January 12th One Year Bible Readings

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~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Genesis 26:17-27:46 ~ Matthew 9:1-17
Psalm 10:16-18 ~ Proverbs 3:9-10

Old Testament - Today's Genesis chapter 26 readings open up with Isaac digging wells - and then moving on when the Philistine's contest the wells.  This shows an incredible amount of patience on Isaac's behalf.  In this arid region of Gerar, water was like gold and people often battled over water.  Filling in someone's well was akin to declaring war.  Below is an aerial map of where Gerar and Beersheba are located, just on the northern edge of the Negev desert (see lower left corner of map):

Verse 22 stood out to me in these readings about the wells: "Abandoning that one, he dug another well, and the local people finally left him alone. So Isaac called it "Room Enough," for he said, "At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be able to thrive.""  For me this was reminiscent of Abraham giving Lot the choice of lands when there was disputes between their herdsmen.  Abraham was confident that God would provide even with "2nd choice" of the lands - and Isaac here seems to be following in his father's footsteps of wisdom.  I also like the naming of the well - "Room Enough."  I think sometimes in our world today we can get so competitive with each other, thinking that there is a limited sized pie and we have to get our piece of it!  "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" author Steven Covey calls this the "scarcity mentality" - and he encourages us to instead operate with an "abundance mentality" - that there is ultimately enough pie for everyone.  That there is Room Enough.  (perhaps we do need to do a better job sometimes of sharing our pieces of the pie however... see our Psalms & Proverbs today on this point)   How do you find yourself operating in your own life - more often out of the scarcity mentality or the abundance mentality?   Do you see the risk of the scarcity mentality?  And the blessing of the abundance mentality?  Do you believe that there is Room Enough?  Below is a modern day photo of a well near the entrance to Beersheba that is believed to be the well Isaac and his servants dug in chapter 25 verses 23-25: "From there Isaac moved to Beersheba, where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.” Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well."

Genesis chapter 27 today is a very interesting and challenging chapter...  both Jacob and Rebekah are deceitful.  And Isaac is suspicious of the whole charade.  And yet, Jacob receives the verbal blessing from Isaac, which was binding back in those days.  I think this chapter is challenging in that it can bring up the question of sin - and can sin be used to fulfill God's will?  You know I'm going to defer to our resident-expert on Genesis - Bob Deffinbaugh from bible.org.  :)  Check out this quote from Bob in his summary of this chapter: "The purpose of God as expressed to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23 was perfectly accomplished without one alteration. The sins of Isaac and Esau and Rebekah and Jacob did not in any way thwart God’s will from being done. In fact, their sins were employed by God in such a way as to achieve the will of God. God’s sovereignty is never thwarted by man’s sin. To the contrary, God is able to achieve His purposes by employing man’s sinful acts to further His plans."  Then, check out everything Bob has to say on this challenging chapter at this link.   Surf down to Bob's Conclusion at this link if nothing else - it is very intriguing! Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter in the Comments below.  Below is an oil painting from 1639 by Dutch Baroque painter Govert Teunisz Flinck (who was a pupil of Rembrandt) of Isaac blessing Jacob:

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 9 we read about Jesus not only healing - but also forgiving sins.  This is a power and an authority - forgiving sins - that only God could truly have.  It is true that Jesus would be blaspheming, per the teachers of religious law in this passage, if Jesus was not God.  So, perhaps for some reading this blog, this might be a good point for you to ask yourself: do you believe that Jesus is God?  If this is your first go through the Bible or the gospel of Mathew, you may not feel ready to answer this question yet.  But ask it of yourself now - and again as you continue to read this gospel:  do you believe that Jesus is God?  Do you believe that Jesus, as God, could not only heal the paralytic but forgive his sins as well?

In today's readings, Jesus calls Matthew (or "Levi"), the author of this Gospel, and a Jewish tax collector at the time of his call.  Note that while Jerusalem was under the authority of Rome at this time, Rome would hire Jews to collect taxes from other Jews that would be paid to Rome.   The Jewish tax collectors were allowed to keep a commission or percentage of the taxes they collected - however, they were notorious for overcharging and making more than they should have in their collections.  As such, Jewish tax collectors were typically not allowed to be in the temple - nor were they even trusted as witnesses in trials.  And this is our Gospel writer!  :)  (yes, I still trust Matthews writings - he, like us, was forgiven & changed after meeting Jesus)  Below is a painting of Jesus calling Matthew at his tax collector booth - I love how Matthew is very attentive in this image toward Jesus in the midst of all the chaos around him.  Are you this attentive toward Jesus in your life today?

In this chapter Jesus has a meal with "tax collectors and other notorious sinners."  And the religious leaders ask Jesus why he eats with such "scum."  I do hope that you see that this is such an amazing thing about Jesus - he will have a meal with anyone - the "scum of the earth" as one translation calls sinners who believe in Jesus in one of Paul's letters.  Jesus loves the "scum".   And he gets frustrated with the religious leaders who are righteous in their own eyes.  Why the difference?   I think verses 12 & 13 answer this well: "When he heard this, Jesus replied, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do... For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough."  So, this leads to some questions we may want to ask ourselves today.  Are we spiritually healthy or are we sick?  Do we need a spiritual doctor?  Do we need Jesus?  Are we sinners?  Or, do we think we are already "good enough" on our own?  Below is an image of Jesus talking with sinners (per the artist's title of this piece).  Like Jesus, will we talk and dine with "sinners" in our lives today?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 9 titled "The Authority to Forgive Sins" is at this link.

Psalms - I love Psalm 10 verses 17 & 18 today: "LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless.  Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them."  The Psalmist here tells us that God knows the hopes of the helpless.  Do we?  Do we care?  The Psalmist says God will listen to their cries and comfort them.  Are we listening?  Are we comforting?  God will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.  Should we do this as well?  Will we?  Will you?

Proverbs - Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches us today:  "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine."  This is a wonderful reminder to bring our tithes and offerings to God, and he will bless us immensely.  We are not called to bring our leftovers - but our first fruits.  Are the first checks we write each month our tithes and offerings?   Do we write these checks with a joyful and thankful heart to God for this opportunity to give back to Him?  Or do we wait and see what we have left over to give each month... and maybe give not so joyfully or thankfully?  Which way is the most honoring to God?

Worship God: Jesus' calling of Matthew today reminded me of the Rich Mullins' song "Sometimes By Step." Enjoy!

Are you following God step by step?  Click here to take a step!

Please join me in memorizing 2 verses of Scripture today:
"Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  From our Matthew readings today, Jesus dining with sinners did make me wonder this question, which I posted above: Like Jesus, will we talk and dine with "sinners" in our lives today?  Or, do we consider ourselves somehow "above" talking and dining with sinners?  One thing that I have to be careful of - and maybe all of us do - is not getting myself stuck in the "Christian bubble" or the "Christian ghetto."  Meaning, I think we can sometimes find ourselves just spending time, just talking with, just dining with our Christian friends.  And then after a while find ourselves completely removed from the world that needs to experience Jesus' love and light and truth through us.  I think we are called to minister in the world.  Yes, there is a time and place for sure to fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters.  But, I think we do well to find some occasion to talk and dine with "sinners" (not so unlike ourselves, also sinners...) like Jesus did.  So, how are you doing with finding time to talk and dine with folks who perhaps do not yet know God or Jesus?  Do you think this is something you should be doing?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

Comments

[Jean Gakwaya]

Why lying is it not considered as sin during war(Rahab exemple?). Can it exceptionnally become truth/righteous during that period? What is it then if it is not considered as sin? This is challenging and not clear to me! I really do not understand and would humbly wish to get your views.

Many thanks

[luciano Del Monte]

In keeping with Mike's comments regarding befriending those outside of Christ's kingdom, I wholeheartedly agree. We would do well to just learn how to enjoy people and not impose on them our views but rather just expose our way of life by being with them in the normal social settings of life.
In my opinion there is way too much 'us and them' thinking and we categorize people way too much.

Jesus was a friend of sinners.....I like that...'a friend'. KNowing his scriptures he would have known all the references in proverbs to what a friend is and does. One thing about a friend is 'that he loves at all times, and is born for adversity'....That's a good friend. Jesus didn't go around blasting anyone but religious hyocrites who would travel over land and sea to make a single convert. Not Jesus. He gave people room to breathe and to think and to reflect. Just what a good friend does. I bet those 'sinners' loved being around the One who knew the most and still felt safe around him. Safe enough to want to change.

[Nigel]

I like Bob`s conclusion on Gen 27 that Man’s sin can never frustrate the will of God, but it can fulfill it. God is so great that he can even use our free sinful choices to work out his overall plan: he is omni-competent.

But how much better for Jacob if he hadn`t meddled in trying to make God´s plan happen himself. God would have fulfilled the profesy at his birth that he would be first, anyway. But in making it happen himself he had to leave his family for some years. How often do we try to help God bless us, rather than just obeying, and leaving him to honor us?

[Betty]

How often in life we try to "help" God by using our own methods, as if He is unable to achieve His will without our help. Sarah "helped" God by offering Hagar to Abraham, Abraham "helped" God by saying Sarah was his sister as if God could not protect Sarah. And today's reading of Rebekah, Isaac, Jacob, and Esau all reveal the same tendency. God help us to see who we are inside, our proclivity to sin and then see the magnificent power of God whose purposes cannot be thwarted by our simple schemes! Thank God He is always in control.

How often I try to rationalize what I do in order to make things work out from my perspective but truth is, I am showing God a lack of trust in Him. What a great lesson today....truth is, I am not unlike Rebekah or Sarah. Dear God, help me to live trusting You.

[Mark]

A few thoughts, up for discussion, shaping and correction as always, regarding Jacob and Esau:

1. We don't see Esau being much more moral than Jacob when he sets in his heart to murder him! Sure "a lifetime of competition and now this ultimate betrayal" ... but there's no justification for murder is there?

2. As we read on we'll see that God does sort Jacob out. In Genesis 32:27, Jacob is made to admit his name which means "deceiver". He is made to admit his nature and his character, to face who he is. He is set free and his name is changed to "Israel" which means "he struggles with God".

3. We'll also see that God does restore Jacob's and Esau's relationship (Genesis 33).

Sorry to spoil what's in store ;-) But the point is that we can often find situations that seem wrong, immoral, unrighteous, sinful, yet God is using it to accomplish something wonderful in a longer time-frame. As Jayson says, sin is not God's will, but He is able to sovereignly use all things for good and that includes our sinful nature (Romans 8:28).

Given a lifetime of competition and betrayal on Jacob's part, a lifetime of apathy regarding birthright on Esau's part and repressed resentment, is there any other way God could have sorted these two guys out? I really don't know, but I'm pretty sure a human counsellor would have failed miserably! You can't doubt the wisdom and sovereignty of God when you see what happens later. (Not that their sinful actions aren't without consequences.)

It's almost like God sees their fighting in the womb and weaves a wonderful, elaborate (even romantic?) and patient plot to have their natures changed and the two of them reconciled.

[Laura]

On Jacob receiving Esau's blessing, the younger receiving the blessing instead of the elder is a theme that runs throughout the Torah. I do not think it was God's will for Rebekah to cheat, but I do believe that it was God's sovereign will for Jacob to receive the blessing. It seems to show us that God chooses who he wills, not who we will. This certainly seems to be the teaching of the NT:

Romans 9:13-18
"As it is written, 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.'

What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills."

[Mark]

We see God choosing Jacob by God's plan and purpose.I guess this is a good thing to consider when we look at people with messed up lives,living for themselves,etc...God calls us all.Isaac shows us how important it is to let God provide instead of fighting for our "rights"...this really stood out.Even today there are so many people who want you to do all the work while they take all the credit...God is watching.He didn't give Isaac back the wells he dug,didn't seem to strike his enemies down either yet Isaac still prospered.
I know a lot of people have an issue with tithes and offerings...they call it the old testament law,some say it's only for the jews that had levites as priests...We really don't complain as much about taxes do we...I don't think God gave the Law for Israel as punishment....nor did He ask us to bring our first fruits/offerings so God could get rich...Like Isaac didn't hold a grudge that others got the benefits of his work,should we really be judging what our leaders in church do with our money/use it as an excuse not to give.Everyone is going to be judged accordingly,God isn't some tryant that enjoys giving orders...He loves us and knows what's best for us...that's why He said "this book of the law should never depart from our mouth but we are to meditate on it day and night to make our way successful(I'm paraphrasing)Joshua 1:8...note it didn't say so God can be successful...He already is,He just wants the best for us.....If we let go of our ways,our dreams,our lives and give them all to Him.....He'll never let us down....There's more to life than what we see....
God bless you all

[Debi]

I am so excited to have found this blog. Having read through the Bible several times on my own, I am ready to hear commentaries as I read. I love the insight and challenges that are presented, but mostly I love the way God is exalted as Sovereign, yet good!

[Mae]

Reading chapter 27 from Genesis I was very irritated by all the conspiracy ... I know there will be probably different point of views on this. But I don't get it why Isaac only wants to pronounce blessings to his firstborn and not Jacob to. Or are the blessings specificly for Esau? Also, I don't understand why Rebekah talks Jacob into doing this. I don't think you can take someone's blessing away, especially not by deceiving someone. But at the other hand I think Isaac is favouring Esau over Jacob. Let me know if I miss something here ...

Matthew 9:12 stood out for me "When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” ... Do we need Jesus? Are we sinners? Or, do we think we are already "good enough" on our own? ~ I defenitly need Jesus! I'm not good enough on my own. Especially not when satan attacks me, I get frustrated and confused when I have attacks. And I really need Jesus in times like that! I'm not strong enough, at least not YET. I believe Jesus is God and we need to get to Him first and He leads us. I do believe Jesus as a man from flesh and blood (Hebrews 5:2 And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses). But yes, he's God. And I need him, to stay spiritually healthy ...

Psalm 10:17 You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them. ~ I absolutely listen ... comfort them, pray for them. All things I can do, I will do for them.

So, how are you doing with finding time to talk and dine with folks who perhaps do not yet know God or Jesus? Do you think this is something you should be doing? ~ Tomorrow I will go on the streets of our city and preach the gospel. Talk to people and ask them if they know God or Jesus. I wanted to do it for a long time, but I figured "What can I tell them? I'm only a baby in this". Now I'm a bit further ... and I know I can share my experiences with the unsaved. Even though I'm only saved for 5 months, the Lord already showed me A LOT! He gives me all that I need and He healed me from my terrible headaches and He healed me from a lot more. He made me a better person in all I do and I know I can share that with unsaved people. We're going to sing downtown and my pastor will preach ... then all of us will walk around in the city and talk to people, approach them and talk with them. I'm very excited!!! I love the Lord and I hope I can help people to make their decision!!!

[Gina]

Mae - I will be praying for you and your team of people going out to spread some Jesus!! Blessings to you all! I can't wait to hear all about it! I love you, Girl!

There's so much going on in Genesis on today's readings...but what stood out the most is just a general thing...families arguing and fighting and conspiring, etc...just like today! Things haven't changed much. I'm an only child - so I have no idea what it's like to grow up with brothers and sisters around...but my mom has 2 brothers...and right now, unfortunately, there is a big mess going on since my grandma died. It's so sad...and I hate it for them. I won't get into all the details, but it runs along the lines of "who gets what" - kind of like Jacob and Esau - and who gets the birthright and the blessing....

The verse in Matthew that stood out for me was "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" - Jesus wants us to be compassionate for "sinners" - after all, someone was compassionate for us at one time. Your question about "dining with sinners"... yes it is very easy to get caught up in my own little circle of saved friends. But I was remined this week just how quickly life can be taken. My friend's sister died very unexpectedly...I don't believe she was saved, although I know only God knows for sure...but my friend is just beside herself. God reminded me that I have not been making much effort to see her lateley and that I need to do that. Also, I am having lunch and a shopping trip with another friend on Monday...I have been sharing Jesus with her for about 3 years! Still not wanting anything to do with it. I pray God will let me be a light on Monday for her and maybe something new will spark in her heart!

Funny in Proverbs...I just heard a sermon this morning regarding firstfruits and bringing the whole tithe...Hmmmm...that usually means God is trying to tell me something! I ove tithing! So I will definitely be in prayer about this! :0)

[Bill]

Mae: "...But I don't get it why Isaac only wants to pronounce blessings to his firstborn and not Jacob to. Or are the blessings specificly for Esau? Also, I don't understand why Rebekah talks Jacob into doing this. I don't think you can take someone's blessing away, especially not by deceiving someone. But at the other hand I think Isaac is favouring Esau over Jacob. Let me know if I miss something here ..."

Hi Mae. The birthright was an ancient custom in biblical times. I am not sure how it actually origniated but apparently it was approved by God. Isaac was just following that traditional custom. The blessings of the birthright was taken away from Esau by God Himself. It would have been Esau's if he had not forefeited it by despising it in God's sight. Yes, there was favoritism on the part of both parents and, though the Bible doesn't say, there was probably a sibling rivalry between the boys. What Rebekah and Jacob did wasn't right but God used it to fulfill His own purposes. Remember that God knew all of this was going to happen in advance ( Genesis 25:23 ) and spoke of it to Rebekah before Esau and Jacob were born. Actually the birthright is also an Old Testament figure of Jesus Christ of whom The Bible says, is the "FIRSTBORN from the dead" ( Colossians 1:18 ) and is head of the "Church of the FIRSTBORN, which is written in Heaven " ( Hebrews 12:23 ) which is probably one reason why God was angry with Esau for taking his birthright so lightly. I hope this was helpful to you, Mae.

[John]

Gen 26

Not sure if it means anything, but from Gen24:62 - Gen 26. Isaac is associated with seven wells. Just thought I would mention it.

Gen26:34-35
"When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah." NIV

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all have one wife. Esau marries two and they are pagans. We see all through the OT that this is a source of problems for the nation of Israel. The men of Israel stray from the Lord and get enticed by the worship practices of their wives.
======================================================
Matt 9

Verse 3
"At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!" NIV

When talking with atheists or members of certain other religions - I am often told. "Jesus never said he was God". That is not true, but this verse points out that even the people of the time knew Jesus was claiming deity.

The Pharisees and scribes knew that only God could forgive sins. They considered his statement a blasphemy.

THE CALLING OF MATTHEW
"There is archaeological evidence that fish taken from the Sea of Galilee were taxed. So Jesus took as His disciple the taxman that may have been taking money from Peter, James, and John and the other fishermen among the disciples. This might have made for some awkward introductions!" - David Guzik

Verse 13a
"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'"

From Hosea 6:6 the Hebrew word for mercy is "checed" and may be better translated "faithfulness" - faithfulness to God will produce the qualities of love and mercy. The nation of Israel in Hosea was doing the sacrifices, but they were ritualistic and with not the right heart.

Jesus seems to be saying if you were faithful to the God you claim to follow, then you would have love and mercy regarding these sinners. Pointing out a flaw in the Pharisees.

Verse 17b
No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

While the previous verses seem to point out the incompatability of Jesus teaching with the LAW and Judaism. This verse seems to foreshadow Christianity.

The new teaching goes into a new body and is kept whole. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have a regenerated heart and a new Spirit. The new teaching flourishes in the new inner body - and it is the only way to receive Jesus.

The themes that strike me today are:

1) Following God & Seeking Refuge: Matthew 9 v. 12 & 13 "It is not the wealthy who need a doctor bu the sick...for I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" Psalm 10 v. 17 & 18 "...you encourage them and listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed"

2) God's renewal: Matthew 9 v. 17 "...they pour new wine into new wineskins"

3) Honouring God: Proverbs 3 v. 9 "Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops."

My prayer response to these themes is:

"God I thank you that you call sinners, you don't expect us to me perfect but, because I have come to you, you have made me into a new wineskin (I am 'born again') and thank you for filling me with the new wine, your Holy Spirit.

Thank you that I can seek refuge in you.

I choose today to give you my firstfruits."

[Bill]

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

"…Like Jesus, will we talk and dine with "sinners" in our lives today? Or, do we consider ourselves somehow "above" talking and dining with sinners? …So, how are you doing with finding time to talk and dine with folks who perhaps do not yet know God or Jesus? Do you think this is something you should be doing? "

When I got saved not only did I become acutely aware of my own sins but also the sins of others too. So I have to admit that there have been times when I have had the attitude of the scribes and Pharisees. I often prefered to eat alone on my lunch break at work. It wasn’t that I looked down on my co-workers or thought that eating with them was beneath me, at least not consciously, but sometimes I just didn’t feel like being around anybody. Some probably thought I was unsociable because of it and maybe I was. If anything I need to break out of my tendency to be a loner when around unbelievers. It seems to bother some of them and perhaps isn't a good testimony before unbelievers.

GENESIS 26:17-27:46

In this passage of Scripture we see another thing Esau did which caused him to forfeit his birthright and his part in the Abrahamic covenant as far as God was concerned: Esau intermarried with two Canaanite women ( 26:34 ) which was contrary to the will of God ( 24:2-4 ) and also displeased his parents ( 26:35 ) who knew the will of God in this matter. After Isaac had blessed Jacob he charged his younger son to not commit the same error ( 28:1 ).

MATTHEW 9:1-17

Here we see an example of sickness being correalated with sin in a person’s life ( v.2 ). This is not always the reason why people get sick but sometimes it is. In this case apparently it was because Jesus said to the sick man, “…THY SINS be forgiven thee “ ( v.2 )

There are two things in this passage that point to the deity of Jesus Christ: 1) His omniscience ( v.4 ) and His authority to forgive sins ( v.6 ). Only God knows the thoughts of men and only God can forgive sins.

PSALM 10:16-18

Before I read my Bible in the morning I often ask the Lord to “prepare” my heart ( v.17 ), or to establish my thoughts. I must have learned to pray that way from reading this Scripture among others.

PROVERBS 3:9-10

Many Christians do not believe that tithing is for today but was something practiced by God’s people under the Law. However, we have already seen in this study that Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek ( Genesis 14:20 ) which was long before God gave the law to Moses. It is true that there is no command in the New Testament to tithe. Although Jesus, in rebuking the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, mentioned their dilligence in tithing while neglecting the moral aspects of the Law. As he reminded them of the importance of observing the moral law he also nonetheless, in reference to tithing, said not to leave it undone ( Matthew 23:32 ). So it is my conviction that though tithing it is not commanded in the New Testament Scriptures it still remains a biblical principle for blessing by God and the standard for generous giving on the part of God's people. The reason that God did not make it a commandment is because He wanted it to be a voluntary act of worship in giving.

“ Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)

[R]

>> So, how are you doing with finding time to talk and dine with folks who are perhaps do not yet know God or Jesus? Do you think this is something you should be doing? >>, Mike asks.

I am totally convicted on both your questions. I have claimed busyness to weasel out of "dinning" with strangers. Living in and working in NYC gives one plenty of opportunities to dine with folks who don’t know, in the Biblical sense of the Word, God nor Jesus ‘cause a lot of people know about Jesus and think they know. I had, in the distant past when I was on “welfare” and short of funds, this thing I would do when people begged for money saying they were hungry, I would invite them to “dine” with me and I picked up the check. Now because my funds were limited it would always be a simple inexpensive place, like Micky Ds, Wendy’s etc. I don’t do that anymore and I’m not sure why. Maybe it is because I don’t want to hang around with non-Christians; however, I hang around with them on the job. Could it be I’ve become “snooty” and don’t want to be seen around those “type” of folk now that I’m gainfully employed and in a respected occupation. A lot of soul searching needs to be done. Makes me want to go, Hmmm!
Grace and peace,

[Sandra]

January 12th on Rebecca manipulating to have her favored son receive the blessing that was for his older brother Essau. It made me think how much we mothers can forget God has a plan for our children and stubbornly strive to get what we think is best for our child. God lovd Jacob more than Rebbeca could ever love him. We must continue to parent our children with the knowledge that God is in control not us.

It is a freeing thing to meditate on the truth that God can work through mans sinful deeds and our strivings. This has helped me personally to refoucus my attention to the sovereignty of God and away from what might have become bitterness.

[Laura]

One thing that struck me in the Genesis reading was how Isaac participated in the claiming of the blessing by redigging and renaming the wells of Abraham. Despite all evidence to the contrary--he did not own the land and there were other inhabitants--he acted on the knowledge that the promised blessing was his. It was a very courageous thing to do.

This both compares and contrasts with Rebekah's actions. Rebekah knew that Jacob was the recipient of the promised blessing and she acted on it, but did so in a deceptive and manipulative way. Isaac did not do that, but left a well in the hands of God if the inhabitants had a dispute.

Still, God used both responses--even the manipulative, sneeky one.

[Chip]

The concept of abundance versus scarcity mentality is related to self- versus Christ- or other-centered thinking. If I believe that God is able to provide more than enough (abundance), then I am freed to consider the needs of others, and rely upon God to take care of my own. If, however, I fear that due to scarcity I must fend for myself, I will first take care of my own needs, to the exclusion of others. Abundance mentality results from faith; scarcity mentality from fear...

[R]

Genesis 26:17-27:46

Dysfunction Junction, the place were Abraham, Isaac and then comes Jacob hang out and hung out. WOW! Every family filled with manipulative, lying deceitful people can find hope in the story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God is able to take that which is muddy, dirty and downright rotten and restore it back to its rightful position, that place He created it to be. Sibling rivalry, parental favoritism that magnified the contention, misplaced values and bad choices and decisions, it fills the hearts and defines the character of Abraham and his descendents then and now. But for God …

One of the effects of living in a household filled with those who deceivers and the deceived, trust of any kind goes out the window. Those who lie can’t believe or trust what comes out of their own mouths much less anyone else’s. On the other hand, the ones who have been deceived can’t believe what is spoken to them by their deceivers. How much greater the damage when those who deceive are the parents.

I have wondered why it is so difficult for us, as a people to believe the “Truth” of God. But reading this story this go round, I’m amazed that these men and their descendents do eventually turn and begin to believe that God loves them and has given them a promise that He will keep.

And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
(Genesis 25:21-23 KJVR)

Rebecca had been given a Word about the two NATIONS in her belly, “The younger would serve the elder.” Yet she either lost faith in that Word or thought God was not able to bring it to pass. Maybe she saw the older, Esau, being given extra attention from his father, Isaac and thought her husband had the power to change God’s mind or thwart His plan. She didn’t know or believe that all it takes is a, “But God …” to turn things on a dime.

Esau had issues with what really was valuable. He made a decision out of his own character flaw that said getting his stomach filled with a one-time meal, was more valuable than his inheritance, an inheritance from God the creature and owner of the universe. He appraised that which was priceless the price of one pot of stew. No matter how incorrigible Jacob was in the beginning, that man knew the future value of the inheritance.

For argument sake, even if Esau had not given “his” birthright away, his failure to discern the true value of the Blessing, would have left him empty handed because someone else, if not Jacob, who understood the value would have taken it away.

Jesus said, in the Parable of the Talents,
… , Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
(Matthew 25:21 KJV)

May all who come to this site truly understand the value of their inheritance in Christ. Father, give us eyes to see and recognize the Pearl of Great Price. Amen.

Grace and peace,

[Jayne]

Did Jesus know who He was seeking for disciples or did He just challenge people to follow Him and those who did we read about?

I also wonder if Isaac blessing Jacob is a sign for us that Jesus will want sinners for His disciples.

[R]

Jayne--I don't think that Isaac’s blessing is a sign for Jesus choosing sinners as a disciple, but I know this, everyone except Jesus and God are sinners and sin. Thus, yes, His disciples are sinful.

Hope this helps.

[Betty]

Learned something new today-I never really thought about Isaac and Esau's complicity in overturning God's will before. Really appreciate the insight from bible.org-it certainly puts this story in a different light. I dont' think I will ever tire of reading the great literature of the Old Testament-how wonderful to know that God does not need a pious perfect person to futher His will!

As for the New Testament, today's reading covers something very close to my heart-the tendency of "religious" people only wanting to be surrounded by other "religious" people and the subsequent judgemental attitude that accompanies that tendency. I have been burdened alot lately by the loud, harsh, and even hateful rhetoric directed to people who don't believe quite like they do. I am appalled at how many Christians act like they hate the people of the world-the very ones Jesus told us to reach out to. Jesus did not ask God to take us out of the world, in fact "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." John 17:15 Jesus' strongest words for those teachers of religious law -the Pharisees. They were so busy trying to live the letter of the law and look good to themselves and their peers that they missed the whole point of God. Today's reading exemplified just that. Jesus had great compassion for sinners, and He was right there were they lived and I believe He calls us to do the same. How on earth are sinners supposed to come to know our Lord and Saviour if no one wants to even get close to them? My personal life style is to be "in the world, not of it". I pray each day for God to allow me to reflect His glory in my life-and if I do nothing else right, at least let me be a conduit for His love. I prefer my witness (by the way, that's a noun, not a verb) to be living for God's will instead of smiting people over the head with God. I want them to see what God has done in my life and how much love I have for them because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit that resides inside of me-a sinner- as opposed to showing them how perfect I am -mostly because I'm not very perfect and I don't want them to judge my Saviour because of me. There are a couple of very good books out there that address just this type of situation- John Fischer's "Fearless Faith" and "Finding God Where You Least Expect" as well as David Burchett's "When Bad Christians Happen to Good People" (He has a new one out-Bring 'Em Back Alive-but I haven't read it yet). Both of these books are very insightful for us in today's world-with very real ways to reverse this mindset. Wow, sorry about the rant, but how can we spread the gospel of Jesus Christ when so many of us act like we can't stand the people we need to reach? Especially now because I really believe time is short and God desires all to come to know Him. Will you do your part and love the sinners next to you-or will you pretend you are better than they are or that somehow their sin is worse than yours and so they don't belong with us at the feast? I pray not.

Love in Christ

[Fr Geoff Aldous]

have i your permission to use some of the pictures in your site for the purposes of my book "The Eighth Sacrament" which hopefully may be published on the internet?