Trust is Over Rated.

Trust is Over Rated.  Exodus 19:20-25.

The Lord was going to make a dramatic entry into the visual lives of Israel; one which would forever be viewed a most dramatic event in history. God came down from heaven so that He might instill fear in the hearts of his people.

Filled with thick dark clouds, lightning bolts lit up the sky while thundering loudly. The ground quaked as fire descended on the mountain causing all the people to shake with fear. The very ground under their feet rumbled and as God came onto the mountain it was obvious that the same God who made the earth could tear it apart with little to no problem.

The God who produced the mighty miracles in Egypt and parted the Red Sea for their safe passing was coming onto the earth.

This was the culmination of three days of consecration where Israel got their affairs in order, renounced their sin, and washed their souls and their clothes.

And the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. Exodus 19:20(NKJV)

The Children of Israel were known for complaining about their situation. They feared being succumbed by their environment and it is feasible they complained as they worked to consecrate their life.

Wondering why they had to go through such an exercise, each went through the steps told to them by Moses. However, after seeing God’s power and greatness, if there were those who complained, they would now be grateful they listened to Moses.

This is typical of all people; when God is out of mind, the tendency of most is to think small about God. Yet, let trials come their way, they are praying to God and reverencing His power. A great question to ask is, “Why should God take a person’s prayers serious when they will not take God serious when living their normal life?”

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them. And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it. And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD, lest he break forth upon them. So Moses went down unto the people, and spake unto them. Exodus 19:21-25(NKJV)

“Who, my people?” Moses could not understand why anyone would dare come towards the mountain. However, God knows people are ill-mannered and disobey.

You would think, if an action ends in death a person would respect their lives and not tempt God. Yet this happens every day.

People are killed tempting fate. Like a person jumping from an airplane without a parachute, people treat life the same; they jump to their death more frequently than we realize. Inviting sin into their lives, they live as if they will not stand before the judgment seat of God.

The person who attends church then returns home to commit blatant sin is tempting fate. A person who says they are a Christian, but joins in on hedonistic acts, is tempting fate.

We are told by the Apostle Paul there are many acts, if practiced will keep a person from entering the kingdom of God. Paul wrote,
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11(NKJV)

Many have tempted fate and instead of doing what the Lord said to do, they approached an area they were warned not to go. Therefore, God reaffirms to Moses to warn the people again and even tell the priests, they too are to stay away from the mountain.

Now it does not say how many tempted fate and lost; yet those that did lose their life lost their chance to be with God and died in the displeasure of God.

I know many who say they are Christians, yet they live displeasing to God. They are curious about God and want to think themselves as part of God’s people; however, they tempt God by going too close to things God says causes spiritual death.

Jesus warned His disciples saying,
“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4-5(NKJV)

One could argue, “If I would have seen what the Israelites saw, I would not do the things I do.” However, all the historic events of the scriptures can clearly be seen if a person will study God’s word.

When studying God’s word, the Holy Spirit bring to life the words on the page and there is no excuse for Christians to succumb to drag me off to hell sin, if they have a daily relationship with God through praise, worship, fellowship, and bible study.

There is a trade off that makes seeing God not an advantage. True the children of Israel saw the greatness of God and it shook their life; however, if they were to disobey their orders they would immediately die. Our advantage, through we have not experienced God coming out of the clouds is, we have time to repent when we have done wrong.

God knows that we are sinners and speaking to Moses God expressed that God does not trust people. Therefore, we too should not trust ourselves and places ourselves in an opportunity to succumb to sin in weakness. It is all about trust and because of sin, trust is overrated.

Consecrate Yourself.

Consecrate Yourself. Exodus 19:10-20.

The children of Israel traveled through tough terrain when leaving Egypt. They faced famine, drought, and enemies, to which God provided for and protected them from. Now they had come to the place where Moses first saw the burning bush and had the revelation from God to go to Egypt, challenge the Pharaoh, and set the Hebrew slaves free.

Through Moses, God spoke to the people and He demanded from them commitment to holiness and to their covenant with God.

As soon as Moses approached them with God’s demand; they quickly answered, “We will keep all of the Lords commands.”

This display of confidence was arrogant for people are sinners and Israel would have been better off asking God and Moses to show them how to do this. Yet, they spoke in confidence as fools.

Israel was over confident and God knew that they would fail; however, to provide them opportunity to see what holy is, God was going to come near to them so they may experience His grandeur, His power, and His ominous presence.

God is not a person we want to take lightly or offend. Yet when people go out to live their daily life, often they leave God out of it; selecting business or pleasure before God.

Therefore, they fall into sin quickly and thoughts of facing an angry God are furthest from their mind. Like Israel, people become over confident in their own righteousness.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Exodus 19:10-11(NKJV)

It was a call to pious duty. For three days they would work to clean their tents of sinful things. They would renounce their sinful ways and lastly they would wash themselves and their clothes. For three days Israel would focus on holiness and find out how hard it really is to live holy.

Have you ever walked away from your business or duties to take inventory of your house, your life, and your ways? Have you taken time to consecrate yourself to God?

Most people only go to church service; however, cleaning one’s life out of the junk we horde is true godliness.

Possessions that cause us to sin, attitudes that need exposed, and confessing to those we have wronged takes thought, devotion, prayer, and time.

For Israel it would be a large process for like all people, they heaped to themselves things that would keep them from holiness.

You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.” Exodus 19:12-13(NKJV)

Moses had a large challenge to take two to three million people and help them sanctify themselves; therefore God gave Moses a description of the size of the event that was about to happen.

Do not touch the mountain or even the base of the mountain or it will cost you your life. No straying away, each person was to consider their own sin and concentrate on purging it from their life. The curious and the ill mannered beware; you will die if you come close to God.

So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.” Exodus 19:14-15(NKJV)

Moses wanted the people’s full attention to the act of consecrating or making right their life. Even relationships with the wife were to be placed on hold so arguing and fighting would not be an issue. God takes consecration serious and so should we

Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Exodus 19:16-17(NKJV)

Science fiction fans have been drawn to this description of God descending upon Mount Sinai with great interest. However, many believe the scriptures describe a spaceship and it could be less than or greater than their imagination.

Yet it was covered by dark clouds and like those who were told to stay away from the mountain, science fiction fans should stop their speculation and accept God as an extraordinary being.

What we do know is that no man can stand in the presence of God because of the separation that sin causes. God’s holiness is a consuming fire, and an unholy person would be incinerated. Therefore, a thick cloud covered the mountain so that no Israelite would look directly at the presence of God.

He came with thundering, lightning, and the sound like a trumpet. God was instilling into the heart of Israel exactly who it was they ignorantly answered to. This event put the fear of God in their hearts and they trembled.

Does a person tremble in fear when they are entertaining thoughts of sin? No, God is out of sight and therefore out of mind. The same applies to every facet of our sin; this is why a daily consecration of our life to God is necessary and the study of the scriptures so that we keep our hearts and minds towards His holiness.

Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. Then the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. Exodus 19:17-20(NKJV)

So what made Moses so special? Moses was a man who murdered another man; escaping Egypt with a bounty on his head. Moses was only a sheepherder. How come this man could be called onto the mountain into the presence of God?

The answer lies in consecration. From the time Moses met God in the burning bush, the devoted fire of faithfulness burned within his heart. He gave God control of his life and Moses made sacrifices to cover his sin.

Moses took God serious in all his ways and now the call of God is upon us to do the same. No matter what sins you have committed, it can be placed under the blood of the lamb, the shed blood of Christ.

God readied Moses for this day and so likewise should we let God ready us; for one day we too will stand in God’s presence.

Who needs God?

Who needs God? Exodus 19:1-9.

The journey of the Israelites through the wilderness to the Promised Land was long and arduous taking over 40 years to complete. Though the Promised Land was only a three days journey, God had them wander because they had such problem with being faithful to God.

Our passage begins with this call to faithfulness before the mountain that Moses saw the burning bush. The names for this mountain are Mount Horeb, Mount Musa, Gabal Musa, and Jabal Musa meaning “Moses’ Mountain.”

Some may think that wandering forty years, when they could have walked to the Promised Land in three days, was a terrible thing to do to people. However, God was not making a people who only pleased themselves; God was making a people who would serve Him, worship Him, and be faithful to be holy.

God was responsible for their existence. It was God who allowed Sarah to conceive when she was old and it was God who inspired Abraham to have faith. From Abraham, the whole nation had been developed in the caring watchful eye of the Lord; for without God, Israel would not be.

God allowed them to go to Egypt to grow as a nation and it was God who delivered them from the enslaving grip of the Pharaoh. They were saved from inhalation and for this, God demanded them to follow Him in holiness.

In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain. Exodus 19:1-2(NKJV)

Mount Sinai is not the largest mountain in the area; mount Catherine is the largest peak. However, it was “the mountain” where God first spoke to Moses giving orders to return to Egypt and deliver the people. It was also “the mountain” God would choose to speak to Moses from.

Mount Sinai has a ring of granite composites and the exposed rocks show evidence of being pushed up from different depths. It would be from these rocks that God would inscribe Ten Commandments for the people to follow.

And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” Exodus 19:3-6(NKJV)

Moses had the right mindset about God. He did not wait for God to call him; he went up to God. Moses wanted to gain direction for leading the people for without direction, confusion would set in. Moses realized his need for God.

So many people ask each other, “How do I know the Lord’s will for my life.” The answer is you seek God. Initiate the conversation through Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship. Then a person must be ready to go where they are called.

God’s answer to Moses was concise. Paraphrasing God, He said, “I delivered Israel and they saw it. Now they are to obey my voice and keep my covenant. Only after doing this will they be a special treasure.”

This is the structure to having a life that honors God. For Christians that means once saved from sin and accepting Jesus as the sacrifice for sin, they are to turn away from their old life and live a new life.

God was calling Israel to this new life; He wanted them to rethink who they were and act accordingly. He wanted them to be children of God and as children to be leaders in holiness as would a priest or king.

So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the LORD commanded him. Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. And the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.” So Moses told the words of the people to the LORD. Exodus 19:7-9(NKJV)

The answer of Israel, was the very problem in their relationship with God. They truly did not understand God is without a sinful nature and people were born into a sinful nature, passed to them through Adam and Eve.

When told the objective, they assumed they could be holy with just an answer. God said “Obey my voice and keep my covenant” and they ignorantly answered, “We will do all you say.”

Is holiness that easy? One day you say, “I will be holy’ and that is all there is to it? This answer from Israel was rude at best.

God saved them from Egypt; it would be God that would save them from their enemies. That is the role He wants in a person’s life and to say, “I will be holy” takes God out of the picture and assumes the task upon one’s self.

A person’s faith believes that God is, and God is able to save. He calls us to turn our lives over to Him and He will clean our lives so that we might be holy. Yet to arrogantly think that we can do it on our own is wrong.

Daily we need to seek Him; like Moses we need to listen to God speak to our hearts, through His word, those He has placed around us for support, and through His own still small voice.

In this life we will have tribulations and trials. There is no way a person can live their life holy without God’s help.

Israel’s answer would have been better said, “We can do it with your help and guidance Lord; but apart from you we are nothing.”

This is what made the three day walk into a forty year journey. Israel was to learn how stubborn and stiff necked they could be and their story is here to shorten our walk and struggle through life.

When Judeo Christian Law began.

When Judeo Christian Law began. Exodus 18:13-27.

A feast was invoked stemming from the sacrifice of Jethro, the father in-law of Moses. All of the leaders of the tribes met with Moses and Jethro to worshiped God in thanksgiving for the grace Israel found in God’s eyes and for their deliverance from Egypt.

The stories of God’s faithfulness in spite of their complaining, invoked an atmosphere revealing the true darkness in the hearts of the people. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and though we are saved by God’s grace, we still have to be sanctified from our sins.

The sacrifice they made to God brought forgiveness for sin; however, what were they to do with all the problems and internal strife within the people. How were they to become a people of God when conflict surrounded them? These questions burned in Moses’ heart that night.

And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” Exodus 18:13-14(NKJV)

Word was sent to through the elders to all of Israel that conflicts needed to be settled and all the people gathered to have their cases heard by Moses. However, the line stretched throughout the camp and people stood in line for their turn.

Jethro watched Moses getting busy hearing the disputes and as the line slowly progressed, Jethro shook his head knowing that Moses had taken upon himself too much work. This type of governing would surly consume Moses and all the suffering from bearing Israel’s burdens was too much for one man.

Jethro then approached his son in-law with a scolding, rhetorical questioning. “What are you doing to the people? Why do you do this?” As if to say wake up Moses, look at what you are doing to them and yourself, Jethro became a mentor before Moses.

There are times in all of our lives where words of wisdom will come to us with a stinging bite; for they will catch us when we have or are about to fail. It is important that when approached we stop to consider our actions afresh.

And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.” Exodus 18:15-16(NKJV)

Moses was very sincere in what he was doing and had a valid concern; yet his reply to Jethro seems to be an action that Moses thought best and nowhere does Moses say, “God told me to.”

Instead, Moses says they come to “me” and “I” “make known the statutes of God.” It was just something Moses did which made sense to him; and yet, Moses was going to fail.

Good intentions are not enough; a person needs God’s direction and God would have us have men as Jethro in our lives to consider their intentions before constructing a plan.

It is called accountability and it was at this time that God would use Jethro to set a standard that would be used universally and exists in our governments today.

So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. Exodus 18:15-20(NKJV)

There was nothing new to this portion of Moses plan; in fact it was similar to what he was doing now; however, there needed to be an augment which would make justice into a system, easier and quicker to conduct. Moses selected a good way; yet God was going to show Moses the best way.

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.” Exodus 18:21-23(NKJV)

It was a simple plan. Moses was to select the faithful people to bring others into accountability. The smallest group would have an overseer. Then the overseers would have a person to answer to.

As the chain of command narrowed, a smaller group of men would gather with Moses to discuss the welfare of the people. By the time these men met with Moses, real actions would have been implemented and in place and unrest would be quieted with in the camp.

So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. So they judged the people at all times; the hard cases they brought to Moses, but they judged every small case themselves. Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way to his own land. Exodus 18:24-27(NKJV)

It was a very notable improvement Jethro brought to the children of Israel. A stranger from a foreign land, only known by Moses, brought to them a civilized way to govern their business.

It came from a gentile who loved and served God. A gentile who made it his business to pray to God and hear what Moses did not. Jethro was selected by God to bring Moses into accountability and Moses was faithful to listen when reproved.

Oh that people would faithful seek God so they may step up to help others. Through this one man, Jethro, every Judeo Christian legal system on the planet would be born through faithfulness to seek God.

It is a principal we are to remember and a structure to implement or uphold in our societies, our churches, and our family. Let the people of God act accordingly.

Jew and Gentile Unite!

Jew and Gentile Unite! Exodus 18:1-12.

And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people—that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. Exodus 18:1(NKJV)

When Moses killed the Egyptian taskmaster, who had mistreated a Hebrew slave, Moses had to flee Egypt. It was in the wilderness Moses met Jethro and after working for him many years, Moses married Jethro’s daughter.

For forty years Moses led sheep through the wilderness and raised two sons, Gershom and Eliemzer. After the burning bush experience, when God called Moses to go back to face the Pharaoh, he left his family behind in the safety of his father in law, Jethro.

Jethro was not a Hebrew, he was a Midianite. Called by God to be a priest in Midian, Jethro had much respect for God and God’s work through Moses. It was Jethro who shared Moses burden to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt and now Jethro came to share in the glory of God.

Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, with her two sons, of whom the name of one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land”) and the name of the other was Eliemzer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”); and Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. Exodus 18:2-5(NKJV)

It is a great occasion when two people from different races can find unity in God. Moses was not a person who segregated himself to only accept Hebrews. In fact, Moses married outside of his race and took Zipporah as his wife.

While he stayed with Jethro, Moses shared his inner feelings over the mistreatment of the Children of Israel and it is reflected in the naming of his sons.

Gershom’s name reflected Moses grief while being raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter and Eliemzer’s name reflected the escape from the bounty placed on the head of Moses by the Pharaoh.

Before returning to Egypt, Jethro listened to Moses and shared his faith in the Lord. The Jethro continued in praying for Moses and encouraging Moses to trust in the Lord who spoke to him through a burning bush. Jethro told him to leave his family in Midian and go back to Egypt.

Now, though Jethro was not a Hebrew and could not cross over to the Promised Land, Jethro came to hear of the wonderful stories of deliverance by the hand of God Almighty. Jethro would take joy knowing he helped God deliver the Hebrews.

Now he had said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.” So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent. Exodus 18:6-7(NKJV)

Bringing his grandsons and his daughter to Moses was a charitable act for Jethro. Jethro knew that a man of God should have the support of his own family at his side and to Jethro that meant saying goodbye to them; as they would be reunited with Moses and leave Midian for the land God promised to Hebrews.

For most grandparents, saying goodbye to family would be a life crushing experience. Yet Jethro, a man of faith, looked at it as an opportunity and a job well done. He had taken care of Moses’ family and now was going to end a chapter in his life with praise.

What a great outlook Jethro had on life. To serve God was first and letting go of family, so that God may do his work, was what made Jethro a faithful man of God. There was no sorrow, only joy of being able to serve God.

And Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. And Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.” Exodus 18:8-11(NKJV)

Our faith is not in vain; and our God has control of every situation known to man. To fight life is to fight a losing battle; but to surrender to the work of God brings joy.

Jethro was hearing a firsthand account of the stories of Moses’ talks with the Pharaoh. The miracles God did through Moses and in all of this Jethro rejoiced in God’s wonderful work.

Through Jethro was not there or even near Egypt; Jethro knew he was serving God by doing his part in Moses’ life. Therefore, Jethro would share in the pleasure of God.

Every person who helps build the kingdom of God will not be forgotten. Every behind the scenes participant will be rewarded. When helping church leaders while they serve the Lord, the person helping is considered as valuable as church leader. It added to Moses confidence knowing his family was safe with Jethro.

Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. Exodus 18:12(NKJV)

Though we may be of different ethnic backgrounds, we can all share in the glory of the Lord. It was promised to Abraham the entire world would be blessed through his offspring and blessing Jethro was just the start.

Though we are not all God’s chosen people, the Jews, we have become partakers in the grace of God through the Messiah Jesus Christ; the lion from the tribe of Judah.

Moses and all the leaders came to break bread in honor of Jethro and in honor to the sacrifice prepared by the Midianite priest. There they sat to break bread to recognize this wonderful work of God in their life.

One day every person who helped build God’s kingdom will come together at the wedding of the church to the Lamb of God, Jesus.

At the wedding supper we will dine together and race will no longer matter for we will all recognize each other as co-workers who helped Christ build the Kingdom of God. Our work will be honored no matter how great or how small; we all participate in the building of God’s kingdom.

Facing your Enemy.

Facing your Enemy. Exodus 17:8-15.

God was teaching Israel to trust in Him. Walking through God’s desert classroom they faced problems of needing water and food. In every situation they complained, argued, and accused Moses of bringing them to the desert to die. However, in every situation God graciously provided for their need.

They ate Manna for breakfast, quail for dinner, and there was always a surprise awaiting them like water pouring from a rock, when Moses touched it with a rod. Slowly, they were learning to trust in God.

They also needed to respect Moses and in this passage God was going to allow a situation to make each Israelite see that Moses was a valuable person to them.

Moses was to be their pastor; he was intelligent, raised well, selected by God, and had experience, leading sheep forty years through the wilderness. However, the people did not respect him for being this leader in their life.

This was a problem; for they showed their disrespect with harsh words and accusations when times were bad. Therefore, God was going to repair this situation using bad times to cause them to respect Moses.

Now imagine this, two to three thousand people walking and driving their flocks across the desert. To see them approaching your land what would you do?

To the Amelekites this seemed as a threat; for if you speculate about the vast numbers approaching their land, you might draw much of the same conclusions.

They were coming from the direction of Egypt; which means this were probably the Egyptians coming to battle. What other army could have the provision to cross a wasteland and survive? So the Amelekites readied for battle.

Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” Exodus 17:8-9(NKJV)

The Israelites were being attacked. They had an enemy they never considered and they were being forced into fighting for their life. The strong men defended their camps until darkness ended the fighting; yet on the sunrise, the battle would continue.

Moses watched how the people handled this situation and recognized a man named Joshua. Joshua was not only strong, but was skilled in leading people and had a good sense of how to organize their defensives. Now Moses needed to take this man and turn him into a person who could sustain an offence.

As they met over the fire, Moses expressed his faith in God and told them he knew if he held up the rod that God gave him, God would give them the strength to subdue their enemies.

Yet it was going to take more than Moses; it was going to take the bravery and trust of Joshua to fight in the battle field. Therefore the plan was drafted and on the morn, they continued to fight for their safe passing.

This reaction of the Amelekites is pretty typical for all Christian people to face; especial in their places of business. People see the Christian as a fierce opponent and they battle them for company possitions.

The Christian presents a strong front; they are secure in themselves. They work hard, long, and are respectful. This can cause others to attack the Christian and to disrespect them.

People will start arguments trying to draw the Christian into an outburst. Others will build alliances against the Christian and try to discredit the Christian to the boss. There is even the act of sabotage to consider; for most Christians are great workers.

However, Christians are told not to fight with people, but look beyond their threats and see the true enemy, the spiritual enemy. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Exodus 17:10-13(NKJV)

Moses completely knew that God was their protection and the battle front was only a place of physical conflict. The truth was the Amelekites were Godless people and evil had gripped their hearts as did when evil gripped the Pharaoh’s heart.

As Moses lifted the rod, he prayed; interceding for the Israelites and in the field Joshua led the battle. Moses knew to use the tool that God gave to Him. He lifted the rod as long as he could and then his congregation sent people to help him when he was tired. Israel was finally seeing Moses as their leader.

In our lives Jesus Christ is our intercessor; when He ascended to heaven, He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. It is from there He looks down on us and we are to look up to His support.

As we battle in the field; our prayers are being hand delivered to God and the enemy is being suppressed, broken, and its strongholds ripped down. In faith we quietly continue knowing that God is protecting us.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; for he said, “Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Exodus 17:14-15(NKJV)

The Lord is my banner! He is my protector, my strength, and my victory song. Forever Jesus Christ looks down upon us, interceding while we physically walk through battles.

Just as God pledged to fight the Amelekites; God has pledged to fight all enemies of evil and allow us to be victorious in our battles.

This day the Children of Israel learned much about complaining about their leader. They learned to respect him and help him. In like action, we help each other without complaint or fear.

Complaining. What good is it?

Complaining. What good is it? Exodus 17:1-7.

You think you may know a person; however, when staying with them for an extended time or traveling with them, unseen personality traits will surface you never would have seen before.

In these times you might find hardships and you might find a person, you though you knew, is a completely different person. Many have come away from these types of experiences closer friends and others not so much.

When faced with adversity, a person often reacts revealing their true righteousness. For instance, take a person who has just injured themselves; the first words out of their mouth will show you much about their true self.

They same applies to all the adverse conditions a person would face. The good times, the bad times, when frustrated, and when tired. All these can bring your true self to the surface before others.

In our passage the children of Israel were on a trip through wilderness with Moses as their leader and following a cloud from God. As each faced trials they responded to them causing Moses to reach his breaking point.

Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.” So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the LORD?” Exodus 17:1-2(NKJV)

When being faced by adversity, our nature is to react at the person who is in front of us; not necessarily the person who is to blame.

Those in the service industries find that customers blame the person serving them rather than the business who set the terms for the service. Take the case of the waitress who brings food to the restaurant tables.

A food order is served cold or does not taste well; which is out of the control of the server. However, customers lower the tip for the server; who does not make much money to begin with and it affects the family she has at home. This is a reacting to the person in front of you.

Moses was only passing down the instructions from God and leading them in their journey with God. He was not God himself and yet every time something went wrong, Moses was the one they would blame.

God wanted Israel to turn their well being over to Him in faith. This is the human struggle that follows humankind through time. We see the people in front of us and we react to situations; however, we should look to God who has control over all of our lives.

We should ask, “Why is this happening to us” and pray for the answer from God. This is Christian maturity and God is working in our lives so that we might recognize His work in our lives.

If we need more faith, God brings circumstances to increase our faith. If we need a detour around a circumstance, God brings it. God watches out for our safety and everything that happens to us is for our own good; yet, it is up to us to recognize it and learn from the situation.

Do you trust the Lord? When asked, people will say, “Yes.” However, true trust in the Lord is when you see a problem, look to God for the answer, and then seek God on what you should do about it.

And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!” Exodus 17:3-4(NKJV)

Complaining is a terrible thing to propagate. When one person begins to complain, it affects others. Soon many people are disgruntled at their situation and their complaining is teaching others to be complainers. God does not want His people misguiding others.

Accused a second time, Moses takes his concern to the Lord. “What am I to do with these people?” This was a great question, to the right person, and placed before the Lord at the right time.

Notice Moses took his concern to the Lord? He did not complain back to the people or lash out saying something back to his accusers. He did not complain to others or those he knew would sympathize with him. Moses, faced with a great accusation, turns to the Lord for answers.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” Exodus 17:5-7(NKJV)

When complaining, it is an indirect statement against the Lord. In this case, their complaints truly stated, “Is the Lord among us or not?” When complaining about life’s circumstances, the blame is ultimately directed at the Lord.

Yet God was merciful and met their need causing water to spring forth from a rock. God was showing Moses that from the hardest substance on earth, life giving water can flow. This included the hard hearts of the children of Israel.

If you find yourself complaining about not having enough, high bills, unable to make it in life, the Lord would have you turn to Him. It is His work in your life and He works to soften you heart to trust in Him.

In the dessert God can bring water from a rock; but God also brings people to the dessert so He can work in their lives to draw them closer to Him.

Thanksgiving or Gluttony?

Thanksgiving or Gluttony? Exodus 16:31-36.

Though the Israelites were becoming real bad complainers, God continued to bless them. Yet, through this blessing of food, God was teaching them the importance of a Sabbath day rest. God wanted Israel to respect the Sabbath.

Why keep the Sabbath? We are to keep the Sabbath because humankind is made in the image of God. When God created the world He worked for six day and on the seventh He rested. Taking in the majestic sight of all His work He said, “It is good.”

It is simple to conclude if God rested on the seven the day, then being made in God’s image we too should rest one day of the week.

For six days, busy yourself working, planning, ensuring that your family is taken care of; but on one day a week, a person should let it all go so they may reflect on their work, on their attitude, and their righteousness.

Taking that day off from all cares, including shopping for food, is a good way to keep yourself recharged, satisfied, and it readies you for the week to come. A day of rest brings your family together.

In a world that people suffer from hypertension, attention deficit, and low self esteem you can see the impact that taking one day off would do.

The rest for the weary is not to be neglected; for to do so is to disobey God and go against the design of our own bodies.

Rest is essential; reflection and restoring a relationship with God is essential. Our family’s spiritual health is essential; therefore, the Sabbath rest is essential.

And the house of Israel called its name Manna. And it was like white coriander seed, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. Then Moses said, “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded: ‘Fill an omer with it, to be kept for your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” Exodus 16:31-32(NKJV)

Manna or “What is it?” was a special provision from the Lord and in order to have Manna on the seventh day a person had to gather enough for two days, on the day before the Sabbath.

Any other day, should they gather enough for two days, the manna would spoil; turning into a putrid substance drawing flies and producing worms. Yet, on the Sabbath, the Manna collected was sweet, delightful, and a miracle from the hand of God.

Israel was challenged to forever remember the Manna by keeping a portion of it and show it to future generations so they may see the miracle at the hand of God and remember the Sabbath; a day rest.

Therefore, they gathered Manna, placed in a jar, and carried the jar with them until years later when it would be placed it in the Ark of the Covenant.

The tragedy is, a many years later, the Ark of the Covenant was lost and the keeping of that tradition was lost. Israel failed to keep the Manna Jar in their possession and they can no longer show the miracle to their children.

And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a pot and put an omer of manna in it, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.” As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. Now an omer is one-tenth of an ephah. Exodus 16:33-36(NKJV)

The reluctance of Israel to follow God became a deepening scar for Moses. He was not good at public speaking anyways and he continued to withdraw from the people, letting Aaron deliver the messages.

Still the work of the Lord would remain in their hearts and Manna would become a staple part of their diet for forty years.

Throughout history bread was considered the staple of life. Flour was made from grinding grain so that it could be mixed with water and yeast to make the essential part of the diet.

Remembering the Manna, people of spiritual reverence considered bread as being a gift from God. When they planted the seed they prayed over the fields and when harvesting they gave God the glory.

As they would grind the grains and mix the dough, glory to God would be on their lips. Then when partaking in a meal, prayers of thanksgiving would be said before the meal.

So reverenced was God’s gift of food, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

The breaking of bread was to be a sacred occasion and not an indulgence. When a visitor was invited to a meal, it was not only to share in food, it was to share in unity. Though food can be tasty, the bond of faith was to be shared at the table.

Food was not to be wasted; it was a precious commodity and those who experience famine or drought could tell of its importance.

In our society bread is still important; however, many do without eating bread. There are other nutritional items to eat and some forgo the calories that bread gives.

Many members of society have learned to replace bread in the diet while others still eat it and enjoy a great variety to choose from. However, the spiritual significance of bread is being lost in a Westernizing world of plenty.

The garbage can of the world’s cities could wipe out hunger and if everyone in need had bread they could survive. Yet reverence for bread is being lost; just as reverence for God is being discarded.

Jesus told His disciples, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:32-35(NKJV)

Jesus is the bread of life. The breaking of bread was to be done in remembrance of Him. He is greater than Manna and also came down from God.

He gave his life to be broken on the cross so that we might have our trespasses forgiven. Therefore, we, like Israel, are to forever remember the goodness of God for providing the essential for life.

Is one day a week to much, to take the time to rest from work and our habitual life? Is one day a week too much to spend with our family teaching them that Jesus is the bread of eternal life?

If we discard our rest, we discard so much more; however, Jesus has invited us to rest in Him. Let us take our families to the table of the Lord in reverence and on one day a week make it a day that is reverent.

Causing Trouble in the Congregation.

Causing Trouble in the Congregation. Exodus 16:16-30.

God had shown His glory, lighting up the clouds and while the congregation of Israelites looked to the sky, flocks of quail flew into the camp. That night the children of Israel dinned on meat and the complaining stopped. Their God had provided them food.

Though Israel’s complaint had worked for them, it also worked against them; they established themselves as complainers. Where the meat and the bread met their need; they had much to learn about their selfish, mistrusting, cold hearts.

This is the thing which the LORD has commanded: ‘Let every man gather it according to each one’s need, one omer for each person, according to the number of persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent.’” Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one’s need. Exodus 16:16-18(NKJV)

The unit of measurement, the omer, is equaled to about 3.64 liters which is a good portion of manna; however, the people were not that specific about how much they collected and some gathered more, others gathered less. In this they showed that their own desires were more important than God’s desires.

When God is working with a person’s heart, often a person will think of themselves better than they really are. I have known people to trample through others people’s problems never considering the damage they do.

These have an attitude that they are wise and they apply their wisdom without acknowledging the work of the Lord in the situation. In reality, they are like these people gathering manna; they trample in and then trample out; they take what they want regardless of what God’s word said.

And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning.” Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. So they gathered it every morning, every man according to his need. And when the sun became hot, it melted. Exodus 16:19-21(NKJV)

This was the problem; the word of God, expressed through Moses, was of little value. Many did not take instruction serious and did what was right in their own eyes. They greedily took more than they should and tossed out the instructions.

Therefore, the result was a spoiled stinky mess and so it goes with people who do not follow the leadership of God; they end up with a stinky spoiled rotten mess.

People make messes of relationships; they muddy the reputation of others. Thinking themselves to be doing what is right, they make a mess of the situation they are in.

However, some do learn from their mistakes; and this lesson instilled in many to follow the directions that God gave. This was an important lesson; for Israel would have many instructions they needed to remember and follow.

And so it was, on the sixth day, that they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. And all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. Then he said to them, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’” So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. Exodus 16:22-24(NKJV)

I wonder how many were having a problem with trusting God to keep the manna overnight. That night, I would not doubt many made trips to the manna pots to check for worms. For trusting God to care for them was their main issue.

Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.” Exodus 16:25-26(NKJV)

So focused where they on the bread situation, many did not realize that they were being taught to keep the Sabbath.

If loyalty was a problem in their ranks, it makes sense that they too were breaking the Sabbath. Therefore, God used the manna to help them through several problems of being loyal to God.

In every society, in every church, and throughout the world, there are those who are going to shake their head yes, but really mean no. They act as if they follow the congregation; but they live differently.

Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. And the LORD said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? See! For the LORD has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day. Exodus 16:27-30(NKJV)

Moses was hearing the word of the Lord and watching people search through the camp, behind bushes, and talking to each other about their hunger.

When they were to be respecting God’s Sabbath, they were busy trying to find enough food for the day.

Many pastors look out at their congregation and know the trouble the people bring to themselves. He sees gossiping, busybody women. He watches men who talk only about their own fun and knows their desire to be elsewhere.

The pastor has to listen to arguing spouses on the brink of divorce and help others with the troubles of broken marriages and families.

The pastor daily recieves, from the Lord, messages to speak to the congregation and delivering them, he sees those who are not paying attention and they become those who are going to do things their own way.

The pastor cleans up the stinky mess when people trample through the congregation with no respect or regard to God.

Christians can be some of the most difficult people on earth as they have caused church splits, marriages to fail, and encouraged children to be disobedient.

Everything that God says not to do, many Christians do and the hardships fall on the pastor.

God said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? See!” This indicates that a congregating is viewed by God as a whole.

A church is no stronger than its weakest member and to this, the pastor and his staff toil to make them understand the importance of reverence to God’s word.

Drawing Near to God.

Drawing Near to God. Exodus 16:9-15.

The complaint department is usually full. In our day people have become expert complainers. If it’s not about family, it’s about money. If it’s not about money, then it is about how someone soiled your day. No one is beyond criticism; however, criticism is different than a complaint.

The critic shares a way to make something better in life. However, a complaint is a byproduct of fear and we are instructed by scriptures not to fear for God is in control of every situation. Therefore, many people think they are criticizing; however, they are complaining and this becomes very annoying to God and others.

Moses was very annoyed with the Children of Israel. God had saved them from the Egyptian army. When they needed water God provided. With such great display of God’s ability to save, these complained to Moses about food.

It was not criticism, nor was it constructive; their complaints were destructive as they tried to blame Moses for leading them into starvation.

Moses had had all he could take from the miserable people and turned the message over to Aaron. Moses was going to sit back and watch; probably saving himself from being like them.

Then Moses spoke to Aaron, “Say to all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘Come near before the LORD, for He has heard your complaints.’” Now it came to pass, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’” Exodus 16:9-12(NKJV)

They keys to their attitudes were the distance of their hearts. To draw near to God is to put aside other things and to focus in prayer where you will receive understanding of whom God is, what significance an event has, and how great is our Lord.

Many people suffer in their situations complaining about how bad things are. The situation causes them grief and grief causes them to focus on the problem. They draw nearer to their problem and compound their grief.

Drawing near to the Lord is a way to see the problem against the Lord God who created the Universe. In this, the size of the problem shrinks and the less burdensome it becomes.

Yet to these fortunate few the size of the Lord was revealed before their eyes. The cloud that hovered over them began to glow and the glow turned in to an increasingly bright light.

The dessert lit up like no sunset could ever do and the gloriousness of God was in plain sight. Though shrouded in a cloud God was making himself know in their presence.

God has done the same in the lives of people throughout time. Those who take their problems, their discomforts, and their sicknesses, to the Lord in prayer, find his presence shinning in their heart.

It starts faint as a small light; but through worship and reading His word, meaning grows and so does God’s presence in their life. People go from dwelling in darkness to living with the presence of the Lord in their heart; where their fears, the threats, and the discomfort flee away.

When people draw close to the Lord, life changes. This when you and others will see the glory of the Lord in the amazing answers to prayer and the astonishing clarity of what good an event has in their life. The Glory of the Lord shines on the face of His people as His dwelling place is in their heart.

So it was that quails came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp. And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as frost on the ground. So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. Exodus 16:13-15(NKJV)

Their problems were over; the quail were so thick in the camp that grabbing a few to roast was easy. No hunting, no great effort, God had supplied all their needs. That night, Israel was blessed regardless of their bad attitudes and accusing statements.

The next morning was like waking after an evening’s snow; the ground was covered with bread. However, it looked different and they stood staring at the bread in dismay.

“What is it? What do you do with it?” God had given them a resource that they did not understand and that was enough to make Moses break his silence and he comically answered, “This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.”

I believe that Moses found joy in seeing the people sheepishly looking at the bread in wonderment; for now they were not questioning him, they were questioning God.

In every situation of life there is purpose. Not a single person dies without their being a back story, a purpose for their life, and a meaning in their death. God is at work in every aspect of life.

This being recognized, we can learn and understand his ways if we draw close to Him through worship, prayer, fellowship, and Bible study.

If we look at a situation and complain, we are focusing our attention away from seeing God’s plan, God’s ability, and God’s greatness. This is where many lose their focus on God altogether and too many have passed without knowing God personally.

Remember, it all starts with focusing on discomfort, which grows into complaining. If you let focusing on problems stay in your life it can be a lifestyle that you take to the grave; where you will forever be separate from the glory of the Lord.

Complaining about Others.

Complaining about Others. Exodus 16:1-8.

It had begun to be a common occurrence for the children of Israel to doubt Moses and God when faced with adversity. Any time their safety was in danger, the first thing out of their mouth was an accusation and expression of their fears. This troubled Moses; for Moses wanted a calm, peaceful joining of Israel to their God in faith.

As with any good father, the waiting for his children to mature is part of the process of life. God had been patient with Israel and taught them through their trials to have faith in Him.

Through Moses, God sent a message saying, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

This was a warning that for those who fail to recognize God’s authority. God will do things to command respect from people. As a child, he will spank them on the behind and let them see His authority and His ability to control their fate.

And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt. Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. Exodus 16:1-3(NKJV)

This word Sin translates to the word “thorn;” and though sin is a thorn, it is not the same word from the Greek that translated to our understanding of sin. However, again we find the people complaining against Moses and Aaron. This is an act of sin for they are missing the mark that God had set for them.

We walk a fine line when complaining about people, places, or things. As we go about our daily business, it is easy to cross over that line and though we might not recognize it, we can be complaining about what God has provided for us.

When a spouse complains about their mate they are complaining about the person God has brought them. Often people do not recognize that they are unhappy with what God has provided because they only see the fault of the other person. God takes it personal; for He would have a person accept the spouse thankfully and take all problems in prayer to God.

I have seen various types of this. A person, who prays for employment, finds it and is overjoyed. However, their love affair soon grows old; complaints about coworkers, working conditions, or pay, becomes grief and instead of taking it to God respectfully in prayer, they complain, and wallow in their misery. What God so graciously provided is now considered a hardship and gratitude is lost.

And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Exodus 16:4(NKJV)

They had learned not to accuse God and they feared angering Him; however, they still have yet to understand that you cannot single out God’s leader without blaming God Himself.

“”You have brought us out into this wilderness!” This is your fault. They had plenty of food in Egypt and now they wondered why Moses did not plan better. Food was dwindling and as if they did not learn a thing from the problem of running out of water, these people were again stirred up.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.” Exodus 16:5(NKJV)

God was measuring their commitment to Him by their obedience to the rules He gave them. This is where God draws the dividing line between who are faithful to him and those who are not faithful to Him.

In this challenge each morning they would wake to find a substance they would call bread. Each new morni9ng they were to gather a quota of bread to feed themselves for the day. On the sixth day they were to gather twice the amount so they may be able to have it on their Sabbath day, the day of rest.

In this test, those who trusted God would be thankful and believe in God to provide the next day; or they would fearfully, greedily, gather more than their share and prove their unbelief in God who promised to provide.

Then Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, “At evening you shall know that the LORD has brought you out of the land of Egypt. And in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD; for He hears your complaints against the LORD. But what are we, that you complain against us?” Exodus 16:6-7(NKJV)

Moses was very bothered at the treatment they received from the people. In this speech Moses declares to them in the evening they were to reflect on the goodness of the Lord who delivered them out of Egypt. Reflecting on their deliverance and God’s faithfulness would make the morning so much more glorious.

This is the missing ingredient to a happy life in all those who find bitterness. Reflecting on the goodness of the lord and all the wonderful works of the Lord should cause us to have faith, hope, and produce love from our life.

When a person understands the Love of God for them; there is no room for fear. Doubt is pushed to the side and faith causes a person to quit striving. God is good and there is none like our Lord.

Also Moses said, “This shall be seen when the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD.” Exodus 16:8(NKJV)

How can you complain when God was not only going to deliver them bread, but God was also going to bring meat to eat for the evening dinners?

Yet Moses was forming his own opinions about these people. Many of them were self centered, selfish, and he knew that they would complain again. Even after God had delivered them, fed them, and gave them water, they would find something else to complain about. So Moses told them the way it would be.

Next time, don’t complain at me, you complain at God for that who you are blaming anyway!

The Children of Israel were no different that we are today; we are all people and we all make mistakes like people. With our mouths we bless God and curse others. We complain, voicing our displeasures to others, and we also blame others.

Yet we must remember that if we are displeased, our words should be taken to God in prayer. We should pray, “Change them or change me;” giving our honor and respect to God.

Listen to yourself, monitor your own faith and when listening to someone else complain, pray for them for it is a hard concept for people to understand and never let your complaining bring others down with you.

As Christians we are teachers with our life. Would it not be a terrible thing to be considered a person who taught others to complain, to cross the line, and miss the mark of God?

Falling Down at the First Sign of Trial.

Falling Down at the First Sign of Trial. Exodus 15:20-27.

The Children of Israel were so elated to have the Egyptian army defeated it provoked a joyous celebration. Instruments sounded and song broke out as merriment was in the hearts of the people.

There is no better time to celebrate than when a person has overcome a great trial in their life; the only problem is life is filled with trials.

Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them: “Sing to the LORD, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!” Exodus 15:20-21(NKJV)

Miriam is the sister of Moses. Miriam watched over Moses as he floated down river in the ark made for him as a baby. Miriam approached the Pharaoh’s daughter and talked her into hiring her mother to care for the baby.

Being of the family of Moses held great responsibility, for if Moses were to be wrong about God and God’s will for the children of Israel, the immediate family would too be shunned.

As Moses and Aaron were leaders among the elders, Miriam was also stepping up to take her role leading the women in celebration of their delivery from the enemy. Is it not interesting to see that women’s ministry is mentioned so early in our scriptures?

Miriam was more than a leader; she was gifted with ability to prophesy and though her prophesies are not recorded, their fulfillment coincided with the delivery from the enemy by God. With joy Miriam celebrated and led others to celebrate the same.

Celebration is not to be confused with worship. Celebration comes from great emotion following a victory, an achievement, or a completed task; worship is to be a continual action through good times and bad. God’s people must learn they worship God regardless of the situation faced.

Celebration takes a person to a mountain top of adulation and goes as quickly as it comes; for we must walk through valleys so low.

In those valleys we face trial, difficulty, and fear; however, the worship of God should not stop.

Through worship, God’s people become strong; as God helps them to make it through their situation. Through worship, fears are silenced and darkness is turned to light.

The Children of Israel were going to face many low times and even in the lowest of time God expects faith from His people. This is what a leader must remember; victories are great, but too much celebration is not good for people.

So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Exodus 15:22(NKJV)

These people had been on the move and their water supply was dwindling, if not completely gone. Running out of water became a great fear and the dessert ahead was a barren waste land. This is only the first obstacle the children of Israel would face.

Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” Exodus 15:23-24(NKJV)

The same people who danced at the victory, given to them at the hand of God, now complained to Moses. They had never been out of Egypt and they had no idea of what to expect.

They saw water in the distance and the two to three million people caravanned over to a great water source. It was a great find; however, they also found the place was called Mara or bitter. This water could not be drunk.

At this point to be a leader of the people was not a joyous position. The leaders Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, were approached by all side with people wanting to know, “What are we going to drink?”

Many of the questions came as accusations and sounded like the accusations expressed when cornered by the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. There they asked, “Did you bring us out here to die?”

We can plainly see it is hard to face trials after experiencing such great joy. It can be measured by the fall for the higher the mountain top, the greater the fall.

To the leadership this must have seemed a terrible contrast of attitudes and loyalty. What about God’s ability to deliver? Where is faith and when will these people trust in God? Being new to leadership, Moses became upset at his people’s response.

So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” Exodus 15:25-26(NKJV)

Through this trial, it became clear it would take time for these people to spiritually mature. They went from great faith to no faith; from joy to miserable and for a leader this becomes a measure of his or her effectiveness in their congregations.

Moses too cried out in distress to the Lord. The people did not trust him as a leader. He too went from victory to defeat with a problem that seemed impossible.

Though he had faith in God, the situation caught Moses off guard and he grieved. Yet Moses received a quick word of wisdom from the Lord and in obedience they cast the tree into the water and it not only became drinkable, it became tasty and sweet.

It did not take Moses long to reflect on the power of God over circumstances and Moses knew that God would tolerate no compromise in faith; for without faith it is impossible to please God. Therefore, Moses gave the people a sermon, a warning to trust in God.

You must be diligent to heed the voice of the Lord and do what is right in His sight. You must keep God’s rules intact, for your life to continue to be healed. This means following where He leads, trusting in Him to provide, and allowing Him to heal our broken lives.

There is something broken in our lives if we fear. To complain and murmur is the sign of a greater problem, a spiritual problem and our distance from God. Therefore, let us praise and worship God without peaking so that we will have faith in the valleys.

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters. Exodus 15:27(NKJV)

God leads us to rest in Him. He is an abundance supplier and when we trust in Him we find our way.

These people following Moses into the dessert had great trust issues with God and their leadership. If they did not receive the healing their trials would bring, they would not enter into their rest.

A Song to Teach Every Generation.

A Song to Teach Every Generation. Exodus 15:1-19.

The sea churned as the huge walls of water came crashing down on the Egyptian army. The noise alone was great enough to send people running along the sea side to get a glimpse of the aftermath.

Millions of people lined the shores watching waves spreading out from the center of the sea upon which they, themselves, previously walked. The Egyptian army was defeated; drowned in the depth of the sea. God had defeated their enemy.

Shock registered upon the faces of all of Israel. Their enemy they feared was defeated and salvation was theirs. As Moses said, God delivered and they were safe.

So what now? They had witnessed the saving hand of God and joy filled their heart. One person started to sing a song and soon a group of people had comprised a song that was sung by the firesides that night.

Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and spoke, saying:
“I will sing to the LORD, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!

The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

The LORD is a man of war; The LORD is His name. Exodus 15:1-3(NKJV)

There is no greater instrument than the instrument of the voice when influenced by the heart. When a person is full of delight, their heart is light. When delivered from circumstances, people desire to let it out, they have to tell someone and a song to the Lord is a correct response.

Jehovah is His name; “the existing one.” Israel had learned to respect their God and had found a new reverence towards Him. Yet, He was not just God, He was their God and now they had begun to treat Him as their God.

This is the result of the trial they faced. Though tough and insurmountable, Israel had learned to respect God.

Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them; They sank to the bottom like a stone.

“Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces.

And in the greatness of Your excellence You have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath; It consumed them like stubble.

And with the blast of Your nostrils The waters were gathered together; The floods stood upright like a heap; The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, My hand shall destroy them.’

You blew with Your wind, The sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

“Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness,  Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Exodus 15:4-11(NKJV)

At one point in their captivity the Children of Israel were willing to comply with their task master. They had food on their table; they were able to participate in commerce. There was no need for a God; the comforts and safety in Egypt replaced God.

It was only after God hardened the Pharaoh’s heart did they see the world of Egypt for what it was. Egyptians took advantage of God’s people and when the mistreatment began, suddenly the love affair with Egypt was gone; life had become unbearable.

This passage of the song now shows their alliance and allegiance to a different world, the world that belongs to God; a world they would separate themselves to.

You stretched out Your right hand; The earth swallowed them.

You in Your mercy have led forth The people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength To Your holy habitation.

“The people will hear and be afraid; Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.

Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; The mighty men of Moab, Trembling will take hold of them;  All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away.

Fear and dread will fall on them; By the greatness of Your arm They will be as still as a stone, Till Your people pass over, O LORD, Till the people pass over Whom You have purchased. Exodus 15:12-16 (NKJV)

Israel had realized they were made for something more than working for a task master. They were God’s people with a promise of a new land. However, before their trial, those promises seemed so distant and imposable to attain.

Now they looked towards the people living in their promised land as no great problem at all; for God would deliver them and those who do not worship God should fear.

The greatest part of Israel’s new found attitude is they were no longer afraid of facing God, facing others, or facing their future. They had become brave overnight and were able to go ahead with their life as God’s people.

You will bring them in and plant them In the mountain of Your inheritance,  In the place, O LORD, which You have made For Your own dwelling,  The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.

“The LORD shall reign forever and ever.” For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. Exodus 15:17-18 (NKJV)

This song of deliverance was more than a time of celebration; It was a song that all were to learn for it was a way to never forget the lessons of those days.

When facing trials people need to remember the power of the Lord and they should let that power be their strength in adversity. These would teach this song to their children and it would be remembered to this day, as it is written in our scriptures.

The victory of this day could spurn victories in the future if people were to commit this song to heart. Such is the importance of worship.

Throughout the world church services begin with songs, music, a hymn, and people hear the music, but often miss the words. Some hear the words, however, they do not contemplate what the song really means.

Worship is a time to allow the music to come out of our beings; yet not only from our vocal chords, but from our heart. Out heart is a two way instrument. From it comes praise and into our lives flow security, bravery, and remembrance of the great works of God.

Following Darkness into Danger.

Following Darkness into Danger. Exodus 14:24-31.

The children of Israel had been safe because a, low lying, dark cloud kept the Egyptians from seeing them. The thick darkness was blinding to the Egyptians; yet, on the other side, emitted bright light for the Israelites. This forced the Egyptians to slow down and they could not catch, nor see, the Israelites.

A horrendous wind blew towards the Red Sea and the water parted into two columns. The wind dried the ocean floor; it was an amazing sight to see.

Israel was instructed to walk across the ocean floor to the land on the other side and as they did the cloud, which blinded the Egyptians, lifted and they could see the Children of Israel escaping.

Infuriated the Pharaoh drove the Chariots harder. Faster and faster and soon the Egyptian army was also crossing the Red Sea. In anger the Pharaoh ignored the situation and his bitter heart was leading him to his doom.

This is an important aspect of mankind’s attitude towards sin. A person may harbor bitterness or anger towards Christianity and God; however, often then do not realize that their anger becomes a darkening cloud inside their life. As they drive forward their hearts get harder and they become blinded to the danger they are running towards.

Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the LORD looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.” Exodus 14:24-25 (NKJV)

The Chariots were going so fast that the axels were grinding away and the wheels had begun to wobble. It was a short coming in the technology; however, fear of the walls of water was upon the Egyptians and getting to the other side became the priority.

Fierce faces turned to desperate gasps. Men held on as Chariots started to come apart and retreat was on most all minds.

Fear had engulfed the heart of the army and in arrogance the Pharaoh continued to drive on, ready to kill anything that got in his way.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. Exodus 14:26-28 (NKJV)

Who is so great that they can face God in arrogance and win? So many people arrogantly turn their backs on the message of God and still God waits for them to repent; yet, the fabric of the universe is decaying in front of them. Like walls of water, it will eventually crash down around them and engulf them; crushing the chance they had to repent.

There are attitudes about Christianity that vary in their aggressiveness. There are those who choose to sin, though they know that those who commit such sins have chose to be separated from a holy God.

I have known those living in adultery, drunkards, drug users, and liars that seem to think, because they once in a while pray, they will be saved from eternal separation. However, the Bible says that those who do such things will not enter heaven. These are blinded from the truth.

Others have let the actions of a Christian they knew, become an excuse why they themselves have not done what is right before God. They keep their distance from God’s influence and blame the person who did them wrong. However, in God’s eyes this excuse is not sufficient to save; the person they knew might have done them wrong, but God has not done them wrong.

Blaming others for committing wrong is not an excuse. Feeling uncomfortable in church is not an excuse. Finding that others are phony in their relationship with God is not an excuse. Each of us is called by God to have our own sin forgiven and seek our own relationship with God.

But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. So the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Thus Israel saw the great work which the LORD had done in Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses. Exodus 14:29-31 (NKJV)

Not every heart in the congregation of Israel was perfect. They were not a group of holy people; however, they had made a choice to follow God.

That is a major aspect of Christianity that so many people get wrong. When becoming a Christian, you are not joining yourself to a group of people; you are joining yourself to following God.

In a church, Christian people are at various steps in perusing a relationship with God. People will let you down; they will disappoint you and at times hurt you. Each person has come to give their life to God and all have different needs.

Thus in a church you will find people that have trust issues, anger issues, and various sinful tendencies. They all are there to have their lives changed by God and change takes time.

The Pharaoh and the Egyptian army should have recognized that Israel’s God was mighty force and took steps to join themselves to Him. However, they held on to their jealousies, their preconceptions about other gods, and their loyalty to the Pharaoh.

They let their attitudes build and they found themselves chasing Israel in to a dangerous place which would cost them their lives.

Looking down their chariots was failing and looking up, the walls of water were beginning to erode. They followed their perceptions and notions into the thick of danger, where they realized their pursuit, their prejudices, and their anger, was all for not.

The Egyptians had walked away from God’s grace. They did not listen to the warnings, and now it was too late; this was the day they would die.

There is no time on this earth for walking away from the Lord and blaming situations or other people. Today is the day of salvation for tomorrow you might find your life being crushed to death by a situation. Like a candle, one gust of wind, it goes out; such is life.

The Power of God to Save

The Power of God to Save. Exodus 14:19- 23.

Fear had gripped the Israelite camp for the Egyptians were perusing the Children of Israel with over six hundred Chariots. Thoughts of dying in the dessert and the extinction of their race were spilling out of every mouth and accusations were hurled towards Moses.

The elders came to Moses demanding to know if he had set them up; took them out into the dessert so the Egyptians could kill and leave their bodies to rot in the distant sand.

Moses stared into their unbelieving eyes and announced with a loud voice, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Their fear had become a terrible display of their unbelief in God. Where God is love and wants people to come to Him, God wants a person’s complete devotion and trust. He does not want to see His people faint, complain, or murmur, at the sign of trouble.

God wants all people to believe in His saving power and with a dynamic courage stand still and watch God deliver them.

And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night. Exodus 14:19-20 (NKJV)

When trials come your way, how do you react? Many say they are trusting God, but the words coming out of their lips are more of an incantation in hopes God will hear them and act. Inside they are fearful, complaining, and murmuring as they doubt their delivery. This is not faith.

In our passage, God does not rebuke their unbelief. As a caring parent, God is dismissing their child like fear and delivering them to strengthen their faith. They were in the early stages of a relationship with Him; however, as time goes on, God would grow tired of the way they grasp and hold on to unbelief.

When a Christian has seen the delivering hand of God and seen His goodness; to fear a circumstance becomes a way of disrespecting God.

Would Moses have coward at the accusations of the people, God would have had stern words with Moses. Yet Moses stood strong in faith that God was able to deliver.

God is able to protect His people in every situation they face. What is hard to understand is when God allows a trial to come into our life and become so dominating.

People lose their homes, suffer financial collapse, face physical problems that get the best of them and they often lose loved ones to death.

These problems tear at their very fabric of our beings; yet, God knows what we need in our lives to ready us to enter into His kingdom.

God could have stopped the Pharaoh at the gates of the treasure city. He could have taken their lives with a single word from His lips. However, God allowed Israel to see their pursuers and witness His love for them by His saving hand.

The trials were not over; the Israelites were expected to take great steps in faith. Their lessons were mounting before them; for God was building the character of His people trough trials.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. Exodus 14:21-23 (NKJV)

The cloud behind them glowed with great light; they could see the salvation of the Lord. Word spread through the camp that the cloud was protection and then it began to get windy.

Moses had lifted his arms to part the sea and though none understood the effect it would have, the tremendous wind began to blow over their camp and towards the sea.

It would make sense that many took cover and the sands carried in the wind may have blocked their view of the waters parting. It would not be until morning that they would see two great walls of water held back by the power of God.

Then the word came through the camp that they were again moving forward into the sea. God expected each to muster the faith to walk into the paths of danger. Yet, as they entered it became clear that God salvation had come.

Millions of Israelites had entered and were walking across the sea and once they had all entered and developed some distance, God allowed the Egyptians to see them and in arrogance the Egyptians pursued them.

In this we see that trials are often allowed to be very dramatic events. Building the faith in sinful people must be like trying to get the attention of a donkey.

It often takes a great trial to cause people to cry out for God and we have to ask, “What does it take for a person to daily speak to God?”

It is amazing that people can go to church on Sunday and not take their Bible. Some who do, will take it home and set it down, not to open it till the following Sunday.

People pray over their food, thanking God for providing for them; however, they do not pray for their neighbor.

Some see the need of others and walk away. Others are in need and then do nothing about it. Where is faith in God? Where is the need for God? What is God worth?

Trials happen to get our attention and dramatic trials are allowed to get our attention so that God is not forgotten in our lives. Trials remind us that we need God and that is why trials are to be welcomed for they are times God wants us to watch Him at work.

What if a trial takes a close loved one and we are left alone? Could it not be that God wants to fill the void in your life by His own self? He wants us to draw to Him for comfort, love, and protection. God loves us and all things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to His purpose.

Israel was walking on dry ground and would soon be on the other side. Any fear had been unwarranted and rethinking how they approach trials was in order.

Introduction to Genesis.

Introduction to Genesis.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2(NKJV)

The only accurate scientific explanation behind our universe resides in these pages of the first book of the Bible, Genesis. Where today scientists try to disprove divine intelligent creation, those of the faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam cling to its pages for answers. Which brings the question, “How can a person put their faith in a book that has been written & passed along for many thousands of years?”

Accounts in the Book of Genesis are referenced throughout the scriptures and it becomes the bedrock for the validity of the complete Bible. The word Genesis means to begin. Our scriptures begin with the revelation of the creation by Jesus Christ and conclude with The Revelation of Jesus Christ, speaking to the end of the world and the eternal destiny of humankind.

The Apostle John, who knew Christ best, wrote in his gospel that Jesus was with God in the beginning of creation and the two were actually one in the creation of the universe.

In referring to Jesus he says, “The word was with God and the word was God. Nothing was made without Him. The same was in the beginning with God. Therefore, the Genesis accounts must hold cohesive validity across the scriptures for them to be true.

Many intelligent people throughout the years have challenged the validity of the scriptures; however, those challenges have been answered and archeological proof has dispelled countless claims.

Very tough questions have been answered and the scriptures still stand to this day. However, no accusation can be answered if a person is unwilling to know the truth. The grave holds many of unbelievers that refused to accept this timeless message.

Throughout time, there have been those who have dismissed the scriptures based upon inaccurate assumption, self absorbance, and feelings of hate stemming from social differences. It is a terrible thing when people pass by the truth because of prejudices. Yet there will always be those who hate and are willing to pass by truth in order to perform their rage.

The truth of the scriptures is also passed over for arrogance and pride. People who have thought to be great thinkers have disregarded the scriptures to accept a flat earth, a sun that reflected the light of the earth, and that men came from cosmic eggs that had wings and flew through space.

The Egyptians thought the world was supported by five great pillars; the Greeks thought it rested on the back of Atlas and Hindus believed it was carried on the back of a great elephant. It should not surprise us that Darwin could say that we evolved.

So how can we place our faith in a document written so many years ago? It is a studious question and one that needs a studious approach to understand. Thus was the case for Josh McDowell who authored the book, Evidence that Demands a Verdict.

Mr. McDowell presents compelling historic information that a willing person will investigate; however, it is so well documented one need not go past the pages of the book. In his book Josh speaks about historic archeological proofs to the scriptures we hold in our hands today.

The Bible is the most historic book that we have eye witness testimony of. In possession today there are over 24,000 handwritten original copies of the New Testament.

Various manuscripts, dating back to 120 A.D, have been compared finding little difference. Modern archeological finds, like the Dead Sea Scrolls, support the accuracy of these manuscripts and these finds show that our modern Bibles are the most accurate historic literary accounts in the world.

In comparison, Homer’s Iliad, which is written about the Bible, is the only other historic book that has as many handwritten manuscripts that back its accuracy. What may surprise you is that in our schools and colleges, they teach from men who we have less historic proof that their writings remain in tack to their original pens.

Only seven hand written copy manuscripts from Plato exist and forty-nine from Aristotle; yet these men’s words are taught to college students verbatim and from them scientific hypothesis are derived. From these hypotheses, books are written and taught in schools as fact. Therefore, the Bible should be accepted with greater validity; yet it is down played to students as non-scientific.

We can also place our faith in the scriptures because of its cohesiveness. It was written over a 1,500 year span by authors from various back grounds. The Bible is writings of kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, and a tax collector.

Moses was a political leader trained in the universities of Egypt. Joshua was a military general. Nehemiah was a cupbearer for a king. Daniel was a prime minister and Luke was a doctor. Many of these men never met each other and lived at different times; yet they write about numerous controversial subjects with perfect harmony.

It would be a great challenge to find ten people, from one time, from one country, to write on one topic and agree. From Genesis to Revelation, it is a divinely cohesive account of our existence.

Then to all of this we can add the completion of prophesy. Just the prophesies about Jesus number around 100 and each came to pass with explicit detail. His virgin birth, the location, and even how He would die were all predicted many years before they happened.

To have all of these prophesies fulfilled with accuracy is an impossible feat. It would be like filling up a large island with silver coins; painting one red, dropping it onto the island and have it found on a first attempt by a blindfolded man. Accuracy in fulfillment of prophesy only happens within these scriptures we call the Bible.

Many have sought to disprove the scriptures and if fault could have been found, it would have been found; yet its accusers have lived and died while the hearts of many have been changed. Through faith, lives have been healed and answers to prayers have been undeniable. With this being said; let us go back to the beginning and explore what it says about us.

In this study we will explore the creation, the fall to sin, and the redemption that was so skillfully planned. Please join us in this study of the Book of Genesis; the beginning, the reason, and the purpose for our existence.

Since God took such excellent care in providing us an accurate account, can we not render to Him our attention? The devotional Bible study called The Christian Worker’s Spiritual Food Study in the Book of Genesis begins now!

A Wife, a Son, a Plan. Genesis 2:15-25.

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:15-17(NKJV)

Deep inside the heart of Lucifer there was jealousy as he watched God make this garden. Now, man and God had a special place; it was their own and God had made it for the man, which filled Lucifer with Jealousy.

What was so special about this man? Like Lucifer, Adam had no wonderful shinny gems that shimmered across his body; He was made with no musical instruments. He was bland, naked, and Lucifer was gorgeous, beautiful, and talented. Lucifer compared himself to this man and felt himself far superior to the man.

Ezekiel speaks for God saying about Lucifer, You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. “You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. “By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones.”Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you. Ezekiel 28:12-17

Lucifer boiled deep within as he watched this communion that Adam and God had. Deep within he vowed to disrupt it. He wanted to destroy it, and drive a separation between them. Lucifer had hatred towards Adam.

In the Garden there was a rule, “Do not eat from the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil” and therefore Lucifer would center his attention to have this happen; His thoughts were “Death to the man and then, eventually death to God.”

Some blame God for sin; yet God did not make sin; He only made individuals with choice. Lucifer was an individual with choice and he continued to make the same mistakes. Therefore, God used Lucifer’s appetite for destruction and in the middle of the Garden, placed a tree that was irresistible. As if playing a game of chess; God arranged the board and was moving the pieces to a certain checkmate.

This is an excellent time to ask, “Why?” Why did God have to go to such an elaborate plan to deal with Lucifer? Why did God allow man up to fall to Lucifer’s lies?

I have talked to so many who do not understand these things and they condemn God; some being bitter to the core. Before they know the truth they make judgments and walk away from the truth. They rely on tragedies they had seen and became the judge and jury over God.

However, there are answers to these questions and a complex one at best; yet the truth can be known if a person is willing to give it some thought. The truth is God desires to have a creation that He can endow with greatness, without having it rebel; a creation He can trust with the kingdom.

He could not trust angels, who were created with only a few attributes. Freedom corrupted them and still God wanted more than angles, He wanted artful, talented, beings; therefore, He made man in His own image. An image of talent, grace, beauty, and creativity; full of passion, able to laugh, serve, care, and have great interests. He made mankind to be like himself.

In God’s endless understanding of how to create, this plan will produce beings able to have wisdom, strength, and power without it corrupting us. We are a creation that will bring glory to His name and able to walk with Him freely as a separate being.

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. Genesis 2:18-19

Adam became the first zoologist and already God was able to entrust man with a task of creating. Yes God could have named all the animals Himself, but the first task entrusted to man was granted.

And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. Genesis 2:20-22(NKJV)

The greatest part of the story of humankind is God is not finished with us yet. He made Adam with needs and supplying those needs His delight. Though we must go through this perverse and wicked world corrupted by power, He longs to meet our needs. He looks for opportunity to continue in the formation of His creation, knowing that one day they will be at His side having escaped the corruption of this world. What Lucifer intended for evil, God means for our good.

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:23-25

No greater experience had Adam as when God created Eve. I can see God as a proud father, giving Eve to Adam for the first time. The gift of Eve was so clear to Adam; he understood the concept of marriage immediately. This is the second responsibility that God gave to man; Adam was to responsibly take care of his wife.

Most critics of God shroud the truth about God with darkness; their bitter hearts are not willing to understand God’s love. They criticize God for setting mankind up to fall; however, God is responsible for His actions for though mankind fell to sin; God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to redeem them.

God knows the joy of having a wife and the sorrow of watching a son die. Complex is this plan and we must continue to understand God more; for God has set His plan in purposeful motion. In humbleness let us ask, “Who is man to judge God?”

Is God keeping something from us? Genesis 3:1-6.

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. Genesis 3:1-3 (NKJV)

God’s plan allowed the fall of man. The wrong choice was not unsuspected; for God made Adam and Eve naive to sin and the Lucifer was jealous, angry, and cunning. Mankind was given the freedom to think for themselves, to make their own decision, and God gave them the distance to do so.

It was not that God could not see or that He could not hear; God allowed Lucifer to choose his destiny. It would not be fair for God to unjustly destroy Lucifer; neither would it be just for God to send a person to hell. The truth is Lucifer, mankind, and angels, are free to make their own decisions and when they choose the wrong direction, they are allowed to do what they want.

God did not make puppets, nor is God a tyrant. In kindness, God told them not to eat of the tree; yet they did not listen and Lucifer knew from experience, a wrong choice would separate Adam and Eve from God. Much like Lucifer’s rebellion caused him separation with God.

Lucifer is not a god; he is not all knowing. His views of the future are clouded by arrogance. He dismissed the threat of failure and continued his direction. Though he feared failure, fear did not stop him.

Fear of failure is real for us all. Just as real is the fact that God does not send people to hell, they choose it for themselves. If a person continues their life ignoring failure, they will receive expected results.

Now, though innocent, naked, and naive, God schooled Adam and Eve. It showed in Eve replies to the snake, “God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” Eve had never seen a death, never experienced a death, and knew no one who died; yet, like hell to us, the concept of death was real to Eve. Without having to die, she knew what it was.

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:4-5(NKJV)

Lucifer was easily able to take over the snake to be his host body. We must remember that there is strength in the spirit world. Angels have a power and demonic oppression is real. Like an army, Lucifer and the fallen angels seek to infiltrate and persuade people to follow. They can overtake a person and control their life.

Lucifer is also known as, “The father of all lies.” His title comes from this instance and many more stories of lies which prevail over history. These lies have seduced people to reject God, have a false sense of security, and open their hearts for evil to indwell.

The deception was mixed with truth as Lucifer spoke “God knows.” It is true, God does know; yet Lucifer implied God was keeping something back from them.

Believing bits of truth, people continue to fall; for this ploy is deployed repeatedly. People believe that the Bible is God’s mystery book. They believe that what it says might not be true and that God is hiding the truth from us. Once skeptical, being misguided in logic, they fall for the next ploy; “Your eyes will be opened.”

Comparatively, in today’s age, people are told to “Seek after enlightenment for it is not in God’s word.” Therefore, the numbers of people who seek after another way to God or believe there are many ways to be reconciled to God, is a defiling belief that people choose for them. They chose a lie over the truth.

Eve wanted to know the real truth, if God was hiding it from them. Therefore, the threat of death was not as important as knowing a conspiracy theory.

In addition, Lucifer took what they already believed and repackaged it by saying “You will be as gods.” Better put, “You will be able to judge right from wrong;” while communicating that God did not give you everything you need.

They already knew right from wrong and there was only one thing wrong. To eat the fruit of that tree was wrong. But the lure to know more about “supposed” secretes of God drew her in to the deception. In fact, their eyes were already open and Lucifer moved them to believe they were not.

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Genesis 3:6(NKJV)

All the comments, though laced with truth, were luring. Eve took the bait and agreed that if she could not trust God, then she could trust herself. Once the word of God was pushed to the side, all that was left was her own logic. Eve stepped up to be a judge of God, a judge of her own destiny, and made a step into the snare that would drag mankind to a certain death.

She took responsibility for her own fate; she stepped out of her place and acted without consulting God and her husband became responsible with her. It was for this that Paul thought it not right to let a woman lead men. The truth, not seen by Eve, was how her actions would affect so many to live after her.

How many have joined the downfall of humanity? Chasing after deception, how many have leaped to their death? In a world that has so many promises in God’s word, how can people turn their back on God or doubt that He made a way to escape eternal separation.

The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son. Yet that is not good enough for many. Is it good enough for you?

What have I done? Genesis 3:8-15.

And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Genesis 3:8-19.

There is much to be learned about God from this passage. God can have a tangible presence able to move leaves; it makes sounds. And if we think of our image as His; God was out strolling through His creation. He looked at His creation and said that it was good. He has an eye for beauty, for nature, and a love for animals. God is the ultimate voyeur and He was taking one last glimpse at the beauty He made, for its beauty was about to become tarnished.

This was is the intention for man; God and man were to share compatible passions for life, love, and beauty. His desire is to walk with us, talk with us, and share our take on His world. Though we were allowed to go through the fall to sin, God hopes to gain each and every one of us, so that we might walk with Him in faith; and one day, again in person.

Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Genesis 3:9-12 (NKJV)

As God went on His excursion, He knew that the indiscretion of eating the forbidden fruit would be made. Of all the times He looked on His creation with joy, it must have lost its luster knowing that even the very fabric of nature would be ravaged by sin. Yet God strolled back to meet with the people who were now going to be distant, for they invited separation into their lives.

From here on out God would have to become a judge over the intent of a person’s heart. He asks the question “Where are you.” Yet, God is all knowing; He knew where they were. He was only breaking the ice as He now needed to overcome the attribute of fear in the heart of man.

When people separate themselves from God, be it through sin, laziness, or business, fear is a byproduct. That is why it is uncomfortable to return to church after a long time away. Fear targets our hearts; but God seeks to bridge the gap caused by fear.

Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3: 12-13(NKJV)

Sin causes us to have a better self perception that becomes an effective blindfold. We see faults in others better than we see our own faults. When God asks if they ate from the tree, the blame shifted from Adam to the woman and then from the woman to the snake. Notice that sin caused them to know God less. God had to pry out the truth by questions and they answer Him as if He was not all knowing.

Where the answer was “Yes, we ate,” it looks as if they tried to deflect the judgment by pointing the finger. Adam’s response was the worst for he pointed his finger back at God. “It was the woman that you gave me.”

Already there was a tangled mess that each were wanted to get away from. They all knew there was recourse for their action and they trembled.

So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. Genesis 3: 14(NKJV)

All creation would never be the same. Because God is holy, He must separate Himself from the creation and the natural order of things would have to take over. Yet He cursed the snake to be lower than cattle. God knew that cattle would be used for clothing and food. Cattle are fed, fattened, and then their necks slit and they die. The truth spoken here is that Lucifer would become worse off.

In India, Hindus treat cattle and snakes with great respect. They worship many idols as god and have fantastical stories of folk lore and mysticism. It seems as if Lucifer got very busy trying to turn things around for himself.

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3: 15(NKJV)

Now closely watch these words, for in them is the overall plan of God revealed and the first prophesy that Jesus Christ would die to regain the world for God.

Speaking to the woman and Lucifer, God foretells that her seed will bruise Lucifer’s head; but Lucifer would only be able to bruise her seeds heel. Seed, meaning off spring, is not a physiological possibility for a woman. Women do not have seeds, the men have seeds. Yet it happened that the Virgin Mary was a woman who gave birth without the need of the seed from a man.

The seed spoken of is Jesus and to bruise a heel speaks of a short term injury. Yet the seed of Lucifer will receive a fatal deathblow to the head. This is prophesy for building faith; for when Jesus died, he died without sin and God granted Him to be raised from the dead.

Once raised, Jesus was granted any desire and His desire was for those who believe in Him. That they shall not perish, but have everlasting life. This was the complete plan of God from the beginning.

In these few verses we can see that God’s desire to walk with man will happen; yet it will happen only after people learn not to disobey God. The events of our life are to show us what sin does to us. It will be an indelible lesson, so when given our freedom to walk with God again, we will not take it for granted. He will have a creation that will not rebel.

Yes we still sin, yet those who submit to God for forgiveness will find it. Then one day, after God is finished dealing with Lucifer, a new creation will begin and we will pick up back at this day that we have studied; a time when man and God walked together.

Let Sorrow Begin. Genesis 3:16-22.

To the woman He said:  ”I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” Genesis 3:16(NKJV)

The fruit was eaten and the thrill was gone. The bitterness of the fruit was greater that Adam and Eve imagined. It was as a hallucinogen and they were seeing that they were naked. In fear they hid, yet God came softly to them like a person approaching a wounded animal.

They were not going to rebound from their indiscretion, there was no getting better. They had taken upon themselves to be the god of their own life and now God had to explain to them the result of their actions. He was not mad at them; yet their actions would bring devastating results.

Each of us faces much of the same situations when we willingly disobey what is good and right. I have lost friends to liver disease because the sought to party over humbly existing within constraints.

Marriages break up over lies and infidelity. People lose jobs because they circumvent the system, doing what they think is best. And fraud heaps ruined people up into piles of brokenness. When people take upon themselves to direct life’s choices their sorrows are greatly multiplied.

There is not a woman alive that would not trade the pain of child bearing for an easier way. Yet because Eve wanted to lord over her own life, she had to take on the responsibility of how to deal with the pain.

Who knows, like the tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil and The Tree of Life, perhaps there was a tree whose leaves ended pain. We read earlier that in the garden held everything they needed. Yet God knew that left to her, she would not know which tree it was and God also knew they were going to leave the garden and nothing was going to go with them. Therefore, women would feel pain in childbirth.

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:17-19 (NKJV)

They drove separation between them and God. Much like Lucifer had to be separated from heaven; God would have to change form, back away, become distant. To the side, Lucifer watched enjoying every moment.

Now man was going to have to care for the earth. His actions would infest the planet with problems. He would be responsible to keep it in order and that is a job far beyond his capabilities. Something’s are best left in God’s hands.

Because Adam was made from the earth, he would have to eat of the earth to sustain his life and he would have to toil with providing food, managing resources, and disposing of waste. Where God could do this with ease, man was tasked with a job that was beyond Him. Cursed was the earth for now its care taker was man.

Why are people so quick to dismiss the word of God as untrue? Why are they so quick to take upon themselves all the problems of the world? Why do they not turn to God for help?

Most of the time, only in dire need, people spotlight problems and take them to God for help. We are told to pray and that God will help us; but so many do not. Many have become so far removed from Him that they doubt His word; they doubt He will hear and so they take upon themselves to handle their own problems.

Fighting, arguments, war, famine, sickness, death, lying, cheating, divorce, hate, robbery, and murder are all results from people who took it upon themselves to manage situations. Dreaming of the best for themselves, they often experience the worst. When they could have had peace, they take upon themselves toil, sweat, pain, and defeat.

And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Genesis 3:20(NKJV)

Adam was the master of names, as his responsibility was to name all the animals. Now for his wife he chose the name Eve. It means “life, living” and it could have not fit her better for she changed the course of things and gave us life as we know it.

Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever” therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:21-22(NKJV)

Because of Eve, because of Sin, the earth would become a bloody place. God had to kill animals, strip the meat from the flesh to make clothing for Adam and Eve. This was the only clothes that could sustain them as they walked out of His care. Thus was the animal sacrifice concept started; the death of an animal to cover our nakedness, our sin.

Here there is a bitter sweet statement, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil.” Like we said earlier, God did not want puppets; He wanted people who would know not to rebel and still able to be graced with beauty and power. So the bitterness is that a separation from God was needed; but the sweetness is that God would redeem them back to himself. When they return, they will be wonderful people full of respect, humility, and desire never to be separated from God again.

It would take the shedding of blood and the greatest sacrifice would be His own Son, Jesus Christ. Yet this was the plan of God that He might receive humankind back to himself better than they were. They will be a complete creation with knowledge of why to submit humbly to God.

So Adam and Eve were escorted out of the Garden of Eden. They were introduced to the true world where they would be responsible to forge their way through life. Learning how tough it is to be a leader, a spouse, a parent, and a citizen; they would gain the respect needed to turn their lives over to God and become an obedient child of God.

Yet God was not looking to receive back only two, but millions of respectful people who He can build a kingdom with. Once this story is complete, it will not be viewed as a tragedy, but of a great work of God and the result will be glorious. Will you be there to glory?

Raising Cain. Genesis 4:1-15.

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the LORD.” Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.  Genesis 4:1-2(NKJV)

This is a story of a family and also a story of two brothers. Of these two stories one thing stands in common. Every family and family relationship is subject to carnal attitudes that must be kept in check. No family is perfect and though some families’ suppress tension, all families suffer strains and setbacks because of attitudes.

Family unity was a concept created by God. Therefore, this first family became a target for the destructive desires of Lucifer. As if it is not hard enough to overcome of personal bad behaviors, we have a devil that urges us away from godliness.

Eve considered the birth of her sons as God’s gifts to her. Though they had to leave the Garden of Eden, they still found forgiveness in God eyes and allowed God actions towards them to be justified in their hearts. Adam and Eve harbored no bitterness towards God.

Children only hear about their parents experience with God; they lack experience of their own. Where some children listen with attentiveness, others do not apply the information they hear. This was the case for Cain.

Cain was the first born son. You can make all the excuses in the world for the oldest son to have feelings brought about by the birth of a younger sibling; however, those excuses are not a good reason for inner family turmoil and the events that took place here.

And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.  Genesis 4:3-5(NKJV)

Now each son had a relationship with the Lord and though no man has seen God at any time, the indelible voice of the Lord echoed in their hearts. Abel knew in his heart that his sacrifice was accepted by God and Cain, as well, knew his sacrifice displeased God.

Each son was taught of the sacrifice that God made to cover the effects of sin. Because innocent blood was shed for their sin, it was to be remembered in their family. The sacrifice speaks to God that we understand our need for forgiveness and that the penalty for sin is death. Yet in God’s eyes a sacrifice is nothing if it did not cost the person who brought it.

Abel had to nurture the lamb, watching it grow every day. Abel had to daily look at the lamb realizing that because of sin, it had to die. There was a personal investment and a personal cost. God intended the sacrifice to be a deterrent from sin and a reminder of the evil we allowed into our lives.

The opposite was true for Cain. All he did was pick fruit from his garden and had no personal investment in what he brought to God. There was no remorse for sin and that showed no respect for God; therefore God was displeased with Cain’s sacrifice.

This made Cain upset and he allowed anger to grow towards God and towards his brother. Anger is produced by sinful attitudes that we allow to stay in our lives. If left alone, we can expect the same from our own lives.

People become impatient with other people. They also become envious wanting what others have. When bitterness is allowed to fester in the heart, actions are sure to follow.

So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”  Genesis 4:6-7(NKJV)

Adam, Eve, Cain, and Able had no experience with how crazy emotions could make them. It is very well possible that envy never happened to them before and Cain had no parental guidance teaching him how to deal with his feelings. Yet a person has no excuse when they do not listen to the voice of God who speaks to our heart.

Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.  Genesis 4:8-10(NKJV)

Mistake number one; God told him to get control of his feelings and Cain’s response was to go and talk it over with his brother. He had good intentions to talk; then what started as talk, ended with the death of his brother. Cain did not honor God with obedience.

Obedience is the core of our relationship with God. Knowing to do good and doing it not, misses the target behavior God has set for His people. If you are disobedient to God, no good will come from it. Cain has not been the only person in history that has killed in the heat of the moment. People have lost relationships, driven people away, and even committed murder because of the lack of obedience and self control.

Then snowballing out of control, when confronted by God, he lied to God. He had allowed sin to dominate his life, destroy his family, and turn his complete heart against God. What was God to do?

So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.” And Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.” And the LORD said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.  Genesis 4:11-15(NKJV)

The first thing that God does is to make Cain’s life harder. Kindness did not work and if troubles and hardship do not show us our need for God, what can? The very aspect of farming was ruined for him. He was now going to have to travel to find food and when he would find it, the ground there would stop yielding. Cain would be on a constant search for food.

People would regret the day Cain would show up in their area. Their crops would die and many people would want to kill him; therefore, God set a mark on him so people would recognize who he was and spare his life.

Even Cain’s plea to God that the punishment was too great, he was not asking for forgiveness, only selfish release from hardship. Cain was not going to surrender to godliness; he found no value in it.

What does it take to get your attention? God sent His Son to be the perfect sacrifice. We are to make Jesus our focus and forever consider the sacrifice He made. This is what changes lives and makes us good people. When in remorse for our sins, we show respect towards God.

Yet does God have respect for you? Does He approve of the way you live your life and does your life produce good results. It could be that your situation is driving you to repentance; but if the hardness of your heart is holding you back, the very events surrounding your life might be Him trying to get your attention.

From a garden of plenty to a wilderness of need; that was the direction sin took the first family. Is that the direction it takes you?

Generations lost in Ungodliness. Genesis 4:16-26.

Generations lost in Ungodliness. Genesis 4:16-26.

And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Genesis 4:16-17(NKJV)

When God taught Adam and Eve about life; He taught that Parents are to lead and direct their children. From the first day children are brought into the world, parents are to give their children names of purpose. Adam is a name that stands for mankind and Adam gave his wife the name of Eve; which means the first woman. When studying scriptures, names are a significant resource to know about a person’s role in history.

The name Abel meant, “a breath, or vanity” which became true as his life was just a vapor, ended by his brother Cain. The name Cain, with the meaning of “a possession, or spear,” lived envious of his brother’s possession of a perfect sacrifice and killed him in the field for it.

The meaning of names has become lost in many of our societies; as is the concept of training children from the day they are born. In the book of Proverbs there is a promise that if we train up our children in the way they should go, when they are old they will not depart from it. This is also becoming a fleeting concept.

Cain went out from the presence of the Lord; which means that God allowed Cain to build distance. Though God is omnipresent, Cain left all He knew about a relationship with God behind; much like a person who leaves church to live a life without a reminder of God.

God does not push a church experience on us; however, it is a place where He is at work and can be found. So if you want to be separate from God, you can head out to do your own thing.

Adam and Eve had many children yet the stories of these two are recorded for our learning. Now evidently Cain selected a wife from among his sisters and she bore him children. Enoch was his first child whose name meant “dedicated,” for dedicated was Cain to forge a life for him.

Cain had good role models for parents and he knew what wholesome values were. Now older, he used those values and started his own family. However, as we read this story we must remember they did not have a relationship with God and that makes them godless. Without our Father in heaven, as part of a parental system, evil will attempt to squash family values.

As we will see, each generation further removed from Adam and Eve, view family as less valued and they become less godly.

And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. Genesis 4:18(NKJV)

Enoch called his son Irad, “Runner, a wild ass” and from the third generation removed, their names lost all meaning at all. There was no value in training a child and a godless society becomes the result.

By the time we reach the sixth generation removed, Lamech decides that he would have two wives and break away from marriage values that God intended.

And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. Genesis 4:19-20 (NKJV)

Now the city was becoming full and some as Adah and Jabal spilt completely from their relatives and went out to dwell with the animals they raised. If you can’t find peace at home, many will travel to get away from the commotion. However, true peace only comes through a relationship with God.

And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah. Genesis 4:21-22(NKJV)

A complete industrial society breaks out from the sons of Cain as people become inventive, craftsmen, hunters, and farmers. A person can look at the rich products of this society and say, “This is good.” Yet the important mastery of godliness and holiness is nowhere to be found.

And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. Genesis 4:23-24(NKJV)

We are not given the facts concerning the fight or the murder; yet we are privileged into the mind of Lamech to see how far godly values have diminished. Lamech murdered a man and yells out to his countrymen that if Cain was protected, he too should be protected more. Otherwise, Lamech justified his actions as warranted. He proclaims himself not guilty of committing as bad of a murder as Cain did.

This is the way people are without God in their life. They become devoted inventers of devices that bring them riches. Those who are not creative, find themselves working to have riches like the others and all are driven to wicked lifestyles; justifying them as they go. Like Lamech they push their new values on society and force acceptance.

The line of Cain produced a long line of miserable people who entertained themselves with music and gorged themselves on beef. With selfish pride and arrogance towards God they lived as if there is no judgment for their actions.

Oh the pain it must brought Adam and Eve who heard of the adventures of Cain and longed to hear of righteousness. Yet all reports brought heart ache and sorrow. Thus it is for the parent that loses their children to wickedness.

And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. Genesis 4:15-26(NKJV)

So distraught was Adam and Eve, having lost both sons, they purposed in their hearts to have a second family. In this family they would compensate for the evil that was introduced into the world. They would attempt to raise a godly family before the world became over run by the godless bloodline of Cain.

They bore a son and called him Seth’ which means “compensation.” Then Seth son was named Enos and the scriptures tell us that here started generations of men that would call upon the name of the Lord. They would be separate from the godless and stand for righteousness, decency, and godliness.

Though our world is overrun with the godless, we too can determine ourselves able to compensate by raising children to call on the name of the Lord. It can begin today, by forsaking the past and working towards the future.

If we will humble ourselves and pray, calling on the name of the Lord, we too can influence our families towards good. Yet if not, we like Adam and Eve will have to live in the headache of dysfunctional loved ones.

Records of Faith. Genesis 5:1-32

This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created. Genesis 5:1-2(NKJV)

In many parts of Genesis, the author summarizes what we have read, yet adds precise details that explains to us more significance of what took place. Here the writer tells us about the genealogy beginning with Adam; and from this genealogy we can learn some great information.

One thing that people criticize the Bible for is the ability to pass a message from generation to generation. How do we know such things written are true? The worry is not towards the truthfulness as much as the accuracy of the message. In this passage we find a lot about how the message was passed.

And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. After he begot Seth, the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters. So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died. Genesis 5:3-5(NKJV)

In chapter four, having watched Cain begin to raises families of godless people, Adam and Eve put their efforts into starting  a new family; one that that would call on the name of the Lord.  Their desire to compensate the world with god fearing people grew as they watched the societies of the godless spring up around them. Here in our passage Seth is spoken of as carrying on the family name and the bloodline of inheritance is in his descendants.

Adam having lived nine hundred and thirty years was able to speak with each descendant up unto the time he died. This is one way that history was recorded; it lived and breathed all the way up to Noah’s father Lamech. Each descendant was taught by Adam who carried the responsibility for the fall of man and he and his wife lived the remainder of their life with a passion to teach godliness.

Anytime you begin to read the word begot, there is significance to the people listed. For one, they carried the true bloodline. Second, they were recorded with honor; unless it is told otherwise.

Now in this bloodline are some very godly men who called up on the name of the Lord; raising their families to do the same. As we pass by the names, godliness took on a great presence in their society. So much so, God was able to take a man to heaven without him seeing death.

Seth lived one hundred and five years, and begot Enosh.  After he begot Enosh, Seth lived eight hundred and seven years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years; and he died. Enosh lived ninety years, and begot Cainan.  After he begot Cainan, Enosh lived eight hundred and fifteen years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years; and he died.  Cainan lived seventy years, and begot Mahalalel. After he begot Mahalalel, Cainan lived eight hundred and forty years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years; and he died. Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and begot Jared. After he begot Jared, Mahalalel lived eight hundred and thirty years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years; and he died. Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begot Enoch.  After he begot Enoch, Jared lived eight hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years; and he died. Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.  Genesis 5:6-24(NKJV)

What a tribute to have such great men mentioned in your genealogy. Most people only know a few generations of their genealogy and most do not know the passion that they had when serving God. Yet these men did. Adam and Eve led a legacy of heroes of faith. The very fact that Enoch reached spirituality where he was taken by God, is evidence that Adam and Eve were successful. We conclude, if successful to this extent, passing on of the historic story is no great task.

Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven years, and begot Lamech. After he begot Lamech, Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died. Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and had a son. And he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.”Genesis 5:24-29(NKJV)

A layer of water, the firmament, which covered the earth made for an environment that was not subject to the extremes of hot and cold or the effect of the sun’s rays. Therefore, the earth was as a green house. Added to the fact that pure people live pure lives, their good genes added years to their life that we can only pretend to understand.

In our life where ninety years old is a marveled feat; there is no comparison to the knowledge, discipline, and relationship with God that nine hundred or more years could bring. These people had great role models and health that was extraordinary. Yet the greatest possession was their spirituality.

The extent of knowledge that these men possessed we do not know; however the statement of Lamech about his son Noah shows that he knew a bit about the future and that godliness was not easy work. Godliness was a struggle and because of sin, their hard work was targeted for failure.

“This one will comfort us concerning our work.“ He was going to fulfill a destiny as God would grow tired of the sin that degrades His earth. The earth was filling with godless people living in fatness and causing their brethren to live in poverty.

This is a truth about godly people; there are some, but they struggle from the corruption that surrounds them. Then as they struggle, evil eats away at the fringes, trying to engulf the whole in a sea of broken lives. At times, it seems to be a losing battle; yet even now the memories of these are held in righteous conversation and people who call upon the name of the Lord still exist.

After he begot Noah, Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy-seven years; and he died. And Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah begot Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Genesis 5:30-32(NKJV)

Though these times have victory of godly generations, who held the truth of God in honor; it also had the defeat of sin and wickedness. Much like today there are two distinct types of people, those of faithlessness and those of godlessness. And the battle rages on to stamp out every glimmer of hope, every flame of godly passion, and righteous action.

The only question to walk away from this passage is, “Are you a person of honor?” Is your name written with these, in Heaven’s Book of Life? Is your name written in the book that records the godly?

God plans to stick the wicked. Genesis 6:1-8.

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. Genesis 6:1-2(NKJV)

It is a very easy to run away with interpretation of this passage and some preachers have done just that with verse two. It says that “sons of God” took wives and teachers voice their imaginations of heavenly beings coming down from the sky. Some preachers are guilty of making fantastic claims that causes people to scoff the Bible. Notice the word flesh when reading verse 3; we are talking about flesh beings in which Adam was the first; not beings that came out of the sky.

There is no other record in scripture of heavenly beings called God’s sons. And when you break down the text the Hebrew word for God, ~yhla is used in the scriptures to speak of the one true God, but also of “other gods,” and directly defines the word to be “judges.”

When viewing chapter six and the bloodline of Seth, it tells us with Seth’s children, men started to call on the name of the Lord. Adam and Eve put their efforts to compensate for the evil of their first son and create a family that honored and worshipped God.

Such a good job did they, a descendant, Enoch, walked in godly precepts so well that God took him to heaven. Sin could not separate Enoch from God.

This was a great bloodline of great men and as in most societies, people who where godly are often called upon to be judges of right from wrong. The word used for the sons of God better fits our passage as sons of those selected to be judges.

In the spirit of the passage, these men corrupted themselves as they looked upon the beauty of the common man’s daughter. Therefore, these men who were to be godly examples of righteous judgment failed when it came to their personal godliness.

So busy they became that the teaching of godly principles to their children failed and their children began to blend in to be like everyone else.

They lusted after women; their eyes drew them away. Their imaginations to have, raised their expectations that they were above the law and could request any girl they wanted. Thus the women were treated as bargaining chips and bribes.

These men abused their status, they trampled on justice, and became people whos influence could be bought.

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. Genesis 6:3(NKJV)

So upsetting were these practices that God strove in His conscience with men. God watched their actions, waited for repentance and finally set a dividing deadline line. In One hundred twenty years, if these men still corrupted their societies, they would be judged.

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Genesis 6:4-6 (NKJV)

A second part of this passage that many preachers have let their imaginations concoct outlandish teaching is the mention of giants. As if the story of Jack and the bean stalk were fueling their imaginations, they have preached inaccurately.

The giant was a tall person, big in stature and is still not an uncommon occurrence in our current day. Large men as Shaquille O’Neil have huge bodies and huge strength. To stand before them can be intimidating for with a swipe of the hand, they can inflict much damage.

Therefore in addition to the positions of judges; these men crafted ideas of genetically engineering their offspring so that they could become dominate men. If you had giants swayed to be on your side, then people will fear you. These men used intimidation to force people to submit to them.

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:7-8 (NKJV)

Let it be known that God is separate from sin. He cannot be accepting of it; for to accept it would be to sin Himself. Therefore God looked upon the corruptness of people as an incurable virus that was going to destroy His complete plan.

Yes, many lived and died to please God; yet the expansion of evil needed to be upset and God could no longer hold back from taking the necessary action to stop this evil before there was no one left to repent.

Does it amaze you that God does not do this to our world today? Yet as you look at our societies there are many repentant people who truly seek righteousness. In this society, there were almost no holy men.

God’s work in mankind continues to go forward and evil cannot triumph. Yet we must not forget that God is striving to hold back judgment on evil today. However, God is building a kingdom of people who will be faithful to Him and He will still be able to bestowed on them great authority and power. These are truly “Sons of God.”

The Battle of Perception. Genesis 6:6-13.

The Battle of Perception. Genesis 6:6-13.

And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Genesis 6:6(NKJV)

God confronted Himself with grief in His heart that He would have to do the opposite of create, He would have to destroy. It was not a case that He did not know this would happen; but having to end a chapter of history with a destructive action is not joyous to God.

So many people picture God to be a white haired, mean face, man and His voice as harsh, echoing, and earthshaking. They view Him as ready to smite, strike, and annihilate as if to gain pleasure from watching a person die.

They picture His outstretched arm, pointing people down a slippery slope that is a road to hell. This causes many to relate to God as mean, uncaring, and intolerant of any person who could be labeled a sinner.

As if God is getting revenge for their sin; this portrait has not set well with people. In response they reject the idea of God. However, to blame is His enemy who has fostered the lie that God is uncaring.

This word “repented” is a word that implies to suffer grief and the need to be consoled. It is remorseful and sorrowful; for God loved His creation and He loved man. He knew that to gain a people that He can adorn with responsibility, creativity, judgment, and choice, He would have to put them into the world with a bitter enemy, the devil. The choice would be their own to decide whom they would follow.

God knew that given the freedom to choose many people would choose to follow temptation and lust, but He also knew there would be many who would resist selfish gain and return to Him; yet, it hurt His heart to have to do what He was about to do.

There was no laughter, there was mourning and the destruction moved God to pity. Picture a God with a tear in His eye and head hung low;
this would be more accurate a portrait than the picture of a spiteful God which the devil has instilled into societies.

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. Genesis 6:7(NKJV)

In order to keep the world balanced and make a place for future generations of Godly people, God knew that He would have to level the playing field. He would have to destroy Lucifer’s momentum and create a warning of the power that God truly has.

The story of this warning would stand until the end of time, where all souls would have to be separated and judgment again would be final. This warning that would instill in the minds of mankind that when they die, they must face the responsibility for their actions.

This warning would extend the truth that God is holy and sin separates mankind from God. And the largest lesson being, that God does not separate Himself from mankind; mankind chooses to separate them from God. God only acts on the choice for mankind.

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 5:8 (NKJV)

Noah was one man, who chose God to be His Lord. He did not give himself fully to sin, but when he did sin, he repented for that sin. He lived according to the traditions of his fathers and Noah’s sacrifice was accepted by God. Noah was the last in the bloodline from Seth, the men who called on God.

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Genesis 6:9-10 (NKJV)

The prophet Isaiah wrote of our generation, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6(NKJV)

It is not uncommon for a man to sin and though sin separates us from God, God makes ways for our sin to be forgiven and forgotten through sacrifice. Isaiah had enlightenment from God that a Messiah would come from God and He would be the perfect sacrifice. All of those who chose to repent of their sin would have their sin laid on Jesus. His death would be a covering for all.

Daily we must remember the impact sin has on our lives and repent of those sins. When we do, like Noah, God can look at us as just and perfect people. The distinction being that we are sorry for our sin, have turned from them, and placed them under the blood of the perfect sacrifice.

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. Genesis 6:11-12(NKJV)

Jesus said,  For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Matthew 24:37-39(NKJV)

Life was one big party and though they married, they married for the wrong reason. They were an advanced society and had no inhibition towards women and corruption in business. Exploitation was their strong suite and though God was known, He was not honored as God.

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Genesis 6:13(NKJV)

Not just part of the known earth, but all of it. Every man, every woman, and every child had bit into the fruit of corruption. Lucifer’s deception had blinded their eyes and when they had a chance to repent, they did not.

Does that not seem like the days we live in? Days of exploitation, corruption in business, and ethics that leaves us marred or broken. Even the concept of marriage is challenged and we must ask, “How long did God intend to offer His grace to forgive?” How much longer until time comes to an end and God gives to people their hearts desire and the penalty for choosing sin?

An Impending Disaster. Genesis 6:11-18

An Impending Disaster. Genesis 6:11-18

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.  Genesis 6:11-12 (NKJV)

God’s beautiful earth was corrupt. Without doing it himself, Lucifer had persuaded people to disrespect the planet, disrespect each other, and disrespect God. Though we know our world is heading to much the same destiny, the depravity of that society was worse than ours today.

The governments of that day could not keep men from doing what was right in their own eyes and sacred boundaries, such as marriage, were shredded. The family unit was of no value, and only the strong, ruthless, and relentless people could survive. The image of God was turned into the image of sinfulness. This is the result when the need for God is taken out of a society.

Today large factions of people attack those who sustain their concept of Christ, God, and Godliness. They protest when they cannot get their own ways and tear at the fringes of established morals.

When a society accepts wickedness as common life, judgment is not far away. If it were not for praying individuals, threaded through today’s cultures, there would be no hope for mankind and quickly the earth would reach a similar end.

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.  Genesis 6:11-13(NKJV)

Though there were violent depraved people that made up the societies of that day; God had a remnant that was acceptable to Him. Noah, his sons, and their families were to be saved.

One must ask, “Where are all the other Godly people that came from the bloodline of Seth?” And the only explanation, derived from scripture, is those who did not corrupt themselves did not survive through the extent of the evil that men had inflicted on others.

The same happens today. Today in Orissa India there are 70,000 displaced Christian Families who have had to flee their villages while their homes, churches, and schools were burned. These have become refugees and in the process many have died.

It is a common story that happens throughout countries of the world. To name a few, countries as Indonesia, Laos, North Korea, Uganda, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, have Muslim and Hindu extremists that seek to exterminate Christians.

They do not like their influence and believe that the gods of their religion demands such action; of course we know they are manipulated by Lucifer to destroy the true God’s work.

The question to ask is, “How long until our whole world becomes corrupt and Christians are only a remnant?” Then when you can answer that question or see its relevance, beware for judgment is inevitable.

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.  Genesis 6:14(NKJV)

King David wrote, The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalms 25:14

Many have dove deep into the study of the construction of the ark and yet some simple information on many items have been left out. Such things as what was this wood they translated “Gopher” and what type of pitch was used. It is evident that though we have some description of the material and size, the intended importance of the account is to emphasize the salvation provided by God to people who truly believed in Him.

And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.  Genesis 6:15-16(NKJV)

Never before had it rained and to consider the possibilities of a flood was a reality that brought Noah much mocking. Yet Noah would have to suffer ridicule as he would have to enlist the help of others; to build a vessel of this magnitude would take much help.

Using the measurements, models of this vessel have been made and found to be perfectly buoyant and able to withstand high seas without tipping over. Thus the scriptures would have us believe that God is able to give us information that can lead to salvation.

Is this not still scoffed today? No one has seen judgment; they thoughts of standing before God seem fantastic as does the other claims of the Bible.

And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.  Genesis 6:17-18(NKJV)

Similar to this offer by God, another form of fantastical salvation is offered to save form the pending destruction that threatens our generations. A cross, made of wood, was erected to hold a perfect sacrifice for our sin. A savior to save us from the destruction that God intends for the final destiny of a world gone bad.

Like Noah and his family, we are expected to take the threat and the method of salvation serious. We are to speak to our families, prepare ourselves by getting into the mode of salvation that God has offered.

It is obvious that they planet, its people, and its morals are being attacked from within and God is watching. His eye sees all and the number of days is specific. He has a plan for the righteous and He will destroy the wicked.

Are you one who needs to prepare? If judgment was to happen today would you find yourself inside the ark believing in the salvation of God or outside the ark, mocking the concepts of judgment. Again, the choice belongs to you.

Entering and Breaking Covenants. Genesis 6:18-22.

Entering and Breaking Covenants.  Genesis 6:18-22.

But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee. Genesis 6:18(NKJV)

Our God is a covenant making God. My question to you is, “Have you entered into a covenant with God?” Like Noah we have an ark to enter.

The Hebrew word for covenant means, a pledge. It is a treaty or alliance and would also include such acts as marriage. It is a binding together of two and in this covenant of our passage, God bound Himself to protect Moses and his family.

Life is full of covenants and these covenants must be given respect. The very first covenant was made when God gave the earth to Adam and Eve. He placed them in the Garden of Eden and His covenant stated they can eat of any tree and live forever; but if they ate of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they will surly die.

When a person breaks a covenant, it is a terrible breach of their integrity. Depending on the covenant it can end in results that change the course of one’s life. And when entering into a covenant with God, it can mean the difference between life and death.

The problem with people is they take agreements a bit too light. When they know to do good, they tend not to do it and thus must suffer the results of their actions. When it comes to a covenant with God and a person does not complete their portion of the covenant, it is by their own choice and they invite the results. This is why God can never be blamed for sending a person to hell for they make the decision them self.

And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. Genesis 6:19-20(NKJV)

There are covenants that we make to ourselves. People confess to change habitual actions, lose weight, and act differently. Some complete their desires and others fail miserably. Each New Year people promise them self change and they struggle to do so.

Now when God enters a covenant He has a bit more at stake. If He should not fulfill what He set out to do, to Him it would be an error and no longer could He make the claim to be holy. This is why He must allow the penalty for sin to be executed; even though it hurts his heart to see his creation in ruin, He must uphold His covenant with people.

One such case is His decision to hake the Heavens and the Earth. He set out the complete plan for the earth and for told the end result. This covenant God is obligated to fulfill and that is why He had Noah fill the ark with animals and provisions. God needed that Noah, his family, and the animals to live on. If this plan failed, God would Himself fail.

And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. Genesis 6:21-22 (NKJV)

God is a most responsible God; He not only made the world to be what it is today, He took upon Himself the responsibility for making humans that would fall into sin. Therefore, He keeps a delicate balance as He provides redemption and also upholds the penalty for sin.

If you could feel the heart of God as a person dies in their sin, you would feel remorse like you never felt. You see, God is love and He loves the unlovable. He is for those who oppose themselves and He reaches out to all mankind no matter what they have done.

When Jesus Christ came to earth, He faced the temptation of Lucifer who knew of this balance. Would Jesus have given into temptation, then God would have sinned and the balance would be over. God would no longer have a separation of holiness and Lucifer would have brought heaven down to his level.

However, God needed to make one additional covenant with mankind; one that would allow mankind to not only die and go to paradise, but allow mankind to enter into heaven and be completely restored. Therefore God sent His own Son to be born from a virgin.

Jesus had no earthly father and that breaks the passing on of the sinful nature. This child would have God as His Father and be able to resist sin and as you know the story, Jesus was crucified and died without sinning.

Lucifer thought He was putting Jesus to death, but did not realize that he broke the covenant of sin and death. When Jesus was killed, an innocent man died and an injustice was committed.

The heavenly court case must have taken about three days for the verdict was that Jesus must be raised from the dead and therefore, He was. In addition to being raised from the dead, to Jesus was given any opportunity He desired and His answer was a better covenant with mankind.

This better covenant would state “Whosoever would believe in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have eternal life with God in Heaven.” And because He was in the bowels of the Earth with the saints who sins were covered by animal sacrifices and good works, they too now believed and were released from their prison. They were able to ascend to Heaven to be with God. The separation between God and mankind was broken.

Though more than a story, the battle still rages today and belief is being continually attacked by Lucifer. All evil focuses on destroying faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ.

Each of us has a covenant to enter, where we must say that we believe in Jesus Christ and our changed life is proof of our belief. Through scripture we can know Him and on this scripture we can model our life. In faith we can believe in Jesus and when successful to escape the corruption of this Earth, we can be with Him in Heaven.

Have you entered into this sacred covenant with the Lord? Have you trusted you eternity to our Father who loves us? If not, remember there is still the covenant of sin and death that must be appeased. Like Noah, we must enter into the covenant to be saved.

Are you Righteous? Genesis 7:1-11.

Are you Righteous? Genesis 7:1-11.

And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Genesis 7:1(NKJV)

It is very important that every person who wants to give their life to the Lord learn what the word righteousness means; for by walking righteous before God our sincerity towards His salvation is judged.

The word, “righteousness” means to take the action of a person into a court room and put them on trial. In this examination the person’s conduct and caricature are reviewed by God. Those who are judged as righteous are vindicated as being acceptable by God’s standard.

Reviewing our own righteousness can be a very hard thing to do because no matter how we act, or the things we do, we like ourselves and therefore, personal judgment of righteousness can be bias.

So what does God see when He looks at you? Does He see a person who walks before Him righteously? The way to find out is by using scripture to confirm your actions. A daily walk with God through the scriptures is a good way to keep our righteousness polished and bright.

When asked many people say, I asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart and therefore I am saved from my sin. Yet, living righteously is what God looks at to see if your belief in Jesus Christ is real.

So confusing was this to the first church that Paul wrote to the Corinthian church saying, Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV)

Once asking Christ to be our personal savior from sin, we must allow Him to save us from the sins we do. Each day should be filled with new challenges and we should live our lives with new resolutions that we might be pleasing to God and considered as righteous. Even should you die with an area unclean, but were making an attempt to change, God respects that as a decision of your acceptance of salvation and you will be welcomes into the land of the righteous, Heaven.

Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. Genesis 7:2-3(NKJV)

God was not could not accept Noah’s righteousness as a final judgment of his life. Noah would need to continue sacrificing for his sin and therefore, God had Noah bring seven of each clean animal.

Unlike the times of Noah, we have a perfect sacrifice in Jesus Christ and no long need to sacrifice animals. However, like Noah, God has not attributed final righteousness to us and we have to continue using God’s provisions of Bible Study, fellowship, praise, and prayer to keep our life on course.

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. Genesis 7:4(NKJV)

Notice here we have another use of the number seven? The number seven is the number that represents God’s perfection. It was with six days that He made the earth and on the seventh He rested, taking in all of its glory and splendor. Here God gave Noah a perfect warning; for God always warns His people to be ready.

And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5(NKJV)

What if Noah would have slowed down or taken his time in preparing to enter into God salvation, the ark? We can answer that by asking ourselves, “What would happen if we did not take God serious about letting Jesus change our lives and judgment day came?”

And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth, There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah. And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth. In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. Genesis 7:6-11(NKJV)

They got into the ark and it began to rain. Never before had they seen rain; yet the watery layer, the firmament, was now falling to earth and the intensity of the sun’s heat was allowed into the atmosphere and storm clouds and wind swept over the earth.

Many people were left behind and it is conceivable that people were rushing to the ark wanting to get in; but God had closed the door. Those on the outside were judged unrighteous and the faithful were safe.

The message was preached for one-hundred twenty years and it fell on deaf ears. Noah was scoffed, laughed at, and ridiculed for his belief. The message of salvation was known to be a fable and too many seemed as if it would never come. Life went on daily as Noah and his sons worked so hard on their salvation.

Friends, we live in similar times. The message has been preached for years; it is scoffed at or ridiculed. There are many who believe in God, but they do not believe enough to let Jesus save them from their sins and sanctify their lives. These will be caught unprepared; yet we who study and apply the scriptures to our life will be saved.

God will close the Door. Genesis 7:11-24.

God will close the Door. Genesis 7:11-24.

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. Genesis 7:11-12(NKJV)

There is a famous saying, “In to everyone’s life a little rain must fall.” Yet this was not a little rain and sometimes a person can have horrible tragedies that wash away their reality, change the course of their life, and devastate them completely. Yet a story has two sides.

I wish that people would not invite tragedy, yet they walk through life as if there are no consequences. Yet even when faced with a pending disaster, people continue down the same path as if they cannot say yes to salvation.

Noah warned of the rain and the flood; God was going to judge the world and yet they ignored the sermons, the invites, the opportunity, and they ignored God.

Like in our world, where doing good is well defined, people choose to do the opposite of good. People fight great battles to have their freedom of choice to be drunkards, drug users, and effeminate; they have inordinate attractions, and they do so ignoring the message that God does not approve and they ignore the warning that there is a pending judgment.

To be unfaithful, lascivious, boastful, and proud is preferred over being faithful, humble, and quiet. Faithful to people and faithful to goodness is over turned on a whim in our society and then glossed over as if it never happened.

Thus God was finished with their blatant disrespect of goodness and if they wanted to walk the road to destruction, God had to let them; for to every man, woman, and child is given the right to choose.

In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. Genesis 7:13-15(NKJV)

Their obedience was not flashy, it had not great perks. There were no riches, or rewards for entering into a floating barn; yet they let their reasoning guide them and to select poverty over riches would gain them more; it was gain them life.

Is it that hard to let go of the things of this world to go to church? How difficult is it to seek out a sermon that speaks logic, offering life and to let that direct us down a path that leads to life?

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. Genesis 7:16-17(NKJV)

They went in and God closed the door. So is it for every person who enters into a relationship with God. They enter their churches, they become personally acquainted with others seeking God, and God shuts the door of the ark to keep them safe.

This does not mean that Christians isolate themselves from the world; however, when living the life of a Christian, God insulates you. He wants you surrounded in the unity of fellow believers. He wants you to make choices to do what is right and therefore opens doors of opportunity to fellowship and to serve.

Once inside the door of opportunity, He wants to shut the door on your past. Some have committed great sin and He wants to shut those doors and forgive your past. Each person has a past and God want you to move forward into a new future. This may include closing the doors on old relationships that will not join you in your new life.

And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. Genesis 7:18-20(NKJV)

One thing about living a life apart from God is there are waves of change that sweep over society and the change is leading people closer to the day of destruction. The water is rising and along the way people drown and die without taking hold of salvation.

Raining down on society, washing away goodness, the waves of change cause people to accept concepts that were unthinkable in their past. Some call it a utopia where people are getting smarter; yet crime increases, sexual assault increases, and each generation is edgier, more violent. It is a rising tide that will one day wipeout mankind.

And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days. Genesis 7:21-24(NKJV)

The message was preached, for one hundred and twenty years, only to fall on the deaf ears of those who wanted to grab hold of the utopia instead of God. Many were born after the message had already been preached and those children were told that the message was an old fable that crazy men believed.

People reassured themselves that rain did not exist and things would continue just like it ever was. Others scoffed the message as they could not see themselves taking care of animals and living in a floating barn. Some thought they were better than that and would never live a life so downtrodden and boring. Yet their thinking was conditioned by the waves of change that swept their societies before the waves of destruction ever did.

The door was too big for Noah to close, yet God was able to close it for them and that is the whole idea of faith. If you believe in God, you go forward with your life and God helps us, protect us, He lords over us. But for the ungodly, the waters prevailed and the door kept them from a last minute escape.

Oh such tragedy and God’s heart hurt to see His creation destroyed. Yet God greatly valued the prized cargo that escaped the destruction.

Patiently Waiting. Genesis 8:1-13

Patiently Waiting. Genesis 8:1-13

And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged; The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained; And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen. Genesis 8:1-5(NKJV)

Fountains from deep within the earth opened up and water spewed out tearing apart the land mass and creating great rips in the earth’s surface. When looking at a globe of the earth you can see how continents still are drifting apart from this great flood that God caused. It was an amazing work and just as the fountains opened, they closed.

No longer was there a firmament of water that hovered in the atmosphere; it had dropped to earth. And as the water receded, large lakes formed, and the suns heat caused evaporation and pressure changes so that wind swept across it. Now the earth was formed into its final state; the form as we know it today.

And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Genesis 8:6-7(NKJV)

Noah continued to believe in God. He knew God said it would rain forty days and he waited patiently for the timing of God to be complete. In my life, God has always spoken to my heart saying to be patient and wait for His timing. This was a message that I had to learn to listen to.

I wanted to be a quick success for God. I conformed my life to the message at church, I read my Bible, and I wanted to do the work of God. I desired to be the servant God used. Yet, I was the one making the decisions of what I would do.

I started ministries and forced things to happen. Each time felt like I was in a car that was running out of gas. I started out fine, but slowly my momentum stopped. Where I found shut doors, I kicked them open and patience was never my strongest quality.

It was only after the Lord brought me to my knees with discouragement I finally repented and gave up. I reached a place in my life where I would not move into another ministry and that I would patiently wait until the Lord’s calling was certain. My life became like Noah waiting for the rain to stop.

I went to church, to work, raised my family, and yet in service I did nothing. Years passed and I felt as if I forgot how to serve the Lord; at one point my church attendance failed miserably. It was as if my own springs of emotional fountains opened up and my life was flooding.

It was there that the Lord encouraged me to open a window and planted me back into a church home. In that church home I would learn to be more patient while waiting on the Lord. Here small opportunities opened up to serve and I found joy in it.

Though Noah was waiting, he still was curious. He wanted to know a bit about their situation so he studied some of the signs. He sent out a raven, being a carnivorous bird, it would go to where the food was. However it kept returning; allured no doubt by the on board cargo. So there was no food out there for the raven. This confirmed all was dead.

He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. Genesis 8:8-11(NKJV)

Noah sent out a dove. It was only after the dove came back with an olive branch that Noah realized the waters were reseeded enough that the low elevation growing olive trees were finally in fresh air again.

Noah was studying his new environment and that is the object of waiting on the Lord. He made us to be curious, to learn. He wants us to be inquisitive and know what is going on around us; but God desires us to stay in that same spot until He says it is time to go out.

Noah understood the perfection of the Sabbath and each time he waited it was seven days. In the mean time, he was serving the animals, taking care of his family, and being that person of strength they needed. Yet on the Sabbath, he rested to contemplate what God was doing in their lives.

So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore. Genesis 8:12(NKJV)

This seventh day was different; the dove did not come back. It was a sign that things were about to change again and hope filled Noah’s heart.

This is a great reason to go to church on Sundays. God may have you waiting and every seven days you show up to do the same thing and learn of the Lord; but then one day it changes and from there your whole life is ready to change.

And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed the surface of the ground was dry. Genesis 8:13(NKJV)

Though He only removed the covering, Noah was still in the ark and the patience they learned was going to have to continue for they could see dry land, but they had no guidance from God to leave the ark.

Does this message find you in days, months, and even years of waiting? At times you may have come close to being burned out, but you are surviving. We are never to give up on the future that God had made for us and though He is, at times, silent, He has a perfect plan for us all.

It will only put us in harm’s way if we try to kick open the doors of our life. More valuable are the trials we reside in for they help us be patient people.

If you are confused, lonely, and waiting, continue in your church home. Be curious, using the time to learn about your world and God; then as promised, one day the things that held you back will reside and you will see life begin to change. Yet do not get too excited to quick; we like Noah must continue to wait for the doors to open.

The End of the Trial. Genesis 8:14-22.

The End of the Trial. Genesis 8:14-22.

And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried. And God spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with thee. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. Genesis 8:14-17(NKJV)

After over a year of living in the ark, it was now time to go out and start a new life. The ark that brought them salvation from the storm and safety from the waves was now a closing chapter in their life.

They had their hard times, their good times, and at times they were fearful as the ship plunged up waves the size of buildings and their stomachs sank as if riding a roller coaster. When God destroyed the earth, the violent shaking of the earth would have been quite a site from space. Yet that time of their life had drawn to a close and now they would embark on a new time, a new world, and face new struggles.

And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him: Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark. And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:18-20(NKJV)

Watching the big door fall to the ground with a loud “thud” must have been impressive. And a breeze swept into the cabin so odorous. Birds began to fly out the top and mice crawled out the sides, running down the crevice where the ark met the mud.

There was a fresh feeling and the sun shinned brightly on them warming their bodies for the first time. They could see the clear blue of space and the white puffy masses of clouds floating where once was a firmament. It was not just a new day to leave the ark; it was a new chapter in the history of the earth. With one giant step Noah set food on the earth to begin a new journey.

In our lives there are new days and different adventures. Some of these times are radical transformations that leave us gasping at the tragedy that had just taken place. A wife looses a husband; a child looses a parent; and as tragedies go, there is that day a person takes their first step in to a new chapter of their life.

What do I do now? Is often the question a person asks and for some their response is to go back inside the life they came from. In misery people focus on what they lost and stay morning the card that life dealt them. Yet Noah went out and worshipped the Lord.

When building a alter was an interesting gesture and speak volumes to the need to have the Lord forgive them. If you think that they went through the trial with great faith, the alter shows us they were just people in need of forgiveness.

Anytime you get a family together, people say hurtful things and emotion can cause situations to become ugly. It is not that families dislike each other; irritability is a human condition that can come from many sources like cramped corners, un-conformability, tiredness, and health effects.

Though the families bicker, yell, and scream at each other, there is still love, yet communication break downs. In my imagination I can hear Noah grumbling because Mrs. Noah complained about the mess the monkeys make.

The doubting of God was also a part of their experience. I wonder how many times people worried they were going to die or they grumbled against God for putting them through such trial. Therefore, without building a house, Noah built an alter to make sacrifice for their sin.

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:21-22(NKJV)

The sacrifice was a communication to God of reverence; much like our prayers of forgiveness today, a sincere talk with God changes things.

Where Noah sacrificed the clean animals, God would later send His own son to be a perfect sacrifice. Both sacrifices were the shedding of innocent blood to cover sin. Yet, where Noah would have to sacrifice throughout his life, no longer do we need additional sacrifices for the sacrifice of Jesus was a perfect sacrifice. We need only sincerely pray for forgiveness.

Noah’s faithfulness to repent of sin before God showed the position of his heart. Noah’s righteousness was evidenced in his actions.

All of this was well pleasing to God; and where God made and kept His covenant with Noah, God makes another covenant that He keeps to this day. No matter the sin of mankind, He will not destroy the earth until the intended days are accomplished for the history to be complete.

God knows that we sin and that we are sin prone individuals; yet He made a way that we might be forgiven our sin and cleans from all unrighteousness.

This forgiveness is granted to sincere individuals that do not just give God lip service, but to those who make an alter of their live sacrificing it in respect to God’s righteousness.

No good works will give us peace with God; only accepting forgiveness through obedience to the sacrificial means God provided. Innocent blood must be shed for sin and Jesus became our sacrifice.

Is building your home more important than Jesus? Is getting on with your life first, before a relationship with God? If there is anything that we do which leads us away from reverence to God, it is pointless. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but loose his soul?

Noah worshiped God and was saved. Therefore, let us follow this example and worship God first and then begin our journeys.

Basic Instructions. Genesis 9:1-7

Basic Instructions. Genesis 9:1-7.

And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Genesis 9:1-2 (NKJV)

The flood was over; Noah and his family were safe. God promised never to wipe out the earth again; at least, until God’s use of the earth is complete. A rainbow shown across the sky and though mankind was blessed with peace with God, God knew that sin was ingrained in their heart.

Though blessed with life and opportunity to be pleasing to God, mankind would evolve to be brutal carnivores. No longer would they just eat from the trees of the fields, animals would now be in their diet. It was no doubt that with the sacrifice of Noah, God introduced them to animal flesh as food.

Though God allowed animals to be food; death would instill in animals a fear of humans that would be for all of history. Not only would animals fear mankind, mankind would fear their own self. Death is not a pleasant end to life.

The rainbow was not a sign that God was at peace with the sin of mankind. It was a sign that He would never again destroy the earth by flood. God could never be at peace with sin for He is holy.

Mankind would have to overcome their own sin by repenting of it, turning from it, and surrendering to God’s leadership and authority.

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. Genesis 9:3-4(NKJV)

God wanted to maintain authority over mankind, for God is all knowing. This reasoning a person, coming to God, must understand. God knows what is good for us and God warns us of those things that could harm us. God is good to us and through we may not understand why God would have us act a certain way, we must always remember that He is looking out for our own good.

Many people think of Christianity as being a set of rules; things you can do and things that you cannot do. They see these rules as confining, restrictive and abounding throughout the Bible. Yet these are guidelines for our own good.

The eating of the blood of animals is a simple guideline to understand; especially in our day when we see that feeding the remnants from the slaughter houses back to cattle produces Mad Cow disease.

Life is in the blood. Everything that causes us to function goes through the blood and it is the blood that will carry infections through the body. Rabies, hepatitis, anemia, hemochromatosis, and a host of other blood related diseases, carried in blood, can be passed through improper food handling.

I had a friend who prepared a pig for barbeque. The following day he became violently ill and it was discovered that through a cut on his finger, infection had raced through his blood vessels to his heart. Examining his arm, you could literally see the scaring of tissue along the blood vessels going up his arm. His encounter with animal blood almost killed him.

And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. Genesis 9:5-6(NKJV)

When it comes to the survival of humankind, God is very passionate. God does not want us to die foolishly eating unclean food or living unclean lives. He also takes great exception to deliberately killing people.

God lives with a desire to gather all people unto Him. He wants Heaven to be full of people, for He takes such great joy in His creation. Yet without enforcing rules of corporal punishment God knew that some people will not take life seriously.

God’s plan for humankind has to survive and as the enemy tries to bring evil crashing down on humankind, God has to make a way of escape. He wants us to be abundantly fruitful; where as our enemy wants death.

These instructions to Noah were for our own good and as people would develop, more guidance would be needed. We must accept that God wants to guide us and daily He wants us looking into His word so that we might find His guidance.

And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein. Genesis 9:7(NKJV)

This is all God wants. He wants us to be fruitful in all of our ways. He wants us to have families and raise them to do well and love Him. He wants godliness to abound and spread throughout the earth, so that Heaven will be full and glorious. This is why we honor God and this is why God spared Noah and his family. This is why God seeks you.

God wants You to be Secure. Genesis 9:8-19.

God wants You to be Secure.  Genesis 9:8-19.

And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. Genesis 9:8-11(NKJV)

Again, this first book of the Bible holds another covenant that God must uphold. If God were to break one of these binding agreements, God could be accused of sinning. Yet God is holy and upholds every covenant.

The first covenant with mankind was the covenant in the garden. Mankind was to eat of any tree, bush, vine, and flower, but was to not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil or they would surly die.

The breaking of this covenant added a 100% mortality rate to humankind and each day the result of breaking that covenant takes the lives of people around our world.

Now the world was different after the flood. There was no longer a firmament and God knew that storms would appear on the horizon. The wind would be followed by dark clouds, lightning, thunder, and rain. This covenant was to ensure Noah and family that no matter how dark the storm, God would not destroy the earth.

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. Genesis 9:12-16(NKJV)

A rainbow is a sign that the skies are clearing. Though the storm darkened the sky bringing rain, sleet, snow, and wind, once the clouds begin to part the sun’s rays bend through the last rain drops putting on a spectacular show.

The bow is to remind us that storms are only temporary and though they may become violent at times, they will end. The bow does not guarantee that humankind will be safe from God’s wrath or judgment. However, the bow is sign of a covenant between God and the earth which stands as memory of how much God hates sin.

And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth. Genesis 9:17 (NKJV)

It is possible that there was a fear of leaving the ark and God extended this promise to encouragement those to continue in their lives.

How do you react when the storms of life come blowing your way? Where many fear, God wants to ease your mind and have you to live confidently. You can have peace knowing that you are protected by God.

The use of a covenant is not an Old Testament tradition and covenants still stand with us today. Each of us must enter into a covenant with God for the remission of our sin. If we want to continue to heaven, we must have peace with God.

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” Mathew 26:26-29(NKJV)

It is not the act of taking communion that gives us remission of sins; it is the diligence to walk into the life that God has called us to. You might say that before accepting Christ as a personal savior, we were as Noah and family.

We looked out of the ark and worried about going forward. We feared life’s storms and viewed trails as bad. Yet God was not going to let us stay in the ark and He wanted to reassure us that we were going to be safe.

The largest storm we face is that of eternal separation from God and a covenant exists stating that we will die in our sin, unless forgiven by the shedding of innocent blood. Jesus became that perfect sacrifice and shed His blood that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. Therefore, we must take His promise and covenant, to begin our life new.

There are many people who have yet to come out of the ark to begin living their life as Christians. Some call these “Closet Christians” and if there is such a thing, these people would be those reluctant to tell others they are Christians. Basically these have yet to enter into a covenant that lets God be their Lord.

Paul wrote about this covenant that we must enter into saying, For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10 Therefore, the opposite equally can be true; if the mouth is not confessing, then the heart must not be believing.

And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread. Genesis 9:18-19 (NKJV)

Ark explorers are looking to find Noah’s ark to this day. Some have said to have seen it; however, it is believed that it is only visible when the ice melts enough to expose it and that has not happen often enough to document it.

How would you have like to be a son or family that decided not to leave the ark? You feared the possibility of storms and stayed behind while everybody left. You would have frozen to your death and that is the importance of covenants. God does not want us to perish but have everlasting life with Him through the Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.

A Father’s Shame. Genesis 9:20-29.

A Father’s Shame. Genesis 9:20-29.

Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Genesis 9:20-21(NKJV)

Oh the terrible effects of alcohol. Where, at parties, alcohol can be a wonderful ice breaker, it can be a terrible deal breaker with God.

One of the greatest threats to humanity is alcohol. Often starting as an innocent indulgence, alcohol has destructively torn apart the human race. As Billy Sunday once said “There is no law, divine or human, that the saloon respects.”

Noah was the first man to gain a respect for the affects of alcohol and as Noah learned sin does not just affect us, our sin affects future generations.

Many will argue that kept in the privacy of one’s own house, alcohol is a good resource; it calms the nerves, helps one forget the pressures of the day. Yet, as seen here, it can still have an effect on your own family.

Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. Genesis 9:22(NKJV)

Alcohol unleashes a person’s inhibitions; those things they would not think of themselves doing, they do. People awake from drunkenness to find sorrow in their path.

Noah was naked, others have done worse than that. Solomon wrote, Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1 (NKJV)

Noah was caught in a moment of indiscretion; however the greater sin was committed by his son, Ham. At the sight of his fathers’ nakedness; Ham mocked Noah to his brothers. As if to say come and see our great father wallowing in shame; Ham did so to discredit Noah before his siblings.

There is nothing worse than for a child to disrespect their parents and is why the scriptures plead with us to teach our children to respect parents and God as their father. Yet, something was amiss in Ham’s heart and he took delight in see his father succumbed to the effects of alcohol.

Now Billy Sunday had much the same problem with his own family. A father of three sons, Billy near lost the following he had as a preacher because his children acted as heathens.

Billy was a Baseball player who played for the Chicago Whitestockings in 1883. An orphan as a child, Billy became a tremendous athlete and grew to live a life on the road as a baseball player, hand gripping a beer mug.

During his eight years of Major League Baseball, Billy gave his heart to Jesus Christ. Developing the ability to preach Billy began sharing his testimony and America was listening.

Billy preached to over a million people; however as Billy preached against the evils of alcohol, his sons participated in every activity Billy preached against. The Sundays were even forced to pay blackmail to some women who threatened to divulge the antics of his sons.

Billy Sunday was a great evangelist; however his ministry was tarnished because of the lack of respect his sons had towards him as a father and God.

But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father’s nakedness. When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers.” Genesis 9:23-25(NKJV)

How do you discipline a son who would do such a terrible thing to his own father? The answer is you do not. There is nothing that can be said to rescue a child that refuses.

In our passage, Noah’s word are more than a “juju” spell, they are a proclamation that no good will become of Hams children because they will not have a father that will raise them with respect.

When people disrespect goodness they teach their families to do the same. Ham’s morals were in such disarray his children would not have a good mentor and therefore not learn to be spiritually successful and blessed by God. They would at best be outcasts and slaves.

Noah’s statement was to continue as a promise to all generations and is in scripture so that we might all learn to honor and respect parents.

So serious is God towards this, Paul wrote, Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4(NKJV)

How can a generation raise a generation to live morally if they first will not do so themselves?

Noah also said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem. May God extend the territory of Japheth; may Japheth live in the tents of Shem,
and may Canaan be his slave.”

Though it was only words, Noah’s expresses to his two remaining faithful sons hopes they would continue on in their virtue and honor God. In so doing, honor comes with promise and with hope that they will achieve their goals, live good lives, and have the wisdom that turns them into leaders.

After the flood Noah lived 350 years. Altogether, Noah lived 950 years, and then he died. Genesis 9:28-29(NKJV)

Billy Sunday once said “I tell you that the curse of God Almighty is on the saloon.” It was a saloon, that as a baseball player, Billy frequented. Yet even after his repentance of his sin, Billy’s scorn of alcohol before the public was not enough to save his own sons.

Noah must have felt much the same. He lost a son, and tried the rest of his life not to lose another. Our actions affect our families; this is why God has called us to walk holy for He is holy.

Broken, Dysfunctional, Families. Genesis 10:1-32

Broken, Dysfunctional, Families. Genesis 10:1-32.

Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood. Genesis 10:1(NKJV)

Have you ever traced you lineage, your bloodline, back through history? If you could go far back as possible, here is where you would end up. After the flood, this is the eldest account of mankind as we know it and from these three sons of Noah all people from every nation have come.

Now purity in our blood lines is fading away. It is possible to have relatives coming from each of these three boys; but there are still some who can trace back to just one son. The longer our world spins, purity of bloodlines are vanishing.

Jews and Arabs who trace their ancestry back to Abraham will find this passage extremely useful. They can trace backwards from Abraham to Shem, who had a descendant named Heber and Abraham’s family lines were called Hebrews.

Now Moses began with the eldest son Japheth and quickly writes about Japheth’s decedents without much detail; probably because they settled into remote regions and would be considered the Gentile nations. You can say that they put distance between themselves and the others and in the process they put distance between the God of their father, Noah.

The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. Genesis 10:2-5(NKJV)

Moses moving on elaborates more about the children of Ham for they became Israel’s enemies. It was Noah that said Ham would not be able to raise a godly family and they would become servants of his brothers.

And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan. And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtechah: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan. And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Genesis 10:6-10(NKJV)

Ham was the son who Moses projected would not raise his children properly, for he had no respect for his own father. Moses projected that Ham’s sons would have families that would be as servants and to that Ham took great acceptation.

Noah’s families tension were high and how tense families handle their situation is important; for tension can rip a family into pieces. Ham began the tension by mocking his father, in front of the brothers. Noah increased the tension by saying Ham would not be a good father and seeing all this Japheth refused to get sucked up in the problems. Japheth’s answer was to leave altogether and he did.

The only son that stayed close to Noah was Shem. Noah’s family pretty much spit up and sorrow gripped their homes. Around the world sorrow grips the homes of many families because they refuse to talk through their problems and reconcile differences.

In any family, the Father is to be the bedrock and the mother a supporting spouse. The two are to be the examples to the children on how we should live before God. Parents teach how to humbly love God and how forgiveness is to be implemented within the family. It was only through the hardness of the hearts did this family split apart.

Ham, being rejected by his father, raised his own families with attitudes of survival and to strive for accomplishments. Though Ham mocked his father, he longed for his father to accept him. The longing became bitterness and in bitterness Ham set goals for achievements that his father might recognize. This attitude for achievement passed on to generations and the outcome was personified in Ham’s grandson, Nimrod.

Nimrod became a great hunter. He had a great mind, but a stubborn heart. He gained respect from his kindred who accepted him as a prince. Through politics Nimrod had great gain; however, when he came to power, he dominated people with his might; having them to work as slaves building the cities of Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh.

Earlier we studied that God destroyed the world by flood to wipe out people that acted like Nimrod and in our passage the phrase he did it all “before the Lord” is indication of defiance of God. He knew right from wrong and selected to do what was wrong. In a way, Nimrod became a challenger to God much like Ham challenged his father Noah.

He enslaved people to build cities and when they were finished he wanted more from them. It is believed that Nimrod built the city of Babel that actually became a threat to God’s heaven and therefore his efforts had to be thwarted.

Nimrod was the first to set up his own religion and create idol worship; forcing his values on the masses. It is obvious that Lucifer corrupted Nimrod’s thinking and Nimrod’s rebellion was compared to the sin of witchcraft. Nimrod used satanic power, but Lucifer’s demons were behind it all.

Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city. Genesis 10:11-12(NKJV)

Such was the conquest of Nimrod that others had to leave to get away from his influence. They went out and built cities of their own. However, wanting to get away, they took with them the same tainted thinking and ways. From generation to generation sin spreads and though families split and they move away, they take with them acquired habits and attitude about God.

This is why, as Christians, we are to build godly homes and as parents, practice faith. If parents train their children in the ways of the Lord, when old they will not depart. Parents are central to the development of future generations and in humbleness they are to repent openly for every fault.

When parents have done wrong in their children’s eyes, they are to model repentance. When parents are wrong, they are to go to the child and repair the damage done; taking it to the Lord for His intervention into their hearts.

Now for people fleeing families that have split apart because of social dysfunction, it is important to realize that the only thing that has changed is the distance. The dysfunction that worked inside the family to cause the split is still a part of their lives.

It is at this time that people must humble themselves to learn a new way, allowing God to change their heart. They must surrender their heart to God so that He might soften it. This comes through becoming a part of a good church family. Clinging to others, confessing your sin, praying to God, and studying His word; for only then will change happen that will put your immediate family back on track.

Family Tragedies. Genesis 10:13-28.

Family Tragedies. Genesis 10:13-28.

As we advance in time, each generation changes based upon the actions of the past generation. Your parents have influenced you and their parents influenced them. This is how families can tragically skew off into ruin and if not into ruin, create some very terrible people.

Family tragedies happen all around us so much so that the dysfunction of a few becomes the dysfunction of the masses. Whole societies are raised to disrespect their bodies, disrespect their health, and disrespect their God.

A society or a family that holds godly values tight produce some very fine individuals and that is the desire of God for our lives. In this study we look at a family that went in opposite directions; one to goodness, and the other to corruption.

And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim, and Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim. and Canaan begat Sidon his first born, and Heth, and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite, and the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite, and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad. And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha. These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations. Genesis 10:13-20(NKJV)

Ham was the patriarchal father of many. One of his descendants, Nimrod, was a great hunter, a mighty man and became a builder of cities. He influenced his culture and shaped family values creating a blood line of people that did not honor God. Nimrod went on to create the first false religion and he did this in the face of the true God.

The influence of Nimrod, his antics, his arrogance, and his defiance of God, spread throughout the lands where his kindred settled. They spread far out across the land and their way of life is possibly why the kindred of Japheth, split from his brother’s families and settled far away.

Ham fathered families with disrespect for the God of his father, Noah. Without godliness as a standard, poor behaviors tear families apart. Attitudes run rampant and people model themselves after the world they see. Each of the cities mention in our passage had corruption sweeping through them and every new generation learned to be more corrupt. Though people disliked corruption and dominating corrupt politics; without a godly standard, the thing they despised they became.

The Canaanites would become a godless society and their dealing would bring pain to Israel. Many of the families could not even establish themselves in a city and they stayed nomadic; they became tribes of people scattered abroad.

Now Shem, Noah’s eldest son, would be the Father of the patriarchs and ten generations removed, Abraham would be born. These families, though they were influenced by the world around them, adhered to the concept of honoring God.

When people honor God, God honors them back and by the tenth generation, Abraham would answer the call of God to use his faith and go blindly to a land to follow the God of his fathers. From Abraham would come the great nation of Israel.

It was a journey of faith and such great faith is no accident; it takes great effort from parents to raise children to honor God. Correcting attitudes and educating them in the scriptures allows godly influence to direct them in the way they should go. As promised in Proverbs, “If you train up a child in the way they should go, when they are old they will not depart.”

Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born. The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram. And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash. And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber. And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan. And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah, And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba, And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan. And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east. These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations. Genesis 10:21-31(NKJV)

The world will always be filled with corruption and corrupt politics; however, in every generation there will be a remnant of people holding family values close, honoring God, and preserving His truth.

These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. Genesis 10:32(NKJV)

Many people like to study their lineage and look into history. However, many find a lineage of dysfunctional people and painful hurts. Each of us is shaped by the influences of our past and though we carry scars, we must turn our hearts to God for healing.

When a person gives their heart to God and asks Jesus Christ to forgive them of their sin, issues from the past can be broken. The power of God to change lives is stronger than any past sin. Though a sin had wreaked havoc on our family or in our lives; it can be erased from hurting future generations.

Dysfunction can be turned to poised beauty. A bitter heart can become a beautiful chamber of God’s love. Those battered, bruised, and defiled, can become renewed, forgiven, and strong. God in our lives brings healing and when God is allowed the freedom to change us, He steps in with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

Does this message find you feeling less than adequate? Are you in need of a social behavior makeover? It can happen today by asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart and forgive you of sin and to heal you.

He will start from the inside and work out. He can lift the sorrow of the past and replace it with the joy of the future. He can fill your heart with forgiveness for others and as the change takes place in your life, others around you will see it and desire that for themselves.

At times it has to start with one family member; but the little flame can turn into a fire. That fire can burn away the dysfunction from our family and set the path for future generations.

Not a Stairway to Heaven. Genesis 11:1-9.

Not a Stairway to Heaven. Genesis 11:1-9.

And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. Genesis 11:1(NKJV)

The plain of Shinar in today’s world holds the country of Iraq and a part of Iraq’s surrounding countries. In this land a satanic presence is strong and on the Plain of Shinar the city of Babylon would be built to house many evil regimes and leaders capable of much treachery. Over the land of Shinar there is a presence of evil that exists to this day.

Nimrod, a descendent of Ham, was a mighty man who used his might to become a feared leader of the people and by him were the cities of Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh erected. His influence was filled with wickedness; he had motivations to rule over people, places, and things, in the face of an on looking God.

Nimrod challenged God’s authority by doing whatever he wanted; he became a treacherous man. His influence spread to his family and his descendants became a god defiant society also. In Babel, Nimrod started the first cult and self worship which enslaved people and dominated their city.

It was such an attitude that Lucifer was dispelled out of heaven for. Isaiah tells us that desire of Lucifer was to ascend to heaven, ascend above the heights of the clouds, and be like the most high. He wanted to sit on the throne that people worshiped and be exalted as God. Lucifer is blamed with weakening the nations for he has corrupted the minds of individuals with the same temptations.

Nimrod spread his corruption into the minds of the people. With sin, lust, and greed, motivating Nimrod;
where
he traveled his corruption went with him. Nimrod spread into Assyria and built the cities of Nineveh, Rehoboth, and Calah. The spread of wickedness is not dismissed by God and judgment eventually will come the way of those that oppose Him.

And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. Genesis 11:2-4(NKJV)

Nimrod was like Hitler who could influence people to feel united and work towards his goals. Nimrod’s
main purpose was to oppose God. With his leadership, they devised a plan and the only elaboration given to us by Moses was this plan actually became a threat to all that was Holy.

The people were growing in such numbers it was causing many to leave the cities and head out to find new land. Like any organization, if you lose your workers or your top thinkers, your organization does not get stronger. So the people had the desire to keep everyone together. If they were going to achieve their goal of becoming greater than God, they had to keep the great thinkers.

The language used by Moses explains that they concocted a method of challenging God and wanted to establish themselves above God before their unity could be broken up. They wanted to establish their name to be greater and above God own great name. This is the complete logic fostered by Lucifer and in the mind and heart of Nimrod.

And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Genesis 11:5-6(NKJV)

People have speculated that this tower was a communication device, a teleportation unit, and then some have imagined it as being much like a stairway to heaven. Yet that is all speculation because we do not know.

There is a greater possibility that it was used to study the stars; for in the stars God wrote the plan for the earth. Every detail of God’s plan is in the arrangement of the constellations and perhaps understanding what God was going to do next was being understood through their observation. They wanted to challenge God’s work.

The scriptures tell us not to look to the stars for advice of the future and Astrology is not a place a follower of God should dabble. Yet we know that Lucifer has taken great pains in knowing the future so that he might kill the baby that would be called Jesus, the savior. The attempt to do so was prevented by God. Yet there was an attempt.

However, that is speculation and what we do know is that the tower’s effectiveness to challenge God was probable and what they built was going to enable them to continue to create a force that was very great.

Physics tells us that a structure could not reach past space for there would be no oxygen to breath. Modern space technology has ventured through the expanses of our galaxy and therefore, we know they were not building a technology that exposed the limits of space.

However Moses tells us that it was a tower that was able to accomplish their goals. Now because we dig up ruins, we tend to think of the cities and people as being very primitive. We also like to think of ourselves as being advanced. However, never has our modern civilization become a threat to God. It is very hard to say how advanced these people were. Yet they were able to get the attention of God.

Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Genesis 11:7-9(NKJV)

The city was named Babel which means confusion and later would be known by the Greek name Babylon. The scriptures speak of Babylon throughout. Many prophesy of the end time’s talk about the fall of the great city of Babylon. When mentioned, what is also clearly communicated is God’s disapproval for Babylon and all it represents.

Established by Nimrod, Babylon would become a city under siege and internal strife. Next to rule Babylon would be the Assyrians. They would dominate until their power could be thrown off and then Babylon became under the Chaldean Empire. In 539 Babylon was taken by the Persians; then captured by the Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great.

The constant turmoil in Babylon would cause its residence to eventually relocate and the city became desolate. A tablet dating 257 BC speaks of the desolation of the city that held only earmarks of its greatness. However, even as late as 141BC there is evidence that sacrifices were still being conducted in its temple. Evil would not let it go.

Babylon remained a providence of Persia and in 1985 it was claimed by Saddam Hussein who began to rebuild the city and restore its grandeur. Though he wanted shopping malls and amusement parks, evil gripped his heart and extermination of the people in the Northern Territories was proof that evil was still at work.

Currently, Iraq is under occupation by United States Troops and invasion forces have ruined many of the archeological sites. Ancient Babylon has been crushed; yet rebels in the area fight to retake it; for there still resides an evil that has power; a power that once opposed God.

The ideas fostered by Nimrod to oppose God are embraced by much of our world. In the face of God people will do what they want, when they want, and many encourage ungodliness. This is the influence of Babylon.

Your Impact, Your Family. Genesis 11:10-32.

Your Impact, Your Family. Genesis 11:10-32.

Moses turns his attention to ensuring the reader can trace the genealogy from Shem to Abraham; this is the blood line that would eventually produce a promised people, who could glory in their father. However, the fathers leading up to Abraham we’re not worthy of such honor. Our passage is lengthy with accounts of generations; however, there is an underlying moral story that only the diligent will find.

Where you were raised, who you were raised by, and the things that happened to you are defining forces in a person’s life. These elements pigeon hole people into lifestyles and often people do not seek to break out from them.

As revealed in Joshua chapter 24, Abraham’s father Terah and Tehah’s father Nahor both got caught up in worshiping false Gods. They were unfaithful to worship the God of their father’s. This is the environment that Abraham grew up in and if Abraham did not follow a different course for his life; he would have followed along with his family.

Now the following “begots” have no luster; yet in them you will notice that the age of mortality gradually decreases. With the firmament removed, the genetic chemistry changes and life spans grow smaller. In fact, Noah’s son Shem almost outlives most generations in his family tree mentioned in our passage.

This is the genealogy of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old, and begot Arphaxad two years after the flood. After he begot Arphaxad, Shem lived five hundred years, and begot sons and daughters. Arphaxad lived thirty-five years, and begot Salah. After he begot Salah, Arphaxad lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters. Salah lived thirty years, and begot Eber. After he begot Eber, Salah lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters. Eber lived thirty-four years, and begot Peleg. After he begot Peleg, Eber lived four hundred and thirty years, and begot sons and daughters. Peleg lived thirty years, and begot Reu. After he begot Reu, Peleg lived two hundred and nine years, and begot sons and daughters.  Reu lived thirty-two years, and begot Serug.  After he begot Serug, Reu lived two hundred and seven years, and begot sons and daughters.  Serug lived thirty years, and begot Nahor. After he begot Nahor, Serug lived two hundred years, and begot sons and daughters. Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and begot Terah. After he begot Terah, Nahor lived one hundred and nineteen years, and begot sons and daughters. Now Terah lived seventy years, and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Genesis 11:10-26(NKJV)

If you chart out these fathers and sons, you will find that the fathers had much opportunity to influence their children for good. Grandparental influence was a large opportunity also. If such an opportunity exists, how do you let your children go off to worship false Gods? What happened to the fear of God?

Could it be that they reasoned within themselves that God will never again destroy the earth? Could it be that they thought their life would be long enough to live a life of sin and repent when they are old? If so, the mortality rate was decreasing and those who thought they had time, did not.

As Moses explains the circumstances leading up to the nation of Israel, he lists the genealogy of Abram. Abram is the extreme faithful father figure to Israel; however, Moses shows us that his father wasn’t.

This is the genealogy of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran begot Lot.
And Haran died before his father Terah in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans. Then Abram and Nahor took wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and the father of Iscah. But Sarai was barren; she had no child. And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there. So the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran. Genesis 11:27-32(NKJV)

Terah’s three sons were Abram, Nahor, and Haran; they lived in the land of Ur. The Chaldeans that lived in Ur were a people of commerce and lived self centered lives. Their worship of idols catered to their self absorbed lives of pleasure and their extravagance enticed many to follow their rituals.

However, there seems much untold about the lives of this family. We know, one son died prematurely and the others got married. Abram married a wife was unable to have children and that is the extent of what we know about this family.

When reading our scriptures it is easy to look at this passage and quickly dismiss it; yet what we can gain vast respect if we take note of the circumstances that gripped them.

Serug and son Terah, both gave into worshiping false Gods. Their lives became entrenched in the worship of that day. In the lives of these idolaters, something was happening to shorten their life span. People were no longer living long and each generation was dying younger.

Perhaps the alcohol or drugs and the common worship through illicit sex were causing sicknesses. If we join this to the death of Terah’s son, Haran, it is apparent that whatever joy Terah received in Ur, it died with his son’s death. Terah gathered his immediate family and left the land.

Terah only took with him his two sons and their wives. He left behind his father, Serug, and his relatives. He wanted to get out of the land, away from its ways, and start a different life; perhaps one without idolatries.

Though Terah rescued his immediate family, he would not be allowed to join them in their new land, with their new lives. Terah died in Haran at the age of 148.

In contrast Seth, Noah’s son, was still alive! Seth also outlived six of seven generations of grandchildren that produced Terah. This is why God hates wickedness. He created us to live forever with Him and sin continues impact that desire.

It will not be long until each of us goes the way of the grave. What will be your legacy and what effect will you have on the lives of your family? Will you live a clean life that honors God or will you die from diseases acquired while celebrating your own self centeredness?

The questions are asked to cause you to think; for many are those who have not done so well with this responsibility before God. Yet it is not too late to be as Terah and make a difference now. A person can become that family leader that leads others away from sin and to a life with God.

Leave it all Behind. Genesis 12:1-7

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 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. Genesis 12:1-3(NLKV)

Abram was not raised in a Godly home; he was raised in a country filled with the worship of idols, religions of greed, and lasciviousness. To others there was no excuse but madness, to believe that he heard the voice of God speaking to him. Those surrounding him may have not understood what he was going through. Yet Abram knew it was the true God speaking; calling him to obedience.

It is not rare for God to make unbelievers into believers. Every Christian will tell you they had those around them that did not understand what they were going through when God called them to change their lives and become obedient to Him.

In our world we are approached from both sides. There are influences of wickedness and then there is God’s voice that calls us to go a different way and leave an old lifestyle behind. Such was the case of Abram. He was to leave his country, his home, and his friends, without knowing where God would have him to go.

So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. Genesis 12:4-6(NKJV)

It was not easy for Abram to pick up and go. He was seventy-five years old which would have us understand that he was at a time of his life where men should be settling in to build their family; providing them security and stability. Yet Abram was about to do the opposite.

It was no easy task to pack their belongings on to the backs of donkeys, horses, or camels. Nor was it easy to answer questions of family members who could not understand the need to undergo such hardship.

The caravan stretched for a long distance as there were many that joined them on their Exodus from Haran. The passage suggests that there were those who joined themselves to the caravan that had attached themselves to Abrams calling. The “souls they had gotten in Haran were people who were committed to the distance, ready to leave their land and begin a new life.

Because we live in a different time, God has not change. He continues to reach out to people in order to guide them to a place and a life that will bring them closer to Him. How can you have God on your mind when you are surrounded by people who distract themselves with self worship and a material mindset? God will lead a person away from such a life and to a place where they can grow and mature.

God will reveal Himself to your intellect, showing you the life he wants you to live. He will expose the darkness that surrounds you and shine His light in the direction you should go. God wants a relationship that is like a father and we His children.

Many people believe in God, yet they refuse to go to the place He is calling them to. When it may only be across town to a church of believers, many refuse to go. To compare these to Abram, a stark contrast of no respect, no faith, and no acceptance of God would be plain. These would be no different than those who Abram left behind.

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. Genesis 12:7(NKJV)

The most interesting fact of this passage is Abram heard God calling him and became obedient. Abram did not wait for a sign or something that would guarantee a successful journey. Abram heard God speak to his heart and became obedient and acted.

It was after he had left, after he was on his journey, the Lord showed him the reason for calling him to go. He showed him a land that his children would build on. It was a beautiful land rich in abundance; this was a place of blessing and fruitfulness.

This blessing meant many things to Abram, for Abram had not a child and the wife he married was barren. This revelation of God meant they would have babies and their babies would have babies. They would become a nation and this land would be theirs.

Have you ever turned down an offer of opportunity? With your own lips, the decisions that change our lives are made every day. How terrible would it be for a person who did not go, did not listen, and did not make the effort to obey God and found that they traded heaven for hell?

When reading about Abram and his decision to take the journey to an unknown land there is but one conclusion. Stories like these are the voice of God reaching out to the reader that they may know Him.

If you listen for His still small voice and become faithful to His directing, God will be faithful back to you. He will give to you a most wonderful land, one that we did not deserve; but, one that He was willing to give to those who will come.

Heaven is the land that we are heading to. We are prompted by scripture to journey to know Him, strive to understand His word, and to be prepared to move beyond our current life into life everlasting. It is the reward at the end of the journey and only given to those who believe.

The Trails we Face. Genesis 12:8- 20.

The Trails we Face. Genesis 12:8- 20.

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. Genesis 12:8(NKJV)

Having left his land, its idolatry, its wickedness, and its corruption, Abram found it important to declare his faith before all those that joined him. Abram built and alter to the Lord and worshiped Him. It was a declaration of his purpose, his morals, and set the expectation to know God for his family and those who followed with him. This alter would stand for future generations and would be known as a place that Abram worship. This alter was a gesture intended to have impact.

There are many people who call themselves Christians. but they have yet to make a public recognition of their faith in Jesus Christ. We are told by the Apostle Paul that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10(NKJV)

The examples of faith that we have in the Bible show us men and women who openly worshiped God and made that worship a priority. Though Abram had turned his back on the wickedness, it was important to openly show honor and glory to God.

Each week churches around the world hold services that begin with worship. Worship is an expression of the position of our heart before to God. King David wrote songs of worship to God and those songs are recorded in our Bibles so that we might always have the words to worship God.

Those who neglect to worship, pray, or read God’s word may have feelings of dryness, fear, and thirst. To them spirituality has become only a religion and they must realize that to choose to align with Christians is not enough. Those who seek the Lord must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. Genesis 12:9-13(NKJV)

Once you have committed to the Lord and have began to look to Him for guidance, the things that happen in your life might not make sense. Here Abram, though he is obedient to God, find himself in the middle of famine. Why would God bring him to this land to experience famine?

Personally, I have gone through trials of my faith that have brought me to my knees. These trials stretched me to the breaking point and have even taken my health.

I had pastor’s council me saying, now that I have committed to the Lord, the enemy has a reason to fight. Where it is true that a battle rages, the trials I lived through were not always the force of evil against me. Some trials are blessing from God.

Abraham was given this land that had many inhabitants and God needed used that famine to drive people off the land. Everyone headed to the store houses of Egypt. There they could find work and food. Even Abram was driven to journey south.

How do you stand up in trials? Do you stand strong in faith, proclaiming that God will not forsake you? My answer is, “Not always.” I have times of fear and worry; yet I know in my heart that fear and worry comes from distance from God. When fear and worry creep in, it is time to go to the alter and worship and pray.

It is only when you come close to God that you will feel secure in trails. Here Abraham is worried that they Egyptians will see Sarai, his wife and kill him to take her. So he asks her to lie to the Egyptians. Abram fell from saint to sinner and his awful behavior could have been avoided with faith.

And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife Genesis 12:14-17(NKJV).

Now, how could you let your wife be dated by the Pharaoh? Pharaoh was a man gripped in pagan idolatry and though he would treat her with respect; he would indulge himself and add her to his entourage. Sarai would be defiled.

And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. Genesis 12:18-20 (NKJV)

Though we are unfaithful to honor God, God is faithful to us. He continually calls us to repentance and we must remember that no sin is to big that He will not forgive. The Pharaoh was not a monotheistic believer in God; however, he believed that you did not mess with the God of Abram and he sent them on their way.

How do you see your trials? Do you see them as trial to make you stronger? Do you see God rearranging your world for good? Regardless of how we see them, when trials come we must draw close to the Lord, pray, worship, and bible study, so that we might see Him stronger than our trials.

My Lottery Dreams.

And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; Unto the place of the altar, which he had make there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD. Genesis 13:1-4(NKJV)

It was a promise by the Lord that Abram would be blessed and leaving Egypt the blessing of the Lord was clear. All those who journeyed with Abram were prosperous in their dealing and leaving Egypt, Abram was rich with cattle, silver, and gold. However, monetary and material blessing has many consequences.

The Hebrew word for riches means to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honorable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honored.

So many people desire great riches, yet they do not understand the burden that goes with having great money or great possessions. Lottery winning stories are rich with the naivety of people who won large amounts of money and spent it, losing friends, family, and spouses.

“Since I won the lottery, I think there is no control for greed,” said Jack Whittaker who won $315 Million.”I think if you have something, there’s always someone else that wants it. I wish I’d torn that ticket up”

Jack wanted cloth and feed children. He gave money to build two large churches; however, people streamed to him with their requests for his help.
In order to deal with these requests, he formed the Jack Whittaker Foundation.

“There were so many letters that they wouldn’t even deliver all the mail. It was nothing for us to sit for 10 hours just opening envelopes.” Whittaker gave away at least $50 million worth of houses, cars and cash.

Jack started a construction company and though the company started to produce a good income, it opened the floodgates for people to sue. Lawyers worked to fend off over 400 law suits from people who just wanted to get something for nothing.

There is a burden in caring for riches; there is fear in keeping them, temptation in using them, guilt in abusing them, and sorrow in losing them. The last thing is the account we must give of them.

Jack Whittaker started drinking to console himself and became loose with his money. Because he gave four cars and $2000 a week to his granddaughter, she would become acquainted with drug dealers and later die from drug overdose.

Whittaker lost family and friends and what he thought was great opportunity became a burden too hard to carry, adversely affecting the lives around him.

And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Genesis 14:5-8(NJKV)

Riches will separate family. It was not Abram and, his cousin, Lot that had difference; it was those that worked for them. Their cattle were mingling and keeping track of their herds caused rivalry and a solution was offered by Abram.

Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Genesis 13:9-11(NKJV)

People are greedy and Lot chose the best land for himself. He was thinking, it was offered and therefore, he took it. However, this shows little respect to Abram who took the young lad under his care when his father died.

It is godly to think of other before you.
In gratitude, Lot should have taken the lesser. Yet for some people, riches build greed in the heart of those who strive to keep them.

Lot knew that his fields would be green and Lot knew that the nearby cities would buy his meat. Lot was making a winning decision that would make for excellent business. Lot would have great wealth, and that was all Lot thought of.

Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. Genesis 13:12(NKJV)

Lot’s decision was good for Abram; for Canaan is the land God called him to. Abram did not even consider the advantage of the land and it’s wealth for Abram looked to God for his riches.

Dearest friends, people who seek riches are those who are not satisfied with what God has given them. To humbly accept God provisions shows honor to God and that was the honor of Abram.

As we will find out, Lot’s pursuit of riches will lead to much trouble.

Impatience and Greed.

Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. Genesis 13:11-13(NKJV)

In his discussion, Lot was only looking out for himself; he was being selfish. Though it was not wrong to choose the plain most fertile, the reason he chose it was selfish. He chose it to have the best for himself. He disregarded his uncle who had helped raise him when Lot’s father died. Lot made his decision based upon what he knew of the land.

He knew that the plains were fertile and his cattle would be able to graze to become a strong heard. He also knew that there were two cities and that meant a built in commerce. He would be able to sell his beef and probably at a premium price. Lot’s whole concern was himself.

Lot knew the people of those cities were considered wicked by God and still made the choice to go in that direction. “He pitched his tent towards Sodom” which means he planned to conduct his business thinking himself able to not get involved with their wickedness but still do his business.

This is the deception of evil and a foolish decision made by a foolish man, who distanced himself from knowing God. Lot did not carry on with a relationship with God as did his uncle. Perhaps that was too old fashion for him?

And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Genesis 13:14-15(NKJV)

Lot in his selfish deception had tunnel vision. He only saw the money, the commerce, and the prosperity. However, God wants His own people to have a relationship so that He can open their eyes and make them see grander opportunities.

Abram headed in the direction of consequence, he was not self motivated and did not choose the best for himself. He gave up the fertile plane to keep peace between him and his nephew. You see, their relationship was deteriorating and though Abram valued Lot, Lot was more concerned about himself.

Lot had abandonment issues. He lost his father when he was young and was raised by his uncle Abram. Lot began with nothing and watched Abram who increased in possession, for the Lord was blessing him. However, Lot only watched Abram’s possessions, he did not give much credence to Abram’s relationship with God.

By the time they reached Egypt, Lot became arrogant and smart enough to manipulate the Egyptian commerce. By the time they had left Egypt, Lot had his own people, his own cattle, and his own possessions. He was doing what he could to survive; to be his own man. However, while he was looking inward, he was not paying attention to what God was doing in the life his Uncle.

The two of them parted company. Abram headed in a direction, away from Lot, and as Abram traveled out of the site of Lot, God called for him to raise his head up. God told him to look at the land before him and not to look small. “Look to the east, to the North, to the South, and to the West; it is all for you and your children.”

It was a great gift from the Lord; given to a man who did not let greed drive him and did not let bitterness be part of his thoughts. Abram was called by God and God liked that Abram listened.

Yes, Abram had his faults; at times he feared and even lied to the Pharaoh in Egypt. Yet God delivered him from his transgressions and was more than ready to work with this faithful man.

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Genesis 13:16(NKJV)

Another thing that they Lord was doing here was calling Abram to a long term relationship. He was going to have Abram go through a process that would take much time. In that time there would be a healing for Sarai could have no children. Yet Abram was a man that God knew could exhibit faith.

Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD. Genesis 13:17-18(NKJV)

Even though it would take much time, God wanted Abram to get going. He did not want him to pitch a tent and wait; God wanted Abram to get out and know the land. See the wonderful thing that the Lord has done and that is what Abram did.

The greatest thing that we can gain from this passage is though God has given the land to Abram, it would take a process of time before it would be theirs. God said it was going to be a process of giving.

There are so many Christians who think God instantly works to success in their lives. God needs people to be patient; acting in confidence, continuing on in their life. It may take time to accomplish a work in you and during that time, God does not want impatience and greed, but patience and worship.

Just like Abram did not like the complaining of Lot and his people, God does not want his people to complain or be impatient. God would have us be still, in confidence knowing that He is the Lord. He is the God that takes care of all of our needs according to his mercy.

Therefore, seeing the blessing to come, Abram built another alter and worshiped God. Leading his wife and his entourage to a closer relationship with God; Abram continued as God had called.

A Leader Among Kings.

A Leader Among Kings. Genesis 14:1-17.

God promised to make Abram’s name great, yet Lot sought to distance himself from this greatness. Lot could not keep his herdsmen from arguing with Abrams herdsmen and so Abram told him to pick a territory and go live there. It was there, in the land that Lot chose the first war on earth took place and Lot was in the middle of it.

And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. Genesis 14:1-4(NKJV)

This is war covered a great area; much of what we now call Israel. The invaders were four kings representing Chaldea and Persia; they were not the sovereign princes of those great kingdoms, but rather the heads of some colonies which came to make a name for themselves. Though they had settled making five cities near the plain of Jordan, near Sodom, they retained the names of the countries from which they came from. These had troubles with the other settlers in the land and targeted Chedorlaomer, the king, to attack.

This is the human condition that causes all wars. People fail to get along, they complain and let things bother them and so they grow hatred in their heart. It separated Abram from Lot and it has separated people, nations, races, and neighbors throughout all of time. This passage is here to show Christians to deal with their internal strife before they become external problems.

In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar. And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. Genesis 14: 5-9(NKJV)

Pride, covetousness, and ambition, are the lusts from which wars and fighting come. These four kings dominated the area and probably without much of a fight. This was a time that no war had occurred. The only weapons were those of hunting and to stop a rebellion without an army is futile.

This is a great time to compare the battle of our souls to the unsuspecting cities under attack. If we are to treat life carelessly, when the enemy attacks we will not be able to defend. Attacks to sacrifice our morals come when we are the weakest and the enemy is ready to pounce. A Christian should always be ready, watching, and guarding their heart from attack.

Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. Genesis 14:10-12(NKJV)

One must ask their self, “Would this have happened if Lot were to control his problems and not to have forced problems between him and Abram?”

When we fail spiritually, there are consequences that follow. God wants to teach His children to be faithful and to live peaceable; yet, sin causes all the problems in the church today. When church people listen to the message and do not live by it, little good can come from it.

How many divorces could have been prevented and what a wonderful life those could have lived, if they would have followed God from the day they said, “I do.” Yet the frustrations of normal life are allowed to battle and take over our direction.

Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. Genesis 14:13-15(NKJV)

No matter how much Lot wronged Abram, Abram came to his rescue. In an act of Christian service, Abram places his own people and his own possessions in harm’s way to regain those of his Nephews.

Abram trained his people to defend themselves and in that training they learned how to fight. They were able to stand their ground and take back the possessions and the people stolen. Yet no matter of the level of training, they had right on their side and God behind them.

So he brought back all of their people the all of their goods. He also brought back his nephew Lot and his goods. And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him. Genesis 14:16-17(NKJV)

Abram, as promised by God, was now hailed for his valor and his direction of people. Abram was known throughout the land and was now a leader among Kings. He was a force to be reckoned with.

Though the people of this region were sinners before the Lord, it was a godly action of Abram to bring back their possessions, their women, and restore to them what was taken. God would have us to act in kindness to those who oppose us and allow His light to shine through our actions.

Unlike Lot, who desired to have land, possessions, and commerce, Abram sought to seek God and to be satisfied with God’s provisions. Abram sought the Lord God and He only, would Abram worship.

King of Kings.

King of Kings. Genesis 14:18-24.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.  Genesis 14:18-20(NKJV)

After waging war against attackers, Abram brings back the possessions and people from all the great cities in his area that were attacked. Their Kings did bow in reverence to such a great feat and Abram became a supreme leader. However, the great Abram saw a king whose name was Melchizedek and he recognized Him as a priest of the Most High God.

Melchizedek was the only king that Abram would respect. All of the other kings watched as Abram bent his knee in reverence to this king. In this gesture Abram submits himself to Melchizedek, signifying a superiority and lordship over Abram.

In Psalms 110, King David writes about this priest and acknowledges a hierarchy. There is the Lord God supreme over the entire universe; then there is a Lord over kings, a king of kings. David speaks how he answered to this king of kings and this king of kings is a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek and Jesus have many commonalities. Melchizedek was not ordained by men, but by God. The main complaint of the Jewish leadership was they did not ordain Jesus.

This King of Salem has no genealogy. No mention of mother or father and therefore gives the impression that he lives forever. He is much like the Son of God and remains a priest continually.

King Melchizedek, brought bread and wine and communed with Abram. Much like Christ used bread and wine, at the Last Supper. This communion is an earmark trait of this high priest.

Isaiah said that the Messiah would be a wonderful counselor and the Price of Peace. Melchizedek King of Salem translates to mean the King of “Peace.” His mission was to inspire peace and to communicate the message; God fights our battles and delivers our enemies into our hands.

Melchizedek forever remains a Priest of the Most High God and Jesus ascended into heaven, to sit at the right hand of the throne of God and be our High Priest forever. Jesus intercede our prayers to God. Not just our prayers, but the prayers of Kings, rulers, and leaders. Jesus knows that God fights our battles.

Judaism has to recognize Melchizedek, but refuses to recognize Jesus. To this we must ask, “If there exists a priest, who comes from the Most High God, could not the Melchizedek Priest hood exist beyond the confines of the Mosaic Law?”

Before Levi, Aaron, and Moses, was Abram. Abram is the father of the entire Jewish nation and here in our passage Abram recognized another priesthood, worshiped Him, and tithed part of his possessions. Could Jesus be a Priest after the order of Melchizedek or could Jesus be Melchizedek too?

Melchizedek blessed Abram saying, “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth” The word blessed means, to kneel, to bless one’s self, to praise or salute. Melchizedek was stating that Abram’s heart was in the right place. Abram revered God. He treated God with the proper respect and his actions to fight against injustice were honored by God. In this visit God honored Abram back.

Melchizedek placed emphasis that God is the most high. God possesses both Heaven and Earth and it was God that delivered Abram’s enemies into his hand.

It was a timely message; for approaching Abram were other Kings, rulers, and leaders that were going to praise Abram. This time of reflection on perspective would keep Abram humble.

And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.  Genesis 14:21-24

Abram was not being proud when turning down the spoils. He was placing himself in a situation to where only God could be given the credit for making Abram great.

What a reality Abram lived in. He was promised to be the father of a great nation. He was surrounded by enemies and had to make decision to fight. In fighting, he had to fight for what was right, keeping honor in perspective. In all of this he had to deal with his carnal nephew.

In all reality, you and I are not much different from Abram. We are called to build a kingdom. We are promised great promises and we must fight the enemy, maintaining our respect towards God as people are watching.

The greatest thing we must take away from this passage is that like Abram, we are blessed by the most high God who rules heaven and earth. In reverence let us live our life with respect; even if we must turn down the goods of the world. Our purpose should be to let God make us to be a people of honor and respect.

Fear not, only Believe.

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? Genesis 15:1-2(NKJV)

If God were to come to you in a vision, would you be able to confidently speak with Him? Many people hear wind blowing through the trees at night, a floor board creaking, or a cat moan. The mysterious sounds cause hair to stand on end and heart rates to elevate. Should suddenly, from the night, you began to see shadows and hear whisperings realizing that you are in the presence of God, what would you do?

Though God does not sneak up on a person, nor does He appear as ghosts; Christians are to seek God in Spirit and in truth. Seeking God, they create times in their life when they open themselves to the presence of God. In those times God teaches them, comforts them, and ministers to their soul.

A Christian life is one that attends church to worship God and to hear back from God. Finding time throughout their day to read his word and pray; these are looking for His provisions to accomplish the tasks set before them.

To some people, being in the presence of God is not a common occurrence. They go to church, they say prayers at meal time, and they go about their life to be good people; yet they never place themselves in a place to be quiet with only Him. To not take time for God is to act in unbelief. If we believe we will need Him, we will seek Him, and we will find Him.

In the quiet of morning, the peace of the afternoon or in the quiet of night, a person should seek God which creates the rapture of worship. From here comes encouragement, from here comes direction; but it is here that many do not choose to meet with God.

“Fear not” is a command, not a suggestion. Too many people spend their lives in defeat from fear. People fear an outcome, they fear the truth; they fear circumstances and they fear to fail. However, it is God that shields us from these fears and though trials happen, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my shield and all things work together for good to those who know God and are called according to His purpose.

The fear of Abram was failing God’s expectation. This type of fear is a most crippling fear, for it inhibits a person from trying. When they should apply the gifts of the Lord, they procrastinate and find ways of becoming busy in other matters.

And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. Genesis 15:3(NKJV)

Abram and Sarai were not fertile together; yet God promised that Abram’s seed would be a great nation. In Abrams mind this could only happen by making Eliezer, his servant, heir to his possessions and honors.

Would Abram have had a daughter, the blood line could be carried through her; but Abram had no daughter either. This troubled Abram for he did not want to fail God, but yet what God wanted was beyond Abram’s own ability.

Dearest Christian, take comfort that you are not the only one asked to do things that are beyond your means. We all are challenged to reach new levels of service; going beyond our expectations.

Some are called to ministries that seem, in their own minds, impossible for them; but never the less, God has called them. To continue building God’s kingdom there is need for preachers, evangelists, missionaries, teachers, and those gifted in administrations.

Then there are those people who are to minister to those around them. These will carry burdens that seem too large to carry. As if walking uphill with a heavy pack, they will take upon themselves the burdens of many. Yet in the middle of the hill, these will find that the burden is light and there was nothing to fear, God is with them.

Abram stated that our Lord is “The Most High God.” Often we say we believe in God, but do we believe that God can do all things? Is the Lord, “The Most High” in your mind?

And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6(NKJV)

Fear displeases God and He judges it as unbelief. It is only when Abram believed the word of God that God accounted it to Abram for righteousness. Therefore, we must conclude that to not believe is to be judged as unrighteousness.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns Christians saying, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” 1 Corinthians 6:9a. Let this become a threat to all of mankind, God will not accept those who do not believe in Him.

In our world today, people want to do their own thing; they want to go their own way, and many are trying to redefine
the terms of righteousness so that they can feel accepted by the public and therefore, accepted by God.

Abram believed in what God was saying and it was accounted to him for righteousness; the same applies to all that God have said in His word, the Bible. God’s words are there and we must make the time to read them, to know them, and abide by it.

This judgment, of our actions and beliefs, is a pretty stiff measure. That is why we must find a place to go, where we can get alone with The Lord Most High and worship Him, pray to Him, and forever be believers in His directions for our lives.

Abram and Sarai were going to have children and they were going to be a great nation. God has a plan you’re your life to and whatever it is your going to be great!

The Horror of Darkness.

The Horror of Darkness. Genesis 15:7-21.

And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. And he said, LORD God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.

And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. Genesis 15:10-15(NKJV)

Abram questioned God on how it was possible for him to have a family and how he was going to inherit the land, for there were many people that occupied that land. Abrams’ questions were valid and it was time for Abram to know about God’s plan.

Does not everyone want to know more about their circumstances? Would it not be great to know more about your future and what God was going to do in your life? We all would like to know and the Apostle James wrote that if we ask God for wisdom, He will give it liberally. Wisdom may not be knowing the future, but it is knowing how to face the future.

In order for a holy God to draw close to the fallen nature of man, the spilling of blood was necessary. The penalty for sin is death and to spare the man, animals were used for sacrifice. However, it was an imperfect sacrifice unable to unite God and man forever. Thousands of years later, God would send his own son, to be a perfect sacrifice and forever make away for men to draw close to God.

What is interesting about the sacrifice is that birds came to feast on the carcasses. Abram chasseing away the birds is a picture of any person trying to keep outside influences from ruining their closeness to God. As Christians, we too, must chase away our birds to keep our closeness to God.

No man can stand in the presence of God. Though God was going to draw close to Abram, God would still have to keep a distance. The same applies today. Jesus Christ becomes our mediator; He is able to be in the presence of God and He intercedes in our behalf and that brings us a lot closer than Abram came.

When Abram wanted a light for his path, he found a terrifying darkness. For sinful man, there is a horror of darkness in the presence of the Lord. He can take you to the edge of the universe, hold you on the edge of eternity, and God can be your worst nightmare. Wanting to know the future, Abram went there with God.

In the darkness, Abram saw his own future. The generations of his children would go through 400 years of bondage as slaves in Egypt, to which they would return with great substance. Abraham’s thoughts of a granulose nation with prosperity and strength came dashing to the ground. Instead of grandeur, they would face slavery and have enemies flourish in their land. Because of their sinful nature, the trials they would face were not glorious but of pain and sadness.

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. Genesis 15:16-21(NKJV)

After showing the future, the trials, the slavery, the land, and the enemies, Abram’s sacrifice is consumed by a burning lamp. This signified to Abram that his sacrifice was accepted and the revelation was complete. Abram entered the presence of God and lived.

Faith in the future and faith in God was instilled in Abram. However, God showed to Abram what sin would do to his people. God would be there to lead them, but, at times, they would reject God.

The Book of Genesis is more than as account of the creation of man; it is an account of the life of Abraham and the children he sired. At the end of the book, we read about his grandsons as they enter Egypt where they would be slaves for 400 years. Therefore, what Abraham saw of his future, he knew that God would have to send a savior and do miracles to save them.

The family of Abram is not too much different from our families today. Each day holds a choice of clinging to God or a choice to live your life without God. Because of sinful natures, the choices people make often lead to troubles, resulting in trials. Like Abram, we can trust in God to reach out and save those dear people of our lives.

Perhaps today your land is overrun by your enemies and sin has caused you to become enslaved. Rejoice that repentance is one prayer away and that the Savior, Jesus Christ, is here to save you. Give your life to Jesus today.

The Slippery Slope of Impatience.

The Slippery Slope of Impatience. Genesis 16:1-11.

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. Genesis 16:1-3(NKJV)

Patience is one of the hardest disciplines a man or woman could learn. This story occurs ten years after our reading in chapter 15. Ten years before, God promised Abram that he would father a nation and was told to count the stars in the sky, for his children would be greater than all of these. However, that was ten years ago and still Abram and Sarai had no children.

Have you ever prayed for change and then waited feeling assured that it would come? Abram waited on the Lord to cause the conception of their first child. However, the longer the wait the greater the anxiety; and the greater the anxiety seems to increase the longer wait. Many mistakes are born through anxiety and by impatience.

So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes. Then Sarai said to Abram, “My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The Lord judge between you and me.” Genesis 16:4-5(NKJV)

Having a child with Hagar seemed like the right thing to do. Sarai thought herself to be holding up Abram’s prosperity and they both were getting older. All of her life she was barren and felt as a burden to her husband. She felt worthless as a woman and wanted things to be right. She did not want to stop Abram from fulfilling his destiny.

It is easy to try to help the goodness of God along. A person facing great trials is always looking for them to end or the delivering hand of God to produce itself. In times as these it is best to do nothing rather than try to make things better. It’s like finding a closed door and kicking it open to force your way through. God would rather us wait for Him to open the doors.

So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence. Genesis 16:6(NKJV)

From bad to worse the slippery slope of sin rockets a person downhill quick. Hearing his wife repent, Abram was without response to handle the matter. He had slept with another woman taking her in marriage; now his wife he loved had become insanely jealous. Making things worse, Abram does not take the matter to God in prayer; his answer to Sarai was heartless.

God would have all men to repent and do their first works when making mistakes as big as these. The human condition is to sin and the position of God is to forgive. So why wasn’t Abrams first reaction to take the matter to God?

Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” And the Angel of the Lord said to her: “Behold, you are with child, And you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has heard your affliction. Genesis 16:7-11(NKJV)

Hagar had left the harsh treatment of Sarai. Even Abram turned his back while his wife abused her. Where was love and where was gratitude? Hagar worked for the couple and was a faithful servant. When asked to be a surrogate mother, Hagar returned their generosity with her own body. She pledged her elegance and was paid with disrespect. How could this happen within the camp of a most Godly man?

She had stopped in desperation for water; the dessert was dry and desolate, save this one oasis spring. The altercation must have played over and over in her mind. She had gone into Abram as a wife and now pregnant, he abandoned her. Being treated inhumanly by Sarai, she left the camp and headed on the road to her home country.

As she came into the wilderness, the Angel of the Lord came to her. Though some may have no respect for people, God always does. He has love for every person no matter their race, background, or sin. Joining herself to Abram, she became a part of his family and where in times of heated passion some might not take marriage serious, God does.

She had fled her husband, she had run from adversity. The angel asked, “From where do you come and where are you going? To which she confessed the truth; she faulted in leaving a person she was indebted to. She was a servant, the property of Sarai and willfully ran away.

Though she sinned, God was willing to forgive her and He sent Hagar back to face her mistress. Hagar was wronged and a revelation with promise from God was given to her that day. She was pregnant and the child she would deliver would be a great man, who whose descendants would be a great nation.

His name would be Ishmael meaning “God will hear,” a promise that He would never leave of forsake Hagar.

God hears the weeping; He has compassion on the destitute. No matter the situation, God is always ready to become involved in our affairs. When we answer the Lord with truthfulness and remorse, we open the way for His loving kindness to flow outward to us – affecting our lives and our future. It is up to us to believe Him.

From this story we must learn to wait on the Lord. The future is always unseen and though Abram had a promise from God, he allowed impatience and his own wisdom to cloud the issues, which made thing worse. How worse? This would be to Abram a most terrible mistake and the repercussions from his actions had just begun.

Losing Heart.

Losing Heart.

Genesis 16:11-16.

And the Angel of the Lord said to her: “Behold, you are with child, And you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has heard your affliction. Genesis 16:11(NKJV)

It was a great promise made to a woman who willingly sinned and ran away from her owner. Hagar became the mother of Ishmael, son of Abram, and a father of the Arab nations.

Sarai, Abram’s wife, abused Hagar for sleeping with Abram. Hagar did what Sarai asked her to do. Abram and Sarai could not have children together, so Hagar was asked to be the surrogate mother. Sarai became distraught and bitter at the sight of the pregnant Hagar. It was no wonder why Hagar fled the camp and headed to her home country.

An Angel of the Lord met her in the most desperate place, an oasis spring – far into the desert. He pointedly asked her where she came from and where she was going, to which she truthfully answered, confessing her disobedience to her mistress.

The loving heart of God was reaching out to Hagar, longing for her to do what was right and return to her owner. In her acceptance, God reciprocated with a great promise that her child would be the father of a great nation. Then He told her to name him Ishmael, meaning “God hears.”

God promised Abram and Sarai a child of their own and that he would father a large nation; and would Abram have left that promise alone, the pain to follow would not have happened. Yet Abram, impatiently waiting on God, took a second wife and had a surrogate baby through Hagar, causing God to stand behind his promise to Ishmael.

With the intention of the blessing to be towards Abram and Sarai’s child, now God would have to make Ishmael a great nation.

He shall be a wild man; His hand shall be against every man, And every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 16:12-14(NKJV)

How would you like to be told that your son would be a “Wild Ass Man?” However, that was the destiny for Ishmael and the Ishmaelite; they would be bold, fearing no man. They would be untamed, un-retractable, living at large, and impatient of service and restraint.

Because of the events that happened, Ishmael became the father of the Northern Arabs and to this day is hailed as a great prophet. From Ishmael the nation of “Wild Ass Men” would exist.

Ishmael is viewed by Christianity as the first son of Abram, belonging to Hagar; and the true bloodline of Abraham passed through Isaac, Abram’s first born with Sarai. For the promise of a great nation was to Abram and Sarai.

So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. Genesis 16:15-16

How desperately do we need to cling to righteousness? Abram and Sarai missed the mark of God and had this surrogate child, Ishmael. This sin would not quietly go away or would the riff in righteousness be repaired.

Often we think that once sin has been committed, repentance and prayer is all that is needed to place it in the past forever. However, the sin is evidence that a person needs something to draw them closer and often that something is an affliction, a hardship, a reason to hate sin. It becomes a lesson for those who watch.

The Apostle Paul understood the principle of this situation and wrote, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:7-9(NKJV)

“Every man’s hand shall be against him.” It was not a situation of the providence or declaration by God, as much as it was an obvious result of growing up in the shadows of a distant father and the conflict of two mothers.

The situation these people placed themselves in would cause this boy to be wild, jealous, impatient, and grow up to lack restraint. This is the curse of sin; it changes our lives, and affects others; we reap what we sew.

Ishmael would grow up, leave his family and become the father of twelve princes. They would grow to be a great nation; however, Ishmael would not receive the inheritance of his Father Abram or be a part of the covenant of God with Abram. God would keep to His original intent and give a natural child to Abram and Sarai.

Oh the mistake we make when we try to help God’s plan come true in our lives. When we harbor any godly desire for service, family, or vocation, we must wait of the Lord to bring it about.

Remember the promise that if we sew to the flesh we will reap corruption and corruption affect our lives and those around us. Though, if we sew to the sprit and patiently wait on the Lord, His work can be successfully completed in our lives. We will reap, if we do not lose heart.

Cutting Away the Flesh.

Genesis 17:1-14.

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Genesis 17:1(NKJV)

Was God serious? He was asking Abram to be perfect? Is there any possibility that a sinful man can be perfect before El Shaddai, the Almighty God?

God was commanding Abram to be sound, have integrity, healthful, complete, entire, or you may say God was asking Abram to get rid of the nerves, the worry, and the doubt. He wanted Abraham to listen close and take the meeting with Him serious.

In your life, do you take God serious or are there times you are relaxed, not claiming the promises of God, not standing strong in his might, and just going about your own business? We all do this; yet during this important time in Abram’s life, God wanted him on point, ready to believe. God was going to make a change that would affect the whole world.

Is it possible you might have missed an important message that God wanted you to hear? If not a message, maybe you missed a direction He would have you to go. It is possible to become so relaxed in your days business you pay little attention to God. Well if and when God approaches you to change the direction of your life, you must listen close; you must be on point.

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Genesis 17:2-5(NKJV)

God had promised to change the course of Abram’s life, and now it was time. All the talking and promises of the past were going to come to true that day. The waiting, the longing, the fear, and the doubt, were all over.

Are you waiting on the Lord to complete a promise that He made to you? Some have had revelations, from the Lord, that one day they would enter a ministry, meet the right mate, have children, or pass through trials. All of us, who wait on the Lord, must have faith that God will perform His work in our life. Faith that one day God will come, as He did to Abram, and that new time of your life will begin.

And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Genesis 17:6-7(NKJV)

Abram was 90 years old and held on to the promise of God for a long time. All he heard before was being voiced by God again. God expected Abram to have the same faith; a faith that was patient, a faith that waits on the Lord.

It was a great promise and one that would impact his children and his children’s children. Abram was to have faith that God was going to do a work that would reach into the future.

God was getting involved in Abram’s life and was even considering those not yet born. It was a large plan that God had and Abram was only one person; but from this one person was to come a great nation of people.

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. Genesis 17:8(NKJV)

To take that land was not a task that one man could do. Then to do so when a person was 90 years old was inconceivable. However, the word of the Lord, no matter how strange it may seem, comes true.

In your life, you might find yourself feeling unable to do those things God has placed on your heart; however, God would have you stand strong and wait patiently for Him. The word of God is sure in everyone’s life who believes.

And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. Genesis 17:9-14(NKJV)

God wanted commitment from Abram. The act of circumcision was a painful cutting away of the foreskin of the _penis. All those who were attached to Abram would have to show their commitment to Abram and God by being circumcised.

This ritual of commitment became an honored tradition that Jews would continue until this day. It is to be a daily reminder of whom they are, an honored people before the Most High God.

The covenant was only one of many covenants that God has made; it also would not be the last. This covenant was meant for Abram as a promise that God would fulfill his word. So great became this covenant that circumcision became adopted by many Judeo Christian cultures; however, circumcision alone does not a relationship with God make.

God made another covenant that began with the death of Jesus Christ. In that covenant all those who would believe on Him would have eternal life. In that belief, people are expected to circumcise the flesh of their heart, cutting away the sinful flesh and to enter into a new relationship with God. Christians are to be holy for God is holy.

In this relationship we are to work towards perfection, walk with Him in confidence, and have faith in God’s work in our lives. We, like Abram, are called to be the first of many people that will become a kingdom and in faith we are to wait for God to do His work in our lives.

A 91 year old Father.

A 91 year old Father. Genesis 17:15-27.

And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. Genesis 17:15(NKJV)

A person must remember that God sees them for what they can be; their current situation is not a problem. God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah (Noble Woman) for that is the way God wanted Abram to think of her, for was the way God thought of her. God changes a person from an unfaithful sinner to a “noble” person. Holding others in high regard is godly act.

What is God’s plan for your life? Truthfully, God only knows. If you have committed your life to the Lord, you can trust in Him that your life will be great. Those who believe in God know that they are highly favored and walk in that favor.

Here Abram is asked to commit himself and his people to the Lord by circumcising all the males that had joined him. God was going to make a great nation and needed their commitment. However, Sarai was unable to have children; therefore, God continues by proclaiming that she would bear children to Abram.

And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Genesis 17:16-18(NKJV)

It is one thing to doubt God, but to do it while he is talking to you is another. What was Abram thinking? How can a person exhibit such an attitude? Yet we do; we do this all the time. Every time we commit prayers to God and then worry about them, we share the guilt of Abram. We show that our belief in God is faulty.

We all desire to be blessed by God, yet unbelief holds many back from receiving the blessings. As Christians, one thing we must overcome is the truth that God has our best interest at heart!

Some people want God’s blessing, but do not want to go through the hardships that surround them. Believing that good will come from every situation can overcome our faith; however, faith we must cling to, for it is the essence of belief.

Abram could not imagine how Sarai and he would have children at such an old age. His statement saying, “O that Ishmael might live before thee,” voices his lack of desire to go through such an ordeal. Abrams faith was there, but his commitment to it was low.

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. Genesis 17:19 (NKJV)

The truth be known, God’s plan was not as tough as Abram thought. He only had to have one child and the burden of building a nation would be on his son’s back. This must have brought Abram much relief.

You know, we often time over think our lives. We have a task before us and we try to rationalize and plan for every aspect of the endeavor. Yet, when it comes to how we minister, God would like us to keep things simple.

As a young Christian, this was not an easy thing for me to learn. Though I had the best intention, I often over burdened the ministries that I became involved with as I overburdened myself.

Knowing that God’s kingdom is so large and there are so many people to be reached, I would take the little part God gave me and make it larger than God intended. As it grew, I would lose faith and by unbelief would get the best of me. I should have kept those times simple.

If you are a Christian with a burden on your heart, let your attitude be lowly and let God open the doors of opportunity. Be ready to have a small part in something that would grow at the hands of someone else.

Think about the person that led Billy Graham to the Lord. Billy was only one person that was offered the gospel, but it was God’s plan to make Billy into one of the greatest evangelist of our day. The credit for Mr. Graham’s work goes back to the person who was faithful to lead him to the Lord.

And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. Genesis 17:20-23(NKJV)

Not everyone will conduct great ministries for the Lord. God uses many for small tasks and what we must realize is the reward is the same for we are judged by our faith.

The nation to be known as Israel was to be through one man, Isaac. Ishmael would still be the father of a great people, the Arab nations; yet to do God’s work to redeem all mankind would come through Isaac.

And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son. And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him. Genesis 17:24-27 (NKJV)

Abram overburdened himself trying to conceive how he was going to build a great nation, yet that responsibility belonged to God. Abram was only to be the father of Isaac; yet through Isaac, God would continue his plan for humankind.

Knowing your role brings a sense of wellness. After their discussion, Abram kept his commitment to God and became faithful to lead his family, his people, and make an environment that honored God.

Each of us is immensely loved by God. Though we have our good traits and our bad ones, God looks forward to the day when sin will no longer separate us from Him. He sees us complete in Him, standing with Him on that day and that should encourage us to forever be faithful to the Most High God.

Because God loves us does not mean we are safe from separation. Sin separates man from God and it is our task to commit to God and be faithful. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

Have Faith, not Fear

Have Faith, not Fear. Genesis 18:1-16.

And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;  And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, Genesis 18:1-2 (NKJV)

Will you recognize the Lord when you are face to face with Him? Oh how terrible to pass on, wake, and stare blankly into His face asking, “Who are you?”

At first glance Abraham knew that this visitation was of a different nature. He recognized that the visitors were sent from God and he quickly ran to bow and worship in reverence.

Abraham had the correct attitude. Many people tread on holiness, they disrespect the messengers of God. They walk past churches and church people, the people who are calling them to come and reverence the Lord. The outreaching hand of God they acknowledge, but they do not commit themselves.

The general public has a belief in God, but they disrespect God and their belief is nothing more than a recognition that He exists. Often, their belief is mistaken as faith; yet it is not faith unless there is respect and worship of God. Abraham reverenced God and his actions proved it.

Here was Jesus accompanied by two angels and Abraham calls him “Lord,” which is a title spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish displays of reverence.

And said, My LORD, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. Genesis 28:3-5(NKJV)

God is to be honored with our service; mere words are not enough. If a person believes in God, they will become involved, meeting God’s needs as they see them. Abraham offered to wash His feet, feed Him, and provide comforting care to the three men. It was the work of a servant and Abraham, whose name means “exalted father,” humbled himself before the Most High God.

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. Genesis 18:6-8(NLKV)

Abram was sitting at the door of his tent on a warm day. On days like this life can seem to stand still. Your desires are not going forward and thoughts of productive days meander their way through your mind as your eyes stare at nothing.

Yet that day was going to be completely different from the rest; it would be a day that could change Abraham’s life and to do it, Abraham needed to be involved; therefore, Abraham served.

As they waited, Abraham hurried to dine with his visitors. He orchestrated the preparation of the meal to make sure that a culinary treat would be to their liking. He set a table before them as a servant; however, Abraham wanted more. Abraham could tell these three came on a mission of serious matters. This was not a common visit.

The meal was not necessary, it was customary. Dinning can be a most pleasurable time and a great way to share commonalities with others. By sharing a meal the dinners can align their thoughts, share direction, and open opportunity to join intentions.

And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Genesis 18:9-13(NKJV)

In Sarah’s reply, the Lord became upset with Abraham. The very plan for a baby was told to Abraham one year prior. The Lord looked to Abraham and asked, “Why does she laugh?” with the implications that Abraham failed in talking to his wife and did not explain the work that God would do in their lives. Could the reason for not telling Sarah have been fear and unbelief?

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. Genesis 18:14-16(NKJV)

If God is not forgiving how could He allow Abraham and Sarah to stand in His sight? When God was doing such a wonderful thing, Abraham did not share it with Sarah. Abraham held back information from his wife; something within him caused Abraham not to tell her.

To make things worse, Sarah laughed at the thought of having children and when reproved by the Lord, she deigned laughing. Yet, through all of this, the Lord did not waver in His kindness towards them. The plan for God’s people would continue in their lives; however, He exhibited his displeasure towards them.

We do fail God when we have a lapse of faith. Trials press down around us and our instinct is to think the worst. As if all the promises of God are null and void, Christians grab hold of worry and fear, doubting that God is greater than their problems.

The Apostle Paul was adamant about the importance of gaining control of misguided thoughts and wrote, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Galatians 1:5 (NKJV)

We, like Paul, must cast down vain imaginations and every thought that exalts itself above the power of God. Our faith is important; for if we do not allow God to perform His mighty work in our lives, how we will recognize Him on the day we stand before Him?

There is a day of visitation awaiting all of us, will we be ready?

A Sure Judgment.

A Sure Judgment. Genesis 19:16-33.

And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. Genesis 19:16(NKJV)

There is no indication in the scriptures of any reaction to Sarah’s lie; she laughed at the Lord when He told her she would bear a son at 91. She found humor in the notion that at her age she could conceive and the Lord confronted both Abraham and Sarah. “Why does she laugh? Is there anything to hard for the Lord?” To this Sarah denied laughing.

When Abraham first saw these three, he knew that one was Joshua (Jesus). He knew the visitation was of a certain nature as they portrayed a serious demeanor. After detouring them into his tent, for food and conversation, they rose up to go on their way.

Abraham rose with them and walked them out to the path when they turned to Sodom. The light smile and eagerness left him as Abraham realized that these three had business in Sodom, for Sodom was wicked and his own nephew, Lot, had dwelled there.

And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. Genesis 18:17-22(NKJV)

May you never forget and always remind your family that the Lord watches. He examines your heart and knows your thoughts. He determines whether you will follow in righteousness or succumb to wickedness and your actions are what tell Him.

Are you a person who does commit good judgment and does what is just? This very knowledge about you is a measuring stick. Every person has their day of reckoning and when you have yours, will you be found faithful to God?

Judgment has nothing to do with your insecurities or fears; however it has everything to do with how you act; for it is the heart that steers our actions. Abraham had insecurities and did things that upset the Lord; however, when it came to judgment Abraham was not in concern.

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 19:23-25(NKJV)

Abraham was worried for his nephew Lot. Lot chose to settle in the area of Sodom and Gomorrah and the scriptures say that he pitched his tent towards Sodom. It was Sodom that would buy much of his meat and they became a good income to Lot.

The more financial dealings he had with the men of Sodom, the more he became friends. In friendship, Lot became respected by the men and eventually would move into the city and live by the gate of the city.

Abraham knew that Lot was sliding towards wickedness. The men and women of Sodom were very wicked; they practiced immoral _sexual preferences of sodomy, effeminacy, _lesbianism, and _pedophilia. They worshipped false Gods and their hearts were wicked.

Lot only wanted to do business with them and then found that they had interesting stories and backgrounds. As they mingled, Lot started to have respect for them and he ignored their lascivious actions. Yet as he drew near to them, Lot was sliding in moral convictions.

And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes: Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake. And he said unto him, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there. And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake. And he said, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place. Genesis 18:23-33(NKJV)

Abraham was worried, for Lot had had children and many of those that were with Lot, Abraham cared for; therefore, Abraham bartered with God to try to spare the city which would guarantee the safety of Lot.

Are you one who prays for the salvation of people? In reading the questions of Abraham to God, it shows the patience of God with us. In our heart we want all people to be saved and God hears. Though Abraham had so many questions, God never grew tired of hearing him.

As Abraham responded to God’s answers, he realized that he was nothing but dust and ashes. Mankind is nothing more than a living organism and God is an all powerful, omnipotent, all knowing, God. What are we to command the considerations of God? Abraham knew that he was treading on holy ground; but what he failed to realize is that God loves us with a love that never grows weary.

Do you not pray for things because you worry about them becoming vain repetition? With God there is no growing tired of hearing the prayers of His children. He forever listens and is eager to hear from all of us.

Abraham’s concern was God’s concern and never will He destroy the righteous. The key to survival is being righteous.

Loving Sodom.

Loving Sodom. Genesis 19:1-9.

And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. Genesis 19:1-2(NKJV)

Where once Lot pitched his tent looking towards Sodom, what he learned about the people drew him to live in the city. It is a common story that repeats itself often. A person sets their eyes on something and soon they cannot resist it. Justifying what is wrong, people slowly join themselves to it, bending their spiritual conviction more each day. Though Lot may have intended only to sell his goods to the people of the city, those people became his friends.

Lot knew that he was to maintain a spiritual life. He knew that God would not approve of the actions of the people of Sodom; yet Lot tried to have the best of both worlds and here we will see that bad company corrupts good morals!

At the gate of the city sat a highly esteemed person who acted as a judge. The people would bring their issues to him for settlement. Lot thought highly of himself and had a need to maintain a mindset of what was right and what was wrong; therefore, he became their judge. Yet the good he though he brought to the city, would be quickly turned to shame as true judgment had come.

As soon as Lot saw the angles he knew they were from God and tried to divert their attentions away from the city and its people. “Come into my house, stay the night. I’ll feed you and ready you to go on your way.”

The folly of Lot was to think himself able to have a good influence on the people of Sodom by being their friend. He thought he could be in the city without their ways influencing him. Yet as we will see, Lot had become just like them.

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. Genesis 19:3-5(NKJV)

It had been a long time since Lot had seen an honest face and the reality of Lot’s life began to stick him like a needle. He begged them to come into his house; yet his intent was to keep them from encounters with the evil people of Sodom. Lot’s judgment failed to change their lives.

Lot tried to keep his guests entertained and himself busy. Lot was uncomfortable in the presence of God’s angels and became much involved in making a feast for them. Lot stayed busy so he would not have to answer their questions and expose his secrets; however, the secrets Lot tried to hide would not stay hidden.

Gathering outside Lot’s house, the people of the city were burning with lustful passion. The city Lot thought he could make better, was now disrespecting him. They had no moral conviction and their desires were to be sexual. In this society there was no inhibition and lasciviousness was normal.

Did you know that you can drift so far from godliness that the things you do, no longer affect the way you think about truth? I have known people who live in adultery, come to church, and still think that God is blessing them. Their moral convictions bent to suit their own desires and now they do not know what moral is.

And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. Genesis 19:6-8(NKJV)

When a person has let their relationship with God suffer, they will not make good judgments. The way they think is tainted and in a tough situation, fear will motivate them to stumble.

Pressed up against the wall of letting harm befall the angels; Lot made a terrible decision. Lot was not trusting in God to deliver and Lot committed a terrible act; he offered his virgin daughters as prostitutes.

Are you away from the Lord or trying to live in both worlds? If so, do you realize that many of the decision you make are capable of bringing harm to yourself and others?

Most will say that they are confident with their decisions; yet, what about those you must make in the heat of a moment? Lot was about to be crushed by the crowd that had formed. They were capable of killing him, his family, and wanted to defile the angles sent by God.

In heated moments, fear attacks; the mind gets flustered and people have produced actions of murder, untruth, cheating, stealing, and abuse. When their minds should have been set on the power of God’s truth, they could not remember it and became frantic.

Lot succumbed to the pressure and offered his virgin daughters to be defiled in the streets by a mob of deviates. What a terrible decision for a father to make.

And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. Genesis 19:9(NKJV)

The people of Sodom were so corrupt they no longer wanted women for pleasure; they wanted only the men they saw. These men were new to the city and had a different look. Lot’s pleas to stop only brought threats, for to get to these men they would kill Lot.

People are repulsed by the deviate, the immoral person. Yet the world’s people have become the judge of what a deviate is. Having their own conscious desensitized, actions once judged as immoral, become the actions they do and accept.

Homosexuals, like those in Sodom, are gaining favor in our cultures. Pre and extramarital sex is accepted and people hurt people that they call their friends.

This is why God has called Christians to come out from among them and be separate. This does not mean Christians cannot go to the movies, amusement parks, or on vacations. However, it does mean that Christians befriend Christians.

As Christians we fellowship together, learn together, and as iron sharpens iron, Christians help each other to know and live in God’s ways. Christians pursue righteousness and not ungodliness.

Our minds must be influenced by God’s righteousness; it is the standard that does not change. On His word we can stay on the righteous road to heaven.

Fire & Brimstone.

Fire & Brimstone. Genesis 19:9-26.

And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. Genesis 19:9-11(NKJV)

The people of the city had gone mad; they wanted into Lot’s house so that they might fornicate using the angels as their desire. Lot was pressed at his front door and the crowd was threatening him. The people of Sodom had transcended a road of ungodliness and their every thought was wicked.

Lot had to be saved as the angels grabbed him and pulled him into the house. They cause those outside to be blind and still the people of Sodom only stopped trying to get into the house when they became weary. There was no spirituality in Sodom; and though Lot wanted there to be righteous people, there was none.

It is common for people to place their hope in saving people. Lot thought that he could change them by showing them right from wrong; but he never spoke to them about God. He ended up with hopeless people who could not be saved.

The cities of our time have much of the same wickedness taking over people’s hearts. The acceptance of sin is pushing out God’s love and wickedness abounds. People seek to do what is wrong and they burn in their desire to act wickedly. If this is true, why are Christians drawn to their ways like magnets?

And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. Genesis 19:12-14(NKJV)

Lot had not only joined himself to a city of wicked people; he allowed holiness to be squeezed out of his own family. Lot stood by and watched his sons and daughters marry into the families of the city. He stood by as they took their vows in marriage and lived their lives in wickedness.

Lot stood silent for so long that by the time he spoke of God, God’s power, and God’s judgment, his family thought him to be joking. They thought Lot had gone mad and was mocking their accepted lifestyles. Why would God destroy their city and who was this God Lot spoke about? Lot would lose his entire family through his error.

And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. Genesis 19:15-16(NKJV)

It was time to go, but Lot did not want to leave. He was lingering, taking his last looks, hoping God would change His mind. His family’s responses played over and over in his mind; they did not know God, they did not believe the threat, and they would be eternally lost. Oh how could Lot have been so silent when he knew of the power and strength of God? Lot knew to pray, but did not.

And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my LORD: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. Genesis 19:17-20(NKJV)

The angels had to fiscally carry them out of the city, and the warning was do not look back. Turn your back on that city and never long for it again. They were to take their whole body, soul, and mind, and turn away from the wickedness to go forward to a new life.

Begin told to go up into the mountains, Lot immediately interjected that he wanted to go live in a nearby city. Lot’s knowledge and closeness to God had withered to the point that he had no faith in God to protect him. He feared that he could not live in the elements and that he could not protect himself. His relationship and faith in God was almost nonexistent and if it were not for the interceding of Abraham with The Angel of the Lord, Lot would not have been spared.

And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. Genesis 19:21-25(NKJV)

Often we underestimate the mercy of the Lord. His ability to love is greater than any sin; however, the choice to love God back belongs to people.

God spared the life of Lot, his wife, and his two daughters to give them a second chance. This is picture of every person who has surrendered their life to the Lord. He allows us opportunity to turn our backs on the old life and wants us to live righteous before Him; yet, it has to be by our own choice and a choice that we stick to.

But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26(NKJV)

As with Lots wife, there is a danger in looking back. Jesus told His disciple to remember Lot’s wife, how she turned to look back. Yet it was not the glance that brought judgment to her, she longed in her heart to return. Lot’s wife wanted her old life; there was no repentance.

Today, on the North side of the Dead Sea, where once was a fertile plain, traces of five cities can be found. The ground surrounding the area has a thick layer of Calcium Sulfate and Calcium Carbonate. Unburned balls of sulfur (brimstone) can be found throughout the area with crystals formed through intense heat. God rained down destruction and from the air you can see the imprint.

We all have heard about the end of times; these events will claim many lives. Yet, though judgments shake the earth, one day the living and the dead will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. God will examine each person; the position of the heart and the obedience to the instructions given to man (the Bible) will be the baseline for judgment. “Did the person accept Jesus Christ as their Savior?” will be the focus.

It is this day we are to prepare for. Turning our back on the evil of this world, followers of Christ are to look ahead and increase in knowledge of Him. Our hearts are to overflow with joy and goodness and spill into the streets for all men to see. Our world needs to hear our witness and not be hidden as did Lot.

We need to seek and save our families while we have time and always express our faith in God to all men.

How to Live a Spiritual Life.

How to Live a Spiritual Life. Genesis 19:27-३६

And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD. Then he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace. And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had dwelt. Genesis 19:27-30(NKJV)

If you have slept well, when you first wake in the morning it is the best time to stand before the Lord and commit yourself to Him that Day. The person who commits this time every day will spiritually grow each day and over time will make a strong Christian.

Here, in the close of this chapter, we find a contrast between two men, Abraham and Lot; one spiritual and one, not so much. In this stark contrast we find how a person respects the Lord makes a difference in their life.

Abraham had a special place that he would go to each day. It had a great view and there he would call upon the name of the Lord. To call upon the name of the Lord is the same as saying, he would pray.

Prayer is important for it allows a person to commit their thoughts, desires, and concerns to the Lord. It becomes an invitation for God to act in your life because God cannot do anything for us unless we are willing.

Now, Christians are taught that we should pray throughout the day and without ceasing; however, morning time comes before the concerns of the day set in and is a time that our minds are uncluttered.

That day, as Abraham prayed, he looked up to see the whole plain burning. Yet the sight of such a great area burning, so close to his area, did not upset Abraham for his confidence was in the Lord. Oh how sweet it is to face trials or the trials of others and know God protects you. It is the most blessed part of the human experience and one only a child of God will know.

Abraham did not know if he lost his closest blood relative, his cousin Lot. Lot chose to live in the land that burned and Lot did not have a strong relationship with God. Lot was that kid who grew up a bit disrespectful and selfish. Yet, Abraham did not lament for he placed his trust in God’s judgment.

Then Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountains, and his two daughters were with him; for he was afraid to dwell in Zoar. And he and his two daughters dwelt in a cave. Genesis 19:30(NKJV)

Because God honored the prayers of Abraham, angels pulled Lot, his wife, and his two daughters out of Sodom before judgment. They were told to go to the mountains, but argued with the angels that the city or Zoar was better for them. Yet when Lot and his family entered the city, he saw more of the same debauchery and when the fire and brimstone came raining down on the plain it scarred them, so they ran to the mountains as previously instructed.

How terrible it is to run to do things right when fear of God’s wrath is the motivator. This is not the relationship we are to have; one that lives unfaithful and in fear that God will smite you.

All around the world there are Christians like this. They know they are to live righteously, but they love their lifestyle. They come to church to appease God and they weep in repentance. Yet when they return to their lives they succumb to the temptations of sinful pleasure.

It is unfaithfulness; and Lot was unfaithful to do what was right before the Lord. Therefore, in fear he ran to the mountains. In fear he spent his day’s unconfident, distraught, and not knowing the right thing to do. This no way for a person to live; a parent, a child, a husband, or a wife, each should have a relationship with God so they may live in confidence.

Now the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man on the earth to come in to us as is the custom of all the earth. Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. Genesis 19:31-33 (NKJV)

Dysfunction breads dysfunction and what Lot allowed into his life was magnified when he raised children. They had no idea to pray for a husband and they did not know what trusting in the Lord for children was about. Their imaginations were vain and filled with concepts learned from their life in Sodom; much like children learn from today’s television.

In addition, they played to Lot’s weakness, alcohol. The down fall of people around the world and throughout history, alcohol, takes away inhibitions and dulls the senses. Too much alcohol and you end up on your back, at the mercy of your company.

If Lot were smart, he would have learned of the dangers of alcohol from the people of Sodom and forsook it as a substance that lead to their downfall. The miss use of alcohol was one of the contributing factors to the judgment of Sodom.

It happened on the next day that the firstborn said to the younger, “Indeed I lay with my father last night; let us make him drink wine tonight also, and you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” Then they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. Genesis 19:34-37(NKJV)

Alcohol deteriorates the brain and even when sober, a person judgment can be impaired. Most people, who indulge and pass out, would not go near the substance the next day; however, Lot was back to drinking again the next day, a sign of alcoholism.

Lot played the part of a fool throughout his life. He never got serious with the Lord and even given the opportunity to start over in his life, he went back to his old ways.

The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. And the younger, she also bore a son and called his name Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the people of Ammon to this day. Genesis 19:38-39(NKJV)

The people of Ammon and the Moabites grew as tribes and occupied territories next to Israel. They continued on like their ancestor, Lot, never having spiritual roots in God.

Their people would become burdensome at times to Israel, but they were never enemies. Their lives were of no great accomplishments.

Your future and that of your family is dependent on you having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Daily we must come to God in quietness and have a meaningful prayer time. This chapter was written to show us the difference.

Confidence in God.

Confidence in God. Genesis 20:1-17.

And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. Genesis 20:1-2(NKJV)

Many have speculated why Abraham traveled away from the land God had gave. Some say he was ashamed of his Nephew’s incest; others say the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah scarred him. If it were me, I would leave because of the burnt sulfur smell. Regardless, Abraham and company picked up and headed into the land of the Philistines.

Each of us had our own insecurities; some more than others. Here we find that the great Abraham, who defeated the invaders of the plain cities, feared being found as Sarah’s husband. Through his persuasion, Abraham has her again say that she is his sister to keep from getting killed by the Philistines.

It was no lie, Sarah was his sister; she was the daughter of Haran, his father. Abraham used this fact to deceive the Philistines who would probably kill him and take his wife.

Where many have judged Abraham faithless, there is a possibility that this was a strategy that included God’s intervention; for God is the God that protects His people.

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also? Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.” Genesis 20:2-5(NKJV)

Here God rises to defend his people, a righteous nation that has placed their faith in a God that saves. The word “righteous” means, just and right in one’s cause, just in conduct and character, and vindicated by God. Abraham’s actions, in the predicament he was in, were accepted by God. God expected Abimelech to accept that also.

Abimelech took Sarah, seizing her as an addition to his harem. There was little conversation, no permission granted; the Philistines road up to the caravan with the intent of taking Sarah with them. Their intimidation caused Abraham to believe that they would have killed him and he reasoned what good he could be to God dead; so he said she was his sister.

And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.” Genesis 20:6-7(NKJV)

The integrity of Abimelech God acknowledges is not a righteous integrity, but integrity of ignorance. He was only doing what was customary to his people. Women had little rights in the society and taking Sarah was giving to her a life of comfort. She would be off the dusty trail and in the lavish harem.

The dream Abimelech had was most intense and he rose from his bed realizing that God had dealt kindly with him. Therefore, he was spared and knew that he was never in control of the situation. In addition he learned the God of Abraham and Sarah could have obliterated him and his people at any time.

So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid. And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?”

And Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”‘ Genesis 20:8-13(NKJV)

There are times where it is better to say little than too much. It is also important to protect our lives so that we might preach another day. In our world there are forces that motivate people and societies that threaten our very Christian existence. Knowing when to speak is the wisdom we need.

Though God is our refuge, our strength, and our protector, we must not unwisely enter into danger. At times, Jesus fled from people who were out to kill. When in dangerous situations there is a time to flee and a time to hide and only God knows the time to deliver. Therefore, we are to pray for wisdom and speak when the time is right. This was the right time for Abraham.

Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, “See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” Then to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; indeed this vindicates you before all who are with you and before everybody.” Thus she was rebuked. Genesis 20:14-16(NKJV)

It is most interesting that Abimelech spoke to Sarah in such a harsh tone. It was as if he was trying to maintain his respect before the onlookers. As if to say that he was not wrong for taking her as a wife, he rebuked Sarah before all.

Christians face peril around the world and those that oppose them often act according to their own society’s traditions and customs. It is expected for them to act this way and a pressure from their peers may cause them to do things to maintain their dignity.

Yet as Christians we must not give up on them, but pray for them knowing that God is at work and loves them. What Abraham and Sarah endured, all worked out for good because they honored God and were called according to his purpose. They went from peril to safety and walked away with great blessing.

So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; for the LORD had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Genesis 20:17(NKJV)

Where ever we are in life, God is working. Being in the middle of Him and other people can be very tough. Therefore in those times we are to be wise in our answers, deliberate in our prayers, and confident in God; for we are his righteous people.

Gaining the Respect of Others.

Gaining the Respect of Others. Genesis 21:22-32.

And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.” And Abraham said, “I will swear.” Genesis 21:22-24(NKJV)

Abraham was a soft hearted man of God. He honored his neighbor as he would expect to be honored. Your neighbors, your acquaintances, visitors, and those you work with, look into your life to see what type a person you are. Do they see a soft hearted person who knows God?

Jesus told us we are to be a light unto the world. They should see us and give the glory for our demeanor to our Father in heaven. Such was the case of this meeting of Phichol and Abraham.

Phichol had a vantage point of Abraham’s life; he noticed that a supreme power followed and helped him. He was watching as does so many who see us. Phichol silently judged Abraham’s actions and in the shadows was considering what type of man Abraham was. His conclusion, Abraham was a godly man and even more important, God honored Abraham by blessing him.

You and I face the same thing each day; in our large societies the number of people judging us is huge. If so, then let us ask, “What is the general consensus people walk away with when meeting you?

I have met people who right away I can tell they are a happy person. The way they carry themselves and the joy bubbling from their life indicates they are content. Yet even content people can be content within themselves without spilling over into my life.

Now a person who not only is pleasant, but opens themselves to know me is someone very special. Just the other day I met a quiet, but pleasant couple in the hospital. They were there for a surgical procedure on the wife’s neck and so were my wife and I.

A delay allowed us to sit in the hospital waiting room and I began to notice they were different from most people. After some small talk, our conversations became deeper and carried effortlessly as we waited for the surgery.

Through our conversation it was obvious that they were a godly couple and that God was with them. When we parted there almost seemed reluctance to part, we were such good friends.

Most interactions I have with people, I try to show interest in them and what I find is not always good. There are people who carry bitterness and harbor resentment. Some harbor worry, fear, and are discontent. What always amazes me is when a person like this tells me they are a Christian; I wonder how can that be?

How can a Christian not be a reflection of Jesus? How can a Christian speak jealously about others? How can a Christian harbor hatred, bitterness, and resentment? How is it that they associate themselves to Christianity and yet are not like Christ?

Evidently Phichol had met others who called themselves of God, but dealt with him falsely. It was this prior encounter that stood Phichol off, only wanting a treaty with Abraham. He wanted peace with Abraham and did not ask to join Abraham to know his God. Oh what a terrible thing it is for people to treat others wrong, hardening them towards knowing God.

Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized. And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until today.” So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Then Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?”
And he said, “You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.” Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there. Genesis 21:25-31(NKJV)

As Christians we are to continue our gentleness, kindness, and keep our demeanor even when we must do business with others. Here Abraham encounters Abimelech and has to take back his well that was seized by Abimelech’s servants. Abraham rebukes him; but does it with respect.

As Christians, there are many times that we must contend with others and in these times God expects us to do it without emotional bursts and without being a bad witness. We can be gentle and do business direct, for God fights our battles.

Abraham states his case and with him he brings a peace offering and handled the encounter without a blemish. Some people have given up on peaceful encounters and pull out a bag of tactics. They become actors to persuade others and sometime they are threatening. A Christian should never think they have to intimidate others to persuade them.

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines. Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days. Genesis 21:32(NKJV)

Abraham considered himself a diplomat; yet more importantly, Abraham considered himself an ambassador of God. He was not going to tarnish his witness or destroy relationships that God had made for him. He was going to deal persuasively, honestly, and cautiously.

Our reputations, our demeanor, and they way we treat people is all an indication that we are submitted to God. If we believe that all things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to his purpose, why would we have to manipulate people?

There are many who have not learned to commit their ways unto the Lord and this leads to emotional confrontations. If God is a God that hears our prayers, why would He not help us in what we deem as important?

Submitting the outcome of situations to God is what makes a godly person. In this we honor God and others see it. Yet how are we to be that Godly person? What can change us from the way we are? It is seen here in that last part of our chapter. Abraham worshiped God.

When we seek God with all our heart, all our minds, and all our soul, we cannot help but be changed. We become like Christ and can confidently say we are Christians.

Tested by God.

Tested by God. Genesis 22:1-19.

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Genesis 22:1(NKJV)

When reading Genesis, the highlights of Abraham’s life are showcased that we might see the wonderful works of God. However, the in between story of Abraham’s life is hidden from our eyes. In this test, that God brought upon Abraham, we learn that he had such a deep relationship with God that he knew to trust God for the future.

Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Genesis 22:2-3(NKJV)

Can you imagine the thoughts that went through Abraham’s mind? God allowed Abraham and his wife to have a baby in their old age and then God tells Abraham to sacrifice the baby on an alter? That is what the pagan do in worship; yet Abraham did not flutter. It did not bother his sleep and the next morning he woke up, got ready, and headed off to do just what the Lord asked him to do.

Abraham was over 100 years old and Isaac was around eleven. He took two younger men to help him, for to climb a mountain with supplies was going to be physically taxing. No matter how taxing this would be on him, as a 100 year old man, Abraham did not question God with doubt; he only obeyed.

There are many young Christians going through lesser trials and they are questioning God. Abraham became steady through experiences with God. The trials of Abraham’s life readied him for this test and that is why we must count our trials as precious. Christians must learn not to question God.

Whatever you are going through, God uses trials for our good. He prepares us for the life ahead and if we want to be counted as faithful, we must come through our trials with faith.

Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. Genesis 22:4-8 (NKJV)

On the three day journey, Abraham lived with the thought that God had told him to sacrifice Isaac. Yet Abraham knew this was not like God; God does not go back on His promises. God promised to make a great nation, whose offspring would be more numerable than the stars. To sacrifice Isaac would mean an end to all that God valued in Abraham. Therefore, Abraham kept his thoughts to himself.

This is another sign of maturity; Abraham kept the trial within and did not speak to everyone about it. Sometimes God would have is to do that. We are quick to talk about the things that happen to us; we want others to comfort us with their words, but God would have us trust in Him.

In between God’s great works in his life, Abraham was a man that took time to know God. He prayed, he worshiped, and remembered the works that God did in his life. Abraham was so confident in his relationship with God that when he leaves the two men behind, he tells them, “We will be back.”

This was a statement of confidence. Though Abraham was told to sacrifice his son, he knew that he would come off the mountain with Isaac.

As Isaac carried the wood, he started to put things together. There was wood, and fire, but no sacrifice and he asked, “Where is the sacrifice?” To which Abraham responded “God will provide himself a lamb.”

Notice that he did not say, “you are the sacrifice?” He said, God will provide the sacrifice and even more important, God will provide “Himself” a lamb for the sacrifice. Abraham knew that Isaac was an innocent sacrifice that could make a covering for sin, but the task of restoring man to God belongs to God.

Abraham knew that God was a responsible God and if God created mankind, God had a responsibility to save mankind from their sin. Just as God made Abraham to be responsible, God too would be responsible.

Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.” Genesis 22:9-14 (NKJV)

The place was Mount Moriah; the name means, “Chosen by Jehovah.” This mountain is a most pivotal area of Jerusalem. Moriah was not only the place of the binding of Isaac, but it was the place where God would send His own son to be the sacrifice for all of mankind.

Abraham was acting out a future event and this story would stand for all godly men to read. The significance for those who lived before Christ death on the cross was that God would provide a way to restore them, even if they were to die. They would look forward for total and complete salvation from their sins.

After Christ the story stands as a significance foreshadowing of the Messiah that we would choose to be our savior. Jesus became that perfect sacrifice and our God, who provided himself as the sacrifice.

Then the Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.

Because of Abraham’s faithfulness, God blessed the entire world. Abraham’s bloodline would be vast; as he would be the ancestral father of all Jews. Through his bloodline would be born Jesus, God’s own son. Thus this story of Abraham, Isaac, and the sacrifice, was a type, or an enactment, of God sending his only son to die for the sins of the world. From Abraham’s seed the whole world was blessed.

There are times in our life where God tests us. He wants us to be faithful to Him that He might pour out blessings upon us. This is why we must listen to our hearts, answer to what is righteous, and avoid temptation.

Though we are saved through faith in Christ’s sacrifice, we are tested in order that God may show us ready to serve Him. Let us be faithful that we might be used of God.

A Godly Example.

A Godly Example. Genesis 22:19-24.

Abraham was astonished at God’s message delivered to them this day. The sacrificing of his own son was acted out to show that God will provide salvation from sin and it is something God must do Himself. On top of Mount Moriah God provided the sacrifice and there Abraham built an alter calling it Jehovah-jireh which means, the Lord will provide.

“Jehovah-jireh my provider His grace is sufficient for me. My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. He gave His angels charge me; Jehovah-jireh cares for me.”

There is nothing we can do to bridge our distance from God. Sin has separated man from God and no good work, no kind deed, and no words can change the fact that sin has brought us down to the pit of destruction.

However, there is grace for the sinner and salvation for all. Salvation is provided by God through the giving of His only son to die as a sacrifice for our sin. Jehovah-jireh cares for me; Jehovah-jireh cares for you.

So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba. Now it came to pass after these things that it was told Abraham, saying, “Indeed Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: Huz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” And Bethuel begot Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah. Genesis 22:19-24(NKJV)

Though Abraham was a chosen man and his family was blessed by God, he was not a person to isolate himself from others. Not everyone had experiences with God that he had and just as God showed grace to him, Abraham found grace for others.

It is easy to think of Christianity as being a game. Once they have confessed their sin, people pick up the ball and run down the field, each reacting different; some running well and others run all over the place.

There are Christians who become involved in missions, others help to serve in their church; but some get the idea that they are an elite people and they look down on those that have yet to be saved. They isolate themselves from non-Christians.

Abraham was not that type of person, he mixed well with others and through his life he changed the lives of others. Abraham was good role model to encourage others to be godly people.

In this genealogy of his brother Nahor, would come the wife for Isaac. Therefore by being accepting of them, Abraham was blessed. This too becomes a lesson for us to learn. We never know how others are going to influence our lives and if we were to exclude them, we might miss out on great blessings.

You may not always agree with the way people behave; yet we must exhibit patients so that our godly lives might influence them to good.

At a dinner with the neighbor, you may be asked to have a nice cold intoxicating beverage. Their conversation might include cursing and tones of disrespect towards others. Your reaction to all of this can teach them, repel them, or isolate yourself from them. To kindly decline to partake or comment on their indiscretion, showing them that you still accept them, could change their life completely.

Christians are to be a light unto the world and as salt, which flavors and preserves meat. We are to light their path and bring to them flavor that they like, so we might preserve their soul. This cannot be done by harsh words of rebuke, or by belittling them with words or actions.

Abraham had one role; he was to be the godly father of Isaac. When that role was being fulfilled, Abraham was to be an ambassador for God. Sharing the goodness of God, teaching others His ways, loving them unconditionally, and being an example of righteousness; Abraham was much like us.

Christians should celebrate the life events of others. Christians should be there when others are sick. Christians can provide encouraging words for life’s dilemmas and share the hope there is in having a relationship with God.

Jesus said that on the day that He separates the sheep from the goats the criteria will be, if a person went to others when they were sick or in prison and if they fed others when they were hungry and clothed them when they were naked.

On that day some will enter in to his rest and others will depart into damnation prepared for the devil and his angels. Oh how unnecessary this is when we have examples in the scripture to learn from. Let us learn from them, be like them, and love others just as God has loved us.

This passage marks a milestone in Abraham’s life where he endured much testing. As we turn the page his life goes on, yet he will experience the death of his life’s partner, Sarah.

Life has times of birth and times of death. It has times of joy and times of sorrow. With this, let us also see that life has times of service and times of friendship. In these times, let us make the most of them; for these are the times that make up our life.

Everyone Dies.

Everyone Dies. Genesis 23:1-20.

And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. Genesis 23:1-2(NKJV)

Sarah was the only woman whose age, death, and burial were mentioned in scripture. This gives honor to the woman who was the mother of the Hebrew people. Abraham lost his long lived partner. They had many adventures and lived in much leisure, growing old in Canaan.

Sarah’s life was without child until God blessed her with Isaac in her old age. She spent her later years caring for the youth which brought her much joy. Sarah is a woman that deserves to be remembered for she was honored by God.

And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him, Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. Genesis 23:1-6(NKJV)

Abraham sat at her tent and remembered the years he had with Sarah; for morning the loss of a loved one is an important event that people must do. A great person or leader cannot be such unless they morn the losses in their life; for the reflection of life’s shortness is a great motivating tool.

And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth. And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you. Genesis 23:7-9(NKJV)

“Abraham stood up,” he grieved and through grieving is important, it is also important that too much grieving not be done by any one person. Life ends up at a grave and in honor of the dead we must grieve their loss and then let their life make us become a better person. A person must go forward to live; living life with the influence of their fallen family or loved one. This is a true tribute to their life.

Abraham owned no property in Canaan and not much thought went in to a family plot therefore, at the last minute, he turned to his neighbors for help. He wanted a cave and the field leading up to it. He needed to find the final resting place, so that Sarah was out of his sight.

Because we grieve the loss of our loved ones, it is important to not go back to that place of morning too often. Out of sight does not mean out of mind; yet the distance of burial eases the grief until our tears can be wiped from our eyes by our Lord Jesus who defeated death.

And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying, Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead. And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land. Genesis 23:10-12(NKJV)

Wanting to buy the cave and the field, Abraham hears words of comfort. The cave was given to Abraham; a gift of kindness to a man who grieved for his spouse.

Generosity at the right time is godly gift that helps to mend broken hearts. When others grieve, we are to comfort them. Our presence, our help, even a warm meal delivered shows love and compassion that heals hearts.

These people did not know Abraham. They heard of him, but not many opportunities arose to meet with him. Therefore, this act of kindness not only was a godly act, but worthy for us to see and learn as a scriptural lesson. We too must have compassion when others suffer loss.

And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there. And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him, My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead. Genesis 23:13-16(NKJV)

The land was not worth great money and Ephron had no attachment to it. It was nothing for him to give it to Abraham; all Abraham had to do was take the offer. Not every gift has to cost us greatly and the measure of the act of compassion is not measured by its value.

And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant. And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city. And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan. And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth. Genesis 23:17-20(NKJV)

Abraham had a pretty busy week with the loss of his wife and having to secure burial grounds. It may have been different if he would have planned ahead, but with a God that was doing such wonderful things in their life, death was not a great consideration.

The truth is that we will all pass one day and preparations must be made to make that time easier for those who we leave behind. Though we do not like to face our own demise, we must recognize this as a godly act of kindness to others.

First and foremost, a saving relationship with God must be maintained. Paul said that he did not consider himself as apprehending salvation, but that it was a prize at the end of his race. He pressed towards that day and lived his life sold out to God. There is not better gift to give your loved ones than the security that you are in heaven.

There are other preparations of importance too. Those you leave behind need to know how to handle finances after you pass. Every person should have a will, a document revealing your financial structure, and insurance to help them to pick up their broken life to move on.

Yes they will grieve their loss; yet they must go on with life, living to the fullest; serving God and leading others to know Him.

What legacy will you leave behind? This question we should ask ourselves daily and pray to God for His help in achieving those goals.

May God bless you with long life.

A Parent’s Concern.

A Parent’s Concern. Genesis 24:1-17.

Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” Genesis 24:1-4(NKJV)

Abraham did not have many years with his son; where most people have children between the ages of 20 and 40, Abraham was 100. Now the boy was a young man and Abraham’s burden was to keep their bloodline pure, so that the nation of people, which God wanted, would happen.

Abraham was stricken in age and he could not set out to search for this woman to be the wife for his son. So Abraham committed the desire to God in prayer and in faith requested his servant to take an oath and set out to find her.

It was through divine revelation that Abraham knew it was time for Isaac to married. He knew that God had set the situation to happen and Abraham conveyed the instructions to his servant, Eliezer.

It is not a rare thing for God to speak to our hearts and reveal to us facts about our situations. In prayer a person not only speaks to God, but listens. When listening, God will surprise you and there will be times in your life you are supernaturally informed. Do you pray asking God, “What should I do God?”

And the servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?” But Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there. The LORD God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land,’ He will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be released from this oath; only do not take my son back there.” So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter. Genesis 24:5-9(NKJV)

Though Abraham wanted Isaac to marry within his own bloodline, the Bible has no voice on interracial marriages. Moses married a black woman a when opposed by his sister, she was stricken with leprosy. It was a statement from God to stop the prejudice against interracial marriage.

However, the Bible does say that Christians should not marry non Christians. It says, “Do not be unequally yoked.” The picture is of an ox yoked to a weaker animal. One does all the work and labors being slowed by the lesser animal.

For a husband and wife be split on the subjects of holiness, righteousness, and worshiping the Lord God, the marriage will be strained. Christians have lost their faith or their marriage, for they could not sustain the pressure.

Abraham did not want his son to marry a woman who had come from the cultic societies of the Godless. They worshiped idol, their own greed, and were filled with pride.

The oath of the servant was in that day a legal binding contract. Abraham did not want his servant to take short cuts, succumb to pressure, and grow weary while on the road. Abraham wanted the woman that God had chose for his son.

As a father of two sons, I have prayed for their wives since they were babies. I prayed for the parents, the way they were raised, and for their protection. By honoring God, I prayed knowing one day they would appear in our lives.

Parents need to be involved in children’s courtships. They need to not only pray for those involved, but for their families, and protection, that they may make the right decisions. Because parents have stopped being involved, today’s adults divorce at a higher rate than ever before in history.

Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, for all his master’s goods were in his hand. And he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water. Genesis 24:10-11(NKJV)

The caravan, with 10 camels, would have been an impressive site. It would convey the obvious distinction of wealth and parking at the local well would ensure that they would eventually meet a good section of those in the area.

At the local well, people would come and share news and events that occurred in their areas. Many friendships surrounded the event of getting water from the well; the social aspects of the well were enormous and just the right place for Eliezer to wait.

Then he said, “O LORD God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.” Genesis 24:12-14(NKJV)

This story includes the thoughts and prayers of Abraham’s servant, Eliezer. Therefore, we must draw from the wealth of information for those who are in the service of others.

Abraham picked Eliezer not only because he was the eldest servant, but that he was a loyal and faithful servant. What made Eliezer such a good servant was that he honored God.

The very act of working, serving, helping, and laboring for wages makes you a servant. As we all know, not all servants are profitable. There is a large distance between one who honors God, working with integrity and one that works for a pay check.

What most do not consider is their integrity is a reflection of their faith in God. If they honor God, they will have integrity. If they lack integrity, their honor of God is suffering; for God is holy.

Eliezer not only served Abraham, he served God; and prayed to God that he might fulfill the mission his master sent him on. I would that all people recognize the importance of honoring God first and that it produces actions that bring honor to their employers.

And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. Now the young woman was very beautiful to behold, a virgin; no man had known her. And she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up. And the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher.” Genesis 24:15-17(NKJV)

As we will see, God honors Eliezer because Eliezer honored God. There can be no greater indication from God than to portrait his desires for servants by using Eliezer to find the wife for Isaac.

Abraham had faith in God, Abraham had faith in Eliezer. Eliezer had faith in God, and Eliezer honored Abraham. God honored them both for God honors people who live righteously.

Mission Impossible?

Mission Impossible? Genesis 24:18-54.

So she said, “Drink, my lord.” Then she quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, and gave him a drink. And when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.” Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not. Genesis 24:18-21(NKJV)

Abraham swore his servant Eliezer to an oath. Eliezer was to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham, old and stricken with age, had one more revelation from God. A girl would offer water to his servant and then offer to water all ten of his camels. This hard working lady would be Isaac’s wife.

The servant accepted the mission with obedience, but also prayed to God for help; for this would be a very difficult woman to find, so he though. It was not long after returning to his master’s country, the exact prophesy came true. A hard working girl gave him water and then watered all ten of his camels.

A camel can consume much water and this girl labored hard to help this man who led the caravan. It was sure respect that drove her to work so hard, for there was no sure outcome to her labor. She only knew that she should help and therefore she did.

So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold, and said, “Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in your father’s house for us to lodge?” So she said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah’s son, whom she bore to Nahor.” Moreover she said to him, “We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge.” Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the LORD. And he said, “Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things. Genesis 24:22-28(NKJV)

There are many times in our life that God tests our faith. He is the God that can do miracles and He wants us to believe that for ourselves. When a Christian stops clinging to prayer or answers to prayer, then they become unprofitable servants.

James told us that many times we do not have things happen in our lives because we do not ask for them
in prayer. Then, when some do ask, they ask for their own selfish gain. Eliezer prayed to God so that he might be faithful to his master and complete his mission. He was being tried by God and to this point he was faithful.

Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban, and Laban ran out to the man by the well. So it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah, saying, “Thus the man spoke to me,” that he went to the man. And there he stood by the camels at the well. And he said, “Come in, O blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.” Genesis 24:29-31(NKJV)

Not only did Eliezer’s faith in God produce the results that Abraham requested, Eliezer was being blessed by being accepted and cared for by Laban. What he thought was near impossible came true and through it, Eliezer was blessed beyond his expectations.

Oh how much we must learn that to honor God, ends in blessing. Going to church on Sundays when you do not feel like it, serving others when you have your own needs, and tithing from your heart, even though you could use the extra money; when we bless God with faith, it ends with blessing for us.

Faith is overcoming your fears and doing what the Lord has placed on your heart. Yet we do not know the outcome, faith takes us to the place we should be, that God might do His work. Should we never go or do, God cannot do the work.

Much like those who say they do not believe in God and stand still, the start of faith is taking steps to see if there is a God. We can achieve nothing if we stand still, we must go and allow faith to find the amazing things God does.

Then the man came to the house. And he unloaded the camels, and provided straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.” And he said, “Speak on.” So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. The LORD has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and to him he has given all that he has. Now my master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell; but you shall go to my father’s house and to my family, and take a wife for my son.’ And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’ But he said to me, ‘The LORD, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my family and from my father’s house. You will be clear from this oath when you arrive among my family; for if they will not give her to you, then you will be released from my oath. Genesis 24:32-41(NKJV)

Though Eliezer had a mission to complete his motivation was for him to be faithful. This is an important attitude that we all must learn and apply to our lives. Though we are doing God’s work, our goal is to be obedient to it.

I met a man down at the ocean; he was standing on the busy street corner of The Huntington Beach pier. As the people would pass, we would read from his Bible with great enthusiasm, he softly spoke directly to people. Seeing this, I stopped to talk to the man.

His name was Joseph, and he felt called of the Lord to preach on the ocean front beach street corners. I could tell he had not much money by the clothes he wore. I asked Joseph where he lived and he said that he traveled up and down the coast preaching and staying wherever he could.

Though he would never ask, he lived totally off donations and several churches would bring him food. His mission was to preach the word on the street corner.

Joseph could never judge his ministry by its success, for most all people would ignore him and pass him by; but, as they passed, they heard the word of God.

It was not the success that drove Joseph. What drove joseph was the same as what drove Eliezer, he needed to be faithful to his mission. This is how small ministries that struggle stay together; for it is not the success of ministry, it is the mission in their heart they must be faithful to.

Mission Accomplished

We continue with the miracle of Abraham’s premonition coming true. His servant, Eliezer, was tasked with finding a girl who would not only offer him water, but offer to water all ten of his camels. What seemed to be imposable happened before his eyes; the miracle girl appeared and had watered all of his camels.

Eliezer was quick to finalize his task and overwhelmed to see the hand of God working in his life. It is one thing to talk about miracles, but to have one happening can find a person in amazement.

In our deepest desires we must pray for miracles, but because they don’t happen to us much, we often lose faith that they happen. Yet, if everyday held miracles, our faith would no longer be faith; therefore, a miracle is a blessing from God.

Eliezer had faith in God; it is seen in his prayer, as he bowed his head and asked the Lord to provide his need. Prayer is essential and we must never grow weary of praying.

“And this day I came to the well and said, ‘O LORD God of my master Abraham, if You will now prosper the way in which I go, behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass that when the virgin comes out to draw water, and I say to her, “Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,” and she says to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your camels also,”—let her be the woman whom the LORD has appointed for my master’s son.’ “But before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah, coming out with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down to the well and drew water. And I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’ And she made haste and let her pitcher down from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will give your camels a drink also.’ So I drank, and she gave the camels a drink also. Then I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ And she said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the nose ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists. And I bowed my head and worshiped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the way of truth to take the daughter of my master’s brother for his son. Genesis 24:42-48(NKJV)

Eliezer was not interested in the banquet of food that was laid before him, his only desire was to tell the story and hope for the right answer. Eliezer focused on his mission and longed to return home a faithful servant to his master. Eliezer was determined not to fail.

Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. And if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.” Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you either bad or good. Here is Rebekah before you; take her and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as the LORD has spoken.” And it came to pass, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, that he worshiped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth. Then the servant brought out jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother. And he and the men who were with him ate and drank and stayed all night. Then they arose in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.” Genesis 24:49-54(NKJV)

Eliezer was successful in that he found the most beautiful bride, full of spirit, and willing to marry Isaac. Rebekah was instantly accepted, lavished with gifts, and treated as a princess.

Laban and Bethuel had put much care into the raising of Rebekah; for a child so compassionate as to help strangers has been reared well. These qualities, Rebekah so warmly shared with others, are a reflection of her parents. When parents honor God, this can be expected.

How much more amazing was it for a parent to be obedient to the call of God and answer with letting their daughter marry. Because of this, Eliezer would be able to return, holding his head high, pleasing his aged master.

Our passage holds more than the story of Rebekah being found for Isaac. It holds more typology of future events to come.

Just as Abraham’s obedience to offer his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice for sin, was a type or “portrait” of God offering his own son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for sin. Eliezer finding Rebekah as a bride for Isaac is a type of the roll of God’s Holy Spirit who searches to find the bride for Christ.

In Revelation the bride of Christ is the church and God eagerly waits for his servant, the Holy Spirit to complete His mission, bringing the bride for His only son who was a sacrifice to cover their sins.

The Bible is a wonderful meticulous book and in we find messages in stories like this that tells us how much God loves us and what His plans are for our lives.

If you have given your life to Christ, you are considered His bride and for that reason, you should remain spotless to the world and faithful to your husband, Christ.

He adorns you with precious gifts that accentuate your abilities to serve. As Rebekah had great qualities and used them, you are to do the same. Yet God’s gifts to us as the bride of Christ are precious as the silver and gold given to Rebekah.

Now all this was about attitude. Abraham had a set attitude and expectation for the bride. Eliezer had a set attitude for completing the job. Rebekah had an attitude of service, and Laban had an attitude that honored Gods work.

So too must we have attitudes joined with God and others to get the work of the Lord completed. There is no time for drowning in sorrows or avoiding responsibility. The work of the Lord is now and we are to be the faithful bride, remaining unspotted until that day we are united with our husband Jesus Christ.

We must become vested in this story, knowing that even today we have our own part in it. We are the bride.

The Wedding.

The Wedding. Genesis 24:54-66.

And he and the men who were with him ate and drank and stayed all night. Then they arose in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.” But her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a few days, at least ten; after that she may go.” Genesis 24:54-55 (NKJV)

Life is full of uniting and separation and there is something about us that wants to hang on to people for every last second of being with them; but that does not make distance any better. It was time for Rachel to leave her family, and cleave to her new husband. Eastern marriages were often arranged.

It’s sad to say good bye to someone and leave a familiar place; it is even tougher to have it pried away from you. It is like the experience of death; when a person is pried away from us we grieve, and some, when leaving, grieve also. They do not want to leave the place that comforts them and such is the experience of death.

However, there is another experience that we must look at for in the context of our passage, Isaac is a type of Christ, and Eliezer was a type of the Holy Spirit bringing a bride to Jesus. This will one day take place and Christians around the world will be taken from the earth to meet with their groom, Jesus Christ.

As Christians we are told to be ready and along with being ready we must be willing, as was Rachel.

And he said to them, “Do not hinder me, since the LORD has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master.” So they said, “We will call the young woman and ask her personally.” Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.” So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her:  ”Our sister, may you become The mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess The gates of those who hate them.” Then Rebekah and her maids arose, and they rode on the camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and departed. Genesis 24:56-61(NKJV)

Jesus gave a warning about that day when believers will be taken, Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. Mathew 24:40-42(NKJV)

To cling tightly to this world is to lose the opportunity of your life. We must think of ourselves as sojourners in a foreign land; this world is not our home. In addition, we are to glory when those we know who are believers, pass from this life into the arms of God.

This does not mean separation is a happy time, grieving always comes from separation. Yet Rachel made the right decision, she chose to go with Eliezer to be united to Isaac in marriage.

Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself. Genesis 24:62-65

Isaac was meditating in a field; a time of reflection and prayer were part of his godly routine. Separating himself from all others Isaac took his needs to God. The anticipating groom was taking care of business readying him for marriage. This is much like Christ intercedes for the church anticipating the day it will be united to Him.

Oh how wonderful it is when God answers prayers. Isaac looked up and with twinkle in his eye he saw his bride; Eliezer was back and the mission was complete. Now the wedding ritual would begin and Rachel veiled herself, as was the custom of that day.

Are you ready for that day when the Holy Spirit will whisk us away to be with Jesus in heaven? John gives us an idea of what that time will be like and wrote, Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:2-5(NKJV)

No more pain, no more separation, and the tears we have for regrets of earth’s hardships will be wiped from our eyes. Death will no longer be able to separate us and we will forever live with our Lord God.

And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. Genesis 24:66(NKJV)

The story of the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah is a beautiful story; yet told in a few words. The actual details would make us marvel to see the happiness and joy that it brought. Yet, one day we will understand as we are united with Christ and He will take us into His kingdom where we will be treated as royalty.

Married then Died.

Married then Died. Genesis 25:1-10.

Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the country of the east. Genesis 25:1-6(NKJV)

Abraham lived thirty-five years after the marriage of Isaac and his years are summed up in these few verses. It is amazing how we have some key moments in our life that define us; they will live as a tribute to us, while the details of the rest blow away with the sands of time.

The marriage of Abraham to Keturah was common for an aged man, with no wife. She was probably bought with money and goods for allegiance to helping Abraham fulfill his later years. A nurse and a governess for the family, Keturah’s role was important.

It was also a man’s role to be fruitful and multiply. It was a sign of blessing and a mindset that young men grew up with. If you were to be a great man, you would have many children; so to keep up with the times; Abraham continued to sire children late into his years.

One thing we do notice is that there are no mentions of God’s interventions, trial, or tests. Therefore, we conclude that God’s work in Abraham’s life was completed in his earlier days; however, Abraham’s faithfulness to God continued and that is seen in the management of the inheritance he would leave behind.

He gave his complete inheritance and the land of Canaan to Isaac; to the other sons he gave gifts. Abraham recognized the importance of the work of God and brought his family up to respect it, for they willingly departed to the Eastern Arab nations.

Abraham was a good father; he did what was right before the Lord by insuring the inheritance went to Isaac. Abraham also blessed his other children with a blessing that God would greatly honor. In Judges, chapter 6, it speaks of these children, who traveled eastward, and says they greatly multiplied. Because of Abraham, God blessed them too.

This is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. Genesis 25:7-8(NKJV)

It should be every person’s goal to live to a good old age and be full of years. Abraham was obedient to God, which brought blessing to him and his families. Yet not everyone who loves God lives a long life.

The number of your days is not as important as the quality of your days. I don’t mean wonderful happiness; I mean days that God is able to forward his plan in building the kingdom by using you to help.

To honor the Lord we must be willing to listen to God and act on His directions. Like Abraham, we must be willing to leave the comfort of home and head to an unknown country, should God call us to do so.

As Christians we are instructed to teach, preach, lead others to accept Christ into their hearts and be baptized as a commitment to live for Him. Daily we have work that can be done and we are to pray as Jesus intercede our prayers to the Father.

The most important thing to remember is that God is a miracle working God. He wants to increase our faith and do things to overcome our adversities. He brings trials to mold and shape us and strength us to endure them. He readies us to do great things.

As God moved in only a few situations in Abraham’s life, we must be ready and willing for Him to do so in ours. Christians will not see miracles everyday and those times in our lives that we see God’s hands manipulating our situation are few. That is why we must be ready, submitted, and faithful watching.

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife. Genesis 25:9-10(NKJV)

Abraham was one of the most influential people in our Bibles. He made his mistakes, he sinned, he had lapses of faith, yet Abraham had a greater balance of godly actions that we remember and are worthy of honor.

As they do of Abraham, may people speak about our life’s events and godliness when we pass. Great works of God are nothing you can force; they come through a daily relationship with God and faithfulness to Him.

The Difference in People.

Genesis 25:11-27. Genesis 25:11-27.

And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi. Genesis 25:11(NKJV)

Now we will see the events that occurred in the life of Isaac. However, before the author enters this account, he closes the page on another person we have read about, Ishmael.

Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham: And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa, Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah: These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations. Genesis 25:12-16(NKJV)

As God had promised, Ishmael sired twelve princes. They settled in the country between Egypt and Syria called it Arabia.

These princes built cities and castles. Like all people, they had wars and they developed their cultures by force. They built dynasties and even developed their own worship of God called Islam.

And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people. And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren. Genesis 25:17-18(NKJV)

Ishmael was like a King and his respect transcended all of kingdoms of the princes. As God promised, Ishmael was bless; blessed with many children and blessed with a long life. This concluded the account of Ishmael.

And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac: And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. Genesis 25:19-22(NKJV)

As promised to Abraham, Isaac would carry the bloodline and the responsibility to teach the true worship of God. Yet, as all of us know, God allows trials to draw us to Him. In prayer Isaac and his wife, Rebekah, went to the Lord to lay their problems before Him and God blessed.

Isaac held on to God with patient for Isaac was a patient man. His patience is seen in that he waited until forty years old to marry and his children were born when he was sixty. In patience, Isaac did well by not following his father’s mistake by going into his handmaiden.

Let this be an encouragement to you, that God is not slack in answering your prayers. Yet in His timing everything comes to pass according to his wonderful plan for us.

Here the goodness of God is seen in that He not only answers the prayers of people, but he multiplies the blessing far more that we ask. Isaac and Rebecka would have two children.

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. Genesis 25:23-24(NKJV)

It is interesting that God shows early in His word that two groups of people can be so different, but still posses the favor of the Lord. In this we can build a case for those who gave their life to accept the Messiah and those who refused to believe, but are still kept in God’s plan. God can have love and intentions for both to be saved from sin.

Yet, this also builds a case for the need for diversity in God’s kingdom. Some need to be athletic, strong, cunning, and others need to be somber statesmen; educated and able to lead with knowledge.

These two brothers were destined for different lives, different desires, and most different attitudes. Beginning in the womb, Esau took on different characteristics than his brother and the two struggled as Rachel moaned her pregnancy.

And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them. And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. Genesis 25:25-27(NKJV)

Do you struggle being different from others? In God’s kingdom there are many needs for people just like you and God has given every person different abilities and different demeanors.

In this passage, God is telling us that it is okay to be different. It is okay to be second and not everybody will be a leader. For some my words are grievous, for inside is a desire to envy others. Yet, no matter how hard you try to be like someone else, you are you and to find peace you must learn to honor what God has done in shaping you to be whom you are.

A Godly Life is no Accident.

A Godly Life is no Accident. Genesis 25:27-34.

So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Genesis 25:27-28(NKJV)

In studying the typology of Genesis we have shown that Abraham enacted the future, where God would sacrifice his own son. In the marriage of his son Isaac, Abraham’s servant was a type of the Holy Spirit bringing the bride to Christ. These types bring to us promise and hope. In this scripture, we have more typology to learn from.

When studying Biblical typology there have been and are those people who try to apply this to all scripture; however, not all things in the scriptures can be used in this manner. For instance you should not try to use typology to interpret the future events of the Book of Revelation. To do so could lead a person to misinterpret and miss the coming of the Lord.

Yet in our passage there is a definite type depicted here for us to consider. This is a type of our split personalities; our struggle to be godly.

The babies, Esau and Jacob, came out basically at the same time. In telling of the birth, the parents described a struggle to be born first; however, it is safe to say that this was a parental struggle, for in their society the first born was the child responsible to carry on the family name and that was called the birthright. In this family the parents were split on who should do this.

Now Esau was a red hair baby with a lot of hair and for some reason that displeased his mother, as she became partial to the second born, Jacob. It was no doubt that she made up the story that the Jacob had a grasp on Esau’s leg, thus they were born together at the same time. In her mind she wanted them to share the birthright.

This became an internal family struggle where parents each took sides. Isaac favored Esau, the first born, and Rebekah favored Jacob.

The following passage describes typology of mans respect to the opportunity to be a Christian, forgiven of sin and given a sure future. Where some hold dearly to this wonderful second chance, others discard it as nothing.

Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom.(Red) But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:29-34(NKJV)

Esau was a hunter and had been on an excursion that was not successful. He returned hungry and defeated. His passion to be a successful hunter was damaged and with that he suffered depression. Esau had hit bottom, nothing was working for him.

Now his brother saw this as a chance to profit from his brother’s defeat and offered him food in exchange for his birthright. The act was cold hearted, it was underhanded, and he was content with trying to gain the inheritance underhandedly.

Esau was tired of the whole family tiff. He did not care about the possessions; he did better in the field anyways. Therefore, he carelessly discarded the inheritance of his father and in despise, he gave up the birthright.

In our lives, God has given us the promise of great inheritance, but some grow weary from the struggles of life. They give up and quit on Christianity so they can have some earthly satisfaction. They settle for sin for a season, but it is a temporary satisfaction.

Some people get so tired of the politics and attitudes that develop at church that they too cast it all aside and give up. Yet our Father in heaven desires us to press forward and come to Him when we are low. Esau never went to his father.

Now his brother Jacob became so greedy for the birthright and inheritance that he pitched his moral obligation to the family to steal away the birthright from his brother. This too happens in Christianity, where some feel they can live as they please and be dishonest in their dealings.

These come to church and try to make it work to their advantage. Some seek to be noticed and be recognized by others. Some know they need salvation and do what they think they must do; but they go home to live dishonest and ungodly.

Is not our salvation worth our undivided attention? When we do struggle, should we not go to our Father for the answers, so we are not like Esau, alone in our misery?

God is our loving heavenly Father who will not test us beyond what we can handle; therefore, we can make it through every situation and we must not give up.

Then, we too must live integrity. No person can live on both sides of the fence. You cannot be crafty, dishonest, and misrepresent the truth, if you want salvation from sin.

Some think that they can commit sin and it is all forgiven. Well, it is true that if we are faithful to confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness; but the cleansing should keep us from sinning.

These two men are poor examples and here in our scriptures that we might consider our own motivations. Are we living as sons with a birthright because we are born again? Are we respecting our positions in life or are we heading out on ventures that will tire us and push us to compromise?

Do we lay in wait to take advantage of others and are we seeking to put an end to family disputes that they may not separate us? A godly life is no accident, it came at a price that cost God His only son and He died a terribly excruciating death so that we might be born into the family of God. Therefore, let us examine ourselves that we might be faithful children.

God uses Trials.

God uses Trials. Genesis 26:1-11.

There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. Genesis 26:1(NKJV)

It had been many years since the famine God used in Abraham’s life; in fact, it was the first famine that Isaac had seen. Yet it was used by God for Isaac’s good to test him. This trail was used to help him become the man he should be. God uses trial in our life to make us better.

There are times in our life that God wants to begin new works. When being guided by the winds of trial, many new situations come our way. For Isaac, he now was to meet the Philistines and learn about faith in God.

He knew of the Philistines and at some point met a few who journeyed through his area; yet what he saw of them caused him to think cautiously.

Because of the famine, Isaac traveled to the place of his birth, Gerar. It was here that the Philistines centralized and it was here he met Abimelech.

Abimelech was not the same Abimelech as his father encountered in his time of trial. The name Abimelech was a common name to call a Philistine leader; much like the Caesars of Rome.

Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” Genesis 26:2-5

Now with any trial, it is important to know that the Lord is behind us. To know His control of the situation and the power of His might will bring ease to any person who is in trial.

Many Christians pray waiting to have God appear or see a sign that shows God’s commitment; yet in our day there are large differences in our need to have God appear to us. The difference is the Bible.

We had the Lord appear to us and He came that we might be delivered from sin. He walked with men and talked with men, teaching them the essentials that all men will need and it was recorded to guide all men until the end of the world.

These words were written for our instruction, our comfort, and for our wisdom. From the scriptures God can lead any man without having to appear or speak. We must remember that God is not a sideshow who appears as a magician to make things better. He is a God that wants us to have faith and believe.

As Isaac, God wants to bless us and help us care for our families; for one day we will be with Him in heaven, live for eternity, and be co-heirs with His son Jesus Christ. So why should we expect to have more than faith? We are a gifted prosperous people who need to live as such.

So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” Genesis 26:6-7(NKJV)

Talk about the apple falling not too far from the tree. Isaac had like fears and concerns when it came to his own beautiful wife, Rebekah. Seeing the way Philistines acted, fought and lived in their barbaric habitats, brought fear to Isaac.

This story, enacted again and recorded for us to read has much significance for us. It communicates that while we are trusting and following God, at times we will fail. Yet as you will see, the reproof again comes from an Abimelech and not from God. The reproof of the world was enough for God.

Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.” And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” Genesis 26:8-11(NKJV)

It is amazing how the unbelieving world can exhibit a high concern for what is decent and right when some Christians do not. Then to see them grant grace and forgive is as salt on a wound.

Christians are to be above board in their dealings with the world and with each other. Never should fear cause us to lie, cheat, or steal. Isaac was wrong in what he did; however, there is the fact that Abimelech had to put out a strong warning to his people, for without a strong warning his people would have not respected Isaac.

Yet, it all worked together for good. Isaac and his wife were protected while they stayed and God had grace towards them.

Our Bibles are the most important words we can read and if we want to know God and His will for our life, we must read them.

Through the Bible we can find comfort in our trials, understand our situations, and give God glory for the hardships we face. Yes, we can find good in the hardships we face. We need only look.

Opposition in the Workplace.

Opposition in the Workplace. Genesis 26:12-34.

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. Genesis 26:12-15(NKJV)

God uses trails for good in our life. Here, in the same year that God drove Isaac and his clan to Gerar, famine turned to prosperity. Because Isaac was faithful to honor God’s leading in his life, God blessed Isaac with many servants and his herds grew in great size. The famine was short, but purposeful; it took Isaac to a place God could do a greater work in his life.

We must remember that God’s work in Isaac’s life was due to a promise that God made to Abraham. God promised Abraham to be the father of a great nation and yet it could only come about by adversity.

We would all like to be in a prosperous situation as Isaac. We cling to God’s word and are faithful to serve Him, longing and waiting for some relief in our daily famines. Yet, our days are different. We are called to store up treasures in heaven and to become servants. We have great riches waiting for us beyond this life, where as Isaac had great riches awaiting him on earth that he might father a great nation.

This does not mean that prosperity is beyond us. God can prosper anyone of us so that we might use God’s riches to build the kingdom. Yet we are not to set on hearts on riches, but put our minds on the task, consuming ourselves in service to others.

Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” Then Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham. He called them by the names which his father had called them. Genesis 26:16-18(NKJV)

When others prosper a typical Christian response is to be happy for the person who was blessed. Yet, many of those who do not serve God see through eyes of jealousy. The Philistines became jealous and lashed back by destroying what they considered was the source of Isaac’s wealth, water.

Even though they needed water too, instead of requesting to share the water, they destroyed the wells. Their spitefulness over ran their reasoning and their envy overpowered even their own greed. As if to say, “Though we ruin it for ourselves too, we ruin it for Isaac,” the Philistines became so vexed they became an embarrassment to their own people.

Abimelech had only one recourse; since his people could not contain themselves, Abimelech had to tell Isaac to move away. Abimelech knew that the escalation would end violently if he did nothing and Abimelech feared God’s retribution.

This same thing happens over and over throughout all societies. People see Christian people living happy, good hearted, serving, caring, and enjoying life’s every beauty and many hate it. The hate to see others doing well and they act out in ways to ruin it for them.

Because Christians are honest and of good report, they do well in the workplace and there they find others creating passive resistance. However, passive resistance grows and Christians have found themselves lashing back to make it stop. Yet this only accomplishes the intent of the resistance, to rob Christians of their joy.

Isaac recognized the resistance he faced and as they moved to the valley to dig more wells. They also kept their quiet and worked to reopen the sabotaged wells.

Also Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and found a well of running water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah. And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” Genesis 26:19-22(NKJV)

The two new wells were named contention and hatred. It reflected the attitude they received as they did their work quietly. Even when challenged, Isaac had his group moved on and dug other wells. Eventually, the Philistines would have to quit fighting and therefore, Isaac’s men worked with passion, honor, and kept a cool head.

The last well they dug was named Rehoboth, which means, “wide places or streets.” This would be sufficient to make room for the Philistines and themselves. Yet the prosperity would still come from the Lord. Never will the enemy prosper against the righteous for should the unrighteous succeed on earth, judgment belongs to the Lord.

Then he went up from there to Beersheba. And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” So he built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:24-25(NKJV)

In all the adversity we encounter, the Lord is watching. He sees our weaknesses, our frailties, and will never test us more than we are able. Yet as He looks, He longs to see us do what is just, honest, and righteous.

Daily, when we come before the Lord, let us take our cares and concerns to Him and never let us lash out at those who oppose us. Let Him be our strength and the reason to keep quiet to do our work. There is no need for us to take control of situations to fight for resolutions, for our God works in our behalf.

God is looking for men and women to be like Isaac, and not as his brother Ishmael who grew up to cause contention. Ishmael was a wild man, but let us be like Isaac who God can bless and enrich to do His work in this world.

Living your Mistakes.

Living your Mistakes. Genesis 26:26-35.

Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army. And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” But they said, “We have certainly seen that the LORD is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the LORD.’” Genesis 26:26-29(NKJV)

The Philistines, under the reign of Abimelech, recognized they should not mess with Isaac for his God had prospered him even in times of famine. The Philistines were jealous and Abimelech sent Isaac and his herds away. Yet for some of the Philistines, that was not enough; so they enforced the intent of the expulsion by filling in many of the wells that Abraham dug.

Isaac responded to them correctly; he had the wells restored and as he did, the Philistines approached him claiming the rights to the water. Isaac again answered with peace; he went and dug his own wells. With patience, confidence, and the support of God, Isaac prospered well.

Though at this juncture of his life, Isaac is doing well prospering in the Lord; here Isaac slips into a trap that many Christians do also. This slip would change his life and the life of his family. Isaac became a spectator of God’s work

Now at first read, it seems fitting that the Proverb comes true here that says,
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 However, the interpretation of what peace with your enemy is, needs to be carefully considered.

When striving with others, to find a common ground that brings peace is very satisfying. Here Isaac had Abimelech wanting to find that peace by making a covenant. However, Abimelech never repents for what his people did and is only doing this because he fears retribution from God.

So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. Genesis 26:30-31(NKJV)

Abimelech was so close, yet the shut mouth of Isaac kept Abimelech from repenting to God. Abimelech feared God, but he did not know that God would have accepted him also. Isaac’s reaction was to make the peace accord, but not allow the love of God flow through him to Abimelech. As you will see, Isaac was like Abimelech in that he acknowledged who God was, but did not take his relationship with God serious unless he was neck deep in trials.

It came to pass the same day that Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” So he called it Shebah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day. When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. And they were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah. Genesis 26:32-35(NKJV)

God was blessing Isaac because of the promise God made to Isaac’s father, Abraham. Isaac rested, feeling assured in God’s work; but never took it upon himself to know God like Abraham did. In fact, it seems as if Isaac may not have listened to well to his father, for some of the same sins his father committed, Isaac did too.

The largest blight on the church is men and women who do not seek their own personal relationship with God. They join themselves to a church for mediocre reasons. They may like the passion of the pastor, they may like the activities or they like the way the church looks. Each Sunday they attend and when they go home, the reality of God’s word does not change their heart. They are intent with knowing about God and are ready to be accepted and prospered; but they do not seek a relationship with God to change their own life.

Isaac, like many Christian men, failed as a father figure to his children. This is seen as his son, Esau, married Canaanite women who were subject to the curse of Noah. In addition, one was not enough; Esau became caught up in a debauchery and it became heart breaking to his parents.

Each of us must take knowing God serious for in that knowledge of Him comes wisdom from above. In a relationship with God, a person who daily comes before God sees themselves like looking into a mirror. The sin in their lives are exposed and willfully expelled in honor of a merciful God.

It is also essential to have a relationship with God to raise children to know the Lord. Knowing how to raise a child is balanced as not to break the child’s will, but so that the Child will know sin and their need for a savior. They can be spared from falling into worldly lives as Esau did.

When raising my children, I would look at their smiling, playful, demeanor and wonder how they will ever know their need for a savior if they first did not know what sin was? The thoughts threatened me. “How could they be saved from sin, unless they fall into it?”

I sought God for this understanding and as I watched my children grow, I watched them change. With care I maintained a relationship with them and encouraged them to seek the Lord without breaking their spirits.

However, it was more than encouragement; when they were of proper age I let them know my own relationship with God. I shared with them my own short comings and when they fell in to various sins, I did not meet them with strong rebuke, but with confident understanding and love.

I prayed for them, was a guide to them, and never let their sin overcome my faith in God’s work in their life. Now as adults, I still walk hand in hand with them through life’s problems.

To a point, Isaac missed seeing that in Abraham; Isaac grew to know of God, but not allow himself to know the love of God and that he should share that with others. It followed him into his own family and his son married Canaanite women who did not worship God.

A Christian life is more than going to church; it is more than about becoming involved with the people. A Christian life is to be like Christ who regularly sat alone, praying to God and finding what he needed to be the man He was.

The pit falls of Isaac’s life will grow in the coming studies. It is really too bad to see this, when he had a God that was willing to appear and speak to him.

Family Deceit.

Family Deceit. Genesis 27:1-17.

Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” Genesis 27:1-4(NKJV)

Isaac dearly loved his son Esau from his birth. The moment he laid eyes on the furry red baby boy, Isaac declared in his heart that this was the heir to the family legacy and as it had passed from Abraham to Isaac, the blessing would pass from himself to Esau. Yet, his mother thought otherwise.

When the children were born Rebekah made an issue that they were born together, one holding on to the other; therefore, one was not born first. Though she had to have love for her babies, there was something about Esau that made Rebekah favor Jacob. The parents would remain split on who should receive the birthright of the first born.

If we take the scriptural account of Isaac’s life and compare it with Abraham, we see that Abraham had a higher commitment to the Lord. Isaac had his times where God intervened, but you hear little about Isaac calling on the Lord or seeking God for directions. When it did happen, it was God approaching Isaac.

Now in old age, Isaac is making a decision to pass the birthright blessing onto Esau; which would be a normal occurrence in a family, except the family was not rejoicing with him.

When I view the sadness in the heart of the parents, which occurred from Esau’s actions, I can see some very important truths that would apply. Esau was making wrong decisions and his family knew it.

Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, ‘Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the LORD before my death.’ Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that he may bless you before his death.” Genesis 27:5-10(NKJV)

The first truth I see is Isaac did not have great honor for his wife. Isaac had treated her such that she could not go to him to be heard and instilled in her an attitude to sneak behind his back.

Another truth I see is Rebekah had little respect for Esau because of the way he lived and his choices in life. Esau had little concern for the birthright and carelessly sold it to his brother for food when Esau was desperately hungry. In her eyes, Esau sold the birthright and it no longer belonged to him.

In addition, they were to become a great nation before God; but Esau threw away the importance God’s blessings to his grandfather by marring Canaanite women. He married outside their bloodline and into the families of people who had a curse placed on them. Esau walked through life trampling everything of godly importance.

I don’t know if we can call it a mother’s intuition, yet Rebecca’s feelings towards Esau began at birth. Those feelings may have influenced the way Esau was nurtured and turned him into the man he was; but there is little scriptural support for that reasoning. However, family dynamics had everything to do with the way these people thought of each other.

And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.” But his mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.” And he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and his mother made savory food, such as his father loved. Then Rebekah took the choice clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. And she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. Genesis 27:11-17(NKJV)

The difference of the boys was night and day and each had their own dysfunction. Esau’s dysfunction we have discussed; now Jacob had his own problems too.

Jacob grew up being favored by his mother and his father favored his brother. We can safely say that Jacob grew up in his brother’s shadows. When Esau learned to hunt, Jacob had to see his dad’ praise for Esau and possibly his father tried to make Jacob hunt too.

Every time Esau returned home, he had caught wild game that he prepared for the family and the excitement of his father was again turned towards Esau.

Then there was the stories about the hunt and the kill; which left Jacob little to say that could match accolades Esau received from Isaac. Yet when feeling low, Jacob could always find a comforting smile from his mother.

Esau was not always successful as a hunter and once when returning home he desperately needed to eat. This caused inner feelings to come out of Jacob and he said, “Sell me your birthright and I’ll give you food.” Esau said, “What good is a birthright?” and agreed. Therefore, Jacob was the rightful person to receive the birthright.

The problems that exist are many. Each person in this family allowed dysfunction to take over their life. I would say that it began at the father and trickled down to every member. This is why we must seek a relationship with the Lord and daily seek to renew it.

Now who deserves the birthright? This we must answer as we go on to study this family of dysfunction. Place yourself in the shoes of a participant and answer the question, “What should they do.” The outcome is in the next study.

The Good Side of Deception.

The Good Side of Deception. Genesis 27:17-29.

Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. So he went to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.” Genesis 27:17-19(NKJV)

Isaac and his wife, Rebekah, were split on who should receive the blessing of the firstborn. Naturally the firstborn should get the blessing; yet Rachel contended that they were actually born at the same time, one grabbing hold of the other. However this was only a minor argument that Rebekah had with Isaac, for Isaac’s favorite son, Esau, had caused the family much grief.

Esau would go on long hunting trips and come back with more experiences than the kill. He was crossing over into other nation’s camps and intermingling with their women. He found favor in the Canaanite women, they gave him what he wanted. However, Esau knew his parents would not approve, for the Canaanites were a cursed people and they did not honor God.

Esau was a man torn between the love of his parents and the love for the girls. So in trying to rectify the situation, Esau married the women as if to be a moral man. Yet all of this only brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.

Rebekah saw Esau as an immoral, pleasure seeking man who did not honor his own family or the God they served. At one point, Esau gave up his birthright to his brother Jacob for the price of a meal. Rebekah knew he could never lead the family; for God could not bless his actions and the promise to Abraham and Isaac of being a great nation would falter under Esau. Therefore, Rebekah would force a situation to rectify all of this and do it in the name of what was right.

Her plan was to have Jacob present a gammy stew to Isaac, that he requested Esau to bring. Esau went out to hunt the meat for this stew and while he was gone Rebekah prepared Jacob to enter into his father’s tent dressed as Esau.

Wrapping him in goat skin and putting him in Esau’s clothes, Rebekah had Jacob enter the tent before Esau could return.

Upon entering, Isaac began to doubt that that was really Esau. His voice sounded different; yet, Jacob continued to say that he was Esau and give his father the food they had prepared.

But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the LORD your God brought it to me.” Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.” So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s xoice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. Genesis 27:20-23(NKJV)

The blessing was far more than words. The blessing was a responsibility before God and to use it wrong had lasting implications. When Noah cursed his son, Ham, the curse followed Ham’s family. They would evolve to be the Canaanites people. Blessings and cursing affected the future.

If you remember, Ham and his family were to be slaves. The curse was administered by God and held them in captivity. Should Isaac have blessed Esau, who married Canaanite women, the meeting of a curse and a blessing would occur. It would disrupt God’s plan and this shows that Isaac was being irresponsible with his blessing.

Rebekah was the only person who saw the truth and her actions were to protect God’s intentions for their family. She knew that Esau was the wrong son to bless; his very actions disqualified him.

Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He said, “I am.” He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said: ” Surely, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field Which the LORD has blessed. Genesis 27:24-27(NKJV)

Isaac was easily fooled and if easily fooled, he was incapable of making the right decision regarding the blessing. Therefore, what Rebekah did can be justified as a spouse who has to make decisions for their mate that can no longer do so for themselves.

Jacob saw through his brother and saw that his father’s fascination with Esau was purely sensual. Jacob was pushed aside by Isaac and his father’s attention focused on Esau. Jacob always looked at this as being wrong. Therefore, when it came time to do what was right; Jacob felt justified in deceiving his father.

Isaac honored Esau, a man who had taken on the characteristics of the great Canaanite hunter Nimrod. Esau was so enthralled with leaving a legacy of being a great hunter it often drove him to the edge of death.

Esau pushed himself to be like Nimrod and perhaps held Nimrod as someone that he must out do. Esau spent his days with Nimrod’s Canaanite people looking for respect and marrying into their families. Esau was driven by the opinion of others.

Therefore may God give you Of the dew of heaven,   Of the fatness of the earth, And plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, And let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, And blessed be those who bless you!” Genesis 27:28-29(NKJV)

The blessing was given to Jacob and it could not have rested in safer hands. Jacob would continue in the family’s manors and customs.

The threat of losing God’s respect could not happen now and the family would continue in God’s plan. Yes, Isaac was fooled; however, Isaac was fooled far before the administering of the birthright. Isaac fell for sensual satisfaction unlike his father who sought to please God.

The Fateful Crossroads.

The Fateful Crossroads. Genesis 27:30-40.

Now it happened, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. He also had made savory food, and brought it to his father, and said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that your soul may bless me.”
And his father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” So he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and said, “Who? Where is the one who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I have blessed him—and indeed he shall be blessed.” Genesis 27:30-33(NKJV)

Esau made light of his birthright and sold it. He did not pursue a relationship with God and sought after earthly pleasures. He did not apply himself for Godliness; but now on his father’s death bed he wants a blessing so that he might continue to live as he pleased, but it was too late.

This happens to people who seek to gain their life on earth, rather than give it to God so that He might flourish it in godly ways. Waiting to enjoy their life and seek God’s blessing later in life, many miss the opportunity all together.

Isaac was none the better, he was not a godly leader of his family; therefore, Esau married Canaanite women who were cursed and sold his own birthright for food.

Jacob, his brother, had a form of godliness, but resorted to deceiving his father to bless him over Esau. This was a family in turmoil.

When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me—me also, O my father!” But he said, “Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.” And Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!” And he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” Genesis 27:33-36(NKJV)

Think about the recession here; as Isaac had children, he gave more attention to Esau than he did to Jacob. He encouraged Esau to think and live as a hunter and to only care for his own physical needs. Feeling ignored, Jacob felt like they were fools; therefore, he treated them the same and as Jacob planned, they fell into a foolish trap. Who was the great hunter now?

Esau was reduced to nothing. He had no birthright, he had no blessing, and he was losing his father to old age and death. Because he did not develop his other family relationships, Esau would soon be alone with his Canaanite family. He and Jacob would part and Esau would no longer be a part of the plan of God to grow a great nation. Esau lost everything of substance so that he might have earthly gain.

Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Indeed I have made him your master, and all his brethren I have given to him as servants; with grain and wine I have sustained him. What shall I do now for you, my son?” And Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me—me also, O my father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. Then Isaac his father answered and said to him: ” Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, And of the dew of heaven from above. By your sword you shall live, And you shall serve your brother; And it shall come to pass, when you become restless, That you shall break his yoke from your neck.” Genesis 27:37-40(NKJV)

The godly will always be a part of the great plan of God. He probably did not give it much thought before now, but Esau chose not to be a part of that plan. He wanted to do his own thing, achieve his own greatness, and reached the crossroads of his life.

Many people think they will live life the way they want and when they are old, they will get right with God. However, they can show up at the crossroads and there they are judged for life.

The crossroads are not always later in life. Just last week a young major league baseball star was escorting friends to a late night party. He had just pitched six innings of his very first major league baseball game and celebrated with his family after the game. He came to his crossroad at a literal street intersection.

Also involved in this fateful meeting was a twenty-two year old man who had struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. He was driving, though his license was revoked. He was on parole, having served a prison sentence. His blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit and he came to the crossroads driving twice the legal speed.

It all happened so quick that no one had time to reconsider their plans in their life to repent before God. What was done in the past was now going to be judged. The cars intersected merging metal with metal. Like turning out lights, eyes closed as life left bodies. When it was over, what was done was done.

The pitcher and his three passengers were killed. The drunken man ran away from the scene, later to be caught, sentenced, and held for the murder of four people. Fifty-five years are destined for the twenty-two year old man’s incarceration. Yet, they all were judged at the crossroads.

Crossroads are not always as horrific as the story just told. For some, like Esau, what they wanted eludes them. They had a chance for salvation from sin and a life serving God; but on that day, they said they would wait and they passed through the crossroads, never to get back their again.

This whole family sat on a pile of blessings. They had more riches than most; yet they did not put their hearts to seeking God fully. Now they were in turmoil and never to be the same.

Does this message find you sitting on blessings? You have the opportunity to enact them and make them a reality, but you are not taking advantage of them?

Some people have access to learn the word of God, but they do not take it serious. They are passing by extreme blessings that could shape their life.

All these, who are sitting on blessings, are heading towards a crossroads. Once at the crossroad, it may be too late to make a decision; therefore, it is of the utmost importance to make your answers today.

What do you want from life? Having answered that, now get to it. The opportunity to know God and to seek salvation from sin is now. Grow to be the person of God that has a great family. Become their guide to draw them closer God. Do your work as God would want and do not sit on your opportunities. Live your life to honor God.

Parental Faults.

Parental Faults. Genesis 27:41- 28:10

So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” And the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, “Surely your brother Esau comforts himself concerning you by intending to kill you. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice: arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran. And stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turns away, until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him; then I will send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereaved also of you both in one day?” Genesis 27:41-45(NKJV)

After studying the dynamics of this family, this action of Esau makes sense. He did not concern himself with God, spiritual life, or family; his only desire was to hunt, kill, and be acclaimed a good hunter. Therefore, when faced with grief his reaction is to kill.

Esau reacted predictably and his mother, Rebekah, knew that Esau had no compassion for others. Esau was self centered, and when pushed into a corner would come out fighting mad seeking his own personal interests.

You may have heard it said, “What you eat is what you are.” The truth goes way past food and can be applied to many parts of our life. When applied to our spiritual life, when trials, struggles, or life’s disappointments arise, you will react according to your faith in God. The question, “What would Jesus do?” has great meaning in our life.

If we walk through life and fail to nurture our spiritual side, then we can never expect to do what is right when the time dictates. You will not be able to give good advice to someone else; and if some how you do, they will not take you serious having watched you live your life. Why should they listen to a person who does not practice what they preach?

In this fiasco of deceitfully ripping the blessing away from Esau, there is a great truth that we must consider. The truth is God never intervened.

God was being faithful to His promise to Abraham and when the blessing was taken, God allowed it to be taken. As did Rebekah, God knew that Esau was not the right person to build the nation that represented God.

Inevitably, God does what is right. Often we have things happen to us and though God does not cause those things to happen to us, God could have stepped in to stop them. However, when needed, He uses those things for good in our life. It was for Esau’s own good that the blessing did not fall on his shoulders; for he could not perform to a standard to please God.

And Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth; if Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, like these who are the daughters of the land, what good will my life be to me?” Genesis 27:46(NKJV)

Esau’s life was entwined with immoral people. The men he associated had no godliness at all. The women he loved were as treacherous as he. Rebekah felt the peace in her life had ended for now she had to send away Jacob and that left her watching Esau and his ill mannered friends.

Rebekah made a good decision, but the decision cost her greatly. In this we must learn that when we make tough decisions, often we must live with them. To live godly is gain; but it first comes with cost.

Jesus told his disciples’ that a person must lose their life to gain it. Through this we can see that God would have us make decisions to choose hardship over the easy life. He would have us put His interests and the interest of others before our own.

And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother’s brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. Genesis 28:1-4(NKJV)

Once the heat was over and things had calmed down, Isaac seemed to have come to his senses. Jacob was the correct son to bless and he reaffirms it to his face. Isaac spoke about God’s work in Abraham’s life and passes that on to Jacob.

This could have been a redeeming point in Isaac life for he now took the interest of God before his own and as we will see the father’s repentance and humbleness to do what was right had a total family impact.

And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughers of Canaan; And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram; And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. Genesis 28:5-10(NKJV)

Esau was reproved by watching his father do what was right in God’s eyes and that made Esau feel less than acceptable by his father. Esau was entwined into the people of Canaan and now he saw his father’s disapproval.

Through all the correction Isaac made, he failed to make a correction that could bring salvation to his son. Isaac blessed Jacob and then failed to speak to Esau about his actions. He also failed to talk to Him about God’s purpose in his own life. It was as if Isaac had given up on Esau.

Where Esau saw error in his affiliations to the Canaanites, he only saw it through the displeasure of his father. For a son who grew up in the praise of his father, pleasing his father was all he knew. Therefore, he thought he had to find family to marry into; but he felt that he could not follow his brother, so he went to Haran.

Isaac’s sin would split his children as did his father, Abraham. Esau would go to join into the families of Ishmael and not be part of the movement of God to produce a holy nation. Jacob would go on to carry the torch and pass it on to the next generation; eventually forming the nation of Israel; yet, how tragic to lose a child from your own error. This is a parents fault.

A Religious Experience.

A Religious Experience. Genesis 28:10-22.

Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Genesis 28:10-11(NKJV)

It would seem that Jacob left in a rush and took little provisions for him. He left with the blessings of his father, who came to realize that God was going to use Jacob to build the nation and not use Esau. Here we find Jacob at the end of a day’s journey, only being stopped by nightfall.

He was so ill prepared for the journey, he would sleep on the ground and stones would be his pillow. It would be interesting to know if the confrontation with his brother could have unsettled him to the point he left without preparing; for broken relationships trouble our minds and therefore, we are instructed in scripture to keep unity among our family and friends.

Needless to say, the hard surface was his bed and the rocks would provide little comfort. Yet Jacob had traveled forty miles in one day and his body was ready to rest.

Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And behold, the LORD stood above it and said: “I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” Genesis 28:12-15(NKJV)

Surely the Lord is in every place and will never forsake His people. Jacob was so consumed in his own sin that He had not considered that he was being used by God. Jacob had lied, cheated, and caused his family much grief. Though he had received his father’s blessing, he did not know how it was to work in his life.

So is the case of people who give their life to Christ, but must live with the consequences of their own sin. Because you ask for forgiveness and God forgives you, God does not take away the consequences.

The person who committed the crime will do the time. The person who hurt others will live with scarred relationships. Untrustworthiness sticks to a person like glue for they are still the same person, only their heart has changed. We will reap what we have sown.

Yet in all of this we must remember that God is willing to restore our relationship with Him. Here Jacob is hearing God and receiving promises that will change his life. Though he had grown up in the shadow of his brother and had a relationship of resentment towards his father, those few years will be little compared to the rest of his life living Godly before the Lord.

People can’t change the past, but they can make it such a small part of their life, if they repent and live the rest of their years big for the Lord.

Here God tells Jacob the same that He told Abraham and Isaac. God has a plan and the plan goes on. It is by grace that He includes us into His plan and with providence God supports us when we choose to serve Him.

And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. Genesis 28:16-19(NKJV)

Jacob had that religious experience that confirmed peace with God; as Jacob says, “Awesome.” There is no greater feeling than to be in the presence of the Lord. This is why we are to get alone with the Lord daily. We may not see the gates of heaven, as did Jacob; but we can meet with the presence of the Lord in the quietness of our prayers.

For many people, God has to chase them down and do a big work in their life before they recognize the reality of Him. Yet how much more sweet it is for a person to seek God and find Him first. Regardless of how that day occurs, it is so awesome when a person realizes that God cares for them.

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God. And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” Genesis 28:19-22 (NKJV)

Finding that the Lord is with you, is a source of great encouragement. No matter the circumstance we face, we can face it boldly when the Lord is with us. Jacob realized this at a latter point in his life. It was not taught to him as a child and he did not see it modeled before him by others. Yet, Jacob found the Lord and believed in Him.

The greatest point of our life is when we acknowledge God. The Bible that once was a jumble of words comes to life. The opportunity to do good to others becomes meaningful and the opportunity to bless God back is forever with us.

The thing to ask is, “Have we moved on from the reality of that day?” So many people find God and submit their life with enthusiasm; yet, enthusiasm is not an energy that we can harness and control.

To maintain our relationship with God and the reality that He is with us, we must daily come before the Lord in new and refreshing ways. Here Jacob is excited about this place and He called it the House of God; it is where he saw the gate to heaven. Yet Jacob must move on to live his life and so must we.

Therefore, we are all to make each place in our life a house of God and worship. There we study, worship, pray, and fellowship to see His work in our lives. We must allow Him to keep the fire burning within, so that we might light the world without.

Finding God’s Will.

Finding God’s Will. Genesis 29:1-14.

So Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the East. Genesis 29:1 (NKJV)

Having made peace with God and receiving wonderful promises bestowed on Him by God; Jacob was a new man. He left behind his old life that had a memory of deceiving his father and hurting his brother and went forward with God’s forgiveness and grace.

His new direction in life would be full of prosperity for God promised it. God gave to him the promise of Abraham and Isaac that he would play a key role in making a great nation. The future was sure and surprises would be at every turn; life was good for Jacob.

Is this the way you live? Having accepted Christ into your life, do you move forward believing that there will be great surprises and victories at every turn? Many will say no, life has got them down; so let’s follow with Jacob and see what we can learn about ourselves.

And he looked, and saw a well in the field; and behold, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks. A large stone was on the well’s mouth. Now all the flocks would be gathered there; and they would roll the stone from the well’s mouth, water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the well’s mouth. Genesis 29:2-3(NKJV)

Jacob found this interesting place. It was obvious that these people were rationing water and sharing it with the different herdsmen. The stone would lay on the mouth of the well until all the areas residence were gathered and then roll it away for all their flocks to drink. They were sharing and sharing can only come from good hearted people.

And Jacob said to them, “My brethren, where are you from?” And they said, “We are from Haran.” Then he said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?” And they said, “We know him.” So he said to them, “Is he well?” And they said, “He is well. And look, his daughter Rachel is coming with the sheep.” Then he said, “Look, it is still high day; it is not time for the cattle to be gathered together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.” But they said, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together, and they have rolled the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.” Genesis 29:2-8(NKJV)

Jacob was feeling much like the new guy and wanting to fit in with these people, so Jacob tries to help them with their work; but his ways were awkward for it was not time yet. So Jacob was going to have to sit and wait if he wanted to help.

It is common to feel insecure when going into new situations. Jacob did well with wanting to help, but Jacob had to learn how things worked in their land. Many people despise getting into uncomfortable situations and so they never travel out of their comfort zones.

If we are going to grow as people and be used by God, we must learn to get involved and let time teach us what we need to do. Some people say that one day they will get involved at their own church, but do not know what to do. If they would just go and let the awkwardness happen, they would find out where they fit in. It is the only way you will see the great blessings that God has in store for you.

Now while he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept. And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s relative and that he was Rebekah’s son. So she ran and told her father. Genesis 29:9-12(NKJV)

The awkwardness turned into great blessings. The instructions of his mother were to go to Haran and find her brother and that there he would find a wife. In obedience he went, but the countries were unfamiliar and how to complete this task seemed too huge. It was a large burden that Jacob carried; however, walking through dessert he was directed right to them.

Now he stood with Laban’s beautiful daughter Rachel. He stared into her beautiful full eyes in amazement. Yet, there was a father to contend with and so Jacob kissed her and sent her back to tell her father that Rebekah’s son was by the well.

Then it came to pass, when Laban heard the report about Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. So he told Laban all these things. And Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” And he stayed with him for a month. Genesis 29:13-14(NKJV)

With providence Jacob walked through a hot dry dessert to find a well, a people, and a new life. It was not as hard as he imagined for Jacob was blessed by God. Often time’s people overwork a task in their heads for no good reason at all.

There are so many people dragging their feet when it comes to walking into their new lives. God forgave them and did a work in their life and they stay in the old life; some, dragging along with the dreams of doing a great work for God.

The number of stifled Christians is great. They attend churches and sit in one spot for so long their church experience gets boring. So they leave their church and go to another. There they have a fresh experience, new opportunities, and yet many go back to doing the same thing they did at their last church.

As Christians we have to go! It was only after going that the Lord appeared into Jacob. That encounter with God lit Jacob up. He knew that God was real and that God was going to do great work. What God would do he did not know; yet because he went it was not long until Jacob found out.

This message is touching many who need to step out of their old life and walk into a new one. This does not mean that you have to quit your job and move to a new city. Yet it does mean that you have to go to church and hang out in the first awkward situations until you get to know them and they get to know you. And it is there, when you do, God will show you His great blessings for you as you serve Him.

Family Deceit.

Family Deceit. Genesis 29:13-30.

Then it came to pass, when Laban heard the report about Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. So he told Laban all these things. And Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” And he stayed with him for a month. Genesis 29:13-14(NKJV)

Jacob was where he wanted to be. His mother told him to find uncle Laban and he arrived to find a beautiful land, a beautiful people, and a beautiful woman, Rachel. So happy was Jacob that he worked side by side with Laban’s workers without asking for money. You could say Jacob finally found rest from his problems.

Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what should your wages be?” Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah’s eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance. Now Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter.” And Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.” Genesis 29:15-19(NKJV)

All of Jacob’s dreams were coming true and in respect to his uncle he offers to serve him seven years, if he could marry Rachel. This meant that Jacob could spend time leading the flocks getting to know Rachel. It would be a seven year courtship and Jacob would honor her virginity. It was good for all; good for Rachel, good for Laban, and great for Jacob. Jacob would fulfill his mother’s desires, carry on his father’s legacy, and build the family that God would grow a nation from.

Yet, there is one thing that Jacob never considered. It was his mother who cooked up the deceit to fool Isaac to give to Jacob the family blessing and this type of deceit can stem from the way a person was raised. Now Jacob would be deceived by his mother’s brother.

So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.” And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. Now it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. And Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid. Genesis 29:20-24(NKJV)

How is it that Jacob could be fooled in the presence of Laban? They had a feast and Jacob was with Rachel all day. Now night falls and it is time to consummate his marriage and it is a different woman?

The deceit of Laban was executed with cunningness as he dressed Leah in the same wedding veils that Rachel wore throughout the day. When the switch took place, Zilpah made sure that the veil stayed on until the lights when out. The tent was dark and Jacob could not have known who he deflowered.

So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?” Genesis 29:25(NKJV)

He worked seven love soaked years so that he might marry Rachel. Jacob had no money for a dowry and his work was all he could offer. Now Jacob knew what it felt like to be deceived.

Laban did not mean it to teach Jacob a lesson; however, Jacob did learn much about his father in-law. Laban was ruthless and not only wanted to see Jacob with both daughters; for Jacob worked so well for him. Jacob was a catch and Laban wanted him to stay around.

And Laban said, “It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfill her week, and we will give you this one also for the service which you will serve with me still another seven years.” Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel as wife also. And Laban gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as a maid. Then Jacob also went in to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah. And he served with Laban still another seven years. Genesis 29:26-30(NKJV)

Laban had offered his cheep excuse and then offered Rachel for another seven years of service. Jacob was furious; we can only hope that the conversation was done away from Leah as not to hurt her. Yet Jacob treated Leah respectfully and continued the marriage ritual which lasted seven days, confirming Leah as his wife.

Needless to say, Jacob would have two wives, which was not an uncommon occurrence in those days. It would not be until the law was given that marriage to only one wife was imposed on people. Therefore, Jacob was not doing anything wrong in marrying both Leah and Rachel.

What began as a wonderful experience turned to be less desirable by the day. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah and living with a strained marriage would be Jacobs’s life. Yet, he had the promise of God to be a great nation and at some point a person must put away the hurt of family deception and go on to live for God.

It is not beyond our own family to commit acts of deceit and as Christian men and women, we must be ready to forgive and go on. However, deceit permeates our whole society; and therefore, we must be wise and carefully select the paths we are to go.

In my life it has happened often that I felt a burden from the Holy Spirit about a person or a situation. Several times I felt compelled to distance myself and my family from them. In every case, God’s leading was right and my family and I have been sparred great pain. Several times our own personal safety was in jeopardy; yet God was faithful to us.

This is why we must do all things in prayer and as we go about our business, we should look before we leap. Jacob felt comfortable in the situation and assumed everything was going to be proper. Like he deceived his own father, Jacob was now on the receiving end of deception.

The Baby Wars.

The Baby Wars. Genesis 29:31 – 30:13.

When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. Genesis 29:31(NKJV)

Used as bate, her father tricked Jacob into marrying Leah when Jacob wanted to marry his true love Rachel. The trap netted the father a promise from Jacob to serve him seven more years in exchange for his youngest daughter, Rachel. Jacob would end up with two wives.

The scriptures say that Leah was un-loved; that did not mean Jacob disliked her, nor does it mean she was mistreated. Jacob and her sister were best friends and each found the other fascinating; Jacob and Rachel had true love for each other.

Leah had to take a back seat and was lonely; therefore, God allowed Leah to get pregnant. Yet not only pregnant, the Lord opened her whom and she was going to be a child bearing machine.

In these times great importance was placed on women bearing and raising children. The fascination placed on modern relations is mostly sensual; but the women of this day were measured by the children they could bear to bring their husband honor.

It was the husband’s job to impregnate their wives and a large family made a husband’s esteem. Therefore, Jacob and Leah would have many children. This is the only way large families could grow and surly nations become of them.

So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, “The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.” Genesis 29:32(NKJV)

Truly the Lord cared for Leah and she was a good wife as she ensured she bore Jacob children; however, she longed for his affection and their relations were not of love, but of obligation.

Leah even selected names that showed her desire with thankfulness to God and her husband. The name Ruben meant “behold a son” and could best be said with an exclamation point, for Leah felt she had done what would please God and Jacob.

Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. Genesis 29:33(NKJV)

It is not known if Leah was vocal about her love for Jacob. Yet the name of this child is Simeon, which means “Heard.” Rachel was heard by God and that was her desire towards her husband; she wanted to be seen as a good wife and heard by Jacob, for Leah wanted to be loved.

She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. Genesis 29:34(NKJV)

In Leah’s mind, the greatness she was bringing to her husband surly was drawing him nearer to her. The times of conception were times she cherished and bearing another child she names it Levi, which means, “Joined to.” Her union with Jacob was joining him to Leah through successful conception; while in the mean time Rachel was barren.

And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing. Genesis 29:35(NKJV)

Once again, Leah has another son, she named Judah. The name means “to be praised” and Leah was thankful for the bountiful blessing of children. She praised God for the opportunity and if Jacob did not lover her now, then she could be happy knowing that she did what was right before the Lord and the Lord heard her cries. Leah was honored by God and she blessed him back.

Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!” And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” Genesis 30:1-2(NKJV)

It was very demeaning not to be able to bear children. The fact could not be overlooked that the problem was not with Jacob, it was Rachel; something was wrong with her.

Without technical knowledge of internal organs, people of this age felt that an unfertile woman was cursed by God. She had done something wrong and God was not favoring her. She was marked in society and would carry the unknown reason with shame. With every child birth of Leah, Rachel sunk deeper into despair.

Rachel did have some character flaws. She was not respecting God’s providence. Rachel’s demeanor was not of sorrow, but of anger and envy. She was in competition with Leah and one child was not enough. She demanded from Jacob “children.” And in the same sentence she threatened suicide. With one outburst it showed her heart and Jacob did not like what he saw.

So she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; go in to her, and she will bear a child on my knees, that I also may have children by her.” Then she gave him Bilhah her maid as wife, and Jacob went in to her. And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. Then Rachel said, “God has judged my case; and He has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. Genesis 30:3-6NKJV)

The baby war had begun. If Rachel could not have children by Jacob, she would adopt the children of her hand maiden. This would give the appearance of having children and the first one she name Dan, which meant “judgment;” and in some wayward logic tried to put God’s approval upon her life.

And Rachel’s maid Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, “With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali. Genesis 30:7-8(NKJV)

Rachel was in a race; yet that is the case with early tribes. So much importance was placed upon raising children to grow their nations that the pressure put on women led to many jealousies. This was the woman’s duty and their cultures demanded it.

When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as wife. And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a son. Then Leah said, “A troop comes!” So she called his name Gad. And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. Then Leah said, “I am happy, for the daughters will call me blessed.” So she called his name Asher. Genesis 30:9-13(NKJV)

Jacob fathered twelve children during this time the women competed for respect. Yet it is terrible that two wonderful sisters could end up hating each other, fighting over a man. Yet this is what happens when we let emotions control us and we settle for our own works, rather than God’s providence in our lives.

The Lord gives and takes away; so let us be content in His work in ourlife.

God has not forgot you.

God has not forgot you. Genesis 30:14-24.

God said to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, “thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Now it was taking shape.

Up unto this time the children born to Jacob were Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher; however, there were more on the way, for Jacob would have twelve sons. So the bickering between wives was not over.

Now Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” And Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.” Genesis 30:14-15

Rueben found the plant that not many people find. Mandrakes were not common and to find one was a great find. Called the Love Plant, mandrakes are poisonous and contain hallucinogenic properties. In Asian cultures it is believed that mandrakes ensure conception and when Rachel saw Ruben carrying the mandrakes into Leah, she wanted them to share.

At this point in their lives, Leah had stopped having children and as we know Rachel was barren; but Rachel had the love of Jacob. So desirous were the possibilities of having mandrakes, Rachel traded Jacob for one night to Leah.

When Jacob came out of the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come in to me, for I have surely hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” And he lay with her that night. And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Leah said, “God has given me my wages, because I have given my maid to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar. Genesis 30:16-18(NKJV)

It is so interesting to see that Leah entreated God for more children and that God may have used the mandrakes in her live to stimulate child birth. They defiantly got Jacob into her tent one more time and that paid off, for she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son.

Leah named the baby Issachar; which means, there is recompense. She felt reimbursed for all the hard work and sacrifice she made to bring children to her husband Jacob.

Then Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. And Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun. Afterward she bore a daughter, and called her name Dinah. Genesis 30:19-21(NKJV)

Of all the women involved with Jacob, they all knew they were on a mission from God to have as many children as they could, for God wanted Jacob to sire a great nation. Each of his wives knew Jacobs’s desire was to have many children, for he knew children were a blessing from God.

However, both wives competed for the love of Jacob, hoping that he would turn away from the other and live in their tent. Leah thought that bearing children would bring Jacob’s respect and that he would come to live with her; but he remained in deep love with Rachel.

Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The LORD shall add to me another son.” Genesis 30:24(NKJV)

Of all people, Rachel felt that God had forgotten her. From the time she married Jacob, she could not have children. In that society, not having children brought shame to the woman and so engrained were thoughts as this, men would cast barren women aside for those who were fetal. Yet, Jacob loved Rachel and could never cast her aside.

Though she had the love of Jacob, she had to watch her sister’s success in having children. Her father had tricked Jacob into marrying her sister, Leah. Her father caused Jacob to respect Leah as a wife and with Leah, Jacob was having many children. Rachel had to watch her man go into Leah’s tent and then later welcome him home.

Rachel felt abandoned by God. God had promised to bless her husband with many children and that they would be a great nation; but Rachel was left out.

There are many people feeling left out of God’s work. They know that “All things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to His purpose;” but hard times encompass them.

When you are waiting for God to do good things in your life and yet trials confront you at every step, we must remember Rachel. Rachel prayed and at times even became impatient trying mandrakes as a solution; but God moved in her life when it was the right time. The children she received were born with a purpose and the time of their birth had purpose also.

With God, we must live by faith and faith is hoping in something unseen. Life is cruel, people are rude, and so many others are taking what they want. Yet the Christian learns to be patient, to be still, and wait on the Lord. God will never leave us or forsake us, if we first put our trust in Him.

Do not Let the World Walk on You.

Do not Let the World Walk on You. Genesis 30:25-43.

And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my country. Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service which I have done for you.” Genesis 30:25-26(NKJV)

Jacob never promised he would stay. He had served Laban fourteen years after Laban tricked him by first giving Leah to him as a wife, when he was expecting Rachel. This was Laban’s way; he was greedy, self centered, and gave little concern for others. Now he was going to lose his hardest worker.

And Laban said to him, “Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the LORD has blessed me for your sake.” Then he said, “Name me your wages, and I will give it.” Genesis 30:27-28(NKJV)

His plea was not for the blessing of God on his life, but the blessings of God for his possession. Laban did not have a relationship with God and knew it. Laban would try any form of god if he thought it was going to bring him increase. Therefore, this plea of Laban was evil in its conception and delivered with the tongue of a snake.

Many times we have to judge peoples characters by what they say and not how they say it. He said that he wanted Jacob to stay and did not have the desire to go with Jacob. If a person truly wants a relationship with God they will go wherever needed to obtain it. They will go without expectations of being blessed.

You will hear people say that the Bible says we should not judge others; but the contrary is the truth. Jesus taught His disciples that we should judge with righteous judgment. He said, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” which means Christians are to weigh the perceptions others and reject them should they be not godly. Christians should be careful when associating with others and in the case of Jacob, Laban had very ungodly motives.

So Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. For what you had before I came was little, and it has increased to a great amount; the LORD has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house?” So he said, “What shall I give you?” Genesis 30:29-30(NKJV)

Laban had not the craftiness to set another trap for Jacob; therefore, he developed an attitude. In reply to Jacob’s question, “Shall I leave with nothing?” Laban says, “What shall I give you?” or better said, “I owe you nothing;” for Jacob came with nothing and their agreement was for the wedding of Laban’s daughters. Laban had paid him and technically he owed him nothing. Jacob had no rights to possessions except those of his wife’s and children.

When faced with the greed of the world, some find it best to leave and take nothing knowing that God will bless them again. Never should a Christian be pulled down to a level of greed and argument. Yet a Christian should always trust in God; for God loves His people with an undying love.

And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep your flocks: Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and these shall be my wages. So my righteousness will answer for me in time to come, when the subject of my wages comes before you: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the lambs, will be considered stolen, if it is with me.” And Laban said, “Oh, that it were according to your word!” Genesis 30:31-34(NKJV)

Again Laban through he was gaining when it came to separating the spotted goats and brown lambs. A pure, one color fleece fetched the greater dollar when at market. A herdsman tried hard to breed out the blemished from his flock; so that when bred, only the pure flock remained. Therefore, Laban looked at Jacob as a fool and asked him to proceed.

The integrity of Jacob was incredible. He would take nothing that was in dispute and worked for his wages. This was Jacob’s character and a godly character it was. Jacob honored God and God would honor Jacob.

Nothing Jacob did was dishonest towards Laban; but given a job with pay, Jacob used the circumstances of the deal to his advantage.

So he removed that day the male goats that were speckled and spotted, all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had some white in it, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and gave them into the hand of his sons. Then he put three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. Genesis 30:35-36(NKJV)

Now the speckled and spotted were sent on their way; they were Jacob’s property. Yet that did not mean he had to stop there. Jacob devised a plan to cause the herd to have more speckled and spotted off spring and according to the contract, they would belong to Jacob also.

Now Jacob took for himself rods of green poplar and of the almond and chestnut trees, peeled white strips in them, and exposed the white which was in the rods. And the rods which he had peeled, he set before the flocks in the gutters, in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, so that they should conceive when they came to drink. So the flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted. Then Jacob separated the lambs, and made the flocks face toward the streaked and all the brown in the flock of Laban; but he put his own flocks by themselves and did not put them with Laban’s flock. Genesis 30:37-40(NKJV)

To the eye of Laban, Jacob was doing a great job and he was happy. His greedy mind looked out all of his pure herd as Jacob did the work of separating them. Yet beyond his heard was another heard that Jacob was building. Day by day, Laban got what he asked for and Jacob increased greatly.

And it came to pass, whenever the stronger livestock conceived, that Jacob placed the rods before the eyes of the livestock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. But when the flocks were feeble, he did not put them in; so the feebler were Laban’s and the stronger Jacob’s. Thus the man became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys. Genesis 30:41-43(NKJV)

Christians are not to be like the world and share in greedy gain. Yet, when they set a system in place we should not walk away from using the system to our gain. Too many times Christians allow themselves to be walked on, pushed around, and they mope thinking that there is nothing that can be done. Yet God would have His people judge righteously and prosper.

Integrity is Important.

Integrity is Important. Genesis 31:1-21.

Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward him as before. Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:1-3(NKJV)

When it comes to having money, some people will protect it at the cost of family; for Laban, he had used his family so that he might gain more possessions. Selling his daughters, Laban’s only concern was to have the savvy young Jacob run his ranch.

Laban had money and wanted more money; the work of Jacob was so strong that Laban continually took advantage of Jacob cheating him at every turn. Ten times, he cheated him on wages and still Jacob honored his commitment towards Laban, knowing that God was watching.

If we were to ever pick a role model for living in a tough society, Jacob would be a good choice. For fourteen years Jacob worked without owning any possessions. His only hope was in when God spoke to his heart saying that he was going to be greatly blessed. Therefore, Jacob carried on his work ethic with impeccable fortitude. Laban saw it; but, Laban wanted to use Jacob for his own gain.

Jacob had made a deal with Laban to separate the spotted or stripped sheep and brown goats out of Laban’s flock. His pay would be to keep all that he separated and soon Laban’s flock looked good; but Jacob was acquiring a great portion of Laban’s wealth. Laban began to notice what was going on and sneers of jealousy were directed towards Jacob.

Now, the son’s of Laban were much like their father and we assume they were a bit worse than he. They looked at their father and all they could think of was their inheritance. When they watched Jacob, they could see it vanishing. The anger began to grow and accusations begin to fly in the Laban household; but, Laban had a made a deal that stuck like a knife in his own heart.

So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock, and said to them, “I see your father’s countenance, that it is not favorable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. And you know that with all my might I have served your father. Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me. If he said thus: ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore speckled. And if he said thus: ‘The streaked shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked. So God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me. Genesis 31:3-9(NKJV)

For six years, Jacob collected animals, encouraging the breeding of more spotted or stripped animals and was gathering a great herd which was allowed within the agreement. He looked at it as fair compensation for his twenty years of labor and unfair wages he was paid.

Looking into the eyes of his wife’s for favor, he explained what he has done and gain their loyalty for leaving their father and traveling to another land.

“And it happened, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted. Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.’” Genesis 31:10-13(NKJV)

If God be for you, who can be against you? Jacob felt a bit deceptive and it must have weighed on his conscious for God used a dream to speak to him.

“I have seen all that Laban is doing to you.” When unfair situation come our way, God is watching. We will feel all the suffering of the situation; but be of good hope for not only is God watching, He will recompense you and those who afflict you. In this we must be like Jacob and endure the hardship knowing that there is deliverance coming.

In addition, we need to realize that failing to trust God will not bring us deliverance. If we try to control the circumstance on our own and fight against those who treat us bad, we will have to come down to their level and be like them. When you do, the whole situation will sink morally lower.

Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.” Genesis 31:14-16(NKJV)

The ladies were waking up to their father’s mistreatment. Their greedy father sold them and he was so focused on his own riches, he would not give them any inheritance either; just like he had not given Jacob a dowry when married. Laban really did not care about his daughters and they loathed him for it.

The women also realized that what Jacob was paid also belonged to them, before it belonged to Jacob. It would be their share of their father’s inheritance, which should rightly be given to them. Laban, in selling his daughters, also rid himself of the responsibility of providing for them. Instead of giving a bride, Laban dumped his responsibility, washing his hands of them. Oh, the pain children face when their parents have no integrity and forsake the role they accepted as parents.

Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels. And he carried away all his livestock and all his possessions which he had gained, his acquired livestock which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. And Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him that he intended to flee. So he fled with all that he had. He arose and crossed the river, and headed toward the mountains of Gilead. Genesis 31:17-21(NKJV)

Well they were off, heading to their husband’s homeland; yet Rachel had one more piece of business that she took care of.

For years she watched her father do crazy rituals in front of talismans’ that he purchased. He tried to summon powers from the idols, believing that other God’s ruled the universe. It was all for greed and over the years Rachel saw him as a greedy old man and probably hated when things went well, for the idols would be praise for the success. Therefore, she snuck into the house and took them.

The passage did not say why, but Rachel believed in the God of Jacob and the wood figures would be a great way to get back at her father for all he did.

Not only is God watching people, our children are watching too. Integrity must be 100% apart of our self makeup or those watching will not respect us. When we do not respect ourselves, people will not respect us either.

God is with Us.

God is with Us. Genesis 31:22-42

And Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. Then he took his brethren with him and pursued him for seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the mountains of Gilead. But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.” Genesis 31:22-24(NKJV)

Often times Christians do not see what is going on behind the scenes, where God is working in their behalf. Jacob knew that Laban was a truly godless man and Jacob had no trust for him. Therefore, he quietly left like a thief in the night leaving Laban with carnal feelings of being robbed. Though it played out this way, God worked in Jacob’s behalf for it was time for Jacob to go; it was God’s plan for Jacob.

Often times we struggle through life’s situations and though we must do what we have to do, to go in the right direction, God is with us. Jacob needed to act in his own behalf, readying his flocks which were his due recompense. He also needed to take what was his and leave at night for Laban was a greedy old man and capable of treacherous deeds.

God blesses His people and we must always know that all things work together for good to them that know Him and are called according to His purpose. The key to this statement is being called. We should know God and his purpose for our lives and live accordingly. If not we are like Laban, who sought the best for him and relied on god’s that he did not know.

So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountains of Gilead. And Laban said to Jacob: “What have you done, that you have stolen away unknown to me, and carried away my daughters like captives taken with the sword? Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me, and not tell me; for I might have sent you away with joy and songs, with timbrel and harp? And you did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters. Now you have done foolishly in so doing. It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.’ And now you have surely gone because you greatly long for your father’s house, but why did you steal my gods?” Genesis 31:24-31(NKJV)

Laban knew about the true God of heaven, but he ignored him. Instead, he trusted in idols that he hoped manipulated the weather, effected his crops, his flocks, and his safety. He was superstitious, like trusting in astrology, worshiping the earth, and he believed in many lesser gods. Even when having this encounter with the true God, he responded without respect to worship Him.

Laban is not so different from most people we meet every day. They hope that good is going to come their way and they superstitiously make choices to do good things so that whatever force governs the earth and its people, will accept them for who they are.

Some respect the God of the Bible, but they do nothing to get to know Him. Our God is often lumped into the pile of the world’s gods and thought of as the same.

People see all these religions and hope they all lead to the same place. Yet here we see in this passage that there is only one God and that the god’s Laban pursued could not help him at all.

Laban pulled out every excuse he could to justify that Jacob did something wrong. He said, you took my daughters and my flocks and you forced them to leave by the sword. Yet the truth was Jacob had worked for Laban under contract to marry those women and for the flocks that now belonged to Jacob.

Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force.’ With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live. In the presence of our brethren, identify what I have of yours and take it with you.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the two maids’ tents, but he did not find them. Then he went out of Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. Now Rachel had taken the household idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. And Laban searched all about the tent but did not find them. And she said to her father, “Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is with me.” And he searched but did not find the household idols. Genesis 31:32-35(NKJV)

Laban was a bully and had no respect for the property or people; he wanted only to be a ruler over them. Rachel recognized this and speaks to her father calling him lord, because the respectful comment would puff up his ego and he would not tear her tent apart as he rummaged for the idols.

Rachel had little to no respect for her father, for she saw him for what he was. Watching him dominate her husband and trick him in wages repulsed her. Therefore, she struck back, taking the idols in a statement that proved how powerful the idols were. They could not even save themselves.

Then Jacob was angry and rebuked Laban, and Jacob answered and said to Laban: “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have so hotly pursued me? Although you have searched all my things, what part of your household things have you found? Set it here before my brethren and your brethren, that they may judge between us both! These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried their young, and I have not eaten the rams of your flock. That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it. You required it from my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. There I was! In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes. Thus I have been in your house twenty years; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” Genesis 31:36-42(NKJV)

Behind the scene, God was at work. He motivated and gave Jacob wisdom to leave and when to do it. Even Rachel, who was learning about God, acted as she felt compelled to take the idols, in hopes of breaking her father’s confidence in them. Oh how much God loves us and cares for us; but we live in a corrupt planet, influenced by evil.

There will be times in our life that we must pick up and go. There will be times where we will stretch the boundaries of the law to do what is right. We will act in sincerity and with passion to do things others might not do; but in all things, we can be sure that God is with us if we are called according to His purpose.

Jacob had a destiny to fulfill and he knew it; so do we. We are called to go unto all the world and preach to the good news that God’s own son, Jesus Christ, died for our sins and rose from the dead. He is the true God and we are to lead them in paths of righteousness that they might commit their lives to serve and follow Him also. Our mission is a command from God and if we take that serious, to be called according to His purpose, we can confidently do the things we do knowing God is with us.

Defusing Conflict.

Defusing Conflict. Genesis 31:43-55

And Laban answered and said to Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and this flock is my flock; all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? Now therefore, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness between you and me.” Genesis 31:43-44(NKJV)

Jacob had boldly come out and rebuked Laban for holding back his wages, tricking him into more work, and breaking agreements. Jacob declared the women as his wives, their children as his own off spring, and flocks as due recompense from the work agreement he had made with Laban. However, Jacob was dealing with a man who had little honor for God.

Laban was a crafty man who used situations for his own good. He was a mediocre businessman and a mediocre sheep herder. It was Jacob, a nephew who came to visit, that had all the talent and over twenty years set Laban’s affairs in order. Now Jacob was leaving and Laban was going to do anything to keep him, even if it meant stretching the truth.

As Laban lays claim to his daughters, their children, and the flocks, this bit of truth is stretched and designed to unhinge Jacob’s confidence. It was true, all these did belong to him at one time; yet through agreements and Jacob’s hard work, they no longer did. However, Laban’s accusation was made with great ceremony, sharply accusing Jacob as if to intimidate the man.

Throughout the world people accuse others to intimidate them by their stature, the way they talk, and many battles are won through intimidation. The real truth was that Laban was intimidated by Jacob, for Jacob was a very smart man and everything he touched turned out well. One day Jacob was going to have great resources and if he was to come back against Laban, Laban would not be able to defend himself. This rant was Laban’s final attempt to try to break Jacob down.

Jacob looked into Laban’s eyes and did not give credence or show emotion to what Laban said. A smart man knows that people, who use intimidation, use it because they are weak. I have had supervisors who have used intimidation to stay in authority. They see the talents of their staff and fear that the staff will rise above them.

While they focus on managing people, the staff is gaining talent and become more in touch with the business than they. They fear as they see themselves becoming less valuable and therefore they lash back in intimidating ways. Here Laban was losing his control and feared his business would fall apart with the departure of Jacob. Jacob was a great business man who got things done.

So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. Then Jacob said to his brethren, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. And Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore its name was called Galeed, also Mizpah, because he said, “May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from another. If you afflict my daughters, or if you take other wives besides my daughters, although no man is with us—see, God is witness between you and me!” Genesis 31:45-50(NKJV)

Jacob knew that something needed to be done to give Laban assurance. Laban had given him his start, Laban had allowed him to marry his daughters, and then Laban’s flocks were used to build Jacob’s flocks. Though Laban was the way he was, Jacob was going to honor him as a boss and a father in law. So after the heap was completed a lunch was prepared and they ate on it.

We can see more about Laban’s need for respect as we read about Jacob setting the pillar stone. At first Laban did not know what to think, but as Jacob had others moving stones into place, Laban realized this would be a dividing line.

Now like most authority figures that are insecure, Laban took the credit for the project. He is the first to give the place a name and he gave it a Syrian name, which in Aramaic mean “Witness Heap;” and would later say that he, himself, laid the first pillar for the spot.

Yet Jacob had his own agenda and as he listens to Laban spout off the name in Aramaic, Jacob countered with the Hebrew name Galeed, which also meant “Witness Heap.” Calling it by its Hebrew name asserting it was going to be Jacob’s territory also and that Jacob’s families were going to be Hebrew’s without regard to their Syrian past.

Then Laban said to Jacob, “Here is this heap and here is this pillar, which I have placed between you and me. This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not pass beyond this heap to you, and you will not pass beyond this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. Genesis 31:51-53(NKJV)

Now the agreement was reached and we can learn much from how Jacob did not react to the deceit of Laban, but defused his aggression by making common ground for them to stand. It is amazing how difference can find commonality over a business lunch.

However, during their lunch, there was one more thing asserted by Laban. Laban made a threat to Jacob that he better take care of his daughters and grandchildren and Jacob counter by also naming the place Mistspah or “Watch Tower” as if to say, “I’m watching you too.”

Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain, and called his brethren to eat bread. And they ate bread and stayed all night on the mountain. And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place. Genesis 31:54-55(NKJV)

In all of this, God was watching. We may feel that God is far when trouble come our way; yet, the truth is, God is so close to our situations He sees all and knows all. When we dedicate ourselves to do His will in our lives, then He is there taking us serious.

There are so many people who hail to the name Christian, but they are busy doing their own will. For Jacob, God’s will was for him to be a great nation and Jacob answered the call by working hard to build that nation.

We must remember that the scripture that promised that all things work together for good is promised to them who are called according to His purpose and His purpose is to reach the entire world with the good news that they can be saved from sin through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died in our place, suffered for our sin, and then was risen from the grave.

We must consider ourselves as God’s people who are led by God and not leading God to our own advantage. God is not there to make our lives soft and comfortable so that we might live and die experiencing joy for ourselves. God is there for us to serve, for He paid our ransom with His own life; we are bought for a price, and we are to respond accordingly.

Facing your Fears.

Facing your Fears. Genesis 32:1-21

So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim. Genesis 32:1-2(NKJV)

This is the second divine meeting where Jacob saw angels and therefore, he calls the name Mahanaim meaning “Two Camps” for he knew the presence of God was there.

If we could pull open the veil separating our existence to see the spiritual realm, our hearts might fret from what we see. Angels battling demons, angelic processions hailing the work of God as He intervenes into our lives; all this would be too much for us.

Jacob had an opportunity to peek behind the scene of the acts of God in his own life; it had such an effect on him that he now desired to face the fear of meeting his brother and attempt to humble himself and repent to him. Jacob was going to right the wrong that he did.

This is what prayer and worship is about. When we enter church and worship, we are inviting God to reveal Himself to us, touch our hearts, and heal them. When we get alone to pray and we patiently wait as we praise the Lord, He will change us and the result will be a person with a softer heart. A person willing to right the wrongs in their life and to do good to others. God’s presence affects us.

Then Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. And he commanded them, saying, “Speak thus to my lord Esau, ‘Thus your servant Jacob says: “I have dwelt with Laban and stayed there until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.”‘” Genesis 32:3-5(NKJV)

This message, though it did not admit guilt, showed Jacob’s willingness to humble himself before Esau. It was a brother reaching out in love to restore the relation and make that relationship what it could be and healing what it was.

This is where restoration begins; first by reaching out with soft words opening opportunity to meet. This step is often the only thing stopping restoration.

Families become torn apart, each desiring a better satiation. Jealousies, hatreds, ignorance, and haughtiness, all become a wall and that wall can only be torn down by gentleness, kindness, and repentance.

Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies. And he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.” Then Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the LORD who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you’: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children. For You said, ‘I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’” Genesis 32:6-12(NKJV)

Jacob was over running; he was going to face his brother and attempt to put the past behind and restore what was lost. Though Esau came with a force ready to battle; Jacob was going to stand in the power of the Lord’s might.

Jacob was fearful and making decision for survival. He was thinking if he had to pay with his life, he wanted his family to be safe.

Notice, that though he knew God was for him, Jacob still feared. This is a common reaction when we face trials; we want the best, but we fear the worst. Yet Jacob turns in a right direction, as he turns to the Lord in prayer.

In our faith, God calls us to not be afraid. That should be a goal for our life and yet for God to help us meet our goals, it takes trials to build our faith. When the Apostle James calls us to embrace our trials, he promised it would lead to patience that waits on God. Yet until that perfect faith occurs, we will often face fear.

Even though you pray, God lets you face your fear. He wants you to feel His presence, though you cannot see Him. Many people feel ashamed that they fear, when they know the scriptural promises that God has made; however, God does not look down on you when you fear.

The action Jacob takes is for preservation. There are times in life God will use the threat we face to motivate us to make decisions of preservation because they are needed. God uses situations for our good.

So he lodged there that same night, and took what came to his hand as a present for Esau his brother: two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. Then he delivered them to the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put some distance between successive droves.” And he commanded the first one, saying, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going? Whose are these in front of you?’ then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’” Genesis 32:13-18(NKJV)

Jacobs’s actions were in line with what Jesus taught His disciples. Jesus taught to do good to those who persecute you, turn the other cheek, and to go the extra mile. Enemies can only be enemies if we class them as such. When we humble ourselves to them, we breakdown that wall that divides.

So he commanded the second, the third, and all who followed the droves, saying, “In this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him; and also say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” So the present went on over before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp. Genesis 32:19-21(NKJV)

Jacob was taking care of the sin in his own life and not worried about the difference he and his brother had. He dropped the bitterness, he left the past behind, and submitted himself to his brother. Oh what a wonderful world it would be if each and every person had the attitude of Jacob.

Do you have a Passion to Serve God?

Do you have a Passion to Serve God? Genesis 32:22-32.

And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Genesis 32:22-24(NKJV)

To rise at night was not a common occurrence for a family traveling in almost unknown territory. However, Jacob knew that there was someone coming close to them and for the sake of his family, he sent them across a tributary of the Jordan River called Jabbok and interestingly he went back to face the threat.

Jacob was a man who was learning to face his fears and face his adversary. He was traveling to face his angry brother, who he had not seen for twenty years. It was possible that the person following Jacob’s family could have been his brother, for his brother was a cunning hunter. Regardless Jacob goes into the night with boldness.

As the story continues we find that this man following was none other than the expressed image of God. We are made in God’s image; therefore, having the figure of a man is not beyond God, for the very son of God was with God in the beginning of the world and nothing was made without Him. Therefore, it is well possible that this man was our Lord, Emanuel.

How daring was it of Jacob to put his own life at risk to face an opponent that grabbed him in the dark and began to wrestle. Even more amazing was his fortitude as Jacob did not give up wrestling all night long. This match was not to harm the other, but bring the other into submission.

Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” Genesis 32:25-26(NKJV)

At some point in the fight Jacob says “I will not let go unless you bless me;” therefore we know that Jacob knew that this was definitely a great man capable of yielding the blessings of God. Jacob was not going to leave without a blessing and his fortitude should shame us all.

Not too many people who hold on to God have the fortitude to wrestle with God until they get answers to their prayers. They pray, but as far as holding on, many give up and settle daily reminding Him as they mention it to God in their prayers.

There are so many issues that we care deeply about; yet how many of us cling to prayer until they are blessed by God. As you can see, there are times in a person’s life that they need to wrestle and hold on to God until they receive an answer.

One side note: the fact that day was about to break is significant in the fact that this entity of God was not to be directly seen by Jacob. To this we might add, God follows us and His promise to never leave us or forsake us is as real as you and I; however, we will never see Him face to face in this life.

So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there. Genesis 32:27-29(NKJV)

The name Jacob means “heel holder” and was given to him by his mother as he held on to his brother’s heel coming out of the womb. Thus was the life of Jacob; as he grew watching his father favor his brother, he held on. When he was tricked by Laban and was given Leah as a wife, he held on. When he was cheated for wages, he held on. Now facing God in the middle of the night, he held on; but that was going to change.

Now wounded in his hip, life was going to change; yet not all change is for the worst. Yes, his hip had withered and struggling with his infirmity would follow him the rest of his days; however, his new name coincided with the blessing he gained this night.

Israel means “God Prevails” and Jacob would leave this place with the confidence that no matter the situation he faced, God would prevail.

It is easy to forget that we are a single individual and are living according to God’s plan. The world does not revolve around us and that is why the apostles of Christ teach in their gospels that we are to consider ourselves servants of God, for we are only the creation and as Jacob, we have our frailties.

So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip. Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the muscle that shrank. Genesis 32:30-32(NKJV)

This lesson was an important one and one that the Israelites would commemorate in their traditions. Every time they prepared their food the flesh from the hip socket would be discarded. It was a reminder to them that we are mere flesh and when we wrestle with God the way we are blessed might cost us.

For years, I stood outside of the place of my work and prayed “Oh how long do I have to waste my talents on this business that has no gain for the kingdom? As a writer, I could see myself writing full time, publishing Bible studies and encouraging Christians with the words God blesses me with.

Every day and several times a day, I held on to God for an answer and then it came; however, it came in the form of great sickness and a heart attack that almost ended my life. From that day forward, my life has had health complication.

So I received what I asked for; Like Jacob, a part of me was weakened so that I might become the servant that I desired, for it was God’s desire too. Weakness and sickness does not bother me for I know that it is for my own good as I am a servant of God.

Restoring Relationships.

Restoring Relationships. Genesis 33:1-17.

Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Genesis 33:1-3(NKJV)

Here we read about the reunion that made Jacob worry. Though he worried, prayed, and faced his fears, Jacob boldly headed into the inevitable; the future was going to be what it was going to be. Jacob arranged his families into an orderly precession and in front he put his faith in God to protect them.

Worry is one thing that we all do best. How we face worry is what defines us as people. We can be filled with worry, but commit our future to the Lord and still be considered faithful in His sight. It is when we face our fears that our faith is committed to God and without faith it is impossible to please Him.

His brother Esau was still the same man. He had not the experiences of Jacob; he did not have God appear to him and he did not wrestle with the almighty for blessings. Esau had formed a band of people who hunted, fought, and were tough individuals. Now four hundred of these rugged men came backing Esau and ready for anything.

What do you suppose was in Esau’s mind? Could it have been expecting a skirmish? Without God in his life, Esau thought of strategies to defeat his brother and surly was ready if Jacob came on attack. Esau still thought of his brother as a thief who stole his birthright and at one time, Esau wanted to kill Jacob. The only thing that shielding Jacob on this day was twenty years they spent apart and God who protected them.

But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down. And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down. Then Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” And he said, “These are to find favor in the sight of my lord.” Genesis 33:4-9(NKJV)

Truly, the way Jacob approached with reverence and respect, showed no sign of aggressiveness and when Esau looked into his brother’s face, he could tell that Jacob was a different man. There was no fear and no frown; Jacob had a look of peace and so does the person who spends quality time to know God; even his enemies will be at peace with him.

So the dialogue began; Esau was amazed at all the children and wives that Jacob acquired; he had left with nothing and returned rich. Esau could see the result from the blessing his father had given to Jacob and now Esau was also at peace with who he was.

Esau liked to hunt and hang with manly men; it is even possible that Esau had no wife and as he looked at his brother’s brood, he thought to himself, “I could never be tied down with responsibilities as these.” Esau’s focus was on the women and children and he gave little attention to the great herds of animals.

But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” So he urged him, and he took it. Genesis 33:10-11(NKJV)

Jacob was sizing his brother up also. Because he saw his brother had need, he generously offers to give him a share of his herds; but is politely rejected. Esau was a hunter, not a herdsman. Esau could not fathom having to care of such animal; yet he took them to satisfy his brother and put closure to their differences.

Jacob also witnessed to his brothers by proclaiming his wonderful testimony. In his evangelism, he looks into Esau’s life to point out the work of God in hopes his brother too would embrace God and seek a relationship with him. Jacob proclaims, “I have seen the face of God and you were pleased with me” which stated that God turned our hearts towards each other, now let us turn our hearts towards Him.

Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.” But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.” And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. Genesis 33:12-17(NKJV)

Esau’s invitation to protect Jacob on the rest of their journey was a great offer; but what need is there? Jacob had his own life and was able to take care of himself. He had done so for many years and though the brothers were united once again, their differences were going to keep them apart. They could be neighbors, yet Jacob was going to have to take care of himself.

Esau was conveying a message of warning. The land they were entering was not the same land as when Jacob left. There were treacherous people who Jacob would have to face and traveling had its dangers. Let the truth be said now, bad company corrupts good morals. The fear that Jacob would face was not might, but secular infiltration of sin into their camp. Yet one does not always see this ahead of time when they choosing where they shall live.

Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel. Genesis 33:18-20(NKJV)

A new land, a new start, and Jacob declares before his family and friends that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was going to be their focus. El Elohe Israel, “the God of Israel” had brought them back to the land He had promised to them. They would honor God in their families and in their camp with the alter that stood to commutate their elegance to God.

The question we will later answer is, “Is a alter enough to raise a Godly Family?”

Innocence Defiled.

Innocence Defiled. Genesis 34:1-12.

And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. Genesis 34:1-2(NKJV)

It was a new land, new people, and it led to new trouble. Jacob had built an alter unto the Lord as an expression of his faith; however, that that did not give reason for his children to accept his convictions about God and his purpose in life.

To Jacob, God was wonderful and continuing in him a work that started with his Grandfather. Jacob knew God personally and through his relationship with God he became a purpose driven man.

In addition, Jacob took his position to be the father of Israel seriously. He settled apart from his brother and separated his people from the others in the land. God had promised him the land of Canaan, yet Jacob did not know how God was going to deliver it to him.

However, his family only watched and listened to the stories of their husband and father. When a family depends on the parents for a relationship with God, the children grow to expect that; but they do not have the knowledge or how to gain that for themselves.

For his daughter Dianna, she wanted to find other girls that she could share her young life with. She knew nothing about the ways of other people and in her ignorance she mingled and walked into trouble. She was raped by the young prince Shechem.

Where was the attention of her parents. How did she get out of their sights? Did they not know the dangers or consider what could happen to a young girl? Had they been so isolated from the world that they did not expect them to act like animals without fear for God?

And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. Genesis 34:3-4(NKJV)

It was a degrading action to succumb to lust and then choose to take her as a wife. It showed no respect towards her parents and it was disrespectful to Diana. She was now a defiled person.

Marriage is to be a sacred commitment and a ceremony that respect parents. In honoring parents the children grow in respect and become respectful individuals; however, this man had no respect and was a selfish person. Only vanity made him think he could be a proper husband. He could not manage his own life; how was he going to manage his children’s or respect Diana as a wife?

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come. And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him. And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob’s daughter: which thing ought not to be done. Genesis 34:5-7(NKJV)

Jacob had taught his boys well. They knew of the providence of God; Israel was more than a name given to their father from God, it was name sake to all their people. It was a namesake they were to respect, honor, and defend.

This action not only defiled their sister, but it showed no respect towards them as a people and to become great in this land, respect was important. Yet, Jacob’s sons though respect had to be demanded.

And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein. Genesis 34:8-10(NKJV)

If Jacob were to allow his families to mix with the gentile nation, what would become of God’s special people Israel? Hamor had no honor for God and Hamor did not honor his own bloodline. His sense of pride was in possessions and life was about what you can take for yourself. It is no wonder his son took Diana without asking. The whole community was raised to be like this.

Do you hear what I am saying? When you mix into the ways of the community it drags you down; yet when you hold your ground and show the community what is important you change your community. As Christians we are called to be in this world but not of it or taking on their ways. We are aliens and must keep watch over our own. We are building a kingdom of people and our bloodlines must stay pure.

And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give. Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife. Genesis 34:11-12(NKJV)

Can you be bought off? Do you turn your back on what is right for money? Our integrity is all we have as people. Our actions proclaim our faith in God and the rejections of wealth to maintain our separateness from the world is greater gain.

There are people who love money so much they concentrate only on their work and so tired are they, after have done all in their day to obtain wealth, they have no time for God. This should not be; our relationship with God and purity in our life is to be our highest importance. It is worth more than money, more important than pleasure, and more than what the world can offer.

There is so much we can learn from this one situation of scripture, but if we do not inject it into our lives like a serum that saves us from sickness, there is not much hope that any of the scriptures will affect us.

Are you a mother of father who has children? These children, no matter if they are grand children, are the future of Christianity and they will take over the leadership of our churches, our towns, our companies, and our nation. Therefore, we must invest out time into them, teaching them the ways of God and showing them how they too can have their own relationship with God.

As Christians we are to be ambassadors of God teaching men and women to forsake the ways of the world and focus on the salvation of their souls. Our example to them is all the Bible they may ever read; therefore your life should be a living epistle.

Children Consult your Parents.

Children Consult your Parents. Genesis 34:13-31.

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: Genesis 34:13-15(NKJV)

The tribe of Jacob moved to a new land and Jacob’s daughter, Diana, went out to see if she could meet some other girls. She was the only girl born to her father and hanging out with her brothers left her wondering how other girls lived. So Diana went to explore, to find what life was like in the nearby community that they had just moved into.

As she mingled with the girls, she was met by a young man named Shechem. He was the town pretty boy; who like a normal guy of any town, loved to flirt. Yet his flirting turned into seduction and Shechem took advantage of her and defiled Diana as he would any girl that he met. Their society morals were so low that this was normal for a young man. Yet as he did, he fell in love with her.

We pick up the where Shechem and his father Hamor came to the camp of Israel to ask for her hand in marriage; yet not only marriage, but a free range of intermingling of their people with Israel.

As it happened, Diana’s brothers were first to meet these two and after they had heard the offer, the brothers responded “No; you’re not circumcised and in order for this to work, your people would have to be circumcised.”

But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised; Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor’s son. Genesis 34:16-18(NKJV)

Now Jacob had preached to his children that they were a special people and God was doing a special work within them. Much like Christians today, God was building a kingdom of people and Israel was to be a great nation.

They were not to mix with other people and therefore the defilement of their sister was extra horrible to them. They felt taken advantage of and they felt as if their sister was tricked as she lost her virginity to this heathen man.

The brothers realized that this was a terrible Godless people who had no respect for others and they were on the land that God had promised their father; so they transpired against them and took the matter into their own hands.

And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob’s daughter: and he was more honorable than all the house of his father. And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised. Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of their’s be our’s? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. Genesis 34:18-23(NKJV)

As Diana’s brothers waited for a reply they could sense the greed and the lust in the hearts of these people. The men were so vicious that it took Hamor to reason with them showing them the gain that the Israelites would bring. If he had not done this, eventually these men would have done treacherous acts towards Jacob’s people. There would have been skirmishes; bitterness, envy, all compelled by greed. There would be no peace between the two peoples.

And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went out. Genesis 34:24-26(NKJV)

Of the twelve brothers, Simon and Levi were the ones who harbored the most bitterness in their hearts and committed this terrible act. Before doing so, they did not talk to their father about their intentions and if they had, it is doubtful Jacob would have consented. It was an extreme move and possibly a twisting of their fathers teaching that God was to give them all the land.

The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister. They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field, And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house. Genesis 34:27-29(NKJV)

The very thing they hated, they became. They hated the pampas attitude, the disregard for respect, and the way they acted towards these people was worse than the way these people would have treated them.

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? Genesis 34:30-31(NKJV)

Jacob had failed in this area of raising his children. Perhaps his family had grown too big for him to guide. Now the large family Jacob desired was in danger while they were in this land and they would have to move on. How terrible is it when our children act unreasonably as these did.

Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and do good to those who persecute us. There could have been a better way to handle this and Jacob would have been a good one to consult before they went off to plunder this people. Yet all this comes through teaching and we must teach our children to come to us before they make decisions in life.

Deliverance from Sorrow and Pain.

Deliverance from Sorrow and Pain. Genesis 35:1-15.

Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.” Genesis 35:1(NKJV)

Jacob was sorrowful; his family had committed a tragic act. In revenge of their sister’s rape, they killed all of the Shechemite men. Then they pillaged their houses taking with them all their possessions. There was crying in Jacobs camp and now there were angry Shechemite widows who felt like slaves. Jacob looked out over his family with great sorrow.

Our human experience will suffer some major setbacks from situations that drive us deep into sorrow. Every human will know what it is to suffer the death of a loved one, a crime committed in sin, and many have suffered persecution and even enslavement. Life is cruel and in times of despair, God is waiting to help us through it.

“What do I do now?” is the cry too often lifted without direction, to a source that cannot help. We can ask our neighbors, our friends, a doctor, but to find complete rest we must lift our questions to God in faith that He will answers.

God hears our prayers and feels our emotions. The God that knows the future felt our pain and sent His own Son to take the penalty of sin on Himself as He suffered for the sins of all humanity. God took our punishment and therefore, if we trust Him, God can restore joy to our existence.

God saw Jacob’s pain and God reached out to restore. “Go to Bethel and make an alter unto me,” God said. This was an act of a merciful God who would now help Jacob and his family with its tragic sin. This is our God who wants to help us in times of need and will help when we heed His call.

And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.” Genesis 35:2-3(NKJV)

Like most tribes in Canaan, the Shechemite people put their trust in idols. Graven images that could not speak, could not hear, and could not help, littered their homes and fables about them flowed from their tongues. People want help, but often do not know where to find it, so they invent spirituality.

All these women, whom had been taken as captives, had all the provocative ways of their culture. They dressed scantily, wore jewelry in their ears, they knew how to attract through lust; now they were going to learn what purity was and how to please a holy God.

So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem. And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. Genesis 35:4-5(NKJV)

In the pursuit of God it is important to understand that He his holy and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. The truth is they did not need the idols they trusted in, they had no power to help them and it was important to strip away their dependence on them.

We must teach people to leave their old life behind to forage forward into God’s protecting hand and into protection they did go. Shechemite women scanned the hills and countryside expecting to see other tribes coming to attack the tribe of Jacob; for these came into their land and committed an atrocity. However, as they bitterly stared they saw nothing; for God put fear into the Canaanite hearts so that he might deliver Jacob and his people.

So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother. Genesis 35:6-7(NKJV)

Jacob was a man who communed with God and now he was asked to return to where his relationship with God began. As if to say, “It is time to start over,” Jacob had come to Bethel to find what he had lost, gain what he had ripped away, and be restored unto God. Surely the Lord was in this place.

When we are down trodden and sorrowful in heart, it is important to return to the place where God has touched our hearts. We can become so engulfed in life that we lose the closeness we once had.

It was Bethel that Jacob stopped for his first night of travel, when he fled from his brother. In his sleep God came to Jacob and said, “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”

Jacob relived the moment, he remembered the encounter, and there he worshipped God afresh. Jacob was reminded it was not Jacob’s people; it was God’s people who Jacob was leading. Jacob was only a tool in the hand of God who was building a race, a kingdom, a people that would be examples for all of history and draw them to the truth that God is love.

Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the terebinth tree. So the name of it was called Allon Bachuth. Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. Genesis 35:8-9(NKJV)

On our mountain tops of clear sight and restoration, we must remember that there will be more pain in our life and while they were there in Bethel, Deborah died. She was laid to rest under an oak tree and they called the place, “The oak of weeping.”

And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.” Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him. So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel. Genesis 35:10-15(NKJV)

The blessings of God were again on Jacob, for Jacob honored God, was obedient to his voice, and was an example unto his people. His faith was a long process and for a second time God tells him that his name is no longer Jacob, but is now Israel.

The name Jacob meant “heel holder” and Jacob stood in his brother’s shadows for years; yet now his name, Israel, means “God prevails.” In saying this, God wanted Jacob to stand up and be a man of God. No longer did he have to hide his head in shame, but he could lift it high for God was on his side. If God forgives us there is no shame and our sins are forgotten; why should we carry them, scolding ourselves over a non issue.

This was his second trip to Bethel and now he was a different man. God wanted Jacob to be confident, fearless, and receive the promise that God was offering.

It is easy to let sin and life to get us down. We can lose faith in God and lose our communion with Him. Yet God wants to restore us to be the men and women that live according to His plan for our lives. We are called by God to be Christians and to this we should honor Him by living according to faith.

My Baby, Whoa Baby!

My Baby, Whoa Baby! Genesis 35:16-27.

Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty. And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for you have another son.” As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin. Genesis 25:16-18(NKJV)

It was Rebekah that began her life with Jacob unable to have children. Her inability to have children was a source of shame and as she watching her sister Leah have many children. It made Rebekah feel less than a woman; for in their society, to have children was a sign of blessings from God and she felt cursed.

However, God opened up her womb and child bearing brought Rachel much joy; however, the very thing she desired would kill her; for the last child she was to give birth to, twist inside her and she would die.

As she died, she expressed her sorrow in the name she gave the child. Ben-Oni, which meant “Son of my Sorrow”, and was Rachel’s way of showing her regret for conceiving this child.

The child would tear her away from the husband she loved; the husband she watched her sister share because of the greediness of their father. She had gained Jacob’s affection and no matter what life brought their way, they were deeply in love.

They met in a field as she tended her father’s sheep. Jacob loved her strength, her wit, and her loveliness. Jacob committed himself to her, even when she could not bear children and he respected his commitment to her, even to the last second.

In sorrow, Jacob would commemorate her life by re-naming the son Benjamin, which means “The son at my right hand.”

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb. Genesis 36:19-20(NKJV)

The tomb of Rachel can still be seen. The Jews declare it one of the third holiest sites in all of Israel. Tradition says that Rachel wept for the children of Israel as they passed the tomb on their way to exile in Babylon.

In 1620 a building was built on the site and capped with a dome by the Ottoman Turks. Due to a deteriorating structure and security situations in Israel, a building was built around it and now it stands as a barrier to separate it from Bethlehem.

Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Genesis 36:20-22(NKJV)

As we now read, the story teller uses the name to which God wanted Jacob to embrace, Israel. The name signified the new man that Jacob had become. No longer would Jacob be the man who carried shame, he would be Israel, the man of God.

When God changes a person’s life, it does not make everyone around them change. Many husbands give their life to God and their wife is slower to follow. It may be their children that do not follow; for people must have their own encounters with God.

This being said, Israel’s son, Ruben, commits an act of sin before him. He brought the sin upon himself and would now have to live with the repercussions of that sin.

Yet the text does not show the emotion of Israel towards this child; but a man of God, who knows the forgiveness of God, would not feel anger, but compassion and sorrow.

Your sin surly will find you out and those things done in secret are seen by God above. Ruben thought he was sneaky, his heart was filled with lust; but Israel found out and the dirty truth and shame would follow Ruben. The fact that there is not much said about Israel emotion shows us that Israel knew God would deal with him in His’ own time.

Jacob had twelve sons: The sons of Leah: Reuben (behold a son) the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon (heard), Levi (joined to), Judah (praised), Issachar (there is recompense) and Zebulun (exaulted). The sons of Rachel: Joseph (Jehovah has added) and Benjamin (son of the right hand). The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah: Dan (a judge) and Naphtali (wresteling). The sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah: Gad (troop) and Asher (happy). These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. Genesis 35:23-26(NKJV)

Jacob was a blessed man, who had sheep, oxen, cattle, camels, people, tents, and many possessions; however, all of this could not replace the value he saw in his children.

God had changed his name to Israel and though it took many years for him to accept God’s providence, Jacob became the godly man named Israel.

His children would go on to be the fathers of the entire Jewish race and when we meet a Jewish man or women today; their lineage goes back to these twelve children.

Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Genesis 25:27-29(NKJV)

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the primary chain of fathers that God raised up to be called according to His purpose. What started with faith ended with faith and that faith produced a world changing people that are still being dealt with by God today.

To Abraham, God promised to provide himself a sacrifice and generations later would be born a lion from the tribe of Judah, the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord. As promised all the world would be blessed through the seed of Abraham and you and I have salvation because these trusted God.

Any man can be as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God will speak to your heart, change your direction, and make you into a person of great faith; we need only let Him.

Here ends the story of Jacob; and as we follow his children, Jacob will again be discussed as we look into their lives and see our own lives; for God has a message for us all.

Is your Family Valued?

Is your Family Valued? Genesis 36:1-43.

Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom. Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite; Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth. Now Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Basemath bore Reuel. And Aholibamah bore Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. These were the sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan. Genesis 36:1-5(NKJV)

Esau gained the nick name of Edom or “Red”. When we last read about Esau he was making amends with his brother Jacob. Esau had coped with the fact that his father Isaac had blessed Jacob and that God honored that blessing. Therefore, the brothers were again united, but there was one thing that would keep them apart; Esau made his home with the ungodly Canaanite people and his people were different from Jacob’s.

The story teller, inspired by God to write this account, lets us look in look into Esau’s life and the nation he fathered children in, called the Edomites. The Edomites will be mentioned in many other stories occurring later in scripture and therefore, it is important to know who they are.

Esau gathered many women; marrying a Hittite, a Hivite, and a Canaanite women. His sons were name Eliphaz (My God is gold), Reuel (friend of God), Juesh (assembler), Jalem (concealed), Korah (bald). These can be called the Dukes of Edom.

The names are significant for they reflect the spiritual conviction of their father. He was more interested in possession than spirituality and his own accomplishments over what God could accomplish through him. Esau began as a hunter and renowned for his hunting. This wildness inside him could not be tamed.

Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the persons of his household, his cattle and all his animals, and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, and went to a country away from the presence of his brother Jacob. For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock. So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom. Genesis 36:6-8(NKJV)

The land they dwelt in was named after Esau. Edom was a mountainous terrain and stretched 100 miles long and 20 miles wide. The northern area began at the Southern end of the Dead Sea and Edom’s Southern area touched a gulf in the Red sea. It was an Arabian nation that bordered Egypt.

Verses Genesis 36:9-29 will be omitted due to its long elaborate presentation of names. Therefore, taking advantage of this passage I will list the names of the grandchildren of Esau, who became chiefs to rule the land of Edom. In this we find that the meaning in their names suggests how the son’s of Esau were raised by their father and how they as parents raised their children.

Chief Teman (South), Chief Omar (Speaker), Chief Zepho (Watch Tower), Chief Kenaz (hunter), Chief Korah (bald), Chief Gatam (a burnt valley), and Chief Amalek(dweller in the valley), Chief Nahath (rest), Chief Zerah (rising), Chief Shammah (astonishment), and Chief Mizzah (fear). Chief Jeush (he hurries to aid), Chief Jaalam (concealed), and Chief Korah (bald). Lotan (covering), Shobal (flowing), Zibeon (colored), Anah (answer), Dishon (thresher), Ezer (treasures), Hori(cave dweller) and Hemam(exterminating), Alvan (tall), Manahath (rest), Ebal (bare mountain), Shepho ( bold), Onam (vigorous), Ajah (falcon), Anah (answer), Hemdan (desire), Eshban (fire of discernment), Ithran (advantage), and Cheran (lyre), Bilhan (their decrepitude), Zaavan (troubled), Akan (sharp sighted), Uz (wooded), Aran (joyous).

Though a name is only a name; the Hebrew protection of every name was an important aspect of life. They believed that it could shape the way a child thought of themselves and that God would respect that name and raise that child to be great. However, this eagerness to please God, Esau had no delight in it.

Esau thought only of necessity. He only considered what he needed and he was building a nation; therefore, many of the names called out positions as these men would become chiefs to carry the nation of the Edomites into the future with strength.

A people are no greater than their kings and the following passage reflects many years of kings that the Edomites would have. There would be wars and skirmishes; yet we must remember that with each generation the knowledge and care for God diminished.

Every parent, every ruler, and every common person, has a responsibility to remember God. They must remember God’s greatness; for without God a people live and die with what they fought for and protected, so it may continue to go forward, but they gain nothing.

Now with Esau were previous generations all originating from Seth, the son of Adam. Therefore, Esau was not the big fish in Edom.

Now these were the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel: Bela(destruction) the son of Beor reigned in Edom, and the name of his city was Dinhabah. And when Bela died, Jobab(a desert) the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham(haste) of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. And when Husham died, Hadad(mighty) the son of Bedad, who attacked Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith. When Hadad died, Samlah(garment) of Masrekah reigned in his place. And when Samlah died, Saul(desire) of Rehoboth-by-the-River reigned in his place. When Saul died, Baal-Hanan(baal is gracious) the son of Achbor(mouse) reigned in his place. And when Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor died, Hadar(honor) reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pau. His wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. Genesis 36:31-39(NKJV)

There were many ruling forces and these people worshiped many gods. There was a deep depression of evil in this society that included worshiping the god Baal. Therefore, Esau was compelled to raise his children to be able to survive in this society by becoming part of it and teaching them to become a part of it. His sons became chiefs and their families worked hard to become leaders.

And these were the names of the chiefs of Esau, according to their families and their places, by their names: Chief Timnah(restrained), Chief Alvah(evil), Chief Jetheth(a nail), Chief Aholibamah(tent of high places), Chief Elah(an oak), Chief Pinon(darkness), Chief Kenaz(hunter), Chief Teman(south), Chief Mibzar(fortress), Chief Magdiel(prince of God), and Chief Iram(belonging to a city). These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their dwelling places in the land of their possession. Esau was the father of the Edomites. Genesis 36:40-43(NKJV)

Of all the names listed in this passage, only Esau will we remember with great understanding. He chose the earthly things of this world and chose to live among those who worshiped idols, not God.

Though he was born into a family under God’s providence, he had no respect for it. What he sought to achieve, he did achieve. He became a great people and dominated a large land; but nowhere in this was God honored and therefore, we see the absence of God’s interaction with them. They became the dust of the earth to be trodden down by future generations.

Let us ask the question, “If they did not honor God, should God honor them?” Around us are all types of people who act the same as Esau’s descendants, should God honor these?

It is easy to look at a Godless society or an idol worshiping society and say they are worthless. Yet God so loved the whole world that he sent His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have ever lasting life.

He granted to Esau an opportunity to know Him and through the years, God did no irrevocable harm. He left a way of escape and never gave up on Esau and his family; neither should we give up on those of our societies. May God be praised in our response.

I Had A Dream.

I Had A Dream. Genesis 37:1-11.

Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. This is the history of Jacob. Genesis 37:1(NKJV)

There is no greater story to tell of a man than the measure of his children. Children are a reflection of their parents, an indication of their parent’s spiritual life, and a statement to a person’s outlook on life.

There too, how well a child does in life is not only a measure of their obedience to their parents, but a measure of the parent’s comprehension and attentiveness in raising the child.

This family of Joseph has some interesting tales that were placed in scripture for our learning. Let us be a reflection of our father in heaven as we study the life of Jacob through his children.

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. Genesis 37:2-4(NKJV)

Jacob grew up to be what he hated. His own father showed favoritism towards his brother Esau. Esau was a manly man, a hunter, and Isaac loved the stories his son told of the pursuit and the kill of wild game. However, Jacob made the same mistake favoring Joseph.

Joseph was the younger brother in the family of twelve boys. Every brother had to watch their father interact with Joseph in a way they wish he would with them. It created sibling rivalry and pitted eleven boys against one.

All Joseph could do was suffer the persecution and take refuge in his father, who would often scold the others. Jacob created this problem.

Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Genesis 38:5-8(NKJV)

It is not a rare occurrence to have others think you are strange, when you tell them of the work God is doing in your life.

As a young Christians there were many great works that God had done in my life. I would tell others innocently, how God spoke this or that to my heart and to them, I became the crazy guy who thinks he talks to God.

I can even remember a day when I sat with the guys on a Saturday morning and as one guy was speaking, I had remembered a dream about that very situation. I blurted out that I had dream about this and they responded. “Oh yeah, well what happens next?”

I then told them that the boss would come in and hand me keys and then get on a plane that plane would crash. Therefore, I became the even crazier guy, because the boss never came in on Saturdays. They taunted me saying, “Hey look here he comes down the driveway.”

They made me look and they laughed at me; but as I looked, he did drive down the driveway and entering the building, handed me the keys, and said, “You’re in charge while I’m gone. I have to go to Seattle,” then he turned and got into his car and drove away.

I stood with my hand out looking at the keys as the room erupted in astonishment. “What are you going to do?” they asked. As I folded my hand around the keys, I turned to them and with a pale face said, “Pray.”

Dreams are that way; God uses them in our life so that we might beware of the future. This was Joseph’s first encounter with God and he did not know what to do with the information and in hind sight, he might have been better off keeping this information to himself.

Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. Genesis 37:8-11(NKJV)

On this second dream, he tried a different approach; he included his mother and father into the announcement. Yet, it too was met with sharp criticism; but the brothers realized that for Joseph to discuss the dream, the way he did in front of his parents, he had a assertiveness that made them wonder.

His brothers began to envy Joseph for they realized Joseph was having a supernatural experience. Though they hated him for the attention their father gave to Joseph; Joseph was willing to sacrifice that to tell of his dream. Something real was happening; but what could that mean?

Dreams are important to pay attention to. Some are caused by fear, emotional trauma, and psychological needs. However, a person must be ready for God to inhabit their dreams.

Throughout my years as a Christian I have had many dreams that helped me make decisions. I have waked remembering exactly what I dreamed and I understood what it was I was to do.

Gideon had a dream that helped him defeat the Midianite army. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he could not interpret, but so did Daniel and he interpreted the dream for him.

In a dream Solomon was asked what he wanted and he told God he wanted wisdom to lead the people. It pleased God so that he gave him riches, honor, and wisdom.

Joseph and Mary had five dreams that helped them care for the child Jesus. Thus dreams are a key function of God that we must pay attention to.

Yet not all dreams are for us to act on; some may have been caused from the spicy food you ate the night before. Yet, when we remember a dream, we must take that dream to God in prayer and in faith we go forward to act.

Sold for the Love of Money.

Sold for the Love of Money. Genesis 37:12-34.

Then his brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” So he said to him, “Here I am.” Then he said to him, “Please go and see if it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring back word to me.” So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem. Genesis 37:12-14(NKJV)

Joseph, a seventeen year old boy, made his life difficult by mentioning some of the dreams he was having. He was always his father’s favorite; but to his brothers he was a spoiled, big mouth, who aspired to lead the whole family. On his last dream even his own father and all of his brother’s mothers were bowing down to him. This shocked the family that a young man could openly proclaim such nonsense.

Therefore, he was an outcast by his brothers; and having eleven brothers, peer pressure kept most all the brothers from fraternizing with Joseph. Here we find Joseph left behind as his brothers tended the family flocks.

I see Joseph being a clean kid, without much common sense. His brother’s left him often and he would stay at the camp or take short walks; yet Joseph was not the brightest when it came to the outside world or his brother’s ways.

Now a certain man found him, and there he was, wandering in the field. And the man asked him, saying, “What are you seeking?” So he said, “I am seeking my brothers. Please tell me where they are feeding their flocks.” And the man said, “They have departed from here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan. Genesis 37:15-17(NKJV)

I like the description of the man who found the boy wandering. He was a “certain man”. The writer could have said a man, but inferred that there was something special about him. The text does not infer that it was God incarnate, but it would be like God to aid us when we are wandering and in need of direction.

Yet God was allowing Joseph to be pointed in harm’s way and as we read about Joseph we will study how God used terrible circumstances to shape his life, so that he might protect God’s people. Joseph was going to the school of hard knocks.

This is why we are told to count our trials as gold; for all things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to God’s purpose.

Into your life trials will come and for many, trials are now here. I counsel you to accept them, embrace them, and look to the sky and praise God for them. For these trails are more valuable than money.

Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him. Then they said to one another, “Look, this dreamer is coming! Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” Genesis 37:18-20(NKJV)

The sons of Israel were calloused men. It seems as if the slaughter of the Shechemites desensitized them to the idea of killing and now they would even consider killing their own brother; the son whom their father loved.

But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.” And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father. Genesis 37:21-22(NKJV)

It is amazing how one soft soul can control an angry crowd. We might often wonder why God has us around such terrible people who imagine evil for others; yet we can be the peacemakers for God, speaking logic to those who oppose themselves.

Though they may be angry and intending to do harm, we can begin to deliver them by showing them a different way. Ruben thought he could deliver Joseph by letting them torture him a while; but the evil in these boys ran deep into their hearts.

So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt. So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened. Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. Genesis 37:23-28(NKJV)

Sold for the love of money. In their worldly eyes they were being gracious to the boy by letting him live. Yet the young seventeen year old lad had to leer into their eyes as they starred with grins on their face.

Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes. And he returned to his brothers and said, “The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?” So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?”
And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus his father wept for him. Now the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Genesis 37:29-36(NKJV)

The secrete was safe; for the treachery of these men was so, that not one of the brothers dare cross the others. Ruben felt more than threatened and now would have to live with the actions of his brothers.

Their father, Jacob, now knew what it was to lose a son. The man, who cheated to steel his father’s blessing, was now cheated himself. His son, presented to him as dead, was gone; little did he know that he was sold into slavery for silver.

However, evil does not cheat God; it does not win. No matter the crime committed towards another, God will revenge all. He will wipe the tears from our face and make all things knew. When He does, evil itself will be shocked for accountability for every action will come screaming down on it with fire.

“Judgment is mine, says the Lord” and in this each of us who had been cheated, defrauded, and robbed will be recompensed. The ill intentions we suffer are in no way comparable to the wondrous treasures of heaven.

Lastly, God provided a certain man to point Joseph into the snares of his brothers. God knew what Joseph was walking into and God was beginning a new work in Joseph’s life. This is the trial that Joseph needed; it would shape his life and make him into the man God wanted.

Killed by God.

Killed by God. Genesis 38:1-11.

It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. Genesis 38:1(NKJV)

When writing the book of Genesis the author included this story to be a warning to the reader. It is a story of degradation and has ugly content. It resides in this account about the sons of Jacob for our benefit; yet it is horrific in detail and sickens me to read.

It was Dianna, who first wandered from the family and mixed with the local people; her rape was a travesty towards their family. A boy asked her hand in marriage after he defiled her and her brothers deceived the Shechemites into circumcising themselves so the marriage might happen.

When the Shechemites were sore from circumcision, having the advantage, Judah’s brothers, Simon and Levi, slaughtered every male. In their minds it was the price to pay for defiling their sister. They were keeping the family honor in tacked and this should have sent a message to all the family that you do not marry unless blessed by their father, Jacob.

Dianna’s incident would not have happened if she had not wandered off; but now here in our story, the teenage Judah would repeat her mistake and wander off.

And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her. So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him. Genesis 38:2-5(NKJV)

Though these are a few short sentences leading up to this marriage, there was more to the story. Judah just wanted to get away for a while and as he wandered he met a young Canaanite man named Hirah.

Like most young men who grow up without godly influence, Hirah had many new and interesting traits. He had a type of strength, free from inhibitions.

As in most societies it is easy to associate alcohol, drugs, sex, and foul language use, as a way to build an accepted identity with others.

Now Judah not only joined the group, he had to take for himself the things that made his identity; this included a girl that he had met; so Judah claimed her like his own property.

Having done things unacceptable to his own family, he stayed away from them. It is not too hard to stay away from a family of dysfunction. His father had multiple wives. His brother’s killed the Shechemites. He and his brothers sold their younger brother, Joseph, into slavery. Therefore to get away from them was not a problem.

Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD killed him. Genesis 38:6-7(NKJV)

Judah continued to raise his children without any parenting skills and with no godly influence. In scripture, you do not find many passages where the Lord kills a person. Yet the evil this young man got into was too much for God to watch. So bad were Er’s evils that God killed him.

And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.” But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the LORD; therefore He killed him also. Genesis 38:8-10(NKJV)

It may seem as if God is on a rampage towards Judah’s family. Yet what started from peer acceptance had grown into intolerable acts of sin, a despicable family, and children who are singled out by God to be put to death.

With God there is intolerance for sin. He is Holy and those who come to Him must have humility towards their sin. Just the act of remorse for sin committed, is enough for God to give a person opportunity to come to Him for forgiveness.

Sin is a weight, and those who feel the weight of their sin have a chance to repent which is given by God. They can come to Him anytime in their life; yet with these young men, there was no way that they would ever live life to repent. Their sin was beyond tolerance and God ended it there on the spot.

Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house. Genesis 38:11(NKJV)

Judah became a man who produced terrible children. He had a warped sense of what family was about and knew nothing about godliness. His own sin caused him deep pain and he no doubt was so conflicted that each day he contemplated his own death.

You have heard it said, “The love of money is the root of all evil;” however, evil has many roots that grow like weeds into your life, penetrating deep into your soul.

Sin breeds despair, hopelessness, anger, and leads to other wickedness. When we meet people, each has their own depression, their own regrets, and their own habits. When we join ourselves to them we subject ourselves to their dysfunction and if a person is not spiritually strong, dysfunction can become their own dysfunction.

The truly amazing point that we must focus on when reading this chapter is that Jesus Christ was a lion that came out of the tribe of Judah.

This is God’s message to us all that no matter your dysfunction, your pain, your anguish, good can come from your life. Your family can experience forgiveness of sin and cleansing from all that is evil.

Jesus Christ is a free gift to all who will accept Him. He will come into your life and change it. However, like the young men who were killed by God, the punishment for rejecting this salvation is death.

People die every day and though we do not hear that it was the hand of God who killed them; all people die and end up in the hand of God. There, they will be judged by one criterion, “What did you do with the salvation offered to you?”

Burn the Girl!

Burn the Girl! Genesis 38:12-30.

Now in the process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. And it was told Tamar, saying, “Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place which was on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, because she had covered her face. Genesis 38:12-15(NKJV)

The story of the upstart of the family of Judah is a dishonorable, sinful, mess. Two of his son’s were killed by the Lord for their wickedness and now his wife dies at a young age. Judah successfully raised an ungodly clan and it was about to get worse.

In worship to God, we are to clean our own messes up; not make them worse. Here Judah goes to see the friend that encouraged him to marry outside of his family. They met as ruckus young lads and together had many tales of sinful pleasures.

Never does Judah turn to the Lord for comfort; in fact he turns to a harlot; so that he might indulge himself at her expense. Judah was looking to feed his fleshly desires; yet fleshly desires do not cure the hurt the separation death brings.

When we seek after sin, sin will oblige; yet it brings with it devastating results. The person seeking drugs fines not only their drugs, but corrupt people who deal in drugs. Association with those who sell and use drugs invites their dysfunction into your own.

The same can be said about alcohol. Alcohol is a lonely partner and will cause a person to seek others who partner up to indulge. What follows is dysfunction, corrupt conversation, and a casting off of morality.

Here Judah was willing to join himself in a spiritual bond; allowing himself to become one with a stranger and accepting of the responsibility that followed. Sex is never free; it cost you a piece of your own soul.

Then he turned to her by the way, and said, “Please let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. So she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?” And he said, “I will send a young goat from the flock.”

So she said, “Will you give me a pledge till you send it?” Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?” So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” Then he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him. Genesis 38:16-18(NKJV)

So many people have been deceived that one time of sexual indulgence is safe. The hope this one date with a stranger will end in bliss. Yet the truth is both walk away degrading themselves, searing their conscious to avoid the thoughts of the affair.

Who said that God approves of extra marital or pre marital affairs? They are all the same in God’s eyes. When you join yourself to a person; you have taken them in marriage. When you walk away, you spit on the very concept of marriage and you do so in the face of God.

In our Christian cultures there are many who have formed the opinion that they can live with another person before getting married. How foolish to think that God will honor that? When has God ever allowed that in scripture and why would He start now? It is sin and invits the consequences of sin and crushes the blessings of God.

Here, Judah becomes the fool. His daughter in law was twisted in her thinking. She suffered the death of her husband at the hand of God and now she is determined to have a piece of her husband, even if it came through the DNA of his father.

So she arose and went away, and laid aside her veil and put on the garments of her widowhood. And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?”

And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.” So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.” Then Judah said, “Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.” And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.” So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!” Genesis 38:19-24(NKJV)

In their culture a woman caught in harlotry was to be burned. Judah was quick to judge her. His own sin looked worse on his daughter in law and he cast the judgment condemning her. It leads us to ask, “Who is the fool, here?”

It is easy to condemn another and hate their sin; but when we commit those same sins we are ready to forgive ourselves and go our way.

When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.” So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.

Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb. And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah. Genesis 38:25-30(NKJV)

Judah was willing to admit his sin and still ready to sweep it under the table. He uses the word righteousness which shows knowledge of what is right. The thing he lacked was wisdom; how to do it.

Many people understand what is right. Daily they are confronting situations where they must judge what they will do and daily people fall into sin that changes their life.

People die every day from the mistakes they made; however, those mistakes could have been avoided by choosing righteousness. Yet Judah, his family, and their choices, caused so much pain to their lives and it was pain that could have been avoided.

The bloodline of Judah would continue and the ancestry of Judah would produce one man who would chose to do what is righteous. It was Jesus Christ, a lion from the tribe of Judah, who would make the right choice and be persecuted for it. His death paid the penalty for all sin and all we must do is accept it for ourselves.

Now we who are challenged to live righteously can ask God for wisdom and find it. We can know how to say no to sin and make choice that Judah did not. Judah chose to serve the desires of the flesh; but through Jesus Christ we can avoid those same mistakes.

The integrity of Joseph.

The integrity of Joseph. Genesis 39:1-9.

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Genesis 39:1-2(NKJV)

There is one thing for certain, to have God for you can only happen if you are for God. Joseph was a man who called out to God and perhaps because of his terrible treatment he received from his brothers. After they threw him into a pit and argued over killing him, it was there that Joseph had no one else to call out to, but God. Then God acted in his behalf.

Trials are a blessing and are to be embraced; though them we get to know God in a complete different way. Many people kick and complain as they go through trials and they sink into desperation. However, if we embrace trials, realizing that God is going to draw a person closer to Him through them, we can come through the trial a better person.

Are you facing the loneliness of a trial in your life? Today God wants you to know trials only last for a while and through them He will reveal Himself more to you each day.

It is one thing to know of God; but to know Him personally and see Him working in your life is amazing thing. It begins by calling out to Him.

And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. Genesis 39:3-4(NKJV)

The Egyptians were monotheists; they believed in many gods. This master saw Joseph prospering and attributed it to the god he worshipped. Therefore, he put Joseph head over all of his affairs and seeing that Joseph was respectful, the master was able to take his mind off of his business and allow Joseph to be in charged.

These attribute of Joseph, to live godly, know God personally, and to do unto others as he would have them do unto him, are to be our focus. We should ask ourselves are we faithful in all of our affairs? Do others value honesty and hard work to where others trust us completely?

The answer many give when asked about Christians are, “No, I do not trust them and I remember times they lacked integrity.” “They treated others poorly or cheated their way through situations.” Though Christians are forgiven by God, people are not so quick to forgive.

So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Genesis 39:5-6(NKJV)

Integrity should be worth sacrificing for. If we seek integrity, we will have to deny our selves when we want to do wrong, treat others better than ourselves, and serve people with the intentions that we are serving God first.

Paul told Timothy to let the same attitude Christ had to be our own. He was a servant that was faithful and obedient to God. He became obedient to the point of death; so that others might have forgiveness of sins.

Though Joseph was a slave, he gladly served the master without fault. He was completely trustworthy and the Lord blessed him in all he did.

Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:7-9(NKJV)

Even the mention of immorality shocked Joseph. Here was Potiphar’s wife and she was not faithful to her husband. She desired to satisfy her flesh and she lusted after Joseph. He could have easily let his guard down, to partake in a moment of pleasure; for no one would be the wiser; yet he could not, for He knew God sees all.

Why should we sin against God? Many people have candy coated their sin so that they taste the sweetness and act as everything is well. I known of men who went to church, serve as deacons, and committed terrible sins thinking they were unseen. However, they only were fooling themselves; your sin will find you out.

Joseph thought of sinning as an intolerable act. He was shocked by the woman’s disregard for her own self and her husband. She only wanted pleasure and did not consider what it could do to others.

Sin is selfish, self centered; though someone says they made a mistake, their sin was first a thought and then it was a conscious decision. The person committing the sin disregarded what they knew to be right, disregarded the feelings of others, and disrespected God.

Their reward is a moment of pleasure, which will not bring satisfaction; but the damage they due can be eternal.

God is calling people to be holy as He is Holy. He made a way for us to resist sin and to make smart choices that honor Him. What good is saying that you want to go to heaven if you live like you are going to hell?

This story of Joseph is in our Bibles that we might see a man with a heart to please God and to be like him. Do you have the integrity of Joseph?

Fierce Trials Softened by Service.

Fierce Trials Softened by Service. Genesis 39:10-23.

Joseph was enjoying his promotion as the head servant in Potiphar’s house. Having been sold by his brothers as a slave, Joseph was sold by slave traders and found himself working for top officer who was in service to the Pharaoh.

Because of integrity, hard work, and a good attitude, Potiphar began to watch Joseph and found the work Joseph did flourished. To Potiphar it was plain that the God of Joseph was blessing him and Potiphar promoted him to the head of staff.

Now Potiphar did not worship the God of heaven; he trusted in the many gods of Egyptian mythology and integrity did not run deep in his household. In our passage today, the wife of Potiphar decided that Joseph was a handsome man and hopped she could pleasure herself by seducing the young man.

So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. Genesis 39:10-12(NKJV)

Joseph was startled beyond belief. He had never had relations with a woman and grew up to believe this activity was for marriage and worse, this woman was married. He knew his own father would not approve and certainly God would not approve; so Joseph turned his shoulder, slipped out of his house coat, and fled the building.

Panting, Joseph stopped to ponder what happened. Was the wife of Potiphar so sinful that she would treat him so bad. Joseph felt much remorse for his master and he wondered how he was going to work for Potiphar and avoid this lady who obviously had no morals? Joseph was in a great dilemma. Though the text does not say so; however, this would have been a great time to commit the situation to the Lord in prayer.

And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside, that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.” Genesis 39:13-15(NKJV)

When you can see an integrity flaw in a person, you usually only see the surface; a dirty heart runs deep. From infidelity this woman switched to anger and in anger she lied so that she might hide her infidelity. She picked the one thing different about the Joseph and used it against him. Yet in honesty, she blamed her husband for the incident; her relationship with him was causing her bitterness.

So she kept his garment with her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, “The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me; so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside.” So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, “Your servant did to me after this manner,” that his anger was aroused. Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. Genesis 39:16-20(NKJV)

She was not mad at Joseph; Joseph was just a pawn in the bitter marriage that Potiphar had with his wife. If Potiphar would have been listening, he would have heard the accusation, “whom you brought to us,” and took it into consideration. However, he only listened to the accusation against Joseph and to make things right he locked Joseph away.

What a trial for Joseph. He was a prisoner and then rose to be an honored servant in the elegant house of Potiphar. Now he was cast into an Egyptian prison where he would again be treated as a slave.

There are two attitudes a person could have in a trial like this. One would be to be sad, sulking in despair. Then another is to submit to the situation as being God’s will for your life.

I look at life as stages and each trial as a work of God in my life. Each stage has a day that it begins and a day that it ends. Through it all God changes me to be a stronger, more faithful person. Joseph would find the same thing happening to Him.

But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper. Genesis 39:22-23(NKJV)

As Christians there is one thing that we must learn and that is God places us where we should be and therefore, we are to accept it and make the best of that situation.

When a person puts their faith in God they can do all things as God strengthens them. Yet if a person kicks and screams, moans and complains, it is all a sign that it will take many trials until they will begin to trust in God. A pastor once told me that no matter how big and how hard the nut, God has a bigger nutcracker.

The Lord was with Joseph in his trial and He is with us in ours. God showed mercy to Joseph and in faith, we must believe, He will us. This is where the statement claiming all things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to His purpose comes from.

God caused Joseph to have favor in the jailer’s eyes and God will cause you to have favor in the eyes of those who hold control over your trail.

Another key word in the passage is “committed.” God commits trails to us for a reason. If we graciously accept our trials, we can find a meaning through the confusion and we can find reasons for being there. Joseph found that by helping, he soon was committed the job of watching over the other prisoners and through his situation he brought comfort to many.

Do you analyze and look for the good in your trails or do you kick, scream, and cry through them? God would have us submit to the trials looking for the reason and finding ways to help others who are similarly burdened.

The mind set is of a servant. If you keep your servants heart, through your trial you will find people to serve and in that you will find relief from the anger, frustration, and gloom.

Patently Waiting the Trial Continues.

Patently Waiting the Trial Continues. Genesis 40:1-23.

It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker. So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while. Genesis 40:1-4(NKJV)

Though Joseph was in prison, Joseph made the best of a bad situation and submitted to his confinement knowing that God could and would deliver. Such an excellent inmate was he, Joseph became the chief overseer of all the inmates. Two of those inmates were directly put there by the Pharaoh.

Joseph talked with most all the prisoners; every man had his own story and Joseph passed the time listening to why they landed in the jail. The Pharaoh’s butler and baker were two of these who wronged the Pharaoh and were placed in prison and spared their life. Could it have been a conspiracy between the butler and the baker or did the actions of one bring the Pharaoh’s suspicion down on both?

Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation. And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?” And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.” Genesis 40:5-8(NKJV)

Everyone has dreams and never should a dream be neglected. Those we meet are often disturbed by the midnight dream police and as we see here, the two men were deeply threatened by not knowing the interpretation of their dreams.

Here we also see that Joseph was a man who had much faith in God and believed that God could and would bring an interpretation of those dreams. Perhaps Joseph had dreams also and moved by the spirit of God, understood their dreams.

Dreams were nothing new to Joseph. As a child he had many dreams and when he told his family of the dreams it caused his brothers to hate him. Therefore, Joseph was acquainted in the work of God through dreams.

Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my dream a vine was before me, and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. Then Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” And Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler. But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house. For indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon.” Genesis 40:9-15(NKJV)

Evidently it was not the butler that committed the crime in the Pharaoh’s court and God was going to allow him to be acquitted, released, and restored to his position. All Joseph asked was for the butler to remember who interpreted the dream, the goodness of God, and pay it forward.

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head. In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.” So Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.” Genesis 40:16-19(NKJV)

What could have the baker done to incite corporal punishment? Did he try to kill the Pharaoh by spiking the food he fed to him? This we will never know; however, as dreams sometimes go, Joseph had to tell the baker of his terrible demise.

Some people that we meet need to have the awful truth told to them. If a person does not repent of their sins, they will one day awake in a place that Jesus told us there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Their eternity will be in total darkness and the place is called hell. We need no interpretation of a dream to share this with those we meet. Yet we must have the boldness of Joseph to do so.

Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Genesis 40:20-23(NKJV)

Joseph watched the men leave the prison; one in terror, dragged to his death. The other cleaned up and put in clothes fit for the service of the Pharaoh. Hopeful that his time in jail was coming to the end, Joseph prayed to God and waited.

Each day, Joseph longed to hear them coming to release him; but that day would not soon come. Joseph’s trial would continue even though God worked in his life to produce a miracle interpretation.

James wrote in his New Testament letter to the church, we are to embrace our trials knowing and they will produce patience in us. This patience Joseph would learn as he starred up to the sky above the prison. That is the lesson for us all and ultimately why Joseph’s story is in our Bibles for our learning. Learn to be patient in your trials and know that God is in control.

Dreams can Save Us.

Dreams can Save Us. Genesis 41:1-36.

Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke. Genesis 41:1-4(NKJV)

Though we know that the prophet Joel said that in the end times old men will dream dreams and young men will see visions, God has used dreams throughout history. These dreams come alerting us to a path, a destiny, and future, yet lived.

It is not just Christians that have dreams, all people have dreams and therefore, we all should pay attention when someone says they had a dream.

Psychologists and science will often pass off dreams as coming from the sub conscience and if they relate to our future, it is by chance. However, God wants people to believe in Him and has used dreams to make believers of people.

Martine Luther King had a dream and it changed the world. Here the Pharaoh of Egypt has a dream and it too would be used by God to change the world.

He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good. Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream. Genesis 41:5-7(NKJV)

Dreams do not always make sense. When dreaming much of what we see comes from our subconscious and experiences of the past. However, those memories can be used to create a message that we are to heed.

The prince of preachers, Charles Spurgeon, struggled to complete a sermon. Sitting at breakfast he told his wife of his dilemma and she filled the gap completing the masterful sermon. “How did you know that?” he asked. She explained, “You preached in your sleep last night; I only listened.”

Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh. Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: “I remember my faults this day. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief baker, we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream. And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.” Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. Genesis 41:8-14(NKJV)

It must have felt nice to clean up after all that time in slavery and prison. I can feel his eagerness as Joseph knew that he would be in the presence of the Pharaoh. It would have been nice to know if Joseph had dreamed the same dream or if God was going to impart wisdom to Joseph as he stood before the Pharaoh. However, the passage does not say.

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.” So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Genesis 41:15-16(NKJV)

In Joseph’s answer we see the relationship and respect that he had towards God. He wanted all the credit to be given to God and humbled himself before the Pharaoh.

This is the mark of a true man of God; they know their role. There is nothing good about us and the only good is God. He changes our lives; it is His work that makes us who we are and without Him we are nothing.

Where most of Pharaoh’s people would have grandstanded on their accomplishment, the humble servant of God directs all the glory to God.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank of the river. Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such ugliness as I have never seen in all the land of Egypt. And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up the first seven, the fat cows. When they had eaten them up, no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were just as ugly as at the beginning. So I awoke. Also I saw in my dream, and suddenly seven heads came up on one stalk, full and good. Then behold, seven heads, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. And the thin heads devoured the seven good heads. So I told this to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.” Genesis 41:17-24(NKJV)

Throughout our world you find Christians at the top of their peer groups. They excel in their perspective craft and faithful complete their work for it is not them that produce the accomplishments, it is God who does His work through them and they humble rise to the top.

Joseph was about to rise to the top for God had given to him the interpretation of the dream. He would explain the dream with meticulous preciseness and the message would leave the Pharaoh shocked, worried, and relieved. Pharaoh was receiving a warning from the true God.

Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do: The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years; the dreams are one. And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine. This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Genesis 41:25-32(NKJV)

Every deed that God enables a Christian to do should shine the spotlight on God. This light does not need to be arrogantly proclaimed, or harshly delivered with threats of hell and separation. Our God would have us do our job and soberly point people to Him.

The Christian should never seem like an eccentric who does not socialize well with others. The Christian can have the respect of his peers and still give all the glory to God. Yet too many Christians never give thought to when is the right time to speak and how they present what they say.

The gospel message of salvation comes with instructions. Much like these instructions for Pharaoh, the presentation of the message must be set out for others to take in for themselves. In this situation, Joseph was not going to be loud, obnoxious, and certainly was not going to be pushy. He would deliver his message and humbly point Pharaoh to know the will of God.

“Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.” Genesis 41:33-36(NKJV)

That was it short, sweet, and to the point. It was a great work of God and Joseph’s imprisonment shaped him to be the messenger able to stand before the Pharaoh and proclaim the future. The way to the Pharaoh was paved through Joseph’s trials.

From Jail to the Throne.

From Jail to the Throne. Genesis 41:37-57.

So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Genesis 41:37-38(NKJV)

Joseph not only was able to interpret the dream of the Pharaoh, he did it with style. All the trials he had experience through life made him into a man of poise and gave him confidence. What others meant for his harm, God meant for his good.

As a young boy, he was shunned by his brothers; however, that was good for him because he did not need their influence in his life.

When they sold him into slave traders, he was caged like an animal and had to learn to trust in God for his safety for the very first time in his life.

Then having been bought by Pharaohs captain of the guard, Joseph would have to learn to speak Egyptian and Egyptian educates, along with their manors and customs. He would learn how to serve in a royal fashion; how to dress the part, and how to address the Pharaoh.

When Potiphar’s wife put the moves on him he learned that it is not good to be alone with a woman in the same room. Through Potiphar and his wife, Joseph learned how to have a bad Egyptian marriage, which would prepare him for a good one.

In Jail he learned that if you serve God by serving others, you will be blessed. He also learned what the Egyptian criminal mind was like. What they looked like and what drove them to be their way.

Now standing before the Pharaoh, Joseph was fully equipped to portrait himself with confidence and understanding. All of his trials made him the man right for the job. It was God’s sculpting hand that did the work in Joseph’s life.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:39-40(NKJV)

In Egypt, they knew of a greater God named Yahweh. In a land that had many gods, Yahweh was now in charge and Joseph would be the representative. He was faithful and sincere; deliberate and intelligent. He was fully equipped for the job and the Pharaoh had complete confidence in Joseph.

This is the work that God wants to do in all of our lives. It may not be to this great extent; however, God wants to raise up legislators, congressmen, presidents, and still has desires for teachers, principles, foremen, executives, and professional people. Christians are needed in every part of the world and each of our jobs in life is important. So important that we must have the integrity and attitude of Joseph; he is the perfect example to us.

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:41-43(NKJV)

It would have been nice to hear Joseph talk candidly about the relationship of his childhood dreams and his rise to power. He dreamed his family would bow down to him and now he had every Egyptian bowing as his chariot passed.

Inside Joseph was beaming, yet he had to look eye to eye with every man, woman, and child. He had to have a serious eye, showing no emotion. Joseph had to look and act as a Pharaoh.

Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:44-46(NKJV)

His new name meant “Treasury of the glorious rest” and was significant to his role in the Egyptian leadership. Joseph was to be a savior to the Egyptians and protect them from the famine to come.

Given a wife, Joseph was expected to make a dynasty of rulers that would lead Egypt into the new challenging future. Family was an important part of their culture and one sadly neglected in ours.

Children are to inherit our values and strengths. They are future leaders and will run the Church of Jesus Christ long after we are gone. If Christianity is to survive and thrive we must be busy about our business of growing families.

Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable. Genesis 41:47-49(NKJV)

It is amazing when you can get to the point you stop counting. Everything we own we measure. We measure the amount, the value, its effectiveness; however, God had blessed them with enough that many other countries would survive on the stores.

There was only seven years of harvest and during those seven years, the harvest was stocked and not spent. It was put away for a coming famine. This was the actions of a purposeful person; one who looked into the future and saw reality.

In today’s societies and with most people, when given supplies of plenty, they trigger a spending spree of plenty. Not looking at the future, they take trips, buy cars, jewelry, and things that perish. But what about what life holds in the future? Is there a day coming when the harvest will be over and you will have a time of famine?

And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: “For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.” And the name of the second he called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Genesis 41:50-52(NKJV)

Joseph was outwardly an Egyptian, but inwardly he was still the son of his father Jacob. Looking at his children, he found joy that he could have a family and carry on his heritage in a great way. The only thing left was uniting his Hebrew family and as always, Joseph trusted in God to do the work.

Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands. Genesis 41:53-57(NKJV)

What is amazing is not only did Joseph store the food, he sold the food. He was building the riches of the Pharaoh’s kingdom and money was coming in faster than the food went out.

When you see the treasures of the Egyptians you can attribute them to this time when Egypt would become the center of the known world; a giant, rich, nation with a great future.

Reaching Rock Bottom.

Reaching Rock Bottom. Genesis 42:1-21.

In our life time, much of the world has insulated itself against famines. However, famines still happen in many countries. Most populated societies are blessed never to know what it is to go hungry; however, where there is plenty many have turned it into decadence and waste much of what they do not eat. It would be nice to balance resources to where all of the people in our world had enough to eat.

Joseph had a dream about the famine that was going to grip the Middle East. God was gracious to show it to him in a dream and set Joseph in a place to do something about it. Joseph became the first in command under the Egyptian Pharaoh.

When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” And he said, “Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.” So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. ⁴ But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.” And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan. Genesis 42:1-5(NKJV)

Jacob was Joseph’s father; his brother sold Joseph into slavery and told their father Joseph was killed by a wild animal. As time went on this family was missing a most intricate member, the member that was a visionary; for Joseph was gifted by God to know the future by his dreams.

The famine had taken its toll on the people of the land. It is not said what happened to the herds of Jacob, but what is mentioned is that the eleven boys, many of them now men, sat around staring at each other. It is possible the herds starved having no food to feed them and now there was nothing to do, nowhere to go, they were trapped in the land that once sustained them.

Jacob looked to see his sons reduced to broken men and said, “Why do you look at one another?” It was a statement meant to motivate and Jacob sent them to Egypt. This action would begin a cleansing of their sin and the famine pushed them into a trial brought by the mercy of God.

They needed to be taught a lesson. Because of their sin, their hearts were hard and they needed to be broken. A person who holds onto their sin will one day be driven to repent, for God loves them.

You may be facing great trials now and it is time to ask God, “Why?” What does He want to change your life? For those whom God loves He chastens.

People do not often recognize the hard times of trial as God being merciful. Yet because God loves us, He uses trials to bring us back to repentance after we have wronged Him or others. It is a merciful thing to do; when God could allow you to die in your sins, He opens the door of opportunity.

Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth. Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, “Where do you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan to buy food.”
So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!” Genesis 42:6-9(NKJV)

Joseph looked and dressed as an Egyptian. He was arrayed in royal clothing and wore accenting make up to his eyes and eyebrows; his jewelry shimmered and Joseph was surrounded by the palace guard.

Speaking through a translator, Joseph’s word alerted the guard that spies were in their midst and before the translator could translate and the muscular guards bore ferocious faces as they held their weapons ready to plunge. This spectacle caused the brothers’ to fear and thoughts of imminent death filled their mind.

And they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.” But he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.” And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.” Genesis 42:10-13(NKJV)

I would have liked to know who it was that spoke for the group. It sounds like the words of Ruben who pled with the brothers not to kill Joseph when they had trapped him in a pit before selling him to the slave traders.

The tone was sharp, trembling, and the speaker was grasping for the right words. He called them servants, honest, and covered the sin they committed against their own brother by admitting, “One is no more.” If they only knew that the person they were talking to was not “no more,” but held their fate in his hands, I’m certain the words would have been different. We would have read words as “sinner, deceitful, and jealous.”

But Joseph said to them, “It is as I spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies!’ In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!” So he put them all together in prison three days. Genesis 42:14-17(NKJV)

The brother Joseph requested they bring was Benjamin. Benjamin was the only true blood brother to have been born to Joseph’s mother, Sarah. Joseph longed to see his own brother, who by now was a young man.

These men, who tremor before Jo