January 22, 2024
January 22, 2024
Read Genesis 21-24, Psalm 22
When have you had a really big test in your life? I remember in college as a music major, my final exams on my cello were before 3-4 instructors and how I did in the final performance test of the semester determined if I passed or failed. I used to get ulcers in my mouth about 2 weeks after finals were over from the stress. Not many people look forward to a test. Knowing we will be tested keeps us on our toes and prepared to learn the material. Even if we fail a test, we can still learn from it and adapt for the next time.
In Genesis 21 we find Abraham sending his son Ismael away. In Genesis 22 we find God testing Abraham with his son Isaac. The descriptive instructions from the Lord remind us of how badly Abraham had wanted a son. “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” v. 2. The son he had waited 25 years for was now being asked to become a sacrifice to the Lord. This reminds me of the rich man who came to Jesus in Matthew 19 who Jesus challenged to take all he had and sell it and give it to the poor, then come and follow Jesus.
There are several allusions to Jesus and the cross in this passage. The same area where Abraham took his son Isaac is very close to where Jerusalem is today. It’s been noted that Isaac the supposed sacrifice carried the wood just as Jesus carried the cross. Abraham took the fire and knife a symbol of judgment from God on his Son on the cross. As Isaac and his father are walking up the mountain, unaware Isaac asks his father “where is the lamb for the burnt offering” v. 7. Abaham’s response of faith is one that foreshadows to the New Testament, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” v. 8. The journey up the mountain takes three days or part of the three different days which we can relate to Jesus in the tomb. Many of these are allegorical comparisons and we must be careful to say this is intentional by God. At the very least, it does make you think.
Some may struggle with the idea that God would demand a human sacrifice such as this and that Abraham would almost go through with it. First, we should note that Abraham did not sacrifice his son, it was stopped by God beforehand. God knew that he would also put a stop to it. Human sacrifice was more prevalent in Old Testament times. Many other Canaanite and other religious commonly practiced this. To the reader in the twenty-first century, no doubt this seems so strange. Abraham’s statement to Isaac can be seen as a great statement of faith. He had confidence that God would provide a lamb.
Proponents of a theology called “open theism” will point to a passage like this as proof that God does not know what the human response will be until it is in play. Open Theism is defined as though omniscient; God does not know what we will freely do in the future. Likewise, God is not bound to a set behavior or will because His will interacts with creation. This is a heresy. So how should we take the statement, “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” v. 12 God’s knowing is relayed in human language as to experience something. God already knew that Abraham would be obedient, but until Abraham followed through with it, Abraham did not experience the test that God had given.
Psalm 22, is a psalm of David that is a messianic psalm. The very first words of the psalm are quoted my Jesus on the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” v. 1. As you read through the rest of the psalm you will notice many other descriptions that really connect to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. They hurl insults and mock him, they have pierced his hands and feet, divide his garments among them and cast lots for his clothing.
Do you think God would test you like He did Abraham? What tests might God put you through in order for you to learn what He desires you to learn? What else do you see in these chapters? What words and phrases, and themes stand out to you? Write your answers below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 21, 2024
January 21, 2024
Read Genesis 21, Psalm 21, John 21
What’s the longest you have ever waited for something? Maybe as a kid you counted down the days until summer or graduation. Maybe you waited for a upcoming family vacation or time to retire from a job. There is no good way around it, waiting can be tough. Here in Genesis 21 we finally have the birth of Isaac that was promised 25 years ago. “Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised” v. 1. God keeps his promises and was gracious to Sarah. “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me’” v. 6. Laughter from before from Sarah was steeped in disbelief, now Sarah’s laughter was full of joy. The name Isaac means “he laughs.”
The later part of Genesis 21 can seem rather to harsh. Sarah wishes to send Hagar and Ismael away and then God confirms it to Abraham. We might question, “What kind of God would do this to people like Hagar and her son?” God’s response, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned” v. 12. Abraham did not know the fate of his son Ismael, but God did. We only have to read a few verses more to see how God would take care of Hagar and Ismael too. God provided water and the ability for Hagar and Ismael to become part of a family. The pain of sending a person away might seem harsh, but if it has a greater good of protecting the promise to Abraham through Isaac then it was the right thing to do.
In Psalm 21 we have another psalm of David. He rejoices in God’s strength and protection over him. David recognized that God had delivered him from his enemies. God’s plan had come to pass. The last verses are a theme of judgment for David’s enemies. “Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. 9 At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace” vv. 8-9. Fire, is a image of judgment often in the Bible. Fire refines and purifies things that pass through it or it will burn up the things that are not of value or that will last.
John 21 is the last chapter of the Gospel of John. Like many final chapters in a book, John 21 offers some much needed resolution, especially to Peter. In John 18, you remember Peter denies Jesus three times in Jesus’ trails. Jesus told Peter he would do it. Three times Jesus asks, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” v. 15. Peter’s feelings are hurt because Jesus seems to repeat the question over. Many have pointed out that there is forgiveness for each denial that Peter spoke of earlier.
The four Gospels are book-ended at the beginning of Matthew and the end of John with a similar scene. John 21 opens with the disciples returning to shore after being out all-night fishing. They had caught nothing the Scripture says, “So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus” vv. 3-4. Keep in mind that the disciples had not recognized Jesus yet. Now go to Matthew 4 and you will find the narrative of Jesus calling the first disciples, specifically Peter and Andrew. This is where they meet Jesus for the first time, and it was while they had attempted to cast their nets for fish. Both times, Jesus does the miraculous and helps them bring in the biggest haul of fish. This is when they realized who Jesus was when he told them again where to cast their nets and catch fish. How has Jesus returned to you again and again and shown himself faithful and forgiving? Is there anything in your life you need to confront the Savior about?
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Write your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 20, 2024
January 20, 2024
Read Genesis 20, Psalm 20, John 20
In Genesis 20 we again find Abraham in a similar situation to before. Last time Abram lied to the king of Egypt, and now he finds himself Lying to Abimelech another leader from the Negev. There are several lessons we could learn from this passage. First, we are not always guaranteed to get it right the first time, or the second time! Looking out for himself, he goes back to the sister/wife story to save his own skin. He should have known this would not have ended well for his wife. Second, Abraham assumes, “There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife” v. 11. Have we not heard that assumption is the lowest form of knowledge. Many times, we make assumptions about others and are wrong. Many times, others make assumptions about us and are equally wrong. Once again, God steps in and saves the day by appearing to Abimelech and inflicting some type of “barrenness” on all the women in his area.
In Psalm 20 we read a short psalm of David where he praises God for saving Him and protecting him. Verse 4 can be a misleading verse if we read it as if God gives us a blank check. “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” We must remember that we must align our hearts and our will to the Lord’s first. We must seek to live according to his laws. Even then, we are not guaranteed that we will get what we want. Often God knows better, and His plans are greater than our own. Verses 6-7 remind me of Genesis 20 and the situation with Abraham and Abimelech. “Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Even though Abraham messed up again, God came to his rescue, because God had plans for him and protected those plans of the man, He had anointed to be the father of the Jewish nation. People place a lot of trust in things today, the government, organizations, businesses, individual people like friends and families. They may let us down from time to time, but God never will.
In John 20 we have the account of the empty tomb. The empty tomb is the evidence that we can trust God. Mary is the first to visit the tomb on the third day. She finds it open, and the body of her Lord is gone. She runs to tell Peter and John who race to the tomb to see for themselves. The fact that women were the first to see the resurrected Jesus and give testimony to it is a fact that tells us that the gospels were not made up. If they were, it was a very weak testimony that gave women the first claim to see.
While Mary is in shock and filled with questions Jesus tries to have a conversation with her and she doesn’t recognize that Jesus is the one talking to her. Not until he calls her by name, “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher)” v. 36. In all the time that Mary spent with Jesus before his death, Jesus may have conversed with her and called her by name many times. Now doing the same again made the connection for her. Only in our relationship with God will we learn to distinguish the voice of God when He speaks into our lives. How important is it to develop and maintain our walk with the Lord so that when He speaks to us, we like sheep will recognize the great shepherd’s voice.
In the last part of John 20 we find the conversation between Jesus and Thomas. He had missed the first meeting with the disciples and would not believe unless he saw Jesus for himself. Jesus was pleased to offer him the evidence he needed to see. Jesus offered his wounds to touch and see for himself. If we are searching for truth, the best thing we can do is to keep looking for it. When we face doubt, the worst thing we can do is nothing. If we stand still and refuse to look for answers our doubt will grow. If you are facing doubt, keep searching and seeking the Lord and He will supply the evidence that you need to believe.
What else to you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 19, 2024
January 19, 2024
Read Genesis 19, Psalm 19, John 19
Genesis 19 is the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. As soon as Lot finds the two angels entering the city in the evening, he pleads with them to stay with him and not in the middle of the city. He likely knows how wicked “all the men from every part of the city” v. 4 were. Lot still an outsider to the people of Sodom tries to offer hospitality, and ultimately protection for the two guests. How do we as Christians look out for people today? How can we offer protection or safety to others in a time of need?
The reason for the destruction of the city has been well known for thousands of years. We even have Jewish commentary that speaks about the nature of the homosexuality in this chapter. Some Revisionists and LGBTQ affirming people will try to say that “knowing” the two angels was not about having sex with them, but this doesn’t fit the context. Especially when Lot offers his daughters to the men who “who have not known any other man.” The same Hebrew word is used. It clearly could not be to know the men in a non-sexual way because Lot’s daughters were “pledged to marry.”
But what are we to make of Lot’s proposal? “Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof” v. 8. Here are some opinions or interpretations. One, he simply did not care about his own daughter’s safety and lives. Two, he was scared and quickly offered a solution in desperation. Three, he was faced with a moral dilemma and choose the lesser of two evils. Four, Lot’s comments should be taken as sarcastic in a way to shock their conscience and stop their actions. We must remember that Lot does not have the integrity that Abraham has, and His actions are compared to Abraham’s in a number of ways. God did not command Lot to offer his daughters, nor would he. The Bible describes his free will choice and is not a prescription for us to follow in the future.
Psalm 19 is a psalm that highlights the glory of God seen in nature and how it points to a creator. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” vv. 1-2. In apologetics this is referred to as general revelation. God reveals himself through creation to every single person on the planet. David then goes on to praise God for his Word, He uses the different words like “the Law of the Lord,” “statues,” “precepts,” and “commands.” David sees the benefits of God’s special revelation to us through his Word. David ends the psalm with a prayer, and he asks God to keep him from sinning. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” v. 14.
John 19 is the narrative of Jesus crucifixion. I would encourage you to take your time and read through the chapter slowly. Sometimes we think we know things and, in our haste, we may miss the important details. I have heard many Christians debate whether or not they believe Jesus was crucified with no clothes on or very little. Most likely, he had none. This was all a part of the cruelty of the cross. Not only was it a painful way to suffer and die, (The word excruciating comes from the practice of crucifixion), but it was also the public humiliation that Jesus faced from those who passed by. Verses 23-24 describe that the soldiers divided his clothes between them and gambled for the final under garments that were left. This leads me to believe Jesus was put on display in total humiliation. As you read through the story, keep in mind that Jesus endured all that for you and to die for your sins on the cross.
Earlier we discussed the hospitality of Lot in the city of Sodom. Now in John 19 we see Jesus in the lowest point of his earthly life on the cross, but He does something amazing. Something only the Godman could do. He has the desire to hand his mother over to the disciple most believe as John to take care of her and look after her. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing near by, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” vv. 26-27. Most people turn inward when they face pain or difficult circumstances, but Jesus still cared for others. Despite the ups and downs of life, who can you and I look out for and show compassion or hospitality toward?
What else do you see in these chapters? What words or phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Add your comments below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 18, 2024
January 18, 2024
Read Genesis 18, Psalm 18, John 18
Genesis 18 opens with the statement, “The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day” v. 1. The next verse tells us that three men had come to visit with Abraham. Their identity would slowly be made known as you read the next two chapters. Abraham quickly offers these three a typical biblical show of hospitality. He offers them water and a fresh meal prepared just for them. This will be a stark contrast to the way the 2 angels are treated when they enter the town of Sodom in the next chapter. Abraham entertained these men without really knowing who they were, but he showed them kindness. We may not find ourselves entertaining angels, but entertaining people that have a need that we can meet. An act of kindness shown may bless them and it may come back as a blessing to us. The Lord blesses Abraham and Sarah, despite Sarah who “laughed to herself” v. 12 about the prospect of having a child in the next year. Sarah may have long given up on the promise that God made to them, and with 25 years having passed she scoffed at the idea taking place now. Have we forgotten who the Lord is and what kind of miracle working Savior He is?
The Lord reveals to Abraham what he is about to do with Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities of the plain. Abraham bargains with him, “What if only 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, and 10 righteous can be found there?” vv. 26-32. Abraham is concerned for his nephew Lot and his family. He doesn’t want the Lord to sweep away the righteous with the wicked. God is a just God and will not punish the righteous for the sake of the wicked.
Psalm 18 is a psalm of David where he celebrates the Lord’s hand in delivering him from King Saul and the enemies he faced on the run. “He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me” v. 17. David recognized it wasn’t his own wit or strength that gave him the victory, it was the Lord. David also states that it wasn’t because of who David was that God provided the rescue, it was his righteous acts that gave him the help from God. “The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me” v. 20. Too many times Christians can fall in the trap of thinking these same two thing. It was our own wisdom or strength that secured our victory. Many Christians think they can do no wrong because they are “Christians” and they stop focusing on their righteous living like they once did.
In John 18 we read of Jesus trail before the Jewish Sanhedrin and before Pilate. The trials and questioning is not about anything Jesus did. His miracles, he healed, preformed demon exorcisms, or his teaching. His trail was grounded on who Jesus claimed to be. He had given hints all through the Gospels and made people wonder if He indeed was the Christ. Now the religious leaders demanded an answer. Powerless to execute capital punishment, the Jews are forced to take Jesus to Pilate for the results they want. Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” v. 33. Jesus admits it so and Pilate finds no reason to charge him with a crime and desires to let Him go, but the Jews insist that he not. Who do you say that Jesus is to you? Some call Him a teacher, a prophet, a wise sage, but Jesus tells us in the Word that He is much more. Jesus is the promised Messiah, and Savior of the World.
What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Write you thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 17, 2024
January 16, 2024
Read Genesis 16, Psalm 16, John 16
H.G. Wells wrote the Novel “The Invisible Man.” Harry Potter has his cloak of invisibility. And many sci-fi shows like to brandish the power to cloak their spacecrafts to make them invisible. As cool as this might sound, do you ever feel that you are invisible? Maybe you just wish someone would see you. Recognizing you or giving you a little attention. We all might have times in our lives when we feel that way. The good news is that there is a God who sees you.
In Genesis 16, We see an impatient Sarai who has waited 10 years since the time God had promised a son. Sarai hatches the idea that maybe Abram should take her maidservant Hagar and try a child through her. Oh course, Abram quickly agrees. “He slept with Hagar, and she conceived” v. 4. Naturally, Sarai becomes jealous and starts mistreating Hagar because her own plan worked. Sarai causes Hagar to run away and she runs to the desert where an angel appears to her with a message. “The angel of the LORD also said to her: “You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery” v. 11. Ishmael means God hears. Verse 13 says, “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” It should be comforting that in times when we feel invisible or are facing something that we didn’t even stir up, there is a God who sees us.
Psalm 16 is a psalm of David with a similar theme to Hagar’s plight in Genesis. David cries out to the Lord to keep him safe. Verses 9-11 seem to show us that David knows despite his circumstances and situation God sees Him. “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” May the promise of Scripture give you hope and aid you in trusting in the Lord in times like David faced.
In John 16 Jesus continues His Olivette discourse. He continues teaching on the Holy Spirit and tells the disciples what they might not wait to hear, times will get tough before they get better. Jesus even tells them that some of them will be put to death and it will be seen as a service to God. Jesus tells the disciples that the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, will convict the world in three areas. Sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirt will teach us what is wrong and sinful, the Holy Spirit will teach us what is also right in the absence of Jesus, and finally the Spirit will act in judgment because Satan will be condemned for his actions.
As Jesus explains in detail about his soon coming absence and then appearance. The disciples probe Jesus with more questions. When they final understand the disciples respond with “Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God” v.30. The grief and confusion the disciples faced now became confidence and joy knowing that Jesus was a God that saw them and all things. Don’t let us forget that Jesus, our Lord and Savior, sees us and He knows what will take place in our future even though we do not.
What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 17, 2024
January 17, 2024
Read Genesis 17, Psalm 17, John 17
One thing our culture loves to do right now is divide us. We are constantly bombarded with polls telling us how most people feel who identify with a particular identity group. In election years we are over-saturated with political ads attacking the other side. We are conditioned to think more about how a person differs from us that we are alike. In Christianity we even squabble and fight over our differences. You may have seen the meme that says why are there 45,000 different denominations and suggests that the differences should lead them to not being trusted. This is a gross overestimation of the numbers. There is actually just a couple dozen different denominations. The numbers get inflated when they count churches from different counties of the same denomination. Pastor Mike Winger of the YouTube channel “Bible Thinker” does a great job explaining this in detail. Even still, we have our differences.
In John 17 we find the prayer that Jesus prayed after He had observed the Passover Meal with his disciples, and He teaches them about what it means to serve one another. Jesus prays for three different people in this prayer. First, He prays for himself. Knowing what He will soon face Jesus prays that He will glorify and thanks God for giving him everything.
The next subject of Jesus’ prayer was His disciples. Jesus spent the most time praying for those who He had walked and talked with over the years. Jesus prays “protect them from the evil one” v. 15 and He also prays “that they too may be truly sanctified” v. 19. Sanctification is the process of becoming more Christlike. More inline with the God of the Bible and His teachings. It is something that does not come all at once, it is a process over our lifetime. The longer we walk with the Lord the more we reflect Christ.
Third, Jesus prayed for “for those who will believe in me through their message” v. 20. Jesus prayed “that they may be one as we are one” v. 22. One of the areas we can strive to grow in sanctification is our unity. We learn to deal with each other’s warts and personal imperfections and strive in unity as Christ would want us to be. Why is unity so important? Jesus gives the reason, “to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” v. 23. Our unity brings a powerful evangelistic pull to the gospel message. What can you and I do to bring the body of Christ into unity?
What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Write your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 15, 2024
January 15, 2024
Read Genesis 15, Psalm 15, John 15
What things do we rush through in life? What do we try and speed through to get them done? What things do we enjoy and desire to spend time on? Chances are if you are making a list in your mind right now, the things we want to dwell on are the things that we love and find enjoyment. How does our walk with God fit into these two categories? Do we long to rush through our time with God in order so that we can dwell on other things in our life? Or, do we long to spend time with God and in His word more than other things?
God again comes to Abram in Genesis 15 and tells Him, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” v. 1. Abram speaks up and asks what type of reward he may receive, Abram longs for a son. Earlier God promised Abram that he would have many descendants, but it hasn’t happened yet. Abram is getting impatient. If you know the story, it will take 25 years for Abram and Sarai to have the promised child. God wanted Abram to dwell in his promise and to be obedient to God. Abram had to trust God would reward Him in God’s proper timing. Our world is probably even more impatient now. The use of technology makes us pace the kitchen floor waiting 2 minutes for our popcorn, or the few seconds it takes for our phone and apps to connect on a video call on the other side of the world.
God again comes to Abram in a deep sleep and reminds Abram that it will a while before all the things God spoke to him about will come to pass. “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and ill-treated four hundred years. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterwards they will come out with great possessions” vv. 13-14. Then God tells Him “In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here” v. 16. Many will explain the fourth generation as through ha typical life span of a human, 100 years and that would match the 400 or 430 years in Egypt as slaves.
In Psalm 15 David asks, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” v. 1. The rest of the psalm answers that. It is those who fear the Lord, those who do right, and live a just life in relationship with their neighbors and others. One day we will dwell with God, not in the sanctuary or temple, but with God in Heaven.
In John 15 we see a similar theme of dwelling. Jesus calls his true disciples to “remain in me” v.4. I love the King James word “abide.” Jesus tells us three times to remain or abide. First, “remain in me” v. 4, second, “my words remain in you” v. 7, and finally “remain in my love” v. 9. This aspect of dwelling all has to do with our relationship with God. Yes, the Bible does not speak much about our need for a “relationship” with God, that is a more modern phrase, but the Bible does speak much about our “walk with God.” When two people go for a walk together they can communicate, both talk and listen, they can interact with one another, learn from each other. All this is true of our walk with God. The last part of the chapter Jesus reminds his disciples that when we remain in Him the world will hate us. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” vv. 18-19. We have a choice, we can either remain in God’s love or the world’s love. Where will we choose to dwell?
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes pop out at you? Write your thoughts and observations below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 14, 2024
January 14, 2024
Read Genesis 14, Psalm 14, John 14
What things in your life trouble you most? Is it a circumstance you face, a relationship, financial or material needs, a physical illness or perhaps something new you are facing with an unknown future? What takes your peace away from you? One thing that can make these difficult circumstances better is knowing that we do not face them alone. If we are blessed to have family, friends, a church to lean on can make these times more bearable. There is greater comfort knowing that whatever we face as disciples of Jesus that the Lord is with us, and that God can rescue us from anything we face.
In Genesis 14 we find the story of Abram who rescues Lot from a battle where he is caught in between some rival kings. Abram rounds up 318 “trained men born in his household” v. 14. Abram goes all out to rescue His nephew Lot from trouble and the Lord gave him success in his efforts. In almost 30 years of ministry, working in a church, I have seen many people in need. One common theme is that bridges often have been burned in families and there is no help available for those in need. Be thankful for the family that you do have. If you do not have a family that you feel you can call a blessing, why not turn it around and be a blessing to them or create that type of family going forward.
After the battle is over Abram is greeted by The King of Sodom and the King of Salem, named Melchizedek. These two kings can be contrasted against one another. Melchizedek is an interesting person which we know little about from Genesis 14, but psalm 110 and Hebrews chapter 5 and 7 speak more about. Melchizedek is said to be priest of El Elyon “God Most High.” Abram strangely gives him a tenth of the spoils he collected in the rescue. This is the first time we see the use of a tenth given in the Bible. The King of Sodom asks for the people back but tells Abram he can keep the goods. The King of Sodom comes out next and asks for the people back that he rescued but tells Abram he may keep all the goods. Abram informs the King of Sodom of his oath – “have taken an oath” v. 22 “I will accept nothing belonging to you” v. 23 Not even the smallest items? – “a thread or the thong of a sandal” v. 23 Abram wants only to have others know God was the source of Abram’s blessings and possessions and no one else. – “you will never be able to say ‘I made Abram rich’” v. 23. Many believe, including myself, that Melchizedek is a theophany of the preincarnate Christ whom Abram pays a tenth to. You can dig into that deeper in Hebrews if you wish.
Psalm 14 starts off with an often-quoted verse by many Christians who want to take a swipe at atheists. David writes “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” v. 1. I’m not sure the best way to win the ear of an atheist or for them to hear the gospel is to start with name calling. Also, this misunderstands the meaning of the word “fool” in the biblical sense. Most often a fool was a morally deficient person. If a person does not believe that God exists, there is no higher authority in their lives than themselves. They will say and do what they want to, which is what the word fool in Scripture describes. The next few verses David reminds us all with some “hard truth” (as our student pastor recently said) that we are all sinners, “there is no-one who does good” v. 2, and not many people seek the Lord “The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God” v. 2. David resolves the psalm again with a reminder that God will bring salvation and restore the fortunes of his people. “Let Jacob rejoice and be glad” v. 7.
In John 14 we have the beginning of a long discourse of teaching from Jesus on the Holy Spirit. The chapter begins with Jesus telling the disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” v. 1. The disciples were trouble because what Jesus had revealed to them in the previous chapter. He was going to be with them only for a little while longer. Even worse, those who claimed to never leave Jesus would deny Him three times before the cock crows. Jesus uses a beautiful wedding analogy in verses 2-3. Jesus was going away to prepare a room in his father’s house. In the first century Jewish culture the betrothal of an engaged couple would be a typically longer period. The groom would go and build a home or a room in his parents’ home and prepare it for he and his soon coming bride. After the wedding ceremony the groom would take his bride back to the home that he had prepared for her. The disciples ask questions and try to understand what Jesus was referring to. Thomas questions Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” vv. 5-6. This exclusive statement by Jesus has no doubt caused many relativists to push back and reject Christianity then and now.
In Jesus teaching about the Holy Spirit in this chapter we first learn that the Holy Spirit will act as a “Counselor” v. 26, not like a mental health professional, but a defense attorney who will defend us in times of need. Second the Holy Spirit will “teach and remind you of everything I have said to you” v. 26 when they teach and write the Gospels and Epistles. Third, and most importantly the Spirit will bring peace to them. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” v. 27. This is not an absence of war or conflict, but rather an inner peace that Christ’s followers will have despite the trouble they will face (John 16:33).
What else do you see in these verses as you read them? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you? Write your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 13, 2024
January 13, 2024
Read Genesis 13, Psalm 13, John 13
In Genesis 13 we find a choice of right or left. The Scripture says that Abram had become very wealthy. His herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen started to argue, likely over who was occupying which pastureland for their own livestock. Being the eldest, Lot had the right to select which area he wanted but in a show of kindness allows his nephew Lot to pick first. Lot looked around and the Scripture says, “Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD” v. 10. This must have allured his eye to choose this side over the other. The Scripture hints at what will come in the next chapter by mentioning Sodom and that “the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD” v. 13. Is this not the perfect illustration of sin. It looks appealing to the eye at first, at a distance, all seems fine, but sooner or later we find ourselves in a place and situation we did not foresee with consequences we did not want to face.
Psalm 13 is a smaller psalm of David. If this psalm seems familiar, it is because David again is crying out to the Lord as he wrestles with his thoughts and wonders, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me?” v. 1. As David writes this psalm out it appears that God has not resolved his situation yet, but David leans on the promises of God. He writes, “But I will trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” v. 5. David took comfort knowing that God would save him, even if he didn’t know how. Where do you think David had gotten a trust like this? Chances are it was not automatic, it was build by many times in his past when God rescued him. We can do the same when we look back and see how the Lord has brought us through in times past.
John 13 might be the most challenging image of Jesus that followers of Christ look at. Jesus is God, He is Savior and LORD, miracle worker, teacher, but here hours before Jesus would go to the cross and pay the debt of the world’s sins, Jesus humbles himself and serves his disciples by washing their feet. Jesus had already humbled himself as Paul describes in Philippians 2:4-11, but this act of foot washing was something that would leave a mark on his disciples. The chapter begins with his intention, “he now showed them the full extent of his love” v. 1. So many people are caught up in being served today. America has become a nation of service. How many carwashes have popped up over the last few years or businesses that will do anything you want them to… for a price. The meal delivery business like Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Grub Hub show us we are willing to pay anyone just about anything to be served. Jesus was a leader who was willing to serve those he loved. If you pull comments from the disciples early in Jesus’ ministry its clear they think He was going to come in and rule as Messiah. The Jews were looking for someone to free them from the Romans and they would return to their glory days. When Jesus washed their feet he set an example for them to follow. “You should do as I have done for you” v. 15. This message of Jesus was taken to heart by the early Christians, it’s all in the writings of Paul and the other Epistles. How do you follow Jesus’ example and serve others around you? What can you do to show the love of Christ to others in your circle of influence?
What words, phrases, or themes do you see in these chapters? What other things stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
DId God Really Say... 