Gen 27

Lying and deception finally is complete. The die is cast and now Jacob has stolen the blessing from his brother Esau. The sale of the birthright was done earlier and now the blessing is at stake.

Isaac became an old man.

From the commentary: He thought that he might die soon. (But in fact, he would live for many more years.) Isaac wanted to give a special blessing to Esau, who was Isaac’s first son. Esau was also Isaac’s favourite son. The whole family realised that this blessing was an important matter. Isaac was a holy man. God would be present when Isaac gave his blessing. And Isaac’s words would not just come from his own imagination. Isaac’s words would be a prophecy that came from God’s Holy Spirit.

Rebekah wanted Jacob to receive the blessing instead of Esau. And Jacob himself was desperate for the blessing. Previously, he bought the birthright (the rights of the oldest son) from Esau (Genesis 25:33).

Jacob obtained Isaac’s blessing by methods that were not honest. But the blessing that Jacob received really came from God. And it seems that Jacob received nothing from Isaac except the blessing. Esau received great wealth in Canaan (Genesis 36:6). But Jacob left Canaan with very few possessions (Genesis 28:20).  Jacob left home quickly, because he had to escape from Esau. But the blessing was all that Jacob really needed. And, as Jacob escaped, he received an even better blessing. God himself spoke to Jacob. The God of Abraham and Isaac became Jacob’s God too (Genesis 28:13-21).

Jacob used the tact, "by whatever means necessary". Deception, like the apple, doesn't fall far the tree. God did not object to this so it must have been ordained. The importance of the blessing was far more than even Jacob realized. There was no mention of a relationship between Jacob and God or even with Esau and God. So we don't know if God was even in the plans of Jacob when he and his mom devised it. I am sure that Rebekah knew God and the importance of the blessing - otherwise she wouldn't have gone to the lengths to ensure Jacob's place.

Good weekend despite the snow and the shoveling. Minimal damage to the property due the freakish storm but the neighborhood saw some decent road closures and down branches and trees. No cable and internet. At least we have phone and power. Saw Courageous on Friday and loved it - very moving film. Saw In Time and was relatively pleased (6-7 out of 10). Made a great dinner on Sat and just rested.

Prayers for Megin as she and Jesse plan their future.

Praise for today: For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see His face. Ps 11:7

Gen 26

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Each person has to experience and have a relationship with Christ and God. Abraham had his and now the mantle is passed to Issac. He was told to Gerah due to the famine in Canaan by God. Issac felt that the only way he could survive was to claim Rebekah as his sister rather than his wife. How similar was that when Abraham also encountered an Abimelech. I guess this was either a common name or was the title given to a king or leader of the Phillistines. I guess Isaac made the same mistake that his father did not realizing that their sense of sin was higher than both Isaac and Abraham thought. They too recognized that sleeping with another man's wife was a sinful act - punishable by death. Deception for self preservation was a family trait. It seems that Isaac still flourish under the Lord's supervision there and the questions of wells and their ownership came to the forefront. After being driven away by Abimelech given his wealth and power, he settled in a land that his father did. The Lord prospered him with water from his father's wells. Upon the realization that Isaac was blessed by God, the treaty between he and Abimelech was sealed with a meal. The chapter ends with Esau and his wives and their lack of relationship with Isaac and Rebekah.

Looking forward to tonight - going to see Courageous with Irene! Rain, glorious rain forecasted for tomorrow.

Praise for today: From the Lord comes deliverance. Ps 3:8

Gen 25:19-34

It was amazing that God would make Isaac and Rebekah wait almost 20 years until He would bless them with a legacy. It was Isaac prompting and calling upon God that started the whole process which meant to me that they would have to seek their "daily bread". The struggle of the twins within her was litterally tearing her apart and she had to ask the Lord about this. This was to me a sign that she too had a relationship with God and was willing to come before Him about it. The struggle of the ultimate promise was at stake and while both were in the womb fighting about it, only one (Jacob) truly knew the significance about it and was waiting for the most opportune time to get the birthright. Even being a skilled hunter, Esau was not always successful since he came home from a trip and failed to secure food. It was his need for the immediate that outweighed his need for eternity. It also didn't hurt Jacob to have his mother in his corner which helped seal the deal. The sale of the birthright was significant since it proved to all (including God) that Esau's dependency was on his own initiatives and not that from God.

I am glad that in this day and age, we don't have the "birthright" to sell. I love and treat my sons equally and according to their needs and personalities. Had a great talk with GG last night and am very, very proud of him. Hope to spend more time with David this weekend as well. The rain forecasted for this weekend should make this a quiet and relaxing weekend.

Praise for today: The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Ps 85:12

Gen 25:12-18

The tale of Ishmael and his descendants are listed here for closure and historical significance. He, like Isaac through Jacob, have 12 sons and spawn 12 tribes but would choose to live opposite his brothers closer to Assyria. These tribes would be more aggressive and would be more prone to war and violence. Still the promise to Hagar and Ishmael would be kept that he, too, would have significance and worth in the Lord's eyes.

When I think of my sons, I often think of the legacy that they will leave and pray that in all of their ways that they have and still will acknowledge Him. I feel confident that they are His and He will never let go of their hands.

Starting to feel slightly better and will try at least to do some gym time today and tomorrow. Have a  business dinner tomorrow night and maybe a gametime decision but more than likely will go.

Praise for today: From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Ps 3:8

Gen 25:1-11

It seems that after (or maybe even before) Sarah's death that Abraham took on more wives and concubines. The account in v. 6 suggests that he "carried out the mandate" and became the father of "many" nations. Each one of them was not given the birthright or the fortune that Issac got and he sent them far, far away. The death of Abraham recounted his life as happy as he lived until 175 years. Not a bad thing and what was significant was that both Issac and Ishmael participated in their father's burial. He was buried in the same place that was set aside for Sarah. God then blessed Issac after the death of his father, Abraham. The reminder of the grave and that it was purchased and owned by Abraham was important enough for the author to recall.

Came home early yesterday to just chill out and recoup. Still not up to the gym, probably either tonight or tomorrow morning.

Praise for today: Great are the works of the Lord, they are pondered by all who delight in them. Ps 111:2

Gen 24

A beautiful but extremely detailed account of the Isaac and Rebekah. This account is one of faith and perserverance but also of obediance and answered prayers. Abraham was simply putting into motion the gameplan for eternity but in doing so entrusted the details and the execution to God. By entrusting and giving spiritual charge to his servant, he impressed upon him the importance of the task. This servant must have been so impressed with Abraham's faith that he too was seeking the Lord's guidance in this matter. The repetition of the account to Laban was classic since he left no detail out and impressed upon Laban the timeliness of his return. Laban was in no position to argue or to negotiate his end but we know that he was filled for his own agenda as he screwed Jacob in later dealings.

Long, tiring and exhausting weekend. Need a break from all of these tiring weekends.

Praise for today: Good and upright is the Lord. Ps 25:8

Gen 23

Sarah lived for 127 years before she died. What was significant about the Bible's mention reflects the importance of Sarah in the Bible. This was the only time that a woman's age was revealed upon her death. As a loving husband, Abraham grieved for her and wanted her to buried in the land that they were aliens in. So he asked to buy the land that she would be buried in rather than accept it as a gift. The peoples around the area respected Abraham so much that they wanted to give the land gratis but Abraham couldn't given that he knew of the 400 year exile. The plot of land was transacted for 400 shekels of silver - pretty steep price but it's all about location. I'm sure the area that Abraham had in mind was prime real estate. The cave that was used to bury Sarah was to be used for other relatives upon their passing.

It is hard for me to conjure what it would be like for me to bury Irene. Statistically, the opposite has been in vogue and so I tend not to think too deeply about it. I know that I would suffer deep and trying loss but still comfort knowing that she will be with her Savior.

This weekend is another "out-and -about" Saturday. Trying to do my morning walk before going to an Elders meeting and then the GFC Fundraiser. Long day but hopefully not too stressful. Glad that GG went to see Courageous and was encouraged and challenged by it. I too want to see it but the local theaters aren't inclined to carry it.

Praise for today: Be exalted, O God above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Ps 108:5

Gen 22

A father's heart is only tested when he is asked to go above and beyond. The sacrifice of Issac was to be his defining moment and he passed. After waiting more than a lifetime to be a father, Abraham was instructed by God to sacrifice Isaac at Moriah. He proceeded to obey the Lord without hesitation and with great faith that God would provide the lamb (v 9). The hearing of God's voice twice in this episode was truly a sign that God was ready to now truly bless and not withhold anything that was promised to Abraham and his descendants. Abraham knew that the true meaning of worship included sacrifice (v 7) and fear (v 12). God mattered to Abraham above everything else. v 20-24 introduces the future wife of Isaac - Rebekah.

This story has been told and read countless times but still never loses its impact. For me, it is not if I would sacrifice them but how much I would sacrifice for them. God has provided me with two wonderful sons and I would lay my life down for either one of them or Irene as well.

Prayers for Chris Kent and his family as he goes to be "fully realized" with Christ. I met him once in Florida when he played for Twila Paris and he had a musical anthology of performances and recordings that spanned a few decades. He was and is a true man of God.

Praise for today: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, He will not grow weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases power to the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Gen 21:22 - 34

It seems like when God is on your side who can be against you? Clearly Abimelech knew this and want to align himself with Abraham. The covenant between the two parties was interesting simply given prior dealings. Abimelech knew that he had to extract a true agreement between the two parties and had to seal the deal with more than a handshake. I guess I don't blame him given the prior deception and Abraham's need for self-preservation. In the case of the well, the only way that Abraham could prove it was his was to give Abimelech (the king) something unique and of value as a sign. The covenant gave both parties the peace that was needed. The tree was a sign that Abraham was now ready to settle down.

This week has been a relaxing one in that after Monday, I decided to give my body some rest and skip the gym. Probably will do the AM Sat walk before heading out to the Elders meeting and the GFC fundraiser. Still need to work on our study for Friday night and that shouldn't take too long. Overall relaxing and getting the sleep I need.

Prayers for Heather and her family, Megin and Jesse (GFC staff workers and all-around lovers of the Lord and His work) and for the GFC Fundraiser. Continued prayers for my peeps and their families. Glad to hear that GG will be home for Thanksgiving. Thanks to Irene for booking the trip to Denver (hotel, car, etc) and our December FL trip.

Praise for today: Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Ps 115:1

Gen 21:1-21

This chapter defines the birth of the nation of Israel. A baby is born to Sarah and grows into boy. He is the promise that God had intended for Abraham. Having her promise from God is not enough for Sarah. The abject cruelity/jealousy that rages with Sarah forces Hagar and Ishmael away into the desert where God comes and gives meaning to them both. He does make a way for them both and defines a nation in a different way. I appreciate what the commentary has to say about this: Sarah did not want trouble between Ishmael and Isaac. She realised that these troubles might become more serious. Isaac would become the head (leader) of the family when Abraham died. Sarah did not want Ishmael to oppose Isaac’s right to lead the family. Paul discusses this situation in Galatians 4:30. He explains that Isaac was born because of God’s promise. So, Isaac was born by the power of the Holy Spirit. But Ishmael was born in the natural way. Christians too should live by the power of the Holy Spirit. But other people live in an ordinary way. So, Christians should not be surprised if other people oppose them. And Christians should not copy the behaviour of people who are not Christians.

Similar to Sarah earlier in life, Hagar also had encountered the living God and was assured of their place in history but she too had her doubts and cried out for help. Their turn was much different as they became 12 nations that were of the desert ilk. Still a remarkable chapter, all said.

Can't wait to get home and see the family albeit in a frenetic way this weekend - 2 weddings on Sat. Still ...

Praise for today: My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. Ps 7: 10

Gen 20: 1-18

I guess the Bible leaves out some of the rhyme and reason why Abraham and his family left where they were. Perhaps the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah left the area totally non-productive and they had to seek "greener pastures". Still, the next step of his life reveals much about his character and how God would intervene to allow Abimelech and his people grace since they were not at fault. Abraham defend his actions and his deceptions/lies simply for self-preservation and not once was it written that he consulted the Lord as to what to do. God covered his tracks. Abimelech did the right thing and returned Sarah to Abraham. I guess she was "hot" even at her age. I think that God's intervention and his instruction to Abimelech spared and actually blessed Abraham since he, as a prophet, profited from the deal.

The days are getting shorter as we go into the winter solstice and of course that means the "s" word. Still enjoying these days and the temps. Starting to enjoy some of the new shows - Person of Interest, A Gifted Man and Terra Nova while still enjoying some of my fays. Still need to re- Kindle my readings. Ha!

Praise for today: Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness. Ps 115:1

Gen 19: 30-38

The weird get weirder! I just love what my commentary says about this:

Verses 30-38 Lot soon left Zoar. God had promised to keep him safe there. But Lot did not trust God. Lot went to live in a cave with his daughters. He had been very rich. And he had lived in an area where crops grew easily. But now he lived in a cave. He owned just a few things and most people in his family were dead.

Like Noah, Lot drank too much. But Noah had first worshipped God. And he did not get as deeply drunk as Lot did. Lot’s daughters acted in a worse way towards their father than Noah’s son acted towards his father. Lot’s older daughter made things seem worse for her than they really were. There were young men not far away, whom she could marry. And neither girl suggested that they could go to Abraham for help. Lot got drunk on the second night too. He did not know what his daughter had done on the first night. Even so, he was foolish. The daughters made their father drunk. They knew that their actions were wrong. People realised that sex between close members in a family was wrong. However, God did not punish Lot’s descendants because of that. In fact, the descendants of both sons became important nations.

I guess nations had to start from somewhere. I think it is true that they were very prideful people back in those days not to mention selfish. Desperate people do desperate things. I guess it was just the moral decay that was pervasive back then.

Replaced stuff that was missing after the car got broken into the other night. Was glad that all they took was what they thought had value still have that feeling of violation. I just am thankful they left certain essential things. Still things could have been worse.

Praise for today: Strangers are attacking me; ruthless men seek my life- men without regard for God. Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.  Ps 54: 4-5

 

Genesis 19: 1-29

It seems like this story has many parts to it. Why did Lot stay with his family since he knew the evil that surrounded him. It wasn't like he couldn't afford to move and was tied to that community. He was an elder that knew of the vileness of the city but could nothing to stop it. The visitors (2) were practically pushed into Lot's house to prevent them from being violated and were well attended to by Lot and his family. The crowd of both young and old men want to have sex with the visitors were protested by Lot and his family. He was willing to put his own daughters up to prevent his guests from harm. Yet the crowds did come in but the Lord blinded the crowd so that the visitors would not be seen. Yet the evilness of the crowd still want to pursue their goals. Lot did see the errors of his city and when the angels foretold of the city's destruction, he want his family to leave (without their future husbands) but was rebuked by the family. Still God did save Lot and his family by sending them to a small town where they took refuge. As soon as Lot entered Zoar, the Lord rained down sulfur and burned the city that was once his home. Lot's wife was warned not to look back and she too die by becoming a pillar of salt. How sometimes we long to satisfy the desires that represents the old things. Abraham comes to aid Lot to return to him at the end of this section.

Good weekend and relative easy morning. Got a chance to use my crockpot yesterday and made chicken and ribs with bbque sauce for the week. Glad the family got home safely from FL.

Praise for today: For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Ps 48: 14

Gen 18: 16-33

How do you bargain with God? Can one do so and ever really succeed? I don't think so. If God is all-knowing, all-powerful and all loving, His steps are calculated and good. God showed Abraham his intent for Sodom and Gomorrah which forced one of the Bible's most interesting interchanges between man and God.

I also like what I read from the commentary: Verse 19 Here, ‘I have chosen him’ means ‘I have known him.’ God knows each person among us. He was helping Abraham to become his (God’s) friend. God gave a short list of Abraham’s duties. He told Abraham to bring up his family in God’s way. That meant that they should obey God. And they should act fairly. God can only carry out his promises to us completely when we continue to obey him. To act fairly may mean to do the right things to other people.

Still it all comes down to choices and consequences. Sodom and Gomorrah made theirs and were willing to die by it. They had to have know their consequences but the sad thing was that even Lot wasn't able to change the culture of the area and was willing to stay and suffer the consequences. Abraham might have felt he won a victory over the Lord in his exchange but in reality God's standards never and can never change. We have to change to meet them.

Great evening seeing Chuck Girard, Jay Truax, Bob Wall and Tommy Coomes sing the songs that changed a generation and especially me. I look forward to seeing them tomorrow. Prayers for GG today! I know that the rest of the family is enjoying their time in WDW.

Praise for today: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever. Ps 107:1

Gen 18: 1-15

No one knows how long the pause was between 17 and 18. Perhaps it was a decent enough time that gave Abraham and Sarah both cause to think that the son promised to them was not imminent. Still in the heat of the summer, God came and delivered. He was customarily kind to the three visitors who apparently were no threat to him and he had a meal prepared for them. He gave them water to wash their feet and food for energy to be on their way. God then delivered the news that Sarah, this time next year, would be a mother of a son. While skeptical, she lied about her emotions to the Lord. What was special about this was that God said he would come back to deliver the promise. The visitor was special given his ability to "see and hear" Sarah.and deliver beyond her childbearing abilities.

God's timing is never, ever ours. It is true that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. I just stand in awe of Him.

Seeing Love Song tonight at a local church. The last time was nearly 40 years ago. Taking my camera and old stuff to get signed. Can't wait!

Praise for today: Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like that of mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. Ps 36: 5,6

Gen 17:15-27

The attention is now turned to Sarai and her name and purpose will change. Her name (which once meant "princess") will be changed to Sarah and she will be the mother of many nations and kings will descend from her. Despite Abraham's inability to conceive (ha!) that God will do unnatural things to both of them given their age, he is told that he will have a son and his name will be Issac. What is interesting here is that Abraham still held to the notion that Ishmael would be "the one" and prayed that God would be with him. God assured him that Ishmael would receive a just reward but not this one. Still the balance of the section was the keeping of the covenant on Abraham's side with his, Ishmael's and the rest of the males receiving circumscion at the same time. Since Ishmael received his passage into manhood at 13, I guess his was the first Bar Mitzah ever recorded. God also left and would return in 18 to fulfill His promise.

This was a huge step in the life of the nation of Israel. The lineage and the covenant was set and all man had to do was to "trust and obey".

Prayers for Irene, David and GG as they go to FL for a long weekend along with my cousin Jimmy. Hope they enjoy themselves as they head down for Food and Wine. As for me, it's heigh ho!

Praise for today: He is good and his love endures forever! 2 Chr 7: 3

Gen 17: 9-14

Circumscion - the act of cutting a male's foreskin on his manhood. Some say that the practice was started as medicinal but before the notoriety from this passage, some tribes in Abraham's time were already doing it but to young boys as they entered manhood. The difference now was that this was to be done to babies before they turned "of age" to promote the covenant and the inclusion into God's household. When my sons were born, even though they were not of Jewish persuasion, they too had to go through this as did I.

The physical act of circumscion however does not lead to the obediance into God's household. We all know that the circumscion of the heart is what is looking for - then and now. We need to cut away at the desires that will lead us astray and prune the dead branches that will keep us from blossoming as a productive and healthy entity. Sometimes it takes swallowing the humble pie and pride so that His light shines forth.

Praise for today: How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Ps: 139 17

Gen 17:1-8

How often do we read the currency that we use to secure our goods and services? "In God We Trust" is on every piece of currency we use and it proclaims a trust that the One behind it will never fail. The book of Genesis now takes a new turn in the relationship between God and man. The man, Abram, is now to be known as Abraham because that is the name that will mean - Father of many nations. The covenant, like all contracts, is based upon trust and adherance to the conditions. All Abraham had to do was not sin and God would do the rest. Of course, moral laws were not yet defined by God in a recorded fashion so the concept of sin was relative and ambigious. Still, the logical question that was to asked by Abraham was "what is sin?" I don't think the "don't ask, don't tell" concept really applies here nor is ignorance bliss. Still all Abraham could do is absorb and hopefully learn. God did promise that the marriage covenant would be the only means that  a rightful heir could be established since God did ordain and bless marriage back in 2:24.

Good weekend, got some cleaning done, saw Moneyball with the family and had a good day at church. Still not a good day for my team being thoroughly embarrassed on Sunday night. Good chat with an old friend and talk/prayer with GG. Getting ready to go back to morning gym time.

Praise for today: I love you, O Lord, my strength! Ps 18:1