If you’re not careful, it is easy to overlook Genesis 35:22, but this particular verse clues us in to Reuben’s actions in chapter 37. Reuben, being the firstborn of the family, was the one to whom the birthright would be given. This double portion of inheritance was the sole privilege of the eldest son. Reuben’s detestable act of sleeping with his ... [Continue Reading]
Far Short of Perfection (Genesis 32-34)
I love telling people to read their Bible because the stories in it are sometimes astonishing. Certainly the one from today's reading of the defilement of Dinah and the retribution of her brothers falls into the category. Even the account of Jacob sets an example that is less than admirable as he lied to his brother yet again when he had the opportunity ... [Continue Reading]
Bad Idea (Genesis 30-31)
I've never exactly been a big fan of polygamy. Call me or prude or what have you, but the idea of having more than one woman in my life kind of frightens me. Jacob's life gives us a glimpse of the complications that arise from having more than one wife. Instead of living happily ever after, all kinds of rivalries ensue, and one wife is jealous ... [Continue Reading]
The Deceiver is Deceived (Genesis 27-29)
The phrase, "what goes around comes around," has become a bit of a mantra among Americans. It deals with karma and the expectation that the way you treat someone else will be the way you will be treated. Somehow the universe knows when something is unfair, and it works itself to bring fairness back. This kind of thought isn't at all ... [Continue Reading]
Temptation and Physical Needs (Genesis 25-26)
I have been thinking a lot about temptation and choices lately, and the story of Esau and his birthright goes right along with what I was thinking about a few days ago when I wrote about the ultimate before the immediate. Esau was so concerned with this hunger that he allowed his short-term, temporary need to overshadow his long-term, not-so-temporary future. ... [Continue Reading]
True Worship (Genesis 22-24)
I've spent a lot of time thinking about the sacrifice of Isaac over the years. I think it fascinates me because I can't envision a dad tying up his kid on an altar and preparing to slit his throat. I also can't imagine a kid letting his dad do that to him. Nonetheless, I believe the story is true, and I think that it can teach us a lot ... [Continue Reading]
The Promiser (Genesis 19-21)
I often laugh when I hear people talking about how corrupt our culture has become. Perhaps there is truth to the statement in comparison to where the United States was a century ago, but when compared to the stories of the Old Testament, the latest trashy MTV show is a far cry from the moral depravity that takes place in the reading for today. We have all of ... [Continue Reading]
Divine Preparation (Genesis 16-18)
I have read the account of Abraham quite a few times, but I never noticed something before that I noticed this time around: namely that God used the circumstances surrounding Sodom and Gomorrah to teach Abraham a very important message about the nation he was going to father. Part of God's covenant with Abraham was that he would become a great nation. In ... [Continue Reading]
By Faith (Genesis 12-15)
One of my favorite movie scenes is when Indiana Jones takes his leap of faith in his quest for the Holy Grail. As I was reading today's portion of Scripture, I was reminded of this scene because it's not altogether different from the leap of faith that Abraham took. He separated himself from his family, he gave up everything he knew, and he put his ... [Continue Reading]
An Unstoppable Force (Job 40-42)
I love what Job says about God in 42:2, "'I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.'" The truth is that God is an unstoppable force, and there is nothing that you or I can do to get in His way or to keep Him from accomplishing His purposes here on earth. That also means that there is nothing the Enemy ... [Continue Reading]
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