January 24, 2024
January 24, 2024
Read Genesis 28-30, Psalm 24
What are some special places for you that hold a special place in your mind or heart with a spiritual connection? Maybe it was a church or a time away at a camp. Maybe it was somewhere out in nature where you felt the presence of God with you. In Genesis 28 we find such a place for Jacob. On the run from his brother Esau Rebekah suggests that Jacob should head to the land of her family to find a wife for himself. Along the way Jacob stops at Bethel. Jacob has a dream and sees a staircase going up to the heavens and then God speaks to Him in his dream. “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying” v. 13. God confirms with Jacob the same promise that He gave to his father Issac and his grandfather Abraham. Jacob will return to this place later and God is not through with him yet.
In chapter 29 Jacob makes it to Paddan Aram and much like his father Isaac secured a wife it centers around watering animals at a well. Jacob meets Rachel and asks for her as a wife and is willing to work for her father Laban for seven years. I love the summarization of Jacob’s work time for the seven years. “So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her” v. 29. Chapter 29 is the longest chapter in the book of Genesis. This is for a reason to draw the reader to the main story of the book. God has blessed Jacob with children that will become the twelve tribes of Israel. In this chapter we can also see the problems that arise from having multiple wives that fight over the love of Jacob. It is an interesting thought to think that no where in these verses does God command Jacob take more than one wife, but despite human choice God brings forth the 12 tribes of Israel.
In chapter 30 not only do Jacob’s wives and children increase but so do his flocks. Jacob and Laban make an agreement to split the flocks between them because Laban recognizes the blessing that have come from Jacob. In a stripes or solids game of division Jacob uses some sort of plan to increase the numbers of striped animals that he will keep for himself. What are we to make of Jacob’s strange breeding practices? “He took fresh-cut branches… made white stripes on them by pealing the bark and exposing the white inner wood” v. 37, “placed them in all the watering troughs” v. 38, and “they mated in front of the branches” v. 39. There are 4 different thoughts from various opinions on this. 1. He was engaging in superstitious magic or as a rouse to appear so. 2. Some scientific explanations have to do with some medicinal properties we are unaware of. 3. They had no effect – Only God prospered Jacob. 4. Jacob was following God’s instructions (see verses 10-13).
Psalm 24 starts with a declaration of David. “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters” vv. 1-2. We might have a certain place that is special to us, but the whole of creation belongs to the Lord. David declares that for all seek the Lord, the “God of Jacob” v. 6 they will receive a blessing. There is a repeated question in this chapter, “Who is this King of Glory?” Each time David response with the answer “The Lord strong and mighty” or the “Lord Almighty.” No matter if we are in or near our special place, we can take comfort knowing that the whole earth is the Lord’s.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you? What do you notice about the relationships within families in these chapters? Add your thoughts below?
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Posted by John Weldon
January 23, 2024
January 23, 2024
Read Genesis 25-27, Psalm 23
What kind of childhood did you have growing up with your family? Chances are that if you had at least one brother or sister you had your fair share of squabbles as a child. Hopefully those will go away as you became an adult. There is a lot of ground covered in these three chapters of Genesis. Genesis 25 starts with Abraham passing away at the ripe old age of 175. The chapter gives us some background on Abraham’s wives that he took after Sarah died and the children that each bore. Apparently, Ismael comes back and both he and Isaac bury their father, Abraham.
The latter part of Genesis 25 describes the birth of Isaac and Rebekah’s twins, Jacob and Esau. These two boys fight from the very start, even from the womb, “The babies jostled each other within her” v. 22. And as it came time to give birth to them, “After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel” v. 26. The boys continue to fight over food and birthrights and ultimately over their father’s blessing when Isaac is about to die. An interesting discussion in these chapters is the revelation to Rebekah that Jacob the younger will be stronger and “the older will serve the younger” v. 23. Are Rebekah’s actions right, to help her son Jacob steal the birthright from Esau? Did she believe she was helping Jacob take his rightful place or were they sinful in deceiving her husband and other son Esau? There is plenty of blame to go on the whole family. Each of the parents showed favoritism toward a child and the children often acted impulsively with each other making careless choices with consequences.
Genesis 26 tells a familiar story but with different characters. We find Isaac moves south to the land ruled by Abimelech because of a famine. Are we shocked at what takes place? Isaac apparently has picked up some bad habits from growing up around his father, namely covering your own rear. Isaac too lies to Abimelech for the same reason as his wife Rebekah. This time Sarah is not his sister, but his cousin. Some critics have suggested that this repeat in Genesis is just an error that occurred in copying the manuscripts over time, but a careful read of the texts shows nothing like this. The accounts are far different to be just a simple copyist error.
Psalm 23 is probably the most well-known chapters in the Bible. This psalm of David is beloved and memorized by so many. I would encourage you to slow down and read it carefully. You may know it and can quote it for memory, but take the time to meditate on each phrase and what it means. Shepherding was the most common occupation of the Israelites, and they would have easily identified with the theme. One thing I would point out to you is the personal nature of this psalm. The Lord is “my” shepherd, he makes “me” lie down, for you are with “me.” Often the slant against the Old Testament is that character of God is not very personal in nature. This just comes from a incomplete few of Scripture. Psalm 23 shows us that God is our shepherd.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, themes do you see? What words repeat and bring attention to you? Add your thoughts 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 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 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
January 11, 2024
January 11, 2024
Read Genesis 11, Psalm 11, John 11
Every day that we live we can do one of two things. We can point people toward God with our words and actions or we can point people to ourselves and other people. It’s either the creator or the creation. The story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11 is an example of the latter. Men got together and decided that they wanted “make a name” v. 4 for themselves by building a tower that “reaches to the heavens” v. 4. The question may cross your mind? Why would God scatter and divide people? Doesn’t God want peace and unity in the human race? I think the answer lies in the actions God took. By staying together in a large city, it would be a protective measure for all that lived there. God wanted his creation to reach out to Him in times of need and to call on Him to provide for us. Another important part of this is the command that God gave men to “fill the earth” (1:28, 9:1,7) both before and after the flood. How can you live today and make God known? John the Baptist has great advice for all of us; “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
The rest of Genesis 11 gives the godly genealogy of Shem. As you can see from the ages of his descendants, there is a gradual decline in the life span of the sons. The final verses of Genesis 11 lead us up to the next chapter about Abram. It has been said by some scholars that more time may have passed in Genesis 1-11 than has passed from Genesis 12 – Revelation 22 even to the present day.
We can see a similar theme in Psalm 11. David exclaims “In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: Flee like a bird to your mountain” v. 1. David would rather be in the presence of the Lord in the temple than away from Him. David became short-sighted and forgot that there is no place that God cannot be. In one of the later psalms David would write; “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there” (Psalm 139:7-8). God is always present with His people. David is confident and knows that “For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face” v. 7.
The narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11 is one the greatest miracles we have recorded in the Gospels. Again, much like Jesus’ statement a couple of chapters earlier Jesus proclaims that “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” v. 4. Jesus was ready to point people to the works of God, through Himself as God. The disciples remind Jesus of the danger they faced in Judea. The slow and dimwitted disciples do not yet understand what Jesus will do, but they are ready with obedience to follow Jesus as Thomas exclaims, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” v. 16. Let this be a lesson for all of us, we must obey when we know God is leading us, even if we do not understand.
Mary and Martha and the disciples wonder why Jesus would delay and not act sooner. “’Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died’” v. 21. Sometimes we have hope and trust in Jesus, we just misunderstand the method or measure of time that God’s chooses to work in our life. Jesus answers her with one of the seven “I am…” sayings in John. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” vv. 25-26. It’s not so much about how Jesus will work, it is more about who He is to do the work of God.
What other words, phrases, or themes do you see in these passages? What are some things you have seen God work in your life in the past that were not answered like you thought they would be? What are some things that you trust in the Lord in life now? Add your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
DId God Really Say... 