. It is the obedience out of obligation and not love, appreciation, and trust. It is actions taken out of fear of losing one’s perfect compliance with a system rather than one’s fear of losing God. It’s like getting married and only honoring and being faithful because you are afraid of what might be loss outside of the one you are faithful towards. No, the most virtuous reason to be faithful is because one fears losing the one they love, not the things that are associated with the arrangement of being married.

And so, now, we see the problem of the nation of Israel. They fell in love with institution of marriage that yoked them to God, but they forgot to fall in love with Him. So, though they kept the law, they lost God! Because they kept it without wanting Him! Abraham was different. Abraham wanted God so badly that he required no law to obey him. He obeyed God before the law was published, declared, or accepted as a institutional norm for a group of people.

Day 21: January 21, 2023: I’m a Rebel (Genesis 27-29)

If modern Christians have any doppelgänger in Scripture, it is Jacob. For, Jacob is the individual that has been chosen to play a crucial role in the plan of God. Yet, he had serious character issues.

What do we say when a person’s calling and character are not in alignment? There are incredibly gifted individuals who’s character is beneath their calling. Such was the case with Jacob. Consequently, he did things against his brother that not only contradicted his purpose, but violated a serious principle that is supposed to exist between family. Yet, he was chosen and selected by God to bring about the seed of promise, the Messiah.

In Genesis 27, Jacob tricked his brother twice. He took away two valuable things that could not be returned even if requested with grief and tears. What does this kind of trickery do to those who are offended by such subtleness? It creates a rage and a vengeance that can never be tamed except by deliverance.

When a blessing was granted to Esau, that blessings was the ability to break free from the yoke Jacob placed on Esau’s neck. There are some that have placed a yoke on our necks, because they have not realized the power God has given them to break the yoke of what other shave done to them by making a decision (Genesis 27:40). What is this decision one must make? The decision is one to break free.

The idea of “having dominion” or “breaking free”, “rebelling” has everything to do with growing restless of one’s current condition. The reason many people remain bound is because they are not tired of it. The decision one makes is motivated by their growing restlessness.

Furthermore, there is a certain level of holiness to acts of rebellion. Rebellion is the response to one becoming tired of what is happening to them. They become uneasy about their situation.

When’s the last time you’ve felt tired of something? When’s the last time you’ve said, “enough is enough”? For, until you get tired and rebel you will be under the yoke of those or that which has taken those most precious things from you. Furthermore, the blessing to all of these things is that the rebellion is inspired by God.

God wanted Esau to rebel, because it was the way to get delivered. You can never be too nice to the enemy. In a holy way, God wants us to rebel.

Day 22: January 22, 2023: In Flight, But Protected(Genesis 30-31)

Today’s reading only solidifies the idea that we are reading a narrative about imperfect individuals who are included in a perfect plan. Genesis 30 shows us that by the dramatic interaction Leah and Rachel are having with Jacob. And in all of this God is building a nation that will be called to represent His name.

However, more intriguing is the providence and protection of God shown in Genesis 31. Jacob has served Laban for 20 years (Genesis 31:38-42). He has been cheated and manipulated. However, his testimony is God has been with him (Genesis 31:5). God saw everything (Genesis 31:12-13)! And God warned Laban not to touch him (Genesis 31:24, 29).

Friends, it matters not how much people oppose you as long as God is with you. Furthermore, this passage serves as a confirmation. For, one can wonder if their service is counted as righteousness before God. Especially, when you are working for a “Laban.”

No doubt, many people told Jacob to leave and pursue other things. However, Jacob paid a debt that was owed, and in the integrity of his actions he was rewarded with a promise from God. This entire process may have very well been a part of his maturation process. Nevertheless, the important thing is he came out with a promise fulfilled.

Day 23: January 23, 2023: But You Promised (Genesis 32-34)

My daughter, Brielle, is our middle child. Nothing get’s by her and very little is forgotten, especially a promise. For weeks I have been promising to assemble their pool table and visit them for lunch. Nearly every day, she reminds be of that promise as she anxiously awaits its fulfillment.

Now, though I had several stipulations in my mind upon making these promises, none of these things matter to her. There were no conditions announced when I initially got her hopes up. I just made an overall promise to do something. Therefore, she is not able to equate the influence being tired, or not having enough time into how much these things impact my desire to complete the said promise.

I feel this is what Jacob is saying to God is Genesis 32:9,10,12. Upon leaving Laban’s house, God made Jacob a promise that He would be with him. God never told him any conditions that may lead Him to do anything differently. In fact, Jacob, reflecting upon his past, acknowledged his worthlessness. However, the promise was not based on his worth. Rather, God gave Jacob a promise, and He expected God to make good on it.

Jacob had several reasons for why God may not keep His promise. However, when he could hold on to nothing else, He held on to the fact that God made a promise. Jacob knew that God is a promise-keeper. And because He is such a great promise-keeper, none of the other variables can impact His faithfulness.

It is wise for man to appeal to God on the merits of His faithfulness. For, there is no other reason better than the reason of God keeping His Word and righteousness. During those times when we feel we are worth God’s blessings remember to say to God and yourself, “But you promised...”

(On a side-note, it is wise to pay attention to the obedience of Jacob that position ed him to receive the blessings God had prepared for Him. Obedience positions us to be blessed.)

Day 24: January 24, 2023: Dreamers and Dreams (Genesis 35-37)

Perhaps, the most popular aspect of today’s reading is found in Genesis 37. We are aware and thankful for the return of Jacob to Bethel in Genesis 35, because it reflects God’s promise-keeping, His faithfulness to covenant. It confirms that the God who makes a promise, keeps His promise. Furthermore, His bold demand to remove the pagan gods from among them is also very telling. It demonstrates the integrity of Jacob who has made Jehovah his God once and for all in honor of God’s faithfulness. No, Jacob is not one to take God’s blessings and run off. Rather, he has learned the importance of receiving and giving back to God.

Furthermore, Genesis 36 includes Esau’s lineage, which is important because we get to see who Israel’s enemies are. Yet, even more we get to see that Esau did indeed break the yoke Jacob placed on his neck (Genesis 27:40). His tribe is filled with dukes, wealth, and kings.

However, the narrative has shifted and will remain focused on a key figure in the book of Genesis—Joseph. Joseph is the favored son of Jacob who happens to be a dreamer. There’s more this book has to say about Joseph and his dreams. However, today’s reading lay before us the heartache one faces for simply being a dream.

Yet, it is not only the mere experience of having dreams that one is so heavily persecuted for. Rather, it is the audacity to share and declare that which one has dreamed that warrants the greatest hate. “How dare you share such a dream!” Genesis 37:8 and Genesis 37:10 show just how terrible one’s reaction can be towards the dreamer and his dream.

However, there is another component one must consider about Joseph’s life. This component is not the main issue, but it is the fuel that begins the conflict between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph was loved more than his other brothers. And so, the dreamer faces greater opposition not only because of their dreams. Dreamers face opposition because they are favored and happen to dream.

This all leads to a very practical principle for us in the modern world. There are some that are dreamers. Yet, there are others who are favored and loved dreamers who dare to share their dream. One must be prepared to face the greatest acts of evil. One should recognize that living in the dream that God has given with such favor is not easy, but it is possible. The dreamer must only submit themselves the Lord.

Day 24: January 25, 2023: (Genesis 38-40)

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