January 14th One Year Bible Readings

You are invited to join us on the One Year Bible journey in 2009!  We currently have over 8,900 people in 67 countries around the world signed up for our free weekly email filled with commentary, encouragement, and questions for reflection.  To join us on the journey in 2009 click on this link for more details and to sign up!

Genesis 30:1-31:16 ~ Matthew 10:1-23 ~ Psalm 12:1-8 ~ Proverbs 3:13-15
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today's Genesis chapter 30 readings bring us the account of several of Jacob's sons and a daughter being born to Leah, Bilhah, Zilpah, and Rachel.  We also read about Jacob gaining wealth and wanting to leave his father-in-law Laban’s house to go back home in Genesis chapter 30. In verse 37 we read: "Now Jacob took fresh shoots from poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled off strips of the bark to make white streaks on them."  It seems in this verse and the ones that follow that Jacob is getting a bit superstitious - and not really asking God for help.  Later Jacob does admit that God did do the work of increasing his wealth, and that he didn't do it on his own with his superstitions, as we see in Chapter 31 verse 9 when Jacob is speaking to his wives Rachel & Leah: "In this way, God has made me wealthy at your father's expense."  I think it's great to see that Jacob starts to realize more and more that God is in control.  I wonder for us, today, do we sometimes act like Jacob with the sticks - and rely on superstition or our own power, when we should be relying solely on God?  Are there maybe areas in our work life or personal life where we think we are running the show?  Are we really?  Or is God?  Will we let our superstitions go, and embrace the reality that God is in control?   And - who better is there to be in control, really?  :)  Actually - I'll share with you a quote someone shared with me once when I was really trying to micromanage a situation - and was worrying and fretting way too much about the situation.  The quote is simply this: "Let go and Let God." Let us let go of what we are hanging on so tightly to if it is not of God - and let us instead let God run the show.  Are there areas in your life where you need to "Let go and let God"?  Below is a painting by Spanish painter Jusepe de Ribera from the year 1632 of "Jacob and Laban's Flock":

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis chapter 30 titled "The Battle of the Brides" is at this link and commentary on chapter 31 titled "Jacob gets Laban's Goat" is at this link.

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 10 Jesus sends out the twelve disciples!  Verse 7 stands out: "Jesus sent the twelve disciples out with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel--God's lost sheep."  Gentiles are anyone who is not a Jew.  Samaritans are a race that resulted in intermarriage between Jews and Gentiles after the Old Testament exiles and captivities - as we see in 2 Kings 17:24 - "The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns." The Matthew 10 verse 7 above does indicate that Jesus' disciple's ministry was first to the Jews, but soon thereafter the ministry and the gospel message clearly was for all people.  As we see in Acts 10:34-35 - "Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." And certainly as we see in the Great Commission at the end of Matthew, in chapter 28 verses 19 & 20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."  Below is a Spanish wood panel painting by an unknown artist from the early 12th century of Jesus and the twelve disciples:

One interesting note on the listing of names of the 12 disciples in Matthew.  Peter is listed first and Judas Iscariot last.  We'll read various listings of the 12 disciples throughout the New Testament.  And numbers 2 through 11 always vary in order of how the disciples are listed.  But in all of the listings, Peter is first.  And Judas Iscariot is always listed last.  Below is a painting titled " The Sending of the Twelve" by Duccio di Buoninsegna from the early 14th century - (looks to me like Duccio only painted in 11 here... )

Matthew 10 verse 16 stands out: ""Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves."  This is good advice for us today as well.  Jesus is still sending us out today as his followers.  And I do think this teaching is wise - for us to be wary and harmless at the same time.  It's an interesting line to walk, but I believe a very wise one.  I believe the only way to really walk this line well is through the blessing of the Holy Spirit.  I don't think we can do it on our own...

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 10 titled "Wise as Serpents" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 12 verses 1 & 2 are intriguing verses for me - "Help, O LORD, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and insincere hearts." Are there days when you feel like this?   I think there are some days when I do... but not too many.  I guess I sometimes wonder about the state of my heart - or if I've gotten enough sleep the night before :) - when I feel like this Psalmist does.  It is interesting how this verse goes into people talking with "flattering lips and insincere hearts".  I do notice right away when that's happening... particularly the insincerity.  Maybe this is something we should ask of ourselves - do we talk at times with flattering lips or insincere hearts?  Or are we sincere people?  I like that thought... being a sincere person.  I pray that we all are and can become more and more "sincere" in our dealings with each other and that we would just simply be sincere people.  Are you a sincere person?  Do you want to be sincere?  Was Jesus a sincere person?

Proverbs - Proverbs 3:13-15 are amazing truths for each of us to learn!  I think these Proverbs are so different from what our world often preaches...  "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her."  Where are your true wages coming from in our life?  Wisdom or money?  Are you investing in things eternal - or things material?  Which will give you ultimately a better return on investment?  Do you believe that wisdom = happiness?  Are you happy?

Worship God: Psalm 12 reminded me of the fantastic Casting Crowns song "The Voice of Truth."  This is such a beautiful song...

Do you know the Voice of Truth?  Click here and receive beautiful Truth!

Please join me in memorizing 3 verses of Scripture today:
"Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 3:13-15 TNIV

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Just curious if anyone has any Biblical fiction books that you might be willing to recommend?  Sometimes I find Biblical fiction books can augment our imaginations and understanding of our readings in the Bible.  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

[Roslyn]

Mike,

I sincerely thank you for the beautiful effort that you're putting into the commentaries. It's great reading for me! Putting together your thoughts and the visuals (paintings)is truly extraordinary. Art and scripture together and some recommended books to read, plus some links----what more could we ask for in exapnding our understanding of God's Word?

In the last year or so,I've always started my day with reading the bible and now I'm even more inspired to do so. I also like the fact that you pose some practical challenge questions for all of us---it puts what we read in perspective and in eveyday practical terms.

Living the Word should lead us all into a sincere and deep transformation of our hearts and makes us the wiser...Indeed, wisdom equals happiness!!! I couldn't agree more.

Last May, my sister-in-law gave me a great book for my birthday "Women of the Bible" by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda. It has enriched my understanding of some of the women in the bible, and introduced me to several that I've never encountered before. It is a great addition to our daily scripture reading and reflection. In fact, I go back to reading about the women that are mentioned in our daily readings.

Again, thanks for the spiritual guidance and for sharing your gifts with us!

[Caryn]

Francine Rivers has written a number of Biblical fiction books. It's not exactly a new publication, but I loved "Redeeming Love" - the story of Hosea but in a more modern setting. My copy has been circulating amongst friends and friends' friends for about 2 years now!

I loved her "Mark of the Lion" trilogy even more (A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure as the Dawn). This follows the story of a Jewish Christian slave, and was inspirational. It gave me lots of insight into New Testament locations and practices in the generation after Jesus and disciples. Mike, I can relate to what you say about this enhancing Bible reading.

[Elizabeth]

Hello,

Rosyln--thanks for eloquently sharing your thoughts about Mike and his ministry. I agree! Mike, you do a great job prompting us to application, discussion, and further study.

On the subject of books, I can't recall if it was Mike or someone else who mentioned "Walking the Bible"

http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Bible-Journey-Through-Books/dp/0380977753

It's not fiction, but a non-fiction travel diary of sorts( written by an unbeliever, I think) as he walks through the land of the OT... a documentation of his physical and spiritual journey through the land.

I am curious about this book and thought it might give me a fresh perspective on the OT land and culture. Also, I discovered that there is a children's version of this book and and a DVD. Anyone familiar with this series?

[Elizabeth]

Hello Again,

I'm back to comment on today's reading in Genesis....

Isn't it sad that Jacob loved Rachel, but Rachel was jealous of Leah because she bore Jacob children? Then Leah was always trying to earn Jacob's approval/love through more children. It's like no one got their heart filled! So like this world--the grass is always greener.

Jacob's life--and thus his family's life--was fraught with manipulation and difficulty.

I also find it fascinating that the line of Christ goes through Leah, not Rachel.

[Lisa]

I am reading "The Bell Messenger"- a story about a Bible being passed from one person to another from the Civil War to the 1980's. A great read, showing how God's word remains, even though we pass from this life to Another. I think that God honored Jacob's righteousness because he had turned from being a deceiver after he felt what is was like to be deceived. i had never heard of Jacob's actions being superstition. I always thought they were an act of obedience. Another book that I read, a biography of Reese Howell, called Reese Howell-God's Intercessor, talks about how he obeyed God in small things- to grow a beard, then shave it, to wear a hat. Eventually he prayed and saw many answers to prayer during WW1 as he would lose his school at God's command to pray for Allied forces. I have always looked at the sticks lesson as " you will become like whatever you put in front of your eyes." Maybe I'm superstitious. Be careful, little eyes.

[Lisa]

He didn't lose his school, he closed it. oops!

[John A.]

Gen 30

Family in conflict

Leah was hated. God does not want discord or hate in any family - even a polygamous family. I think this was more on Jacob than Rachel, and God opened Leah's womb and Rachel was barren - probably because Jacob wanted it the opposite (his) way.

Series of children born to Leah and maidservants, and finally Rachel. But there was strife.

Nowhere here does it say Jacob went to pray for Rachel's fertility (as Isaac and Abraham did for their wives), nowehere does it say that Jacob remembered the problems of laying with a maidservant (like Abraham and Hagar), Jacob did not put a stop to the (later) children being named for each woman's supposed victory over the other. Jacob was passive - he went along to get along, and did not consult the Lord.

Rachel envied Leah, and Leah was probably jealous of Jacob's love for Rachel. It must have been tense and for each in periods of infertitlity they gave their servants unto Jacob for more children. Again no lesson from Abraham and Hagar.

Mandrake incident: Women may know and acknowledge God, but they are not depending on the Lord. Instead both wanted the mandrake plant. Mandrake plants were considered mystical and magical by the Middle Eastern culture. The plants (also called "love apples") were thought to be able to inspire love and desire for another, and to enhance conception. Leah wanted the former, Rachel the latter.

It is a mixed bag here as both were wanting to utilize the mystical plant it is in verse 17 and 22 that it finally alludes to the fact that both women finally went to God in prayer. I have been so guilty of this - going to God in prayer as a last resort, when prayer should be the first thing one does about anything.

[Note: It says "God remembered Rachel". God never forgot Rachel. The Hebrew connotation of "remember" here is that God took note of and cared for Rachel (allowed her to conceive). When? After she had finally gone to Him in prayer.

At least the women finally seem to be turning to the Lord, but what about Jacob?

[Nikki]

I have a question that some others may be thinking as well... It wasn't until Jacob and Esau that we began to see polygamy (unless I missed it). Any thoughts as to why it was ok then, and now it's not? If I had to guess, I would venture on the aspect of Old Testament covenants and laws versus New Testament where Jesus paid the price for our sins. I'm just curious if anyone had any ideas or insight into it.

As far as fiction books, Francine Rivers has written some excellent ones (Redeeming Love, Scarlet Thread, and the Mark of the Lion Series as mentioned above). Of course those are geared more towards women. Frank Peretti with "This Present Darkness" and many others are about spiritual warfare. And of course, the Left Behind series (total of 16 books) is about the rapture. I have enjoyed all of those authors and would highly recommend them.

[Kary]

Pastor David Yonggi Cho, pastor of the world's largest church (with over 750,000 members!), in his book, The Fourth Dimension, has what I believe is a very powerful revelation about Jacob in this passage using the spotted and speckled poplar, almond & chestnut trees in front of the watering troughs.

He explains what he believes God is teaching us in this, and specifically relates it to activating our faith in God answering our prayers. As we have read lately in Matthew, Jesus often says, “According to your faith let it be to you" which phrase has always struck me. Pastor Cho used what he believes God is showing us in this passage to multiply his flock (church) for God, the fruit of which, I think, speaks for itself.

Anyway, I highly recommend the book; it is probably my favorite book after the Bible, especially in terms of impact a book has had on me. I have actually visited this church in Korea and seen for myself how huge the spiritual impact has been (i.e. how many people have to come to Christ and are bearing fruit, in a buddhist country no less!)

[John A.]

Gen 30-31

A few things:

1)Laban liked God when it prospered him, but he still worshipped other gods to cover all the bases. How did Laban learn the God was responsible. It says through divination. The Hebrew word here is "nachash" which is the root word used for the serpent (root: shining one)in the Garden. If Bullinger (post on Gen 3) is correct than it probably was through satan that Laban knew the situation. Satan's attempt to keep Jacob with Laban rather than go home. Satan knew Jacob's vow, and would try to stop God from fulfilling the conditions so Jacob would never take the Lord as His God. Satan's attempt to thwart God's plan.

2) Jacob is still scheming and probably thought it was through his hard work and ingenuity that his herd's of speckled critters grew and he prospered. But all things come from the Lord, and God made that very apparent (Gen 31:12) to Jacob.

3) God is sovereign and whether He is called upon or not His plan progresses. In the dream God tells Jacob he has seen all, and reminds Jacob of His promises and Jacob's vow. God promised Unconditionally, Jacob set up conditional terms before Jacob would make the Lord his God.

It is time. I have prospered you and watched over you. I fulfilled your conditions, and now it is time to go to fulfill the last of your conditions (return home). The first part of Jacob's boot camp is over. It has been twenty years (Rebekah had said it would only be a few days), and Jacob has been indentured, taken advantage of, had marital conflicts, and is now envied by Laban's family.

Now the Lord says it is time to come home, so that the Lord can finish the work He started in Jacob. As He will do in all of us.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phl 1:6

[John A.]

Nikki,

God never condoned polygamy. Polygamy is man's game whether in the name of getting more children, or plain desire/appetite.

Note as we read that when polygamy is present there is always heartache and trouble in the families.

Esau was godless (profane) from Heb 12:16, so the decision for multiple wives had nothing to do with God.

Jacob never consulted God after being duped by Leah and went along with a godless man's (Laban's) proposal to also marry Rachel. The result longer time indentured, bitter strife in the family, and later the sons decsived the deceiver regarding Joseph.

Let's keep track and take note of others in the future that engage in polygamy as we travel through the Bible.

Note: Polygamy did not negate Jacob's blessings, nor his role in patriarchs. That is because for God's chosen ones (believers or eventual believers) - He is sovereign and His blessings are not dependant on our works but on His divine grace. That does not mean there will not be temporal punishment here on earth for disobeying God's word, but it does nothing to curtail our eternal promise or God's long range plan.

[John A.]

Matthew 10

This is a SPECIFIC Commission that has never been revoked and is also prophetic in nature.
======================================================

I am saying:

This is a commission not to Gentiles nor Samaritans but to the lost sheep of Israel (mat 10:5-6). Sheep often connotates believers, and I believe along with the lexicon that Christ is saying go find the people who will be believers that are Jewish and in Israel. Why? Because later Christ says when they don't listen go on to the next house or the next town. Find the people who are poor in spirit that will receive the message.

Message: Preach the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Not the Millenial Kingdom. The rule and reign of God is imminent and available to every person. It can start right now inside of you.

As a sign of Authority: vs.8 Heal, cleanse, raise, cast out. Miracles.

Specifically on this mission and prophetically in the future - Take nothing with you. See "I am NOT saying".

Specific instructions: Search out those "poor in spirit. The peace you wish is the tranquility in Christ, if not receiving take the wish and go.

Prophetically: vs 15-23. Christ refers to the day of judgment and from then on I believe it is prophetic. Note: vs 16 applies to present and future. However on the present mission none of the dire things happened. Death, persecution, hatred, etc.

Why Prophetic and Jesus just not wrong. First, Jesus is God in the flesh and He is incapable of being wrong. Secondly, nowhere in Bible is this commission ever revoked. Third, It will not be over until the Son of Man comes (and He is already here, so He must go and come back.)

Personally: I believe the prophetic aspect of this revolves around the 144,000 saved Jews who are to preach to Israel in the Tribulation where the dire things noted above will happen.
======================================================
I am NOT Saying:

That you cannot apply parts of this passage to your ministry.

Some people cite the going out without supplies. Whatever you want to apply as God's instructions make sure you have other verses in the Bible supporting your concept of missionary or evangelizing work.

Personally, vs 20, I always trust and pray that when I am sharing it is God speaking through the Holy Spirit His words and not mine. I am the vessel/conduit for God's message and it is His work and His glory that is on display - not mine.

[Kitty]

I think it's important for us as witnesses of God to be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves. We need to be counter-cultural, and wise in our dealings with the world.

The reminder that happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding is awesome!

John, I appreciate your comment about preaching the kingdom of heaven at hand, which can start right now inside of us all. How great is that! And yes we are only the vessel/conduit for God's message and we just need to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit!

[Kris Todd]

Mike and All,
I graduated last night with my Matsers in Music Theatre and so I would like to comment on "Joseph" the musical. I am grateful as a believer for this kind of story in main stream theatre. It gives a VERY dark profession some light on a biblical topic. Also, there are MANY children's roles in this show and thus kids are geting the theatre and a bible experience all at once. The theatre I work for is producing it this summer and I need to see it again to report if its entirely accurate. I think its "based" on the story of Jacob. Check it out at your local theatre or touring company. There are believers in the arts too!

[henry]

Let go and let God - how true that is. I have to let go and let God do what He was too. It's hard. I guess I have to build up my faith and trust God more and not rely on what I want. GOD IS IN CONTROL NOT ME. :-)