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.
In those valleys we face trial, difficulty, and fear; however, the worship of God should not stop.
God leads us to rest in Him. He is an abundance supplier and when we trust in Him we find our way.
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.
You stretched out Your right hand; The earth swallowed them.
“The people will hear and be afraid; Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.
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.
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?
No Rest for the Weary. Exodus 14:1-10.
The Hard Roads of Life. Exodus 13:17-22.
You might say that our life is a highway and we travel the earth for a short time. The Children of Israel were on the highway out of Egypt and heading towards their freedom. No longer would they be the slaves of Pharaoh, they would be an army of God and take the land that God had given them.
God had given the land to Abraham and in their future they would take it back from others who settled in their land.
The Children of Israel would fight and be victors; however, they did not know how to fight, they only knew how to build. Therefore, God was going to work in their life to toughen them up.
Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 13:17-18(NKJV)
How to Teach People about God. Exodus 13:1-16.
The Lord was very gracious in passing over the homes of the Children of Israel. Not so fortunate were those of the Egyptians; they had lost all of their first born children and their flocks experience death too. However, God delivered His people.
The people knew of God, but how to relate to God was beyond them. They all were like the new family that comes into church for the first time. They know there is a God, but what do you do now?
In a church, the most important responsibility is to teach people how to relate to God. I have been to churches that teach their people only to attend all the functions, pot lucks, outings, and other social events. Therefore, their people, when asked about the scriptures, are lost.
People need to not only learn about God, but learn how to teach others about God. This is the first thing on God’s mind when tending to all these people who had just escaped the bondage of Egypt.
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.” Exodus 13:1-2(NKJV)
The work consecrate means to sanctify, honor, and dedicate. God wanted the Israelites to know how fortunate they were to have escaped the angel of death and teach them that their obedience made the difference.
Sanctification is what we teach to those who come to church. We teach them that Christ died for our sins and in reverence, we sanctify or dedicate our lives to Him. This is the first lesson taught to a person coming to know about God.
And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. Exodus 13:3(NKJV)
For Israel, God saved them all from slavery in Egypt. Yet in our day, the New Testament writers teach that Egypt is a type of the world and the bondage we faced, in this world, is the bondage to sin. Therefore, we also teach people to reflect back to what Christ saved them from; for the life’s we use to lead would have led to spiritual death.
On this subject I must make one interjection. Each of us had been saved from various sins and where it is wonderful to speak about our salvation, the details of our sin should be spared from the ears of your children. We are training them never to sink to that level and live consecrated to the Lord; therefore, our delight for sin should not be a focus.
On this day you are going out, in the month Abib. And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. Exodus 13:4-5(NKJV)
Repetition and holding an annual observance was top on God’s agenda for His people. This is why Roman Catholic Priests instituted the Christmas and Easter Observances; for creating traditions surrounding the goodness of God is a top priority to God.
Family traditions fit into this same thinking also. Families that have a stable event roster grow together and be it Easter, Christmas, or one a person made special, as long as the family reverences it, it will stand as a lesson for all generations that God is good to us.
In America our founding father instituted a day we call Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate our thankfulness, to God, for leading people to America and providing for our families. This is a most wonderful holiday.
Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters. And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, ‘This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came up from Egypt.’ It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year. Exodus 13:6-10(NKJV)
Teaching your children how terrible sin can be, is as simple as teaching them about leaven. Leaven or yeast causes a whole lump of dough to rise. It can never go back to its original state again.
If the dough is to come into contact with other dough, that dough will rise also. Therefore, they had to sweep the house clean and get rid of all the leaven. They ate unleavened bread for seven days which is the number of perfection.
In this they can teach their children the principle of what it is to live a consecrated life. God wants his people to live without sinning. Though it is impossible to not sin, we can continue to sweep our lives clean of sin and that is essential to consecrating your life or dedicating one’s self to God.
“And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, that you shall set apart to the LORD all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the LORD’s. But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.” Exodus 13:11-16(NKJV)
The allegories in the scriptures are vast and if we understand this, as we read Exodus a person can learn much about our own life with God. Through allegories, each of us can apply scriptures directly to our lives.
Do you fit the allegory of being a stubborn donkey? Pharaoh did; and so have many who resist God when God was speaking to their hearts. Many people refuse to listen and God will not pull a donkey to Him.
The blood of the lamb could sanctify even a dumb donkey, but if that lamb sacrifice does not cover the dumb donkey, its neck will be broken and it will die.
Third, even a donkey can be spared and many of us were donkeys.
Passover or Communion? 1Exodus 12:43-51.
The road to Succoth was packed with travelers escaping the slavery of Rameses. God told them to go and changed the heart of the Pharaoh to release them.
These people obeyed God and were faithful to their instruction; but they knew nothing about where they were going. They were leaving their birthplace of Egypt and traveling to a new land. They were like teenagers heading out to face the world that they had only heard stories of.
Prior to the first plague their knowledge of God was passed down to them in the stories of their ancestors Adam, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.
If the Children of Israel were to survive they must have faith in God which is belief in the unseen. Generation after generation spoke of the great faith of the patriarchs and they proclaimed God’s deliverance; but many died before seeing the mighty hand of God.
From the time God made the promise to Abraham, that his family would be a great nation, it had been four hundred thirty years. It was this generation that would see the power of God as God would strike that land of Egypt with the terrible plagues leading up to the release of the Children of Israel from slavery.
Obedience is the Difference. Exodus 12:35-41.
The death angel had come upon the land of Egypt and all who did not obey the message from God had their first born children die. Crying was heard throughout the land and the Pharaoh and most Egyptians wanted the Hebrew slaves gone.
The difference between the grieving and those leaving Egypt was obedience to God. Did you know that obeying God’s word and listening to the still small voice of the Lord can change your future?
Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians. Exodus 12:35-36(NKJV)
Even though they had no advantage in Egypt, the Hebrew slaves left Egypt with great riches. The silver and gold they obtained cut deep into the Egyptian economy; the word used in our text, “plundered,” means to strip away.
The Egyptians were ready to give up anything to have the Children of Israel leave their country. So they gave their most precious possession and sent them on their way.
We also are told that God granted the Hebrews favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. Is it not a wonderful find to see that God can change the intentions of those who oppose us?
At work, you can have the most terrible boss and God can change the bosses mind to grant you favor. Almost every situation that could occur, God can provide help to His own people. In this we should take counsel and build our faith as we watch God work miracles
Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds—a great deal of livestock. And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they had brought out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared provisions for themselves. Exodus 12:37-39(NKJV)
Traveling from Pharaohs treasure city of Rameses the Israelites were joined by many Egyptians who were fleeing their own country. Some feared staying behind and others believed that the Hebrews worshiped the true God and they wanted God to be their God.
The trail was long and hundreds of thousands of people and animals set out on foot stretching for miles.
Succoth was over 20 miles away and the journey would take them several days. It must have been an amazing picture to see so many traveling out of the city Ramses, over hills, and ascending from the plains of the Nile delta to the city of Succoth.
The Hebrew was a very rugged person all their hard work as slaves readied them for this trip and more. It was easy to walk away, when you are used to carrying heavy bricks and totting heavy loads. Here again, God turned the hardship they faced into opportunity for them.
Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years—on that very same day—it came to pass that all the armies of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:40-41(NKJV)
Four hundred thirty years to the day; God kept His promise to Abraham. God is faithful and nothing will stop God’s plans from fulfillment. Even the devil himself cannot stop the plan of God for this world.
All God says will happen, will happen. The Children of Israel left on the very day they God intended.
The scriptures are full of time stamps. A studious person will see that God is never late and always caring for His people. The prophet Daniel was given a prophesy of when the Messiah, Jesus, would ride into Jerusalem and Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that very day.
All the scripture prophesies have come true, when they were supposed to. This leaves us to conclude that not a single prophesy will be left unfulfilled. Therefore, let us be faithful to the observance of God’s commands in the scriptures and be those who faithful follow Him out of the bondage of sin.
It is a night of solemn observance to the LORD for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations. Exodus 12:42(NKJV)
This night, that began the journey out of Egypt, was a very special night for God and well it should be for every Jewish person. It is a story of God’s faithfulness and God’s ability to deliver on time, every time.
Yet the key is the reference God uses to explain who He wants to be in our lives. He wants to be our Lord. No longer do we serve the Pharaoh as Lord, but we serve the Lord, our God.
We do what God says to do and live life according to God’s plans, God’s timing, and God’s way. Obedience is the difference that makes us God’s people and as seen here not only Hebrews are God’s people, but those who join themselves to them are too, God’s people. May the Lord be praised forever.
Escaping Death. Exodus 12:21-28.
The time of servitude in Egypt was over and would be announced by a great feast and a terrible plague.
Each family of the Children of Israel was given instruction on how to prepare their feast, how they were to eat the feast, and how they were to stay safe; for if the instructions were not met with accuracy, the death angel, coming to take every firstborn male, would enter their house.
Egypt would soon be faced with extreme sorrow and crying would be heard throughout the land; for the Pharaoh had refused to let the Israelites worship God and held them captive as slaves.
Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning. For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you. Exodus 12:21-23(NKJV)
It seems extreme to slaughter lambs and spread the blood over the entrance and on the sides of the door post to their houses. One could ask, “Does not God know His own people?” “Does He not know their hearts?”
The answer is, “Yes!” God knows each and every one of His people; however, a lesson was being taught that all people need to understand; especially God’s people.
Adam and Eve both hid from God because they sinned in the garden and God had to cover their nakedness, so they might be able to stand before Him. God had to shed the innocent blood of animals to provide covering for their nakedness.
God asked them, “Why are you hiding from me?” To which they answered, “Because we are naked” for they were both ashamed.
The covings God gave them were skins from innocent animals and though the animals death would not atone for their sin, it gave them ability to cover their, now known, shame.
That was the first sacrifice and the practice of sacrifice would be continued as a reminder to people of their sin.
The Israelites were not sinless people and this sacrifice was going to enable them to stand close to the presence of the Lord as He led them out of Egypt.
Passover was also a type, or example, of the perfect sacrifice that they were to look for. All Jews are raised to look for a perfect sacrifice; a Messiah.
Christians recognize Him as Jesus; for He was the Lamb of God come to earth and innocently killed.
His blood can cove the door posts of our heart and we are to apply it so we may come closer to God and be safe from the destroyer who will one day, again, gather souls.
And you shall observe this thing as an ordinance for you and your sons forever. Exodus 12:24(NKJV)
God versus gods. Exodus 11:1-10.
Egypt had been hit with plague after plague, leaving permanent marks upon the land and upon the people’s lives. The land was scorched, the trees were eaten, and there were no crops in the field. So severe were these plagues that Egypt would not rebound for decades to come.
Yet through it all, the Pharaoh believed if he weathered the plagues, Moses would grow tired of the rejection and leave.
Bitterness, greed, envy, and pride, caused Pharaoh to be bitter, cold, deceitful, and arrogant. His goal was to build two treasure cities to house his riches; a place to be buried.
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!
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?”
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Are you Righteous? Genesis 7:1-11.
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)
And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5(NKJV)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.”
How can a generation raise a generation to live morally if they first will not do so themselves?
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.
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.
Not a Stairway to Heaven. Genesis 11:1-9.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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.