Reflections on Genesis 26-27

On February 4, 2016March 26, 2016 By BrianIn OT Reflections

With the death of Abraham back in chapter 25, the narrative now shifts to Isaac and his family.

Covenant confirmed – God confirms the covenant that he made with Abraham with his son Isaac. Again, God will give him the land, many descendants, and God will bless all the nations on earth through his offspring. Though God has certainly blessed the nations through the people of Israel, this final promise is ultimately fulfilled in Isaac’s distant descendant named Jesus. How have you been blessed through Isaac’s offspring?
God’s presence – Twice God promises that he will be with Isaac (26:3, 24). This is not a promise directed to us. However, we do find it to be a general promise in the Scriptures to God’s people, and this is one example of that general promise. God’s presence was to be an encouragement to Isaac. How is God’s presence an encouragement to you?
Lies, lies, lies – Like his father before, Isaac lies about his wife. Later his wife leads Jacob to lie to his father. The consequences could have been terrible, but God mercifully protected this family in spite of themselves. Our culture seems much like this family. All around we hear of scandals related to lies and deception. Are you a person of truth and honesty? When are you tempted to be less than honest?

Sermon Songs: Ephesians 2:11-13

On February 3, 2016 By BrianIn Ephesians Hymns

MusicNotes

We once were far away from You
But now the path is clear:
Christ shed His blood, our hearts You drew
And we have been brought near

In Christ we have your salvation
And Your countless blessings
Your promises and adoption
And hope of His coming

So help us now walk close to You
With thanks, humility
With living hope ‘til all is new
Proclaim Your great mercy

(To the tune of “O God Our Help In Ages Past”)

Reflections on Genesis 24-25

On February 2, 2016March 26, 2016 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today, we are reminded of God’s providence:

God’s leading – God led Abraham’s servant to the woman God intended for Isaac. This is probably not an example of how we should pray or find a wife, but God used it to providentially lead Abraham’s servant. How has God led you?
God’s power – Rebekah is barren. Sarah too was barren. In both cases, it is God who providentially and powerfully causes these women to conceive. God may not always answer our prayers like we want, but God is powerfully in control. How have you seen his power at work in your life?
God’s plan – Before Esau or Jacob are born, God has a plan for them – that they will become two nations, that one will be stronger, and that one will serve the other. God has a plan for your life too. Things may or may not be turning out as you thought they would or dreamed they would, but God has a plan for you. Will you trust him?

Classic Quote

On February 1, 2016March 26, 2016 By BrianIn Classic Quotes

It must not be expected that the devil will let those rest who are laboring to destroy his kingdom.

– Thomas Watson

Genesis 24-27: God’s Promises Passed Down

On February 1, 2016 By BrianIn OT Studies

(26) What promises does God make to Isaac in 26:1-5?

(24) In order to fulfill these promises, Isaac needs a good wife. How does God lead Abraham’s servant to Rebekah?

What part does prayer play in this account? In what areas of your life do you need to pray for direction?

What guidelines does Abraham give his servant about finding a wife for Isaac? Why are these guidelines important? What characteristics does the servant look for in Isaac’s future wife? How might young people today learn from these guidelines and characteristics as they look for a spouse?

(25) In order to fulfill God’s promises to Isaac, Isaac needs a son. What problem presents itself, and how does Isaac respond? How do you respond to your problems?

(26) A recurring family sin threatens the fulfillment of God’s promises. What is the sin? How does God protect the family?

In what ways does God provide for the family? How is he providing for you?

(25, 27) In 25:23, God chooses the younger son Jacob to be the heir and receive the Abrahamic promises. How does the birthright and blessing come to Jacob?

What does this tell you about God’s plan and your sin? How does this encourage you?

At the same time, what negative consequences come out of their sins? What warning is found here for us?

Closing Thought: God works through normal (and even dysfunctional!) families to accomplish his purposes.

Passion Points

On January 30, 2016January 30, 2016 By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

The Character of the Christian: A One-Woman Man – Tim Challies
Thus this qualification is a call to devotion—devotion first to God and then to a God-given spouse.

Private Prayer Walk – Jordan Monson (DG)
Pray without distraction. The message is the same, but the means have reversed. One of the best ways to close the door in the 21st century is to open the door and leave your home to go on a prayer walk.

8 Ways to Grow in the Fear of God – Albert Martin (via Tim Challies)
Learn to feed your soul on the majestic greatness of God. By that, I mean those aspects of His character and attributes such as His absolute sovereignty, holiness, power, omnipotence, and immensity. As we contemplate His majestic greatness, it is unthinkable that any rational creature would not fear such a God.

The Best Day of the Week – Nick Kennicott (TCC)
Lord’s Day worship isn’t a burden to endure, but a joyful offering from God to receive. Christians don’t put aside their earthly cares each week to earn God’s favor, but to enjoy worshipping the God whose favor has already been granted in Jesus Christ. It is a true delight to forego even the best worldly endeavors for the day, without feeling any sense of guilt for being lazy or uncaring, to revel in the heavenly things of God which are the truest and greatest treasure for any Christian.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Not Entertained

On January 29, 2016January 30, 2016 By BrianIn PASSION Quotes1 Comment

We should not be entertained by the sins
for which Christ died.

– John MacArthur

Father of Glory

On January 29, 2016March 30, 2019 By BrianIn Books of the Bible, Habit of Prayer1 Comment

In Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:16-20, he approaches God as the Father of glory. God is our Father, and yet at the same time he is the God of all glory. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as the God of glory or the King of glory. Now we can call him our Father, but he is still the Father of glory. Or as Jesus teaches us, he is our Father in heaven. Calling him our Father means we can come boldly into his presence through Jesus as his children. “In heaven” and “of glory” means we must approach him with reverence and humility.

Is this how we approach God when we come before him in prayer or to worship? Boldly before our Father? Reverently and humbly before our glorious God? Do we mindlessly come into his presence, or do we consider into whose presence we come? He is the Father of glory.

Reflections on Genesis 21-23

On January 28, 2016January 30, 2016 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Isaac is born and Abraham is tested. Observe:

God’s faithfulness – God had promised a child to Abraham and Sarah, and God kept his promise! God had also promised Abraham many descendants, and Isaac is the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. God had also promised Abraham the land, and Abraham’s purchase of a piece of land to bury Sarah is the beginning of the fulfillment that promise. God is faithful! How has God been faithful to you?
God’s test – God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son! What must have gone through Abraham’s mind? How could he kill the child through whom all God’s promises would be fulfilled? Hebrews 11:17-19 tells us Abraham concluded that God would raise the boy back to life so the promises could be fulfilled. That is faith! What is God asking you to do? Will you trust him and obey?
Abraham’s choice – How could Abraham kill his son whom he dearly loved? God’s test is not only a test of faith, but a test of love. Will Abraham love his son more than God? Who is first in Abraham’s life? Abraham passed the test. How about you? Who is first in your life? What if God asked you…?
God’s Son – What God asked Abraham to do, God himself would do 2000 years later. God stopped Abraham, but God would go all the way for you and your salvation. Ponder God’s sacrifice, and how you should respond.