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Genesis 20:1-22:24 ~ Matthew 7:15-29 ~ Psalm 9:1-12 ~ Proverbs 2:16-22
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Old Testament - Today in Genesis chapter 20 we see that Abraham is not perfect (we have seen this humanness of Abraham earlier in our Genesis readings too). This should be good news for each of us! :) Abraham essentially tells Abimelech a half-truth - and yes, half-lie. The thing to remember here is that Abraham has received incredible promises from God and covenants - and yet, it is apparent that Abraham still has some fear of what will happen to him and Sarah. This imperfection of God's people is something that we will continue to see throughout our Bible readings. God uses imperfect people for his purposes. God does typically use those that love him. But, those that love God do still sin and make mistakes. God partners with imperfect people throughout history. God partners with people like you and me. Below is Flemish Northern Renaissance Painter Jan Provost's "Abraham, Sarah and the Angel" from the year 1520:
In Genesis chapter 21 we read about Sarah joyfully giving birth to Isaac when Abraham was 100 years old! Isaac's name means "he laughs" - which in part came from when Sarah laughed when God told Abraham she would have a son a year prior. We also read about Hagar and Ishmael being sent away. Verse 13 stands out when God is speaking to Abraham, as he was upset about having to send Ishmael away: "But I will make a nation of the descendants of Hagar's son because he also is your son."" Ishmael does later become the ruler of a large tribe in Paran and the Desert of Sinai, south of Israel. Then, one of Ishmael's daughter's marries Esau, Ishmael's nephew. From here the lineage of Esau becomes Arabic peoples and eventually the Muslim religion comes from this lineage. It is said that Abraham is the father of the world's three major monotheistic faiths - Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths. Below is an oil on canvas painting by the Spanish artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo from 1732 titled "The Angel Succoring Hagar":
In Genesis chapter 22 Abraham's faith and obedience is tested in what most see as the climax of our readings about Abraham in Genesis. Some interesting things to note about this chapter. It is said that much of this chapter foreshadows what happens with Jesus. A father is called to sacrifice his one and only son - a son he loves so very much. The son is taken to a mountain to be sacrificed. On the mountain a "lamb" is sacrificed - a ram in place of Isaac's life - and Jesus as the "lamb" in place of our lives. Hebrews 11:19 has an interesting point to make about these readings in Genesis 22 today: "Abraham assumed that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead." Below is Rembrandt's famous painting from 1635 of the angel, Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah titled "The Sacrifice of Isaac" (this is a powerful painting - many commentators call Isaac a prefiguration / type of Christ, which I think this painting can help us visualize):
In verse 14 we read about the mountain where Isaac was taken and the altar was built - Mount Moriah. Mount Moriah was about 48 miles north of Beersheba, where Abraham and Isaac began their journey - so a 3 day journey at that time makes sense. Some scholars believe that Mount Moriah is the Temple Mount area of Jerusalem, where the first and second temples were located - and also where the Dome of the Rock mosque, built in 691 A.D., is now located. Tons more info on the Temple Mount area, including photos is online here - http://www.templemount.org/ Below is an aerial view of the Mount Moriah / Temple Mount area in Jerusalem today:
Bob Deffinbaugh from bible.org has yet another amazing article, this time on Genesis Chapter 22 - which goes into The Command, Abraham's Obedience, God's Provision, and God's Promise. Take 10 minutes if you can and check out this great article on this chapter titled "Final Exams" at this link here. Below is a painting of "Abraham Sacrificing Isaac" by the famous French baroque classical painter Laurent de La Hire from the year 1650:
Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 20 today titled "Don't Ever Say Never" is at this link and commentary on chapter 21 titled "What Happens When Christians Mess Up?" is at this link.
New Testament - Today in Matthew chapter 7 we wrap up the Sermon on the Mount! Not a bad 3 chapters of teaching from Jesus, eh? :) Verse 20 was insightful for me today: "Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced." I think this verse goes back to my post yesterday about how we are still to identify or perceive the types of people we come in contact with - without judging them or condemning them. And one good to way to identify someone is by the type of fruit they produce - actions they demonstrate or lives they lead. And while it may sometimes be easier to identify other people's fruit... maybe we ought to look at our own lives too. What type of fruit is your life producing? Is it life-giving fruit for those you come in contact with? And let us not forget Jesus' warning in verse 15 today about how we are to identify false teachers. Do you believe there are false teachers in our world today? What are their fruits that you will know them by?
Verse 24 is strong: "Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock." Have you really listened to Jesus' teaching these past few days as you read through the Sermon on the Mount? And - will you now obey Jesus' teaching? Would this be wise? Would this be like building a house on solid rock? Will you stay out of the sands of sin?
Matthew 7:25 I think is an important verse for us to meditate upon in our own lives: "Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock." I never paid too much attention to this verse - I always focused on verse 24 and building a strong foundation on solid rock. But, I had lunch with a friend recently and he shared with me that this verse 25 - and verse 27 too - should be a reminder to each of us that storms will come in our lives. And I think this is so true. Sometimes we go through wonderful seasons of blessing, and we may think that storms will never come our way - but guess what, they will. If we are followers of Jesus - Jesus who endured an unimaginable storm during his passion and crucifixion - storms will come our way too. So, then, the key becomes if we know storms will come, we really should pay attention to verse 24 and build up a strong foundation of faith during the times of calm. It's kind of like the idea of saving for a rainy day - the day will come when it rains. So let us build up our faith and love in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit today! So that when the storms of life come our way, we will not collapse, but will remain faithful to the beautiful end. My friends, the storms will come. But with Jesus, we do not need to fear them or collapse under them when they come!
Bible.org's commentary on our readings in Matthew chapter 7 today titled "Mistaken Identity" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 9 verse 9 stood out at me today and reminded me of Matthew 7:25 above too: "The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." When we are in trouble, do we run to God for shelter? Or do we look elsewhere? Where will we ultimately find true peace and rest from the storms of life? Do you believe that the Bible is a haven for you in the midst of the storms of life?
Proverbs - Proverbs 2:16-19 I believe can be viewed as woman or man. There are both immoral men and women out there today who will talk flatteringly - which will lead down an incredibly dark path if we entertain the lust. Verse 20 reminds us there is another path to take: "Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous." Will you evaluate all of all the paths that present themselves to you in your life - and stay on the paths that are taken by good men and women? Will you stay only on paths full of light, and avoid at all costs paths that lead quickly to darkness?
Worship God: Jesus' teachings about storms in Matthew today and Psalm 9:9 above both reminded me immediately of the incredible Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm." I don't know what it is about all these storm songs on the radio that are resonating with me lately - MercyMe's "Bring the Rain" being another favorite song - other than I know this: It's not a matter of "if" storms will come in our life. It's a matter of "when." Storms will come. And when they do, we have the option to try to weather the storms all on our own. Or we have the option to invite God into the storms with us. Well, I believe God's already there with us in the storms even if we don't realize it - so, I think we can simply open our hearts and praise God in the storms! He will never abandon us or leave us. Even in the midst of the worst storms this fallen world might bring, God is there with us. Will you praise God in the storms?
Do you believe there is a God who is worthy of being praised even in the midst of storms in your life? Click here to get to know God of heaven and earth who is worthy of being praised in the storms!
Please join me in memorizing a verse of Scripture today:
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24 NIV
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on the knowledge that storms will come into our life, what are you doing in your life to build a firm foundation of faith? Reading the Bible regularly? Going to church regularly? Being part of a small group or community group or Bible study with other Christians regularly? Praying regularly? What else? Do you think that storms will come to your life? Have you experienced storms in your life in the past where your faith has been your firm foundation and has gotten you through the storm? 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
In response to the Questions of the Day:
I had a very strong firm foundation from the time I was very young; there were a lot of people looking out for me. I went to church regularly, Sunday School, youth group, camp, retreats..you name it, I was there. I went away to college, but the Lord blessed me with many Christian friends and a church close by. Then, when I transferred back up to my hometown, I let my faith slip and found more and more excuses for why I wasn't able to make it to church. Too far, too early, too busy...Yes, my home church is about 30 minutes from me, and I don't have my license, but that doesn't mean I cannot search for a church around here. I finally came to the realization that I was relying on other people to build my faith for me, and I CAN'T do that. God wants a relationship with ME, so it's up to me to maintain that. So, I would really love it if some of you wouldn't mind in joining me in praying for a home church. Thanks! :-)
In the meantime, I also build my foundation by prayer, and reading my Bible daily.
I definitely think that storms will continue to come into my life. It's when we are at our weakest that God uses us, and we learn to rely all the more on Him. When you have nothing left, He is the only Constant.
Oh, there have been so many storms in my life, but the one that immediately jumped into my head was when my mom was in an abusive relationship. It lasted for about 4 years (a pretty long storm!) and I can't tell you how often I prayed for my mom, and our family.My faith literally got me through that storm. I don't know how else I would have gotten out of it, or my mom for that matter. Oh, if only she could see how God's love got her through that! I am still recovering from this time in my life, and still rely on my faith to get me through when I see this person around my town.
What stood out to me today was definitely Matthew 7:24. I want to build my house on the Rock! I so desire for my future children to have what I didn't. I want them to be comfortable in their home, hear about Jesus daily, and never feel unsafe! It is my prayer and my husband's, that our children will come to know the Lord, and we want to teach them using the right foundation, the Lord!
He is so good!
Blessings,
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | January 08, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Here are my thoughts on Matthew 7:24-27. In a short devotion format :-)
Interesting passage, yet quite a simple passage to see Jesus "MAIN POINT". Most of the time you hear people say we need to be founded upon the ROCK which is JESUS which is True, but that is not the SPECIFIC principle Jesus was teaching here. Jesus was teaching what makes a person have a solid foundation or an unstable foundation or what makes one a "wise man" or a "foolish man". Which comes down to ONE thing, which is whether we DO what we hear or not. Let's look at the difference between the "Wise Man (Rock man)" and "Foolish Man (Sand man)".
WISE MAN (built house on rock) HEARETH these sayings and DOETH THEM.
1. Rains descended
2. Floods came
3. Winds blew
4. Beat upon that house
It Fell NOT.
FOOLISH MAN (built house upon sand) HEARETH these sayings and DOETH THEM NOT.
1. Rains descended
2. Floods came
3. Winds blew
4. Beat upon that house
GREAT was its FALL.
What is the difference, again as you can see, the only difference is one was a DOER of what he heard and the other was NOT A DOER of what he heard.
They both heard same thing, had the same set of circumstance, but one fell one did not, because one was a DOER of the WORD the other was a HEARER ONLY.
James 1:22 says, "But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves".
These scriptures makes it quite clear that were deceived and in for a great (big) fall if we think hearing alone will benefit our lives. You can hear all the Bible, Studies, Devotions, Sermons, Christian conferences, Christian Workshops, etc. But if there is NO application you are not on a good foundation.
I will say here that, that should not be a discouragement from hearing (learning) as it is the first step to being a DOER. I can't DO what I don't hear. So we need to HEAR! Then we need to DO! I personally don't do 100% of what I hear (even though I should), but thank God I DO a lot of what I hear, that DOING is where my foundation in Christ is established.
Just for the records I am NOT talking about "good works" but BEING DOERS OF GODS WORD, there is a difference.
If Gods Word clearly tells us something then our goal should be to DO it. So do you want a to establish a Firm (Solid Rock) Foundation then start putting God's Word to practice in your life. I promise you God who cannot lie will bless your life!
I appreciate all your hunger for God's Word!
This One Year Bible group is exciting!!!
Jim
Posted by: Jim | January 08, 2009 at 10:14 PM
My personal theory is that Mount Moriah, the place where God showed Abraham, was probably Golgatha.
Also, as I heard Pastor David Yonggi Cho say, we should remember that Abraham was very old and Isaac was a young man who was probably much stronger physically than Abraham (Isaac carried all the wood). This would mean that at the point when Isaac understood he was the sacrifice, he probably could have escaped and run away quite easily but Isaac likewise must have had faith in his father and faith in God and was willing to be sacrificed, again a picture of Christ.
Posted by: Kary | January 09, 2009 at 03:16 AM
LIFE STORMS - everyone had, has or will have a devastating storm in their lives sometime. I'm going through a storm right now. It's a long storm and has been tearing away at me for sometime; nearly destroying me, but building my life on a solid rock is saving me. I am working my way through the Bible a second time. The more I read the Bible the stronger I get and the better understanding of why the storm.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24 NIV and to tie that verse with this verse is amazing; "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 NIV
Posted by: henry | January 09, 2009 at 06:20 AM
Kelly, thanks for sharing your story about your mom and your heart to find a home church. I will pray for you. I like what you said about taking responsibility for your own faith--may the Lord honor your heart in that!
Jim, I appreciate your "devotion" ; ) Such a good point about being a doer....reminds me of that passage in James:
" But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." James 1:22-25
I can't tell you how many times I walk away from the mirror of the Word and forget. That's the crux of it...isn't it? Remembering the Word and then walking it out in the everyday. It keep me humble that's for sure...even when I retain it, the step of applying never comes "naturally"
I love this story about the man who builds his house on a rock. It's simple, but speaks into so many life situations. When my husband and I went to our first marriage enrichment conference (would strongly recommend such events to folks out there), they played a video from Big Tent Revival about "Two Sets of Jones"--the ones who built their marriage on the rock of Jesus and those who didn't. It made me cry at the time because my heart longed so deeply to be the wise set of Jones. The song still strikes a chord in me today, even though that conference was easily ten years ago.
Here is a link to the video if you have inclination:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQE5PNRLZ40
Life is tough, and there are continual distractions to what is really important. But, HE makes all the difference if we'll let Him,
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 09, 2009 at 08:31 AM
Matthew 7
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
You can know about Jesus, you can believe he is God and Lord over all, but that is not enough. Jesus says in verse 21 that it is doing the will of my Father that gains one entrance into heaven. What will?
In John 6:28-29 the crowd asks Jesus what works they need to do to do the work of God. Jesus points out that they the premise is incorrect. For the Work of God (in His Will)is that you believe in the one He has sent. The Greek word root "pistis" for believe means Trust. Remember David's Psalms talking about trusting in the Lord. The message in the Bible is consistent.
It is spelled out in other places - John says you must 'believe and receive', Paul says 'confess with your tongue and believe in your heart'.
The will of God is that if you are being drawn to Him you turn back to Him, repent, believe and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Many people have no problem with the Savior, but because of pride many bridle or simply ignore the Lord part of the equation.
If someone came to Wash. D.C. as a leader and cured people, fixed the economy, brought about world peace, and made America the utopia on earth to live in - many people would have no problem rushing to Washington bowing down to this guy, erecting statues to him, wanting to make him king, and following all his edicts.
Yet with Christ there is a stumbling block for many. Ahhh you have to believe without seeing.....
So these people in cited verses say - wait a minute - we did everything in your name. We did fruits.
Not good enough. Jesus says "I never knew you". not I used to know you and you drifted away. But absolutely at no time did I know you.
"Know" is ginosko in Greek and is the word used for the coupling of married persons - "two as one". That is not the meaning here but accurate translation is an intimate loving relationship between Christ and a follower.
We were never close. You never invited me into your heart. You did not abide in me, nor I in you. You knew about me, you believed I was God, but you never submitted your heart, mind and soul to me. Therefore - DEPART. You never wanted to be close and intimate with me on earth - why would you want that in heaven now?????
Were the things they did "evil". Not by man's standards. It was some prett good stuff. But God's standard is different. Only the things done in the Father's will by the help of the Holy Spirit are "good" in his eyes. Without accepting Christ, you do not even have a Father in Heaven, nor the Holy Spirit working in you. Thus the things you do, while good in man's eyes, do not count to the Father. If it is not good, then it is evil.
Posted by: John A. | January 09, 2009 at 04:41 PM
From Abraham's experience, it's so awesome to know that God partners with ordinary people who make mistakes and sinners like us for His purpose.
Yes storms are a fact of our lives. When they happen, we can only survive in God's grace, and by asking God to be in the storms with us, and help us through it. I really like the reminder that we can praise God in the storms! Another song I really love about facing storms is called "Still" - "Find rest my soul, in Christ alone....when the oceans rise and thunders roar, I'll sore with you above the storms, Father you are King over the floods...." You can listen to it here: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgob5afanUg
Posted by: Kitty | January 10, 2009 at 08:06 PM
I'm starting where I am right now... by daily bible reading and trying to saturate myself with His prescence.
My name means "God's gift of grace" and I believe that and my parent's prayers have kept me safe in God's arms all these years. His Grace has truly been manifested so many times in my life.
I would say my most recent storm was when my daughter lost her big toe in an accident. Thank God, I never once doubted Him. Instead, I was able to see and recognise the earthly angels that He provided for us during that rough time. He even gave me the strength to recognise and acknowledge that I was dropping into depression. He gave me the grace to go look for help and find it. The strength to keep going, to keep trusting, to keep loving.
My foundation is not thick but I believe it is strong. This year, my goal is to thicken, to strengthen that foundation til I give my life totally to His control.
verse for today
Matt 7:22
They are foundational words, words to build a life on.
The Word of God isn't just words on a page... head knowledge. We need to incorporate it into daily living for it to really come alive and be an IMPACT on us. I must guard myself against seeking more head knowledge and instead go after heart knowledge and a deep intimacy with my God.
Posted by: Joanna | January 11, 2009 at 08:07 AM