"After these things..."
Genesis 22 starts with this phrase.
After WHAT things? What has happened to Abraham up to this point?
Let's review
1. A voyage to the Promised Land (12:1–9)
2. A problem and solution in Egypt (12:10–20)
3. Division (chap. 13)
4. Victory against some kings (chap. 14)
5. The covenant of God (chap. 15)
6. Hagar and Ishmael are rejected (chap. 16)
7. God's confirmation of His covenant (chap. 17)
8. Birth of Isaac promised (18:1–15)
9. The big deal with Sodom and Gomorrah (18:16–19:38)
10. A Philistine appointment (chap. 20)
11. Isaac’s birth (chap. 21)
So...after those things. Those little things. Those parts of Abraham's life that seemed at points insurmountable. Where every step of the way Abraham was driven to his knees in dependence upon the Lord. God was using each step in our story up to now to refine Abraham. To make him into a man. To mold him into the kind of guy that trusts God with big things.
So that's it right?
No.
Our story picks up in Genesis 22.
"After these things... God tested Abraham..." (22:1)
Seems to me that the last 10 chapters have been filled with test after test after test of God for Abraham. But no, "After these things, God tested Abraham.
Ever feel that way? Like life is full of hardship after hardship after problem after problem?
Well you're not alone.
In the book of James chapter one it says,
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,"
The question isn't if, the question is when. "When you meet trials." They're coming. They're going to happen. No one gets a trial free life, especially the Christian. In fact, I believe Scripture would argue that if you're life is light and fluffy, filled with trial free days and carefree nights, that you probably aren't a child of God.
So, when trials do come, we're supposed to, "Count it all joy."
Why is this?
James answers, "for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Trials in life are sent from God to produce in you a steadfast faith. A faith that can't be shaken. An old saying: "A faith never tested is no faith at all."
So apparently God wants to produce in Abraham a steadfast faith.
Ok. What is the trial? Back to the text:
"He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."
Awkward.
Remember the journey to Isaac? Remember how Abraham and his wife were old and all the issues involved with Ishmael and how God promised a future through Isaac and everything else about this story?
Well now God throws a curve ball it seems.
Basically saying, "I realize I promised Isaac to you but I'd like you to take him up on a hill and cut his throat and burn his body as an act of worship to Me."
Kind of an odd request. God is requiring a sacrifice.
Certainly odd by our standards today.
Well you know the story: God was testing Abraham and had no intention of letting Abraham kill his son. No, God's plan, from the beginning was to have another lamb slaughtered in Isaac's place. Abraham was handed a substitute to save his son Isaac. Isaac was saved by the lamb.
Sound familiar? Of course this is foreshadowing of things to come. It's a grand glimpse into the future of God's redemptive plan for human kind: The glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
When the time came, payment was required in order for God's wrath against mankind to be satisfied and once again, God provided the lamb: His Son, The Lord Jesus.
God killed His son in order that He doesn't have to kill us. He killed Jesus that we might be saved from His wrath.
Most of you reading this blog believe that to be true. I wonder, have you had the faith today to tell that old, old story to someone who does not yet believe?
Scripture says, "today is the day of Salvation." So may we take today as a gift from God and use it to proclaim the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Feb 6, 2011
Roman 11 & 12
As we continue our trip through Romans, we encounter a change in Paul’s preaching. Throughout the first eleven chapters, Paul gives a theological perspective as he explained the relationship between man’s sinful nature and the need for placing complete faith in Jesus Christ. Paul next made the case that because of God’s gift of Jesus, the law was insufficient in bringing salvation. He continued to preach that man was unable to be saved through his own religiosity, good deeds and heritage. In viewing chap 11, Paul completed his point by emphasizing the balance between mercy and blessing. He indicated that many Jews rebelled from God’s gift, due to placing faith in themselves and rituals. Because of these actions, Gentiles were now able to receive the blessing of his grace through Jesus. Paul illustrated this through using an analogy of a tree. As God is the root system, Abraham is the tree and the Jewish people were the branches. Because some refused the gift of salvation through Jesus, those branches were broken away and Gentiles, from a different tree, were able to be grafted on as they placed their faith in Christ.
If we briefly look at this word “grafted” which means to be spliced or embedded, it gives an image of oneness. In our daily walk, how joined are we to Jesus? Do we become thicker and sprout other branches as we absorb the nutrient of Christ or do we dwindle and become brittle?
In viewing Chapter 12, Paul took the principle of needing Christ and developing a relationship with God and began to make it applicable to daily living. I will not even begin to break down line by line, because this chapter is so important in our daily walk. I will point out that Paul is consistent with Jesus’ response in Matt 22:37-39. As he states love your God first and love your neighbor second; Paul first tells everyone to devote themselves entirely to God. He calls believers to be living and holy sacrifices to God. Paul also calls on believers to love everyone around them. To use gifts God has given us to serve out of love not prestige. What have you done to live your life according to Chap. 12.
As we continue our trip through Romans, we encounter a change in Paul’s preaching. Throughout the first eleven chapters, Paul gives a theological perspective as he explained the relationship between man’s sinful nature and the need for placing complete faith in Jesus Christ. Paul next made the case that because of God’s gift of Jesus, the law was insufficient in bringing salvation. He continued to preach that man was unable to be saved through his own religiosity, good deeds and heritage. In viewing chap 11, Paul completed his point by emphasizing the balance between mercy and blessing. He indicated that many Jews rebelled from God’s gift, due to placing faith in themselves and rituals. Because of these actions, Gentiles were now able to receive the blessing of his grace through Jesus. Paul illustrated this through using an analogy of a tree. As God is the root system, Abraham is the tree and the Jewish people were the branches. Because some refused the gift of salvation through Jesus, those branches were broken away and Gentiles, from a different tree, were able to be grafted on as they placed their faith in Christ.
If we briefly look at this word “grafted” which means to be spliced or embedded, it gives an image of oneness. In our daily walk, how joined are we to Jesus? Do we become thicker and sprout other branches as we absorb the nutrient of Christ or do we dwindle and become brittle?
In viewing Chapter 12, Paul took the principle of needing Christ and developing a relationship with God and began to make it applicable to daily living. I will not even begin to break down line by line, because this chapter is so important in our daily walk. I will point out that Paul is consistent with Jesus’ response in Matt 22:37-39. As he states love your God first and love your neighbor second; Paul first tells everyone to devote themselves entirely to God. He calls believers to be living and holy sacrifices to God. Paul also calls on believers to love everyone around them. To use gifts God has given us to serve out of love not prestige. What have you done to live your life according to Chap. 12.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday, February 5
In reading through Matthew, you find a great deal of miracles occurring...last week alone we had a long list found in the three passages we read. It is a common theme throughout the book of Matthew. However, in reading this week's passages, while we still see miracles being performed, we see an even greater concern...repentance and life change!
Throughout Jesus' ministry, He was constantly being judged and condemed by the Pharisees and religious leaders. In Matthew 11, we see Jesus teaching of whom John the Baptist is. He attempts to explain the fulfillment of prophecy to the people, yet He recognizes that they are more wrapped up in judgment than to accept hope. As He talks of the cities where He had performed most of the miracles, He points out that they may have received healings but that they lacked life change which is ultimately the most important thing. Matthew 11 ends with the statement from Jesus that we must bring Him our burdens and He will give us light! Physically we may have hardships but Jesus is offering so much more!
In Matthew 12 this theme of repentance continues as Jesus faces off with the Pharisees over working on the Sabbath. Jesus makes it very clear that knowing the Scriptures won't save you. True love and acceptance of the Father is where hope is found. If we are followers of Christ, our life must reflect that...which Jesus explains when He tells of the tree being identified by its fruit.
As our readings in Matthew continues into chapter 13, we see a shift into stories and parables. These illustrations were used greatly by Jesus to explain the ideas of repentance, love, and eternal life with the Father. These stories did not always make Jesus popular but He was true to His message and kept teaching truth. I wonder how many believers today can claim this in their own lives?!?!
Throughout Jesus' ministry, He was constantly being judged and condemed by the Pharisees and religious leaders. In Matthew 11, we see Jesus teaching of whom John the Baptist is. He attempts to explain the fulfillment of prophecy to the people, yet He recognizes that they are more wrapped up in judgment than to accept hope. As He talks of the cities where He had performed most of the miracles, He points out that they may have received healings but that they lacked life change which is ultimately the most important thing. Matthew 11 ends with the statement from Jesus that we must bring Him our burdens and He will give us light! Physically we may have hardships but Jesus is offering so much more!
In Matthew 12 this theme of repentance continues as Jesus faces off with the Pharisees over working on the Sabbath. Jesus makes it very clear that knowing the Scriptures won't save you. True love and acceptance of the Father is where hope is found. If we are followers of Christ, our life must reflect that...which Jesus explains when He tells of the tree being identified by its fruit.
As our readings in Matthew continues into chapter 13, we see a shift into stories and parables. These illustrations were used greatly by Jesus to explain the ideas of repentance, love, and eternal life with the Father. These stories did not always make Jesus popular but He was true to His message and kept teaching truth. I wonder how many believers today can claim this in their own lives?!?!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Isaiah 23 continues God's oracles of judgment. This oracle is to Tyre and Sidon. Tyre was a successful port on the Phoenician coast. The city was known as "the merchant of the nations." It was a wealthy city with great pride in itself. Sidon is another city near Tyre that benefitted from the success of Tyre. God sends the Babylonians to destroy these two great merchant cities. Some one hundred years later they will recover, but the loss is felt from Egypt to Asia Minor. Once again God shows his Sovereignity over all nations and people.
The prophet Isaiah continues in chapter 24 with the "Final End." This oracle is to the whole world. Chapters 24 through 27 are often called "apocalyptic," since they depict the final conflict and God's victory in vivd images.
Note that God judges all men. He lays waste the whole earth. Man's pride is humbled. Nothing can keep man from being judged. However, in the midst of this judgment God calls His people to Him. They are saved. Israel from the river Euphrates to the brooks of Egyptwill be gathered to Him. The great trumpet of God will declare the Year of Jubilee and Israel will be made free.
These verses declare what God will one day do for Israel. As we watch the television these days and see the chaos in Egypt and throughout the Middle East it becomes clear that God is truly Sovereign. He has declare that the the enemies of Israel will surround them and try to destroy them in the last days. The stage is being set. In time the nations around Israel will join together to eliminate Israel from the earth. Then God will show His power and might. We need to pray for Israel. We need to pray for open hearts among the Muslims toward Jesus. We need to prepare ourselves daily to be who God desires us to be. But we can never forget that Isaiah declares that He will gather His people for He is Sovereign.
The prophet Isaiah continues in chapter 24 with the "Final End." This oracle is to the whole world. Chapters 24 through 27 are often called "apocalyptic," since they depict the final conflict and God's victory in vivd images.
Note that God judges all men. He lays waste the whole earth. Man's pride is humbled. Nothing can keep man from being judged. However, in the midst of this judgment God calls His people to Him. They are saved. Israel from the river Euphrates to the brooks of Egyptwill be gathered to Him. The great trumpet of God will declare the Year of Jubilee and Israel will be made free.
These verses declare what God will one day do for Israel. As we watch the television these days and see the chaos in Egypt and throughout the Middle East it becomes clear that God is truly Sovereign. He has declare that the the enemies of Israel will surround them and try to destroy them in the last days. The stage is being set. In time the nations around Israel will join together to eliminate Israel from the earth. Then God will show His power and might. We need to pray for Israel. We need to pray for open hearts among the Muslims toward Jesus. We need to prepare ourselves daily to be who God desires us to be. But we can never forget that Isaiah declares that He will gather His people for He is Sovereign.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Thursday, February 3rd
Some comments do not justify a response. I would do good to remember that. In fact I believe that we would all do good to remember to not “answer a fool in his folly.” Job does just that. Despite backhanded attempts by two “friends” to point out that Job must be a secret sinner, Job decides to keep his focus where it should be. In Job 9 and 10 Job talks about God and he talks to God.
“How can a man make a case before God?” Job knows that he has done nothing wrong but stills recognizes that his righteousness cannot compare to a Holy creator who, to be really honest, does things that we don’t understand and even sometimes loathe. Job understands, “I may be good but I’ll never be good enough.”
Job still has to be honest about his situation. He doesn’t care if he lives or dies. I believe that is a feeling that only a parent who has lost a child can really understand. Job just wants an official indictment from the Lord. “Please show me my charges.” Anyone who is married and has ever had an angry spouse for what appears to be “no good reason” gets this. “Just tell me what I did so I will never do it again!!”
Human beings hate God’s processes. Think about a time when God was refining you. Did you like the process? Probably not, but how was the result? Maybe you are in process now. Maybe you too are only 10 chapters in to your personal story. His ways are higher than our ways. His timing is right… period.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Genesis 16-19
There are tons of things we could go into about these chapters in Genesis. The part I want to focus on today is the beginning of the fulfillment of a promise from back in Chapter 15.
God said to Abraham (who had no children),
"Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”"
God promises a man with no children and a barren wife (Genesis 11:30) to make his offspring as numerous as the stars. (a figure of speech meaning a lot of children.)
Why did God wait until Abraham was old? Why did he choose a man who had a barren wife? Why would he use this couple who had no earthly hope of conceiving a child to fulfill His purpose?
Simple: They couldn't fulfill His purpose. It had to be God.
Romans 4:17 says,
"“I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not."
This is a quotation of Genesis 17.
Notice the last part about in whom they have believed,
"The God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not."
That is the God we serve. The God who speaks life where there is no life. The God who shows up with all seems hopeless. The God who says to the world,
"My ways are not your ways."
Does your life seem impossible? Does your situation seem hopeless?
Do not be quick to forget that God specializes in the impossible. He rules over the hopeless.
Let us be quick to call upon the Name of the Lord in every time of distress.
God said to Abraham (who had no children),
"Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”"
God promises a man with no children and a barren wife (Genesis 11:30) to make his offspring as numerous as the stars. (a figure of speech meaning a lot of children.)
Why did God wait until Abraham was old? Why did he choose a man who had a barren wife? Why would he use this couple who had no earthly hope of conceiving a child to fulfill His purpose?
Simple: They couldn't fulfill His purpose. It had to be God.
Romans 4:17 says,
"“I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not."
This is a quotation of Genesis 17.
Notice the last part about in whom they have believed,
"The God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not."
That is the God we serve. The God who speaks life where there is no life. The God who shows up with all seems hopeless. The God who says to the world,
"My ways are not your ways."
Does your life seem impossible? Does your situation seem hopeless?
Do not be quick to forget that God specializes in the impossible. He rules over the hopeless.
Let us be quick to call upon the Name of the Lord in every time of distress.
Tuesday February 1, 2011
In Joshua 21, we see the Levites - those who represented Jehovah, receive their land as it is being given out in the Promise Land. At the end of the land given out there is this wonderful passage,
"So the LORD gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it.
And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand.
Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." Joshua 21:43-45
What a wonderful ending of the land being given out and a great summary. God is faithful to keep His promises - all of them.
In chapter 22, we see the importance of remembering a Godly past and creating remberance touchstones. As the tribes of Reuben, Gad and 1/2 of Manasseh built an altar for the purpose of remembering the importance of whom they worshipped, how they worshipped, and the larger nation that they worshipped with. This was misunderstood by the rest of the nation but ultimately they appreciated the explanation given of having a desire to see future generations not forget the things that truly matter.
In chapters 23-24, Joshua prepares the people for his death by reminding them of the faithfulness of the Lord and the importance of their faithfulness to Him by not tolerating the false gods that were left in the area. they were nto to intermarry but to stay pure and holy before God. Joshua reminds the people with the specific story of how God has brought them from Abraham to Moses to faithfully into the Promise Land. Joshua brings them to the point of decision by saying thatt hey need to choose who they will serve and that the choice will have consequences. To serve the Lord would mean that they would continue to see a faithful God at work in their lives but to choose to serve and obey the false gods left in the land would mean that Jehovah would drive them out of the very land that they were given. There are always consequences to our disobedience. As Joshua sets up a rememberance of their decision to serve the Lord and sends them out to the land that was given to them, he then dies at the age of 110.
"So the LORD gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it.
And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand.
Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." Joshua 21:43-45
What a wonderful ending of the land being given out and a great summary. God is faithful to keep His promises - all of them.
In chapter 22, we see the importance of remembering a Godly past and creating remberance touchstones. As the tribes of Reuben, Gad and 1/2 of Manasseh built an altar for the purpose of remembering the importance of whom they worshipped, how they worshipped, and the larger nation that they worshipped with. This was misunderstood by the rest of the nation but ultimately they appreciated the explanation given of having a desire to see future generations not forget the things that truly matter.
In chapters 23-24, Joshua prepares the people for his death by reminding them of the faithfulness of the Lord and the importance of their faithfulness to Him by not tolerating the false gods that were left in the area. they were nto to intermarry but to stay pure and holy before God. Joshua reminds the people with the specific story of how God has brought them from Abraham to Moses to faithfully into the Promise Land. Joshua brings them to the point of decision by saying thatt hey need to choose who they will serve and that the choice will have consequences. To serve the Lord would mean that they would continue to see a faithful God at work in their lives but to choose to serve and obey the false gods left in the land would mean that Jehovah would drive them out of the very land that they were given. There are always consequences to our disobedience. As Joshua sets up a rememberance of their decision to serve the Lord and sends them out to the land that was given to them, he then dies at the age of 110.
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