Genesis 32:11-12 ~ Devotion

“Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. ¹² But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”  (Genesis 32:11-12)

 

“Lord, help me!”  “Lord, please get me through this.”  “Lord, I’m afraid.”  “Lord, be with me.” 

 

“Lord, keep your promises.”

 

Sound familiar?  I’m sure the first few do.  They are prayers that I have uttered.  How about that last one?  It basically says the same thing as the others, doesn’t it.  We see it in Jacob’s prayer above.  Facing his brother more than 20 years after his deception.  Still fresh in his mind was Esau’s threat to kill him.  “Lord, save me from my brother.”  “Lord, keep your promises.”

 

As life throws you for a loop, terrifies you, and knocks the wind out of you, pray like Jacob.  Ask your God to keep his promises to you.  No where does God promise an easy life, or an easy way out.  But, he does promise that he will always be with you; that he will strengthen you for what you must endure; that he will ultimately rescue you from this world when he takes you to heaven. 

 

When those times of trials come in your life, think of Jacob and how God kept his promises to him.  Just as he kept his promise to a troubled Jacob, he will keep his promises to a troubled you.

 

 

Lord, keep your promises to me as I face…(fill in what ever difficult situations you face in life.)  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible reading:  Genesis 31-33

 

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SATURDAY – Today’s Light Bible reading:  Genesis 34-35

 

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Genesis 29:25 ~ Devotion

When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”  (Genesis 29:25)

 

Has this ever happened to you?  You are driving a are caught behind a slow moving truck.  You eye a small opening between 2 cars, and quickly move in before the cars can close the gap.  A mile down the road, a car cuts you off by quickly pulling in front of you, so that they aren’t stuck behind a slow car.  You may utter a few choice words, give them the stare down, and question how such a bad driver ever could have gotten his license. 

 

Do you see the irony?  You end up condemning someone for something you just did.  I believe the saying that describes just this situation would be “the pot calling the kettle black.”  We have a very similar situation in our reading today.  Jacob, the man who we saw yesterday lying and deceiving to get Jacob’s blessing, is now complaining because Laban deceived him and gave him Leah as his bride rather than Rachel.  You might say Jacob got a dose of his own medicine.

 

Isn’t it easy to condemn the attitude and actions of others, and at the same time we have no problem when we act the same way.  It’s a truth that’s hard to face – often the faults we hate most in others are the very sins we ourselves most often commit.  We find it rude with others cut us off in traffic, yet have no problem doing it ourselves.  It drives us nuts when people get angry with us over the seemingly smallest matter, yet doesn’t even register when we lash out when a spouse, a co-worker, a friend doesn’t meet our expectations.  We have no problem with a little white lie or half-truth to protect ourselves or defend an opinion, but get upset when we find a friend is no longer trustworthy.  And the list could get a whole lot longer.

 

Fortunately, we have a God who doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve.  As these sins creep up, as our conscience exposes our own faults, we still find a God who continues to forgive.  Take a few moments today to confess to your loving Savior those times when you’ve sinned.  Take comfort in the forgiveness in Christ has won for you.  Then, seek to share that forgiveness with others around you who have sinned against you. 

 

 

Dearest Father, I’ve failed to serve my neighbors in love. Forgive my many sins, my foolish words, and my selfishness. Remind me that Jesus died for my sins, too and that I’m still yours and you are mine. Into your saving hands I place myself and my loved ones. Keep us safe now and forever.  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible Reading:  Genesis 29-30

 

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Genesis 27:41 ~ Devotion

“Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”  (Genesis 27:41)

 

Parents picking favorites.  Kids acting deceitfully toward one another.  Anger exploding.  Grudges being held. 

 

Sound familiar?  It describes the family mentioned in our Bible verse – Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau at times easily fit the bill as a dysfunctional family.  It seemed that there were always relationships that were strained, someone was always conniving to trick another.  Maybe it sounds a bit more familiar than we would like because we see the same tendencies in ourselves and in our family.

 

We are, by nature, spiritually dysfunctional.  We are conceived sinful and that sinfulness shows itself in all we do.  It makes us spiritually dysfunctional.  And when a spiritual dysfunctional man and woman get married and form a family, they have spiritually dysfunctional kids.  Being spiritually dysfunctional shows itself in all sorts of bad things – things which we see all too often in our lives, in our relationships, in our marriages, and in our families.  Anger, grudges, lies and deceit.  In other words, sin.

 

What can we do about it?  Nothing – after all, we are the ones who are spiritually dysfunctional.  So, God came down to us with the solution to our sin.  God’s Son, Jesus, lived a life free from sin as our substitute so that he could credit his perfection to us.  Then, he took our sins upon himself on the cross, bore the punishment they deserved, and in doing so, completely removed all our sins from each one of us.

 

Forgiven by your Savior, strive to eradicate those things that are spiritually dysfunctional from your life, from your relationships, from your marriage, from your family.  Strive to forgive one another as God forgave you, patiently deal with one another in love, aim to bring glory to God with how you act and handle every aspect of your life.

 

 

Dear Lord, forgive me for the many times each day that sin rears its ugly head in my life, in my relationships, in my marriage, in my family.  Thank you for the healing that your Son brings through his life, death, and resurrection.  Lead me to be more like you in all areas of my life.  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible reading:  Genesis 27-28

 

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Genesis 22:14 ~ Devotion

“So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”  (Genesis 22:14)

 

On a dreary winter day in 1943, 903 troops and four chaplains boarded the SS Dorchester, a troop ship that was headed across the icy North Atlantic.  World War 2 was in full swing, and the Dorchester was about to embark on a dangerous journey where German submarines were a constant threat.  On the morning of February 3, a German torpedo ripped into the ship. “She’s going down!” the men cried, scrambling for lifeboats.  A young GI crept up to one of the chaplains. “I’ve lost my life jacket,” he said. “Take this,” the chaplain said, handing the soldier his jacket. Before the ship sank, each chaplain had given his life jacket to another man.

 

There are probably thousands of other such accounts throughout the history of our country – of brave men and women selflessly giving their life to save a fellow soldier or soldiers.  It is why we celebrate Memorial day, to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service of their country.  To celebrate the lives of those who, as the saying goes, “GAVE THEIR TODAY FOR OUR TOMORROW.”  They are men and women who willingly went in my place to protect the freedoms I enjoy.

 

It reminds me that we have a God who did the same thing.  With Abraham, he provided a substitute sacrifice.  With you and me, he provided a much greater substitute, a Savior who suffered the punishment that our sins deserved in our place.  He gave his life on that day for our tomorrow in heaven.

 

Take a few moments to remember and thank God for the substitutionary sacrifice he made for us to save us from sin.  Take a few moments today to remember and thank God for the brave men and women who have, and continue to selflessly serve us and give their lives for our tomorrows.

 

 

On this day set aside to honor those who have served the United States, oh God, I thank you for those patriotic citizens and a country that chooses to remember them.  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible reading:  Genesis 23-24

 

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Genesis 21:2 ~ Devotion

Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.  (Genesis 21:2)

 

How good are you at keeping your word?  At times, it can be tough.  It is so easy to say you will do a certain thing for someone or be home at a certain time.  It is just as easy to forget what you’ve said and fail to keep your word.  Failing to keep one’s word leads to mistrust.

 

At the same time, we highly respect someone who keeps their word – that when they say they are going to do something or be somewhere, you can count on them.  They will be there.  

 

In our verse for today, we see God keeping his word.  He promised Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son, through whom he would build a nation and send a Savior.  God said he would do something, and he kept his word.

 

It is comforting that we have a God we can absolutely trust.  He has kept his word each and every time he has made a promise to us.  He promised a Savior from sin, and he sent Christ.  Jesus promised to send his disciples the Holy Spirit to give them understanding of the Word, and he kept that promise on Pentecost.  He has promised us that he will never leave us, that he will always be with us.  He has promised us an eternal home in heaven. 

 

And because we know that we have a God who keeps his word, we can trust that even the promises that have yet to be fulfilled, are as good as done.

 

 

Dear God, when life comes crashing down, it can be hard for me to trust your promises.  Help me to find strength and comfort in the many promises you have given, knowing that you are a God who keeps his word.  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible reading:  Genesis 20-22

 

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Genesis 18:20 ~ Devotion

“Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous…”  (Genesis 18:20)

 

“It’s my life, I’ll do what I want.”  A phrase that has been spoken by an angry teenagers, abortion rights activists, and many others.  Perhaps it’s a thought that has run through your mind on occasion.  We like to think that we are in charge of our lives, that we have full control and the right to do whatever we want, after all, it’s our life.

 

It was certainly the attitude of the majority of the people living in the region of Sodom and Gomorrah.  They thought they could do whatever they wanted, after all it was their life.  Life owed them a lifetime of good times and freedom to do as they pleased.  Regardless of whether it was pleasing to God or not.

 

“It’s my life, I’ll do what I want.”    It is an attitude that is  still used as a justification for sinful behavior.  We seem to think that “life owes us” something.

 

There is a powerful reminder in this text of what being a believer involves. Even as God sends his angels to judge people who have no idea the end is coming, Abraham is left, walking with God. Abraham is exactly where he ought to be simply because of who he is – a man who believes God, and whose ways God has declared to be “right and just.” Through faith, he is walking in step with the Lord.

 

Life does not owe us anything, it is a gift we each are given by God to use well. For each one of us, this lifespan is a different length, of a different quality, of a different flavor – and always suited exactly to the needs of each of us, and to each person’s soul. It is a time that God gives us to come to faith in his Son, Jesus, so that when the time comes for our lives to end, we will not be caught unaware, but forgiven by our Savior, simply walking along in step with the Lord.

 

 

Dear God, Guiding me by your Word, lead me to keep my focus on Jesus that by faith in him I will be ready when you come to call me home to heaven.  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible reading:  Genesis 18-19

 

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Genesis 17:17 ~ Devotion

Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?”  (^NIV Genesis 17:17)

 

That’s impossible!  Peace in the middle east.  That’s impossible!  I want to live forever.  That’s impossible!  Unassisted human flight… that’s impossible!

 

That’s impossible!  Quite possibly a thought that ran through Abraham’s mind as he heard God’s promise that a son would be born to him and Sarah in their old age.  That’s impossible – people as old as us can’t have kids.  We’re both way past the age of child-bearing.  It’s impossible.

 

That’s impossible!  Quite possibly a though that runs through our mind.  That’s impossible – there’s no cure for that disease.  That’s impossible – we’ll never get along or reconcile that relationship.  That’s impossible – God can’t forgive that sin.  That’s impossible – God can’t love someone like me after what I’ve done.  That’s impossible – the perfect, holy God wouldn’t die for sinful humans like you and me.  It’s impossible!

 

“With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).  Abraham found that out.  He and Sarah had a son, Isaac, of whose descendants was the Savior.  God sent a Jesus, our Savior, to forgive all our sins, even those that seem impossible to forgive.  Jesus Christ, true God, died for sinful humans, he died for you.  Not just possible, its done!

 

What things in your life seem impossible?  Overcoming a particular illness?  Getting along with a co-worker?  A family member coming to faith?  Coping with a devastating loss in life?  All seem impossible, and yet, with our God, all things are possible.  Just as we see with Abraham.  Entrust your impossibilities to the God who makes all things possible.

 

 

Lord, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the different situations I face in life.  It is easy for me to give up when I see things that I think are impossible.  Help me to overcome my unbelief.  Instead, lead me confidently place in your hands my body and soul, and all things, knowing that with you, all things are possible.  In my Savior’s name I pray.  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible reading:  Genesis 16-17

 

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Genesis 15:17 ~ Devotion

When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces.  (Genesis 15:17)

 

Contracts are a  part of everyday life these days.  You sign one when you buy a house, get a gym membership, or buy anything with your credit card.  In each instance, each party agrees to carry out a specific course of action.  They will provide money to buy a house, gym equipment for you to use, or money for a gas, and in return, you will pay them money (plus interest in some cases!) 

 

Most, if not all, contracts these days are bilateral – that is, 2 or more parties agree that each will do something and carry out their end of the bargain.  In Abram’s day, instead of signing a name at the end of the fine print or looking a man in the eye and shaking his hand, people could make a contract, or covenant, with another person by agreeing to the term, cutting some animals in half, then walking between the two halves.   (A bit more messy than reading the fine print!)

 

But that is not what we see here in Genesis.  Here, we see a unilateral covenant between God and Abram.  In other words, God is going to do everything, Abram will do nothing and receive the blessings of God’s actions.  We see God, the smoking firepot, ratify this covenant by walking alone, without Abram, between the animal halves, sealing and “signing” the contract.

 

It is a similar contract to the one that God has signed with us regarding our salvation.  It is a one-sided, unilateral covenant.  God will save us.  He sent the Savior.  He lived a perfect life in our place.  He died to sin as our substitute.  He creates a saving faith in our hearts.  God does all the work.  With the blood of Jesus God marked our debt paid in full.  Unlike credit card bills and mortgages, there is no debt outstanding in this contract.  We offer nothing, contribute nothing, nor do anything. 

 

Yet, in his mercy, God provides more than money, a house, or gym equipment.  Instead, He gives you forgiveness, salvation, and an eternal home in heaven.

 

 

Almighty God, I praise and thank you for your salvation, which you have worked on my behalf.  Keep me from vain glory and selfish conceit that tries to claim credit for what you have done for me.  Continue to strengthen me through your word and sacraments.  In my Savior’s name I pray.  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible reading:  Genesis 14-15

 

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Genesis 7:1 ~ Devotion

When I was in grade school, many times at recess we played either kickball or football.  The first couple minutes were spent picking teams, perhaps one of more influential aspects of who would win and lose.  Those who were picked first were always the best athletes – those who were going to give the captain the best shot at winning.  They were picked simply because of what they were capable of doing.

 

The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.  (Genesis 7:1)

 

At first glance, it may seem God had done a similar thing when picking Noah and his family to go into the ark.  It looks like they were picked because of what they had done – because they had been righteous.  After all, just a few verses before this, God relates how wicked and unrighteous the world was.  So, Noah and his family were saved because of who they were and what they had done, right?

 

Not exactly.  Remember that Noah and his family were sinful, just like the rest of the world.  Their sins were no less serious, no less damning than the rest of the worlds.  On their own, they weren’t any more righteous than anyone else on the earth at that time.

 

Instead, Noah and his family were made righteous by God.  Because God had created in their hearts a saving faith that trusted in His promise to send a Savior, their sins were forgiven, because a promise made by God is as good as done, even though it would be several thousand years before God would keep that promise.  Noah and his family were righteous through faith in their Savior. 

 

Noah was sinful – like the rest of the world.  Unlike the rest of the world, he was forgiven through faith.  Much like you and I.  We are sinful, just like the rest of the world.  It is a sinfulness that shows itself everyday in how we act, what we say, the attitudes of our heart and mind.  However, unlike the majority of the world, we are forgiven.  Not because of something we have done, not because we are righteous on our own, but because like Noah, we are made righteous by God through faith in our Savior. 

 

 

Heavenly Father, I rejoice that you have made me righteous through faith in my Savior.  I rejoice that I am saved, not because of what I have done, but because of what you have done.  Help me to live my life in gratitude and joy for all you have done for me.  Amen.

 

 

Today’s Light Bible Reading:  Genesis 6:9-8:22

 

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Lost It All ~ Reflections on Genesis 4-6:8

Ever had something that changed a relationship forever?  Maybe you betrayed someone or someone betrayed you.  Lies are just as capable too.  Yesterday, we saw how sin changed the relationship between God and humans.  It didn’t just change it – it destroyed it.  In today’s reading, we see the toll that sin took not just on their relationship with God, but also with their relationship with one another.

We can we learn from this reading?  We see…

• Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve’s first children.  Cain is a farmer, Abel a shepherd.
• We see already here God’s people returning a portion of the blessings God showered in their lives as an offering.  However, the simple of act of giving a offering isn’t what God is looking for.  We see both Cain and Abel did that.  An offering is more a matter of the heart.  It seems as though Abel gave an offering from the very best of his flocks, an offering that reflected the heartfelt appreciation and love he must have had for his God.  Cain, however, while still giving an offering, didn’t seem to give it in the same way Abel did – whether it was in how generous he was or wasn’t or just an attitude that God was able to see in Cain’s heart.  I suppose it gives us a moment to consider our offerings – are they from the best of what God has given us, or just leftovers?  With what type of attitude are they given?  Love and appreciation or relutance and grudgingly?
• It is intersting to me to see the progression of sin in this chapter.  Cain evidently sinned in his offering – as God wasn’t pleased with it.  That sin led to the sin of anger in Cain – anger at God, anger (maybe some jealousy) at Abel.  God warns him about the sin he is getting caught up in.  In essence, God warns him about the sin crouching at his door, just waiting to get a piece of Cain.  The anger in Cain’s heart and mind led finally to the action of killing his brother and lying to God about what had happened. 
• Another interesting thing comes up at the end of chapter 4.  In verse 26, we read, “at that time, men began to call upon the name of the Lord” (Gen 4:26).  In other words, people begain to pray, to preach, and worship God in a more organized way.  As the number of people on earth increased, the believers began to gather together to worship and call upon the name of the Lord.
• We see that mankind had completely lost God’s image.  Remember when God created Adam and Eve, he created them in the image of God (Gen 1:26).  This meant that, like God, they were perfect and holy.  However, when they sinned, they lost that perfection and holiness.  Now they were sinful.  They had lost the image of God.  That is further demonstrated by the birth of Adam’s children.  They were not born in God’s image (perfect and holy), but in Adam’s image (sinful).  Sin was being passed on from generation to generation.  I suppose this means we can blame our parents for our sinfulness? 
• One can’t help but be impressed by the long life these men and women enjoyed.  They lived hundreds and hundreds of years.  A blessing from God in that it was much easier to hand down the promise of a Savior to subsequent generations, insuring that people had an opportunity to hear the Gospel message of a Savior from sin.  For instance, Methuselah, Noah’s grandfather, would have lived for a number of years on the earth at the same time as Adam, and would have then been able to tell his grandson exactly what he heard from Adam about God and the promise of a Savior!
• We see the effect sin had on people – both in the descendants of Cain as they fell away from faith in the true God and also in the fact that at the end of these long lives, everyone died – one of the results of sin that God had proclaimed.
• What do you see?  Please share your insights or your questions using the comment feature.