Abraham/Joseph Week 8 Day 3

Read Genesis 41: 41 - 57

What a rise to power!  After being in a cistern pit ... a slave in a foreign land (he would have to learn the language, remember - no small task!) ... falsely accused of attempted rape ... imprisoned ... now there is this meteoric rise to the second-most powerful figure in the most powerful country in the world.  Amazing.

I would like to share a couple of things that seem important to me.  I have previously written about the integrity and work ethic that characterizes Joseph.  He worked honorably wherever he was - in whatever circumstances he found himself.  This plunge into prosperity did not change that.  Notice verse 46.  Joseph goes out throughout the entire land of Egypt - immediately.  I think Joseph was following his self-chosen path of doing his work with integrity.  He was getting the lay of the land - himself - not by report - not by hearsay - by personal involvement.  I like that about him.  It shows authentic leadership.  And it confirms to me that prosperity does not change his character.  In adversity ... he was an honorable man.  In prosperity ... he remains an honorable man. 

So ... think about yourself.  Sometimes we are so intent on seeking God when in adversity ... and once the trouble has passed ... we go on our merry way, too busy to seek the face of God.  Times of peace in our lives are not times to ignore our spiritual discipline.  You are not in a season of peace because of anything you have done to deserve it!  You are there by the grace of God ... a time of rest ... a time of refreshment.  Keep God central in the times of peace and prosperity.

The second thing today is ... look again at verse 51 and notice the meaning behind the name of Joseph's firstborn son ... Manasseh.  Manasseh means "forgetting".  Joseph chose the name because he said that God has made him forget the trouble from his past.  Think for a few minutes about this forgetting business.  God says often that He forgets the sins of his people who confess them to Him.  One example is Jeremiah 31:34 - "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."  OK - so does that mean the God somehow becomes less than omniscient?  Less than all-knowing?  It can't mean that.  What I believe it means is that God chooses to not let that wickedness be the lens through which His child is seen.  It no longer drives the identity of the person.  God lays it aside to never pick it up again. 

Now, Joseph's forgetting the pain of his past and his father's household is not some kind of science fiction mind zapping.  His memory is not wiped out as with a drug.  We know that because of the "rest of the story" that is coming.  Joseph is choosing to no longer give that pain the power to drive his current life.  He is choosing to move forward.  He chooses to "forget" the past.  This, my friends, is the tiny seed from which forgiveness grows.

The apostle Paul, in writing to the Philippian church, said:  "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)  Does that mean he no longer remembers the life he lived as a Pharisee, consenting to the death of Stephen and persecuting the early church?  Does it mean that he no longer has memory of the stonings and the hardship, the persecution and the struggles that he has endured since he became an ambassador for Christ?  Of course not!  It means that he does not allow things from his past to bind him or cripple him from moving forward into his future. 
Think about your own circumstances.  Is there something you need to "forget"?  I have a circumstance in my own life that is in my mind right now.  Do you?  If I am going to move forward into the next place God would have me go ... I must "forget" the past and the pain inflicted.  I, also, need to have a "manasseh".  And what does that mean?  It means the "event" will no longer define me ... it will not determine my thoughts, my plans, my life.  It is "forgotten".   Learn from Joseph.  Our lives will be much better if we learn to "forget". 

I think this will take a miracle.  But, take heart, we have a miracle-working God. 

Lord, I choose to forget the past.  I choose to lay the pain down.  I choose to move forward without the albatross of past hurt.  Through Your Spirit ... may it be!

Abraham/Joseph Week 8 Day 2

Read Genesis 41: 1  - 40

What a ride our protagonist is on!  Reading the highlights chapter after chapter, we may loose the perspective of the years that are passing.  Joseph has been in prison for 2 more years since the cupbearer was released back into the service of Pharoah.  Then Pharoah dreams ...

We all dream ... most of us just don't remember them.  It is a subconscious language.  But Pharoah's dreams were so vivid - so real - he not only remembered them but was troubled by them.  Coincidence?  No - these were no mere 'dreams' - these were messages from God and the avenue God chose to have his servant, Joseph, released from prison.  Proverbs 21:1 says:
"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases."



Two things stand out to me as I read this account.  First, look back at verses 15 - 16.  Joseph is humble before his God.  If he had a degree of arrogance or self-importance as a young man, it is all gone.  Suffering has way of knocking it out of you!  And, if a person is to be used by God, it must be knocked out.  Joseph respectfully redirects the focus from himself to his God.  You see, ALL glory belongs to the God of heaven.  ALL.  We read God speaking through His prophet, Isaiah, and saying:

For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another. (Isaiah 48:11)



To give the glory to God does not mean wallowing in false self-deprecation.  Joseph knew exactly what he was about to do - through the wisdom and strength of God - and he speaks boldly.  He just doesn't take credit for it.  Lessons for us to learn ... we are to use our God-given gifts boldly, with respect and grace ... but use them - giving all the glory to the God who gave them in the first place.  Thank you Joseph for modeling that for us.

And secondly, look again at verses 37 - 40.  The manner in which Joseph handled this encounter allowed a pagan king to recognize the Spirit of God.  Pharoah noticed two things about Joseph.  He noticed that Joseph was discerning and wise.  He saw Joseph's character.  That lets me know that Joseph's demeanor before Pharoah was respectful, not cowering or arrogant.  Pharoah also recognized the Sprit of God.  This is the first time in scripture that we see God's Spirit coming upon a man for service.  We read of it happening quite often through the pages of the Old Testament ... all the way through the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 ... but this is the first.  After that, fulfilling the promise of Jesus, God's Holy Spirit comes to reside WITHIN the believer.  Pharoah recognized that the Spirit in Joseph was different that his own magicians and soothsayers.  I want the Spirit of God to be visible in my own life, as well.  Don't you?  James Boice says,

"I wonder if people see that kind of character in us and if they recognize that it is God who has given it to us.  The only way we will ever have that character (and the only way that others will ever see it) is if we have our eyes on God in all things.  What happens if we see circumstances apart from God?  If circumstances bring adversity, we complain and consider the world and those responsible to be unjust.  If circumstances bring prosperity, we boast and think that somehow we are ultimately responsible.  The one character is whining and unpleasant.  The other is arrogant andintolerable.  But if we have our minds on God, we see God in circumstances and trust him.  Advsersity strengthens and mellows us.  Prosperity humbles us and draws us even closer to the Lord."

So ... today ... "Fix your eyes on Jesus ... the author and perfecter of your faith." (Hebrews 12:2)




And may the Spirit of God be seen in us ...

Abraham/Joseph Week 8 Day 1

Today, read Genesis 40.

Joseph is in prison.  He seems to have befriended two fellow prisoners who had come from the household of Pharaoh himself.  Evidently there had been some kind of plot uncovered, or poison found ... and not knowing who all was culpable, both the baker and the butler were imprisoned while, I suspect, the investigation was ongoing.  And then we read of their dreams ... and Joseph's ability, through God, to give them interpretations of those dreams ... one favorable, one not. 

We do not know exactly how long Joseph has already been in the prison.  All we know about the timing is that Joseph was 17 when sold into slavery ... and 30 when Pharaoh releases him from prison.  So 13 years pass while Joseph is serving in Potiphar's house and then languishes in the prison.  Thirteen years since he had been sent from his home, his family.  Thirteen years since he had seen his Dad.  Thirteen years alone in a foreign land.  Thirteen years ...

When Pharaoh's Butler is released and restored to his former position, don't you know that Joseph got excited about his own possible release!  He asked the Butler to remember him ... and was assured by the Butler that he would indeed do just that.  I suspect every time the door of the prison opened, he expectantly and eagerly went to see who was coming with what news!  I wonder how long he watched?  The first verse of chapter 41 tells us the total time period ... 2 years.  I wonder how many days passed before Joseph stopped looking eagerly at the door.  I wonder if there came a time when he did not even look up. 

Genesis 40:23 tells us that the Butler forgot Joseph.  After all ... his life was back to normal.  And Joseph is forgotten.  Being forgotten tends to do one of two things.  Being forgotten ... being overlooked ... can embitter a person.  Have you ever been on that side of the fence?  Someone forgot a promise?  You were overlooked and felt totally invisible and disregarded?  If you have, you know the temptation to let bitterness  set roots down in your own spirit.  It's deadly.  Paul says in Ephesians 4: 31 to "Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice ..." 
The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 12:15:  "See to it that ... no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled."  Bad stuff ... bitterness.  Is there any root of bitterness trying to grow into a mature plant in your soul?  Go to God ... ask the Spirit of God in you to chop that thing down!  It may take some forgiveness on your part.  It may take A LOT of forgiveness on your part! 

Being forgotten did not seem to embitter Joseph ... instead, it seemed to steady and deepen his character.  Disappointment, monotony, being forgotten and ignored, do not have to make you rebellious and bitter.  It will take the power of God ... but God can handle that! 

We must remember ... God does not forget His people ... EVER!   Men do ... men (and women) forget.  Have you ever forgotten your child somewhere?  I left my baby #3 in the church nursery one Sunday because I was not used to picking her up.  And the wildness of getting #s 1 and 2 into the car with all bags and bows in tow ... I forgot her.  God does not forget His people ... EVER!  He did not forget Noah while Noah sat on a boat for 120 days.  He did not forget Saul while he waited, blinded, in Damascus for 3 days.  He did not forget ... He waited.  There is a huge difference.  He did not forget Joseph ... He was waiting ... for the right time ... for the maturing ... for the mellowing ... for the readiness. 

There are 3 lessons for us to learn as we think about this "forgotten" business. 

1.  Stop trusting in men ... all of whom are ultimately undependable.  Stop entrusting yourself, your ultimate well being, into the hands of man.  Isaiah 2:22  "Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils.  Of what account is he?" 

2.  When disillusioned with men, turn your focus to the love and faithfulness of God.  Timothy tells us in 2 Timothy 2:13 that even when we are faithless, God will forever be faithful. 
Remember Proverbs 3: 5 - 6?
And listen to Jeremiah 17: 5, 7:
3.  The third lesson is practice waiting on God.  It's so hard in our culture - our instant gratification world - our no-wait mentality.  God does not work on our timetable.  He never has worked according to man's wisdom ... and He will not begin with you!  God told Joseph how long the butler and the baker had to wait - 3 days.  He did not tell Joseph how long he would have to wait for his release.  And Joseph waited ... and continued to do his work, in prison, honorably and with integrity. 

Take the following words from Isaiah 40: 31 and turn them into your own prayer today.  Where are you having to "wait"?  Where have you been "forgotten"?  Never doubt ... God has not forgotten you!

But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord ... But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Abraham/Joseph Week 7 Day 3

Genesis 38 is a detour from our Joseph story. The chapter is about Joseph’s brother, Judah. Remember, Judah is the son of Jacob through whom the lineage of Messiah will come, not through Joseph. The chapter is quite a “soap opera” read! If you have time, read it – especially if you think your family is the only one that messed up!


But for our study, Joseph’s story continues in Genesis 39. Read that chapter and then come back for some observations. I have a hard time imaging the circumstances – even though I know there are people in our world who must live through horrific things. The chapter is full of positive examples for you and me to follow. I will offer three … you will most likely be able to add more.

1. First, I am impressed by the quality of work Joseph offers. There seems to be no self-pity from this young man. He works with excellence and with integrity. Did he enjoy his work? I doubt it. Did he consider the work beneath him? Perhaps. Was the work intellectually stimulating? I doubt it. Was it meaningful? Who knows. The point is … IT DOES NOT MATTER!! He does his work with excellence and integrity. I am reminded of the words of Paul in Colossians 3:17:

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Potipher was his boss (his master, actually) but Joseph “worked as unto the Lord”. Did Joseph like Potipher – maybe. Did Joseph respect Potipher – maybe so, maybe not. And so the question comes to us … whether we work outside our homes as well as in – or if our work in primarily inside our home … do I do my work with that attitude? Is there room for improvement in that arena? Excellence and integrity, girls!



2. The second thing that impresses me is that Joseph was a blessing to those around him – Potiphar’s entire household and enterprises were blessed because of the presence of Joseph. Am I a blessing to those around me? Do I want to be … or do I just want to receive blessings? I can hear the words of Jesus in Matthew 5: 43 – 48:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brother, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

BE a blessing, girls … family, colleagues, neighbors … BE a blessing.




  3. The third thing that I want to emulate from Joseph’s example is the way he managed temptation. Potiphar’s wife was less than subtle in her intent and approach. And that’s an understatement! Did you notice the way Joseph responded? He did not justify behavior that he knew to be ungodly. He could have … after all, he was a slave. After all, she was his superior. After all, he was a young man. After all, the house was empty and who would know. Joseph recognized that sin is always a violation of God. He first appealed to her integrity by referring her back to her husband. That didn’t work. So Joseph then appealed to her by referring to his God. That didn’t work. The only thing left was for him to run. And it cost him dearly. I think about what James said in James 4: 7 – 8a:

And Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

So, take the example of Joseph. Resist, girls!  Don’t stay in a situation where you are tempted – particularly sexual temptation. It is never something to flirt with – to play with. Sometimes … you just run. Even when the cost is great.

There is a theme that runs throughout this chapter. Let’s close today by reflecting on that theme. Did you notice it?

“The Lord was with Joseph …” (verse 2)

“… the Lord was with him …” (verse 3)

“… the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.” (verse 5)

“… the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” (verse 21)

“… the Lord was with Joseph …” (verse 23)

And hear the voice of Jesus as He says to you …

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Lord, we pray that You, through Your Spirit, will grant us the wisdom and then courage to be women of excellence and integrity. We pray that we, too, be a blessing to those around us. And Lord, gives us eyes to see the temptations that satan hurls our way – both the subtle and the overt. And because of You … our desire is to stand firm.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

Abraham/Joseph Week 7 Day 2

Read Genesis 37: 12 - 36 ... then come back!

In today's passage, we observe a truth that is played out over and over throughout history ... even played out in our own day ... sometimes in our own families.  Jealousy and envy ... they lead us down a most horrific path.  In fact, jealousy even leads us to do things that we would not even imagine in our right mind.  They plant seeds of hatred ... and hatred leads to thoughts of murder ... often to the act of murder.  Why do you think Jesus told us in Matthew 5 to deal with our anger before our anger deals with us?  He knew where unaddressed anger goes ... and it is always ugly.  We know why these brothers did what they did ... we find out in Acts 7:9 "Because the patriarchs (Joseph's brothers) were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt."  So there is no mystery here.  Jealousy did its dirty work.

Do you struggle with it in any arena of your own life?  Do you find yourself envious of someone else ... either what they have or what they do?  Before you can answer perhaps we need a definition to clarify the issue.  According to the "Greek - English Lexicon of the New Testament", the Greek word used in Acts 7:9 means, "a state of ill will toward someone because of some real or presumed advantage experienced by such a person."  I can see why Joseph's brothers were jealous.  Now, what about me?  You?  Ill will toward someone ...

Remember, if you are a believer ... if you have been called by God to walk in His light ... if you are set apart unto God ... then you must deal with this thing.  Spirit of God ... help us see ourselves ... help us eradicate this ugliness from our own lives and spirits. 

Listen to some wisdom from scripture ...

Job 5:2  "Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple."
Proverbs 14:30  "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Proverbs 27:4  "Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?"

Envy not only drove Joseph's brothers to feign his death and sell him as a slave, it led Jesus' brothers, the Jews, to plot His death.  Even Pilate recognized that.  Matthew 27:18 "For he (Pilate) knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him."  This is ugly stuff indeed! 

It is part of our flesh.  It is part of our humanity.  And it must be crucified!  In writing to the early Christians, Paul said, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.  Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."  (Romans 13: 13-14) 

He goes on to write to the Christians in Corinth about their immaturity and worldliness.  To them (and us!) he writes: "You are still worldly.  For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you , are you not worldly?  Are you not acting like mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:3)

James, in his book, writes:  "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."

We could go on ... but it becomes quickly evident that the child of God cannot harbor this characteristic of worldliness. 

So today is for confession.  Ask God to show you any envy that resides in your own heart.  Do you harbor any ill will toward someone?  Take that hurt ... that jealousy ... that feeling of being overlooked ... that sense of unfairness ... Take it to prayer. 

The beginning of the road of jealousy may look relatively harmless.  But, one thing I learn from Joseph's story in these verses today ... the end of the road is dark indeed! 

So, my friends, let's get off the road!  And by the power of God ... we can do it!

Abraham/Joseph Week 7 Day 1

We are ready to fan some pages of history before we settle down into our next character study.  We will begin our study of Joseph in Genesis 37.  However, to keep some chronology in order ... let's do a brief history lesson to get straight on names and big events.

Genesis 24 (which, by the way, is the longest chapter in Genesis!) tells of Abraham sending his trusted servant back to his family to find a suitable bride for his son, Isaac.  A woman from Canaan would not do.  It is a beautiful love story.  The servant finds Rebekah, the daughter of one of Abraham's brothers ... and she agrees to travel with him and become Isaac's wife. She and Isaac have two sons, Jacob and Esau.  It is through Jacob that the promised Messiah will come.  Jacob marries 2 women, Leah and Rachel.  Rachel he wanted ... Leah he got!  In a race for babies, each of his wives "give" him their handmaids to father more children.  So there are 4 women, 12 sons and 1 daughter.  It makes interesting reading - especially if you think that families are messed up only in our day and time!  (Genesis 29 - 30)  Jacob has 12 sons ... and Joseph is one of those boys.  He is not the oldest ... not even close.  His mother is Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife.  Nor is Joseph the one through whom Messiah will come.  But he provides many examples for us to follow ... so we have much to learn ... and much to apply as we examine this man's life. 

We will pick up the story when Joseph is 17 years old.  Read Genesis 37: 1 - 11.

We do not need to do too much "imagining" to understand the family dynamics at play.  Jacob was an older dad.  Joseph was his 11th son ... BUT the first born of his best loved wife, Rachel.    Verse 2 tells us that Joseph "reported" on his brothers to Jacob.  We don't know what that report entailed.  Was it something that needed to be told?  Sometimes that is the case.  There are circumstances that desperately need to be reported.  When a friend or someone you love is trapped in a sin, it needs to be told.  Help needs to be sought.  When someone is heading down the death road of alcohol and drug abuse, it needs to be told.  When you know of someone in danger, it needs to be told.  When abuse is happening, it needs to be told.  But ... there are things that need not be told!  Was this something that fit the category of "telling on" his brothers?  Did it just reek of "tattle-tale" stuff?  We don't know what the bad report was ... I can't help but wonder if it was the second type because of the fuel that it seemed to add to the jealousy and resentment of the brothers toward Joseph.
And I wonder ... do you have siblings?  Do you remember how it felt to be "told on"?  If you do ... you are  able to step right into the emotions of this story! 

The next thing we learn is that Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children ... and they all well knew it.  It was no secret.  The favoritism was flagrant.  So we are not surprised to learn that his brothers could not stand him!    And to add insult to injury, Jacob made a special cloak for Joseph.  Most commentators describe this cloak as one that would represent authority.  Another opinion is that it was a full garment - not the short version that was common - not the sleeveless style that was common - but one of nobility - one that was worn by the more elite who did not have to work.  Whichever it was ... it was special.  The other sons did not have one.  Imagine how that settled with the older brothers.  Jacob has set the stage for hatred, for jealousy, for resentment.  And how often it happens in family!

Parents ... are we careful about valuing each of our children?  Do we pray about ... and reflect upon ... ways to communicate unique value and worth to each child that God places in our families?  The larger your family - the harder the task! 

You read about Joseph's dreams.  And they are amazing.  Was Joseph wise to tell them to his brothers - or were these dreams messages from God for Joseph's ears only?  Again, we can't be sure.  But my sense is that Joseph was unwise to share the message.  Well, he is 17 - and while that age was considerably more grown up in his day and time than it is in ours - I still think about his being only 17.  And I wonder if Joseph's favored position has bred a sense of self-importance in him.  Perhaps it was his way of explaining to his brothers why he really was better than them - why he deserved his special treatment.  After all, even his father and mother are pictured bowing down to him. 

This lack of wisdom reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:6.  He said: 

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.  If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

We learn in Ecclesiastes 3: 7  "There is a time to speak and a time to be silent."

Jesus, Himself, did not answer Herod when interrogated by him.  He chose silence. (Luke 23:9)

And so ... we must ask ourselves ... am I too quick to speak?  Do I spend any time in prayer over what to speak about and what to keep between myself and God?  You can tell your Lord all things.  Talk everything over with Him.  And, I believe, His Spirit will give you discernment about when to speak and when to be silent with others. 

In this instance ... Joseph should have been silent.  But he was not ... the arrogance of youth and entitlement and favored position spoke out ...

Lord, may we know when to speak and when to be still.  May we know what to address and what to leave alone.  Hold my tongue, Lord, when it needs to be held.  And loose my tongue, Lord, when it needs to speak the things of You.  For wisdom ... we pray ...

Abraham/Joseph Week 6 Day 3

Abraham has passed the supreme test.  He has shown himself, he has shown Isaac ... that nothing that we have or are or hold cannot be safely released into the hand of God.  I must ask myself ... and I must ask you ... what are you holding onto that you think you just cannot release to God?  This most difficult question must be considered if we are to truly "walk by faith". 

Today, we will close our journey with this faithful friend of God. 

Read Genesis 23.

Sarah dies and Abraham mourns.  What a close and intimate relationship the two of them had.  And I think it was unusual in that particular time and culture.  Women were purchased - traded - bargained with and for - property.  And yet we watch this man, the one that God chose, treasure his wife.  And we watch Sarah honor and respect her husband.  When Peter is writing about women in his letter, he says,

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.  For this is the way the holy women  of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.  They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master.  You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear." (1 Peter 3: 3 - 6) 

If you are married, how can you live out Sarah's example in your own life and marriage?  We would do well to spend some time thinking about how to do just that.  Of course, in no way does this suggest that you submit yourself to an abusive husband where there is danger for yourself or your children ... but that is certainly not the circumstance in which Sarah found herself.  She honored her husband ...

Read Genesis 25: 1 - 10.

Obviously, Abraham's rejuvenation from God that allowed him to father Isaac did not immediately leave him!  He fathers 6 more sons by another wife.  Amazing.  Don't miss verse 5.  Abraham now has fathered 8 sons:  Ishmael, Isaac, and these 6 boys by Keturah.  He takes care of all of them ... evidently making sure they were provided for ... BUT ... his inheritance goes to Isaac ... not shared ... just Isaac.  Because Isaac was the son of the promise ... the son of the inheritance ... the lineage of our Lord. 

And Abraham breathed his last at the age of 175 ... full of years.  He was buried in the cave he had purchased to bury Sarah.  Notice that this is the ONLY piece of actual land in Canaan that Abraham owns at his death.  God's promises included the whole land ... and that would come about.  It just does not come about in Abraham's lifetime.  We have such short eyesight!  Continue to persevere in prayer for those you love ... and TRUST God with the timing. 

Abraham is buried and scripture says, "he was gathered to his people."  Who were his people?  Perhaps the writer is referring to physical lineage ... but I think the reference is to the people of faith.  People who choose to hear ... to serve ... to worship the God of the universe.  Are those "your people"?  Are they mine?  If you belong to Christ ... if you have accepted Him as your Lord and experienced the new birth of the Spirit ... you are Abraham's seed.  So his people are your people.   People of faith. 

Lord, thank you for preserving the story of this amazing man of Yours.  Thank for providentially insuring that both the successes and the failures are recorded for us.  May we walk in his footsteps.  May we listen for Your voice.  May we respond in obedience.  We commit ourselves anew this day to walking by faith, not by sight. 

Abraham/Joseph Week 6 ... Day 2

If it has been a couple of days since reading Genesis 22, read again Genesis 22: 1 - 19

There is so much to consider in these verses, I struggle with which direction to take us.  I will suggest a few things ... but feel free to post your own observations and challenges from this passage ... it is phenomenally rich!

Chapter 22 begins with the words, "Some time later".  How much later?  We don't know exactly.  We know that Isaac was most likely weaned at about 3 years old.  That was the custom of the time.  Piecing together the bit of ages and chronology that we have, Isaac is most likely anywhere between teen years and possibly 25 to 30 years old.  He is no toddler when this event occurs.  He is most likely young and strong ... and his father is quite old.  In fact Abraham needed a donkey to begin the journey ... he needed to ride rather than walk.  We must not miss those facts as we read ... Isaac could certainly have overpowered his elderly father and gotten away had he so desired.  It is his willingness to go with his father ... to carry the wood himself ... to most likely crawl up on the altar to be bound ... that previews for us the coming sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf.  That willingness.  That surrender to the father's will. 

Chapter 22 tells us that God sends Abraham to the "region of Moriah."  Why so far?  It is about 30 miles from the region of Beersheba where Abraham was currently living.  He has an altar there.  Why not use that one instead of the journey, the building, the carrying supplies, etc?  Again, there is foreshadowing of the coming sacrifice of our Lord.  The region of Moriah is the area where Jerusalem will stand ... the Temple ... and nearby, Mount Calvary.  The location was so precise.  So the little company begins the journey ...

When studying scripture, there is a "principle of first mention" which has to do with noting when and how an important word or concept is first used in scripture.  "The context of that mention sets the pattern for the words primary usage and develpment all through the rest of Scripture".  (Henry Morris, "The Genesis Record")  Chapter 22 is the first time we see the word, "love".  Such an important, key word in the entire Biblical story ... and here is its first usage.  The first occurance of the word is not in relationship to a man and a woman ... nor to a mother and child ... not brotherly love ... or love of country or family or tribe ... not even love of man for God ... but of a father's love for his son.  All love subsequently flows from a father's love for his son ... for God's love within the Trinity.  And another foreshadowing of our coming Savior is seen.  And speaking of "firsts" ... the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) are 3 different portraits of Jesus ...
First use of "love" in Matthew: 

Matthew 3:17  "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.'"

First use of "love" in Mark: 

Mark 1:11  "And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.'"

First use of "love" in Luke: 

Luke 3:22  "And the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: 'You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.'"

What about the gospel of John?  I suspect you are sitting down ... and it is a good thing because ... the first mention of "love" in John is:  

John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

This amazing love ... this Father to Son love ... has been extended to you and I!  And we are stunned into silence.  Abraham to Isaac ... God to His Son ... God to me.  Are you willing to give yourself ... all that you are and have ... into the hands of this God?  The God who initiates love ... who extends love. 

Amazing love ... how can it be?!

Abraham/Joseph Week 6 Day 1

We have reached our last week of focus on Abraham.  Next week we will turn our attention to Joseph. 

However, before we move to Genesis 22, I want us to think about trials and tests.  We are so well acquainted with the concept while we are in school.  We have studied a particular subject ... and we are tested over what we have learned.  How well do you know it?  Good tests require the student to apply the knowledge.  Regurgitation of facts is not particularly useful.  And so teachers write tests to see if their students have internalized the concepts that have been presented and to see if they can use the concepts to solve problems.  Well ... that is the goal anyway! 

Abraham's walk with God has included several tests - several trials.  With each trial, I believe that God is saying to Abraham, "Let's see what you have learned.  How will you deal with this situation now that we have walked together for these years."  We watch Abraham fail some of those tests ... and we see him pass others with flying colors!  Sounds a bit like you and I , no?  I pass some ... and I fail some.

Read James 1: 2 - 8, 12.  The Greek word translated, trials, means: to try to learn the genuineness of something by examination and testing; often through use.  God sends trials our way, just as He sent them to Abraham.  Sometimes, they come through family relationships.  For a few minutes, think about the trials and tests that came to Abraham through his family relationships.  Lot - Sarah - Ishmael - Hagar.  What trials are in your life right now stemming from your family relationships?  Can we walk by faith through them?  Can we persevere?  Can we be mature?  Abraham also faced tests and trials that came from people around him.  When in Egypt - confederation of kings - Abimelech.  Are you in any trials right now that are coming from people around you?  Perhaps people at your workplace, or neighborhood, or parent boards and committees?  Can we walk by faith through them?  Can we persevere?  Can we be mature?  Remember, a test is to determine the genuineness of something.

Notice the contrast in James 1:13 - 15.  Now the word is "temptation".  Temptations are not designed to see what you have learned, or to determine the genuineness of something.  They are designed for one purpose ... and one purpose only ... your demise!  Temptations are designed to cause someone to sin.  Different word ... different purpose ... different source.  God sends trials our way to strengthen us.  Satan sends temptations our way to weaken and destroy us.  Never confuse the two! 

Abraham is about to face the greatest test of his entire life.  He has walked with God for 100+ years.   If you have been in church for some time this will be a very familiar story.  Don't let the familiarity cloud your eyes.  Ask God for fresh vision as you read these verses.  To help with that, read a bit more slowly ... even read out loud to slow yourself down.  See what stands out to you this time.  What do you notice about Abraham?  About Isaac?  What do you learn about God?  Make a note in your Journal on God.  Read the passage today ... and we will read it again in Day 2 and make some observations. 

Read Genesis 22: 1 - 19.

Lord ... what lessons do you have for me in these verses?  How can I apply them to my life right now?  

Abraham/Joseph Week 5 Day 3

Isaac is born ... and all attention was now focused on the child of the promise.  I suspect Hagar and Ishmael were almost forgotten.  That's hard on a boy ... especially one who had been the "only" one in his father's eyes.  Abraham loved Ishmael.  But ... now ... ISAAC is here!  I can understand the probable resentments ... Ishmael is a young teen ... and he has been replaced. 

Read Genesis 21:8 - 21.

I am moved by what I learn about God in this reading.  I see His mercy and His love so strongly.  He took care of Ishmael and Hagar.  He met their need.  It reminds me that God loves mankind - His special creation.  He did not only love Abraham, Sarah and Isaac.  Yes, He had a special task for them to do ... a special place in the history of the world ... but He loves mankind.  Do we ever get into the realm of deception and believe that God loves perhaps our country ... or our church ... or our "kind" of people better than others?  I don't think that is so.  God loves mankind ... and He adopts into His own family those whose hearts submit to Him and who choose faith, like Abraham chose.  I learn that through Hagar and Ishmael.  Even though Hagar and Ishmael were not part of the original plan!  And I am reminded that God does not dump me when I run ahead of Him.  He can even use my mistakes and failures.

However, I also see that Hagar and Ishmael had to go.  They were not part of the promised lineage that would usher Messiah into the world ... and they had to go.  They could not dwell together with the line of promise.  You see ... they represent all things human ... all things self-reliant.  They represent our flesh tendency to think we can take care of our own relationship to the promises of God. 

"I'll take care of this, God.  Not to worry.  Just watch what I can do!" 

"I'll be so good, God will just have to let me into heaven!" 

"I'll work hard enough, do enough good stuff, right stuff, that God will owe me."    

          "If I work hard enough ... serve enough ... go to church enough ... maybe then God will accept    me."


That so often represents our thinking, even subconsciously.  That's why Hagar and Ishmael had to go ... they represented that kind of thinking.  The promises of God ... the life offered by God ... is ALL from God. 

Read Galatians 4: 21 - 31 to gain Paul's insight on these things. 

So, what do we do with these insights?  You MUST ... I MUST ... cast out the bondwoman!  We walk by faith ... only.  God does not "owe" me or you.  He gives.  We are quick to say that we do not earn our position with God ... but then we live like we do earn it ... and we expect others to earn it in ways that we think they should.  "While we were sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8) ... not when we got cleaned up.  Do you want to be a friend of God, like Abraham?  Then walk by faith ... not by sight.  Send the 'Hagar and Ishmael' thinking out of your mind ... out of your life.  And rest in the freedom and the beauty and the wonder of the reality. 

Let's finish this chapter.  Read Genesis 21: 22 - 34.

One thing to note in these verses - God gives us another name that He chooses for Himself.  It is in verse 33.  The NIV translates the name as: the Lord, the Eternal God.  This is the first use of the name, El Olam, the Everlasting God.    Everlasting ... in our fast-paced, ever-changing, full of death and decay world and culture ... close your study today thinking about our God ... the Everlasting One. 

Lord, we worship You this day ... our El Olam, our Everlasting Lord.  You are the ONE thing in our lives that does not change - that does not decay - that we can count on to be the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow.  What peace of mind and heart that provides!  Thank You Lord ... for the assurance, for the security, for the love you offer.  Today Lord ... we worship You.

Abraham/Joseph Week 5 Day 2

After the last several lessons ... sin and rebellion, destruction and loss, the reoccurance of deception and half-truths ... it is good to get to this passage!  It is good to laugh!  It is good to enjoy ... so enjoy your reading today ... read Genesis 21: 1 - 7.

It has finally happened.  Sarah has given birth to this promised heir.  Her first child ... and she is 90 years old.  Her husband is 100.  And it is totally, completely, no exception allowed, impossible for the two of them to biologically have this baby.  I think that is why God waited so long.  It had to be a miracle.  Abraham and Sarah had to know it was only by God.  And you and I have to know that it is only by God.  The birth of this new person is a work of God - not a work of Abraham and Sarah.  Miraculous births still happen ... and they are still works of God.  In John 3: 3 - 8 we are privileged to hear a conversation between Jesus and a Pharisee named Nicodemus.  Listen ... 

"Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'
'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked.  'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!'
Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and teh Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  You should not be surprised at my saying: You must be born again.  The wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.' "  

The birth of a new person.  A work of God.  Have you experienced this miraculous birth ... this miracle of life orchestrated by God Himself?  If you are not sure, write me a note and let's talk about it. 

We cannot leave these precious verses about Isaac's birth without acknowledging that God is a faithful, promise-keeping God.  You can trust him.  His promises are sure.  They will come to be - even if you must wait a long, long time.  You may waver, but He will not.  You may struggle with disbelief, but He will not.  And when you see the fulfillment ... LAUGH!!

In a sermon on September 19, the pulpit minister at the Bammel Church of Christ (my home church) was speaking about promises of God.  He prepared a list of 12 for us to consider.  I want to share that list with you through this venue.  Why right now?  Because we are - right now - seeing God fulfill a long-ago promise to His man, Abraham.  God's promises are sure.  You can count on them ... He will not fail you. 

12 Promises from Scripture

• God's presence -- I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
• God's protection -- I am your shield.  (Genesis 15:1)
• God's power -- Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10a)
• God' provision -- I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10b)
• God's leading -- When He has brought out all HIs own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.  (John 10:4)
• God's purposes -- I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  (Jeremiah 29:11)
• God's cleansing -- If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will fogive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  (1 John 1:9)
• God's goodness -- No good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (Psalm 84:11)
• God's faithfulness -- For the sake of His great name The LORD will not reject His people.  (1 Samuel 12:22)
• God's guidance -- He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.  (Psalm 25:9)
• God's wise plan -- And we know thatin all things God works for the good of those who love Him.  (Romans 8:28)
• God's rest -- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

So tonight ... rest in the assurance of the promises of God.  He promised Abraham and Sarah ... and He did as He promised.  He has promised His people ... He is faithful ...

Abraham/Joseph Week 5 Day 1

This week, our lessons will come from Genesis 20 - 21.
Today ... read Genesis 20 and experience a little dejavu! 

Did you find yourself a little stunned at this chapter?  Not so much stunned by the event itself ... bizarre as it seems to us ... but stunned by the near exact repetition of Abraham's previous sin in Egypt which had such far reaching affects and for which Abraham was chastised by God.  You know of "Pilgrim's Progress".  Well, this chapter could fall under the title, "Pilgrim's Regress".

What can we learn for ourselves? 

Fear is a powerful motivator.  I don't believe it is any accident that the instruction from God to "fear not" is the most repeated command in all of scripture.  Fear leads us to do things we would not ordinarily do ... and to not do things we know we should do.  However, Abraham is not fearful in other circumstances!  He went to war against a federation of 4 kings.  His fear seems to revolve around Sarah.  There is some insecurity there that seems so out of character with the rest of his life.  Lessons for us?  Where are your strongest insecurities?  I think we need to be able to identify them.  I think we need to be aware of their powerful impact on our lives ... our decisions ... our behaviors. 

Another thing about this sin of Abraham ... we must not miss that it is an old sin - repeated.  Did he and Sarah not learn from the earlier experience and rebuke from God?  I think they did learn ... back then ... but years have passed.  It seems to me that we would be wise to be ever aware of our proclivity toward certain sins in our lives.  I think that is why alcoholics are always willing to call themselves alcoholic even when they have decades of sobriety under their belts.  They are well aware of the possibility of sudden relapse and failure.  We must stay vigilant ... because while I know that God forgives and even forgets ... Satan does neither.  Satan knows well our weaknesses and vulnerable areas ... and as soon as our guard is down ... the attack will come.   Be on guard ...

A third observation ... while Abraham apparently doubted God's ability to take care of him, it did not change God's ability or willingness to do so.  God did not "dump" Abraham because of this repeated lack of faith.    Listen to James Boice:

But the sin did not change God's view of Abraham.  Abraham was still "a prophet".  He was still God's man.

That is so encouraging to me!  In all of the New Testament references to Abraham's journey (Romans 4, Galatians 2 & 4, Hebrews 11) this failure is not recorded.  You see, with God, forgiveness is forgiveness.  God is still sovereign - even over my failure and sin.  His purposes will prevail.  God is still gracious - even when we sin.  That's not an excuse ... it is not a fact to lead us into a cavalier attitude toward sin.  It is a remarkable reality that sends us to our knees in gratitude and determination to be ever more diligent in our confession and surrender of self to this kind of God.  To serve this God ... the greatest privilege ... the greatest joy ... the greatest opportunity in all the world.  This is my God!