Genesis 28:1-29:35 + Matthew 9:18-38 + Psalm 11:1-7 + Proverbs 3:11-12
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Old Testament – Today’s Genesis chapter 28 readings begin Jacob’s adventure as he leaves the land promised to Abraham and Isaac and heads for Paddan-aram to stay with his uncle. Jacob’s dream at Bethel is awesome in this chapter! While this dream is often referred to as “Jacob’s Ladder,” many commentaries say it was probably stairs that Jacob dreamt of – similar to the stairs of a ziggurat (think tower of Babel) that winded around the outside of the tower on the way up. Have you ever had a dream anything like this one? 🙂
I do have to admit – Jacob’s story and the parallel stories of his uncle Laban, Jacob’s wives, and his sons – culminating with Joseph in Egypt – is one of my favorite parts of the Old Testament. This is just good narrative! I think one thing that really opened my eyes to all of the small details of the story of Jacob is that I was in an amazing Bible study for about a year going through this part of Genesis. I don’t know if you’ve been in a group Bible study before? If not, let me encourage you to join one! They are incredible. You get so many different perspectives from each person in the group – similar in some ways to what you are getting here on this blog – but more personal and I think far better. You get to go through the text with other people and really dive into things – and even have some fun joking around about things. If the church you attend has some sort of Bible study, will you consider checking it out this month of January? I know you will be incredibly blessed by this decision!
I found verses 21 & 22 intriguing: “Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will be with me and protect me on this journey and give me food and clothing, and if he will bring me back safely to my father, then I will make the LORD my God.” Do you notice the “if” / “then” statement in this vow from Jacob? Jacob is putting some conditions on what it will take for him to make God his God. Do we do this in our lives sometimes? Do we try to put “conditions” on God? Does this really make sense to do? What if our conditions are not met? What if things don’t go as planned? Will we still love God as our God, even if the “conditions” in our life are not met or are not ideal?
In Genesis chapter 29 Jacob arrives at Paddan-Aram, which was close to Haran. See this map below for where Jacob will spend the next 20 years of his life. All 12 of his children besides Benjamin will be born in this land! Note that this map below shows arrows going from right to left – because it’s really a map of Abraham’s early journey. 🙂 But, you can see how far Jacob traveled from Bethel – where he had the dream discussed above – to Haran / Paddan-Aram at the top of the map.
In this chapter Jacob meets Rachel and Laban, and works for 7 years to marry Rachel – except for the fact that Jacob was deceived by Laban on the wedding night! Which is a bit ironic, as we have seen in recent chapters that Jacob did some deceiving himself… I read one commentary that said for most of his life Jacob was so focused on getting the rights of the first born from his father Isaac – and now he must accept the rights of the first born in this surprise marriage to Leah! At the end of today’s readings we see that Leah is beginning to have sons – including Levi who will be the ancestor of the Aaronic priestly line of Israel, and Judah who will be the ancestor of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. Below is an oil painting from 1836 by Bohemian painter Joseph von Fuhrich of Jacob encountering Rachel with her father’s herds in verses 9 – 11: “As this conversation was going on, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherd. And because she was his cousin, the daughter of his mother’s brother, and because the sheep were his uncle’s, Jacob went over to the well and rolled away the stone and watered his uncle’s flock. Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and tears came to his eyes.”
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Genesis chapter 28 titled “The Seeker Is Sought” is at this link and commentary on chapter 29 titled “I Led Two Wives” is at this link.
New Testament – In Matthew chapter 9 today we read about Jesus healing in response to people’s faith – the faith of the father, the faith of the woman, the blind men, and many others. It is amazing to remember that the Old Testament prophet Isaiah predicted these types of healings would take place in the Messianic age. Check out Isaiah chapter 35 verses 5 & 6: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” This image below of the woman reaching for Jesus’ tassels from today’s readings is one of my favorite images of faith. Have you ever reached out in faith to Jesus like this woman did?
Verses 37 & 38 are so powerful in today’s readings: “He said to his disciples, “The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields.” I think each of us can reflect on this teaching from Jesus. Do you agree with Jesus that the harvest is so great? And the workers are few? Will you pray to God for more workers for his kingdom work? Are you one of God’s workers in his kingdom work?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 9 titled “Authority Over Death” is at this link and “The Authority to Give Sight” is at this link.
Psalms – Today we read Psalm 11, which is one that you might miss the full meaning of if you didn’t know some of the commentary behind this Psalm. Basically in this Psalm King David is expressing his unshakable trust in God to other people around him who are very scared of enemy attacks. Knowing this – check out verse 1: “I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly to the mountains for safety!” Like David, do we really trust in God for our protection? Or do we sometimes rely on others or our own cunning – or, our own fear – for protection? Are there times when we are faced with a challenging situation that we feel like running away from it? “Fleeing to the mountains” for safety? When, instead, should we simply trust in God for our protection and move forward in spite of the fear within us? Is there an area of your life where you need to turn over more trust in God for ultimate protection? Will you flee to God only instead of fleeing to the mountains?
Proverbs – Wow! Proverbs chapter 3 verses 11 & 12 today are so amazing and true… Please meditate on these verses and what they mean to you and your life: “My child, don’t ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” I have come to realize in recent years that correction and discipline from God is such a blessing! No, it is not fun at the time that you are going through it. But, it is so necessary for us to move forward in our relationship and walk with God this side of heaven. We need God’s holy and divine discipline! I think oftentimes we avoid it. Or run away from it. Or refuse to go through it. Can you see why this Proverb starts off with “My child,” 🙂 Please let me encourage you to joyfully accept and go through God’s discipline in your life. In some areas of your life it may be the only thing that will break you through to victory. One book I found helpful in thinking through the benefits of discipline from God – or pruning as the author called it – is Bruce Wilkinson’s “Secrets of the Vine“. If you’d like to learn more about staying close to God and Jesus – and allowing God to discipline you, please check out this book! It’s a quick read – yet very thought provoking. You’ll love John chapter 15 forevermore after reading this book…
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew 9:37-38 about the harvest being plentiful but the workers being few reminds me of the Brandon Heath song “Give me your Eyes:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY
Do you have eyes for the harvest? Click here for new eyes!
Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would see the harvest in our world today as God sees it. Pray that you would be a worker in God’s fields this year. Pray daily for your family and friends that don’t yet know Jesus. Pray that they would come to know Him.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on our Proverbs reading today, do you believe there is such a thing as godly discipline? Do you believe that God corrects those that he loves? Can you think of any areas of your life or times where God has corrected you? Is there perhaps an area of your life today where God is correcting you? Will you not ignore this correction any longer? Will you allow God to correct you? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
Genesis 28-29:35
Lots of things caught my eye today in the Old Testament reading but none more than this spoken by God to Jacob.
And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
(Genesis 28:13-15 KJV)
God identifies himself to someone who didn’t know Him by means of association. He is the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, but not yet the God of Jacob. God will prove himself to Jacob because Jacob has no experiential knowledge of who God is. Jacob’s story is my story. I was sent to church and my two caregivers, foster mother and mother, called on a God and mentioned Jesus but their behaviors and actions led me to conclude that God had to be dead or non-existent. I had an encounter with God at the age of 11 then life’s events led me both away from God and to God. While away and in great pain I would latter remember that encounter at thirty-four and conclude that God was indeed alive and had kept me alive all those years, despite cursing those who dared to tell me they believed in Him. In reality God was never away from me, I just had had my eyes closed.
Mike your question for today caused me to chuckle because I had just sent out to some of my friends this e-mail:
Here is another Proverb that caught my eye in the Message bible. How it is worded in the Message bible is a slap in the face and a verbal rebuke to parents who just love their children to much to discipline them. From the Thirteenth chapter,
But first here it is in a few standard English Versions:
24He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him (NIV)
24If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them. (NLT)
Now in the Message:
24A refusal to correct is a refusal to love;
love your children by disciplining them.
The Message moves discipline, or lack there of, over to a choice and thus whether to love your children or not is a choice and the proof of your love is discipline, not abuse.
################
Discipline means you love someone enough to put in the effort and time to correct by investing into their future. God is always investing in us by his discipline.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Joe:
I would like to thank Ramona
for her insights and also I would like to thank you, Mike for keeping up with this web sight it is a blessing.
Ramona, youre right sometimes reading through the bible in one year is like chewing on wood.I did it last year and I was blessed. I had to make, it a habit and block out a certain amount of time every day.
Joe
======= Micah Girl:
Following my comments yesterday about Ishmael at the funeral, I notice that his family is indeed accessible to Isaac’s family because
8It was now very clear to Esau that his father despised the local Canaanite women. 9So he visited his uncle Ishmael’s family and married one of Ishmael’s daughters, in addition to the wives he already had.
Even though I’ve read Genesis many times, I had always thought of him disappearing earlier in the narrative. Another benefit of reading through the bible in a year–finding the spots you missed.
Micah Girl
======= Luch:
I love the description of Jesus’ ministry in Matthew 9:35-38. This is a passage I hear so little taught anymore. Perhaps the idea of ‘work’ or ‘labouring for the Lord’ scares people. Our consumeristic approach to Christianity just doesn’t appreciate the concept of ‘workers’ or “labouring’.
It’s interesting that Jesus Himself was a ‘labourer’. If one follows His ministry leading up to this summary passage He is among the people, serving them by meeting whatever needs were brought in His path. I suspect He also enjoyed the people He ministered and not just tolerated them.
But it’s also interesting that His attitude was not “Oh my goodness, these people are a hassle to me’, but rather, these people need compassion and leadership.When Jesus saw people hurting His solution was to ask God to send forth a certain kind of person into the overripe harvest fields.
I think the example in Matthew 9:10-13 indicates just one example of how Jesus ‘laboured’ among the lost. His labour involved loving people and enjoying people. The best part of this passage is that Jesus didn’t do the all the work Himself, but rather He refers to the disciples, and focuses their activity on labouring. Later in Luke 10 we are told that there were 72 labourers. Not sure why the number is important but could it be that spiritual labourers are such a rare species among the Christian community that Jesus actually counts them? It’s labourers who have Christ at the center of their lives who can ‘harvest’ the fields. Maybe we talk too much about ‘church’ and not enough about ‘labouring’. Just a thought!!!
Thank You Lord Jesus for being the consummate ‘labourer’. JOhn 9:4 says, “As long as it is day, we must do the work (labour) of him who sent Me. Night is coming when no one can work.”
Luch
======= Loni:
I just finished reading “The Red Tent” this past week. The funny thing is, it was recommended to me by a friend several months ago, and I finally got it from the library before the new year – even before I found One Year Bible Blog! I loved the book! Though not necessarily all Scripturally correct, it was facinating to see how they lived in the Bible days. As a woman, I wish we had more bonds like this with other women. I highly recommend reading it, but keep in mind it is “fiction” using the Bible as background.
Loni
======= Owen:
Most think that Ur was actually in what is now southeastern Turkey – there is much evidence to back this up. But some do consider Ur to be located as in your map. I tend to agree with the location as being in Turkey because it is “across” the river – the scripture mentions this at a later point. If the southern site was the location of Ur, one would not need to cross the river.
Owen
======= John:
I guess I am too new in my walk with the Lord. I have never felt disciplined, but I have felt guided. I have gone down certain paths and they have not worked out, but some other opportunity always opens up. I just keep repeating to myself. ‘Our God is a faithful God, who will see his works completed.’
In Jewish culture in Jesus’ time all men wore the tallis (prayer shawl) and the tassels on the corners of the prayer shawl were called “tzitzit”. According to prophecy, touching the tzitzit of the Messiah when he came would have great healing power.
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…”Mal 4:2
Wings of the tallis were formed when the arms were held out – as in supplication or prayer to the Lord.
So the woman did not just have faith that she would be healed – she had faith that Christ was the Messiah. She “believed in Him”.
John
======= Stacey:
What a difference a year can make! Both God’s blessings and corrections change life and relationships. Did I say God’s blessings and corrections?…I should really say God’s blessing of correction. Last year while doing the OYB thing, I could so relate to the pain and difficulty that Jacob went through with people who should have been loving and close to him, but rather schemed against him and deceived him. It is during this time that Jacob learns to lay himself down and submit to the Lord. If the price for Rachel gets higher and tougher, faith in God says that God will then provide the higher and tougher price. It’s like Abraham’s faith that said God would provide the lamb even at the very last second. I can testify and give glory to God that by laying my life down and humbly following Jesus, one year later that relationship I so struggled with has been healed. I would ask (whine of) God, “why do I have to be the only one that has to be obedient and submit at such a high cost?” Wrong question. And here’s where God’s correction comes into play. Month after month of whining about how hard it is and how tough to be obedient. By finally letting God get through with His viewpoint and laying it all down, the whining turned to submission and “fear the Lord”. After God had corrected my thoughts, ambitions, inner drives and motives, there was the “OK, Lord, not my will but thine be done”. I was no longer looking for results. I had just given it all up to Him and kept walking forward on His path of righteousness. Now one year later, I discover that God had also been strongly dealing with the other party as well. And we have been not only reconciled, but set free to carry out a work and mission that He had intended for us to do all along.
Phil 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.”
Stacey
======= Pam:
Stacey thank you for that! I feel like I can relate to your last year. Although I am going thru your last year this year : ) I too feel like I’m whining and struggling- hence the OYB this year, but God has given people and even times where I can see his will. It places me in complete awe! I find Stacey’s comment and everyone’s very encouraging! THANKS!
One if the verses that really spoke to me was: “He said to his disciples, “The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields.” I’m sure Jesus was filled with enthusiasm as he said this…which makes we reflect on my own life. Do I reach out to those that need to be harvested? I now many times I’m caught up in my own life that I can’t even stop and smell the roses. I pray that this year I will concentrate more on witnessing and serving others.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I get so excited when I read about Jesus! It’s amazing the faith these people had and just to think, “if only I can touch his cloak…I’ll be healed”. Amazing! I think that’s why I do get excited…just like many did when he was in human form. Just a thought…
Pam
======= Mae:
Funny you asked “Have you ever had a dream anything like this one? :)”, cause I had a dream similar to this. It was a long time ago … I was just reading about Jacob’s Ladder and had to think of my dream. There were no angels in my dreams, just a ladder, well, it was more like a strairs. I couldn’t see who was at the end of the stairs, cause there was too much light, it was brighter than the sun. I had this dream back in the days that I was doing my stupid, foolish, sinful things, so I was kind of scared of the Lord. And even in that dream I knew it had to be Him at the end of the stairs … so I stayed put and didn’t go up the stairs, because I was scared. Weird dream, eh?
“I read one commentary that said for most of his life Jacob was so focused on getting the rights of the first born from his father Isaac – and now he must accept the rights of the first born in this surprise marriage to Leah!” ~ I was thinking the same thing!
About the Bible study from our church, yes, I’m joining it. And I love it! It’s on Monday-evening and soon I’ll be joining the other Bible study soon, which is on Sunday-morning before the service. I indeed feel incredibly blessed! I got to learn so much from the Bible and especially with all the different perspectives! I really love the Bible study!
I love Matthew 9:22 “Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment”. What a great thought that faith had made her well! Our faith in Jesus will heal us … that thought makes me really happy!
Verse 37 “He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few”. That’s what our pastor preached about last week. It was a very powerful preach, which made me decide to go out on the streets today. My insecurity kept me from going for a long time, but that’s that stupid satan, he doesn’t want me on the streets to share my experiences! I want to work for His kingdom and I hope to have more people decide to do so to!
Psalm 11:7 stood out for me reading the Psalms “For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face”.
And Proverbs 3:12 “For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights”.
Mae
======= Gina:
I don’t remember any dreams regarding stariways or ladders, but when I was in elementary school, about 3rd or 4th grade, we did this thing at church where we had a tree (I think a christmas tree) and we would put handmade ornaments on it that we made that were from bible stories. My ornament was a ladder, “Jacob’s Ladder”. That’s how I remember learning about Jacob.
I am in a small group bible study. We meet every Friday night. We are studying the 7 deadly sins right now. Pride was last night…my favorite (hee hee)! I LOVE my small group. We have been meeting together for over 3 years…we have “birthed” new groups from it when we have gotten too large. Our church is really big on small groups because we are a large church. I highly encourage everyone to find a group…it’s a great way to stay accountable!
The verse in Matthew that I liked was 9:28 – Jesus says “Do you believe I am able to do this?”. Makes me think about the times that I doubt God…but I know that God is able to do everything…exceedingly and abundantly more!
“The harvest is plentiful, the workers are few”….well I think we all need to be praying for Mae today!! She is stepping into the “harvest”! :0) GO MAE! GO GOD! :0)
I do love this verse ALOT! There are so many around us that need Jesus…we just don’t even know. We need to be alert to God’s whisper when He says “Go” – even if it seems like the craziest thing at the time…God’s sees the bigger picture. We need to be ready to share our faith at any moment!
Psalm 11 speaks loudly to me…”don’t fear” – that is the main message I get from that!
Proverbs…well, I had some private time with God on this…
Gina
======= Joy:
Hello my fellow Bible Readers.
I’m new to the blog and just wanted to let you all know how exicted I am about
reading the Word along side you all. Prov 3:11-12 I hate corrections but I know that when God corrects that he’s trying to take me to a new level so I’m learning to get excited when he’s correcting me.
Joy
======= Cheryl:
Playing catch up-just read Jan 10th and all your comments about healing. Several years ago I had plantar fascitis in my left foot. It was so bad I could hardly walk. I had it for about 9 months when I had to have some unrelated surgery. About 1 week before the surgery I realized that it was going to be very hard to recover from abdominal surgery when I could barely walk with my foot pain. I didn’t actually ask God to heal me but I did ask Him what was He going to do about my foot? The next day I woke up and my foot was pain free! In 1990 I asked for a healthy baby during my 3rd pregnancy. I wanted a girl as I had 2 boys already but never actually asked God for a girl. God knew my heart of course and gave me twin girls. My husband however, says that is proof that God has a sense of humor. My husband has Crohn’s disease-we’ve asked for healing but God has so far said no-that is okay, but now my husband also has severe vertigo-no diagnosis yet. I was going to ask our priest to conduct a healing service in addition to our prayers-anyone ever tried that? I figure it can’t hurt and what’s the worst that can happen-God can say no which we are prepared to accept but maybe He’ll say yes this time. My husband has great faith but doesn’t like to ask God for anything for himself. I know God has a purpose for my husband’s suffering and we praise Him and thank Him even in the midst of out troubles. My husband’s favorite Bible story is the one about the 10 lepers who were healed but only 1 came back to thank Jesus. We should all be like the 1 leper and continually thank Jesus for ALL that He gives to us, both good and bad!
Cheryl
======= Anka:
Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and had sent him to Paddan Aram to take a wife from there, and that when he blessed him he commanded him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” 7 and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Paddan Aram. 8 Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac; 9 so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had…..
Jacob may have been a deceiver,but it seems he did honour his parents…Esau on the other hand went on to spite them by marrying a third wife…and he went to Ishael who also took a wife from Egypt.
It’s a sad story with Leah,she probably loved Jacob so she went along with her father’s plan…she seemed to have stop struggling to win a man’s love and settled to praise God after her fourth son…
Jesus seemed to shy away from the crowds in today’s reading…putting them out when he wanted to raise the dead girl,getting indoors before healing the blind men….today,the crowd seemed like a bother….yet Jesus had compassion..Truly we need to see beyound the tag”unsaved/sinner”and truly have compassion for the lost,for the hurting.
I do have a join a bibly study group….we’ve been in the book of John for a loooonnnggg while…but I love the fellowship and do learn so much from each member…..
God bless you all
Anka
======= Ramona:
Matthew 9:18-38
The following verses caught my attention:
When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to His disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. (Matthew 9:36-37 NLT)
Just two verses before this text (34), the Pharisees are complaining about Jesus, saying that He was able to do miraculous works because He was empowered by the devil. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and the keepers of the Law, the Scribes should have been shepherding God’s people, leading them to the pastures of “spiritual” grass so they could grow strong. Instead, they, the appointed shepherds, were eating the sheep.
This illustrates how I will give this nation a shepherd who will not care for those who are dying, nor look after the young, nor heal the injured, nor feed the healthy. Instead, this shepherd will eat the meat of the fattest sheep and tear off their hooves. “What sorrow awaits this worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword will cut his arm and pierce his right eye. His arm will become useless, and his right eye completely blind.” (Zechariah 11:16-17 NLT)
Jesus is amongst them doing what they had been appointed to do but they failed to do by conscientious choice and they dared to call Him a devil. Can we be guilty of doing the same thing that Israel’s leaders did? Are we standing/sitting around as Believers failing to show and teach the lost shepherd less sheep where their spiritual grass is?
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Jen:
Proverbs 3:11-12
We are compared to being like a favourite child – we are one of God’s favourite children how awesome is that!!
Jen
======= Erin:
I’m finally caught up!! I am praying that I will make the time in the mornings to stay caught up, even though it will mean getting up at 5:30!! I remember discussing the morning in of the blogs last week, and I LOVE morning, but hate that first five minutes of trying to will myself to get up
Anyway, getting off track…
I am not currently in a Bible study group, but would love to join one. This is mainly because I am still looking for a church to attend regularly here. My mom, my sister and I are trying a new one tommorow, so I hope it will be a good experience! I am really wanting to find a home church so that I can become involved and hopefully find a group to join.
I did notice the if/then part of Jacob’s vow…and also him only giving up a tenth of what God gives him? Am I missing something, or shouldn’t Jacob give everything he has (spiritually)? Or maybe he’s talking physically; if he is, what exactly does he mean?
This verse stood out to me today: “Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well.” -Matthew 9:22 I love the idea that after this woman had suffered for 12 years, Jesus said that her faith alone was enough to heal her. Sometimes I worry about my faith and if it is enough, and this verse gives me hope. (That picture is beautiful!)
Proverbs 3:11-12 means a lot to me. As a teacher, I often have to make kids do things they don’t want to do, but for their own good
A lot of times this reminds me of God’s relationship with us, and like a kindergartener doesn’t know why I am making him share with someone he doesn’t like, I think God often makes us do things for reasons that we can’t understand now but will in heaven.
One area of my life where I think God is (and must) constantly correcting me on is my stress and anxiety level. (Matthew 6:25-34 means a lot to me too
A few years ago I was in a bad car accident because I was so stressed out that I made a stupid mistake on the road. When I saw what the car looked like after I got out, it was a miracle that there was not a scratch on me, and no one else was severely hurt; and I mean a miracle! I absolutely felt the power of God that day, and he was giving me two simple words: Slow down! Since then my stress level has gone way down; of course it still pops up every now and then, but that is when I remember that God is in control and everything happens for a reason. Since then I have been very blessed and many wonderful things have happened in my life, which makes me think that God is telling me, “See, I told you everything would be okay!”
There is a very nice devotional in Max Lucado’s “Grace for the Moment” that talks about how we are unhappy on earth sometimes because we are not meant for earth, we are meant for heaven; that is where our true home is. This is another tidbit I try to remember when anxiety gets to me.
God bless everyone, and have a great day!
Erin
======= Bill:
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“ Based on our Proverbs reading today, do you believe there is such a thing as godly discipline? Do you believe that God corrects those that he loves? Can you think of any areas of your life or times where God has corrected you? Is there perhaps an area of your life today where God is correcting you? Will you not ignore this correction any longer? Will you allow God to correct you? “
Yes to all of the above questions. I believe in godly discipline because I know that I have been the reciepient of it. The Bible says if we don’t have chastening in our lives then we are not legitimate children ( Hebrews 12:8 ) We can be thankful that He doesn’t let us continue on in our sinful, self-destructive ways and that when He chastens us it is done in love and not to punish us in anger. There was about a 5-year period in my life when I was backslidden. I quit reading my Bible and my conduct was contrary to what I knew God expected of me as a Christian. I have to say that it was the unhappiest time of my life when nothing was going right for me. God will not let you get too comfortable in that spiritual condition. His chastening hand will be heavy on you. I don’t know if I can pinpoint any area or time right now where I see that. I am sure he still does though. It seems to be usually in the form where I lose my joy and peace for a time. Will I let God correct me? Well, I don’t think I really have much choice. I have learned from my life experiences that God is going to correct me no matter what it takes or how long it takes because I am His child.
“But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
– Hebrews 12:8-11 ( KJV)
GENESIS 28:1-29:35
There is a contrast drawn here between Jacob and his twin brother Esau. Jacob was obedient to his parents ( 28:7 ). The same cannot be said for Esau. The disobedience brought to light here in the Scriptures was in Esau’s intermarriage with the Canaanite women ( 28:8 ) which not only displeased his parents but God as well. The consequences were that he forfeited his inheritance in the Abrahamic covenant. Esau should have listened to his godly parents and obeyed them but tragically he did not. As a result God renewed the covenant with Jacob instead ( 28:10-15 ).
It did seem as though Jacob was making his faith in God conditional on whether God met his needs or not ( 28:20-22 ). I think the seeds of faith had already been sown in his heart by his father Isaac so I don’t think that Jacob lacked faith in who God was but rather that he had not yet learned to fully depend on God to provide his need for food and raiment on his journey. I think many Christians go through that growing phase early on in the Christian life. I know I did. Jesus taught His disciples and also us to do that and until we do learn that dependence upon God as our provider then our faith is little:
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
– Matthew 6:25-33 ( KJV)
MATTHEW 9:18-38
As has already been pointed out, the healings, casting out of devils and raising the dead by the Lord Jesus were the fulfillment of messianic prophecies in the Book of Isaiah. Many Jews who saw these things did not understand that but some did. The two blind men though they could not see anything with their eyes had spiritual sight. In calling Him the “Son of David “ ( v.27 ) they were acknowledging Him as the promised Messiah of Israel. Jesus honored their faith by healing them and restoring their sight. The first thing they saw when their eyes were opened was Jesus. The blind men remind me of those of us who have not seen and yet believed. Today we also are called to walk by faith and not by sight. If we do then one day we will see Jesus in all of His glory and power with our own eyes. Hallelujah!
PSALM 11:1-7
In this passage ( v.1 ) I am reminded of the survivalists who head for the hills to prepare for a coming major catastrophe such as nuclear war perhaps. Some of them are even Christians. I must admit that there was once a time when I entertained thoughts in my own mind about buying a cabin in Idaho, storing up food , weapons and all sorts of survivalist gear. However, that does not say much for my faith. It was this Scripture which set me straight on that line of thinking. However, in verse 6 it does seem to be describing a nuclear holocaust which I believe will happen in the end times. In that day there will be no mountain or place to flee except in the shadow of God’s wings.
PROVERBS 3:11-12
I guess I pretty much said what I have to say on God’s chastening in the ‘Questions of the Day.’ Chastening is necessary for our spiritual growth. It is never pleasant but if we can see what God is doing in our lives and why it will be easier to bear and the sooner we learn the lesson God is teaching us by it then the sooner it will be over.
Bill
======= Brad:
Regarding Bible Study: I would like to join a “live” Bible study with members of my church. God willing, I would like to attend the 9a.m. small group study this coming Sunday.
Do you believe there is such a thing as godly discipline? Yes. When I sin, I do receive some penalty for that sin, usually some guilty feelings and possibly shame. I know that through Christ Jesus I am forgiven for the sins I commit. Still, I would like to be sin-free, and I am not sin-free.
Do you believe that God corrects those that he loves? Yes He does. Bill made good points concerning Godly correction. I am glad that God corrects me and helps me to know right from wrong. God’s correction helps me become more righteous and better. I am corrected through listening to sermons, fellowship with other Christians who hold me accountable, and in the convictions I feel within myself.
Can you think of any areas of your life or times where God has corrected you? Sometimes I exaggerate when I speak too quickly. After speaking falsely I feel convicted that what I said was not totally accurate. I then clarify/correct myself to the person (s) to whom I spoke.
Is there perhaps an area of your life today where God is correcting you? There definitely are areas in which God is correcting me and leading me toward new insights and understandings.
Will you not ignore this correction any longer? I am trying to learn and grow and turn to God for healing and wisdom.
Will you allow God to correct you? Yes. I pray that God will help me to become an effective Christian man.
Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Genesis 28:31 “And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”
I like this verse because we see God’s compassion upon the “hated” Leah. This reminds me of the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5:
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for
my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your
reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you.”
Also, not only does heaven belong to those who are persecuted for righteous’ sake, but God has compassion upon the hated while they still live on this Earth.
What a great privilege it is to be a child of God! So great is God’s mercy and His love!
Brad
======= Elizabeth:
Hello,
I am here, but playing catch up with readings–sick husband and children ; )
As an aside, my primary goal this year is to stay absolutely current with the OT readings…if I get the NT and the Psalms/Proverbs in too, then that’s icing! I focused all last year on the NT, so I feel like it’s time to ponder the OT more thoroughly.
I mention this in case other folks out there (especially ones new to daily Bible reading) become “off track.” This plan is a great plan, but as Mike mentioned earlier, please do not feel defeated by it if you “miss a step.”
I would encourage you to hang in there with the rest of us–the plan is a TOOL to the higher goal of washing your mind with His word daily. And if the entire plan becomes too much to maintain daily, instead of abandoning the goal entirely, consider following a portion of it (just the Old Testament or just the New, or the Psalms/Proverbs together).
I’m back with a couple thoughts on Jacob…
I really like this comment on Jacob:
“. . . whoever observes Jacob’s life, after he had surreptitiously obtained his father’s blessing, will perceive that he enjoyed very little worldly felicity. His brother sought to murder him, to avoid which he was forced to flee from his father’s house; his uncle Laban deceived him. . . . He was obliged to leave him in a clandestine manner. . . . He experienced the baseness of his son Reuben . . . the treachery and cruelty of Simeon and Levi towards the Shechemites; then he had to feel the loss of his beloved wife . . . the supposed untimely end of Joseph; and to complete all, he was forced by famine to go into Egypt, and there died in a strange land. . . .”
-C. H. Mackintosh
So true…Jacob got the birthright and the blessing (and ultimately the godly lineage), but he also reaped a lot of trouble and grief during his lifetime didn’t he. He got very little immediate satisfaction from working things out his own way.
I also thought about Rebekah (who modeled the manipulation to her son first). She reaped sadness too as she never saw Jacob (her favorite) after he fled from Esau. She died before the reunion.
We do things badly when we get our fleshly hands in things. We are particularly bad when we put Lord in the mix but then put our fleshly nature in there too (just in case!) This happens over and over again in Genesis (and in life) with unfortunate consequences…
“‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Just thinking,
Elizabeth
======= Henry:
I am going through God’s discipline right now. Before I couldn’t understand why God let this happen to me, but reading the OYB I have come to learn that God is disciplining me and getting me ready for the next stage in my life. He is teaching me patience and consideration for others just like Jacob.
Henry
======= Kitty:
I agree with Mike that Bible Study group is a great way to learn the Word of God, and to gain perspectives and insights from one another. It’s also a great time for brothers and sisters in Christ to have fellowship and encourage one another in our faith journeys.
I do believe godly discipline, and that God corrects those that he loves. I have experienced God’s corrections a number of times in my life, when I sinned against Him and others. At the time, I didn’t understand God’s discipline, but now looking back I now know that He was training me and teaching me godly characters that are so important for my life, ministry and business.
Kitty
======= Joanna:
Yes, I believe God’s refining work happens in our lives as soon as we let it happen. Ever since we changed church about 2 yrs ago, I’ve had more ‘ouchy’ times than in my previous years. One by one, God is bringing to light issues that I need to deal with and resolve. Each has a storehouse of pain attached. But once its faced and dealt with… the freedom and lightness of heart I feel is incomparable plus I get closer to Him. Feel Him more, hear Him more.
I know I’m getting healthier spiritually, emotionally and mentally. And all this is triggered a desire to get healthier physically too. So its been a total makeover by GOD! amazing…
I think this year with OYB will be another makeover of sorts. Already I’m cultivating a new habit of bible reading. I’m sure there are greater lessons and blessings in store.
Joanna
======= Nancy:
I recently heard a message by George Murray, chancellor of Columbia International University. He said that in Matthew 9:35-38 the Greek word for “compassion” is an emotion that literally has your stomach tied up in knots. How often does my loss for the downtrodden and the lost make me feel physically ill and all churned up inside. His message really hit me: 1.) that Jesus had that kind of compassion for me and 2.)how much I am lacking in that kind of compassion.
Nancy
======= Trudy:
In today’s reading, we see how Jesus heals two blind men.
“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” (Matthew 9:27) Blindness was a common problem in Palestine. It came partly because of the glaring Eastern sun on unprotected eyes, and partly because of the lack of proper hygiene and sanitation. Additionally, the land was plagued with swarms of unclean flies that carried infection.
As Jesus had left the ruler’s district, he was being followed by two blind men who were looking for mercy. Here we see that they used the Messianic title “Son of David.” There was great expectation in that day. For centuries the Jews were looking for their long awaited promised Messiah and deliverer from the line of David. While these men were physically blind, they possessed acute spiritual sight. They knew who Jesus was. They knew He was the Messiah. They knew the prophecy that when the Messiah came that He would give sight to the blind. (Isaiah 61:11) But we see that Jesus did not immediately respond to their shouts.
“When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.” (Matthew 9:28) Jesus had left the crowds and had gone indoors. These blind men were not deterred. They were desperate and they weren’t going to take “no” for an answer. They had a need and they went inside with Jesus. Away from the crowds, Jesus could speak to them one on one. Here we see that Jesus was testing their faith, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” These blind men had no doubts that Jesus could heal them.
“Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.” (Matthew 9:29-30) Here we see the compassion of Jesus. He touched their eyes and their sight was restored. The blind men’s faith had been a factor in their healing.
Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” Jesus did not want them to tell anyone that He had healed them. Jesus wasn’t looking to be known as the “faith healer.” While Jesus did care about their physical needs, He was more concerned about their spiritual needs. Jesus wanted people to believe Him simply because He is God. Jesus was on mission. Jesus did not want a revolutionary uprising that would prematurely crown Him as King. Jesus had to go to the cross, before He would be King.
But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.” (Matthew 9:31) Despite Jesus’ stern warning, the formerly blind men could not contain themselves and in their exuberance they went out and told everybody. While it is not difficult to understand their excitement, the blind men did not listen to Jesus and His fame spread abroad.
Dear one, have you had a personal encounter with Jesus? Have you heard the good news? The gentle Healer is in our town today. Today is the day of salvation!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/TtwUAzzgfJo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
Trudy
======= Jeff:
I was noticing today in our One Year Bible reading in Genesis 28 that God once more reaffirms His covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”
Jacob had the vision of the angels descending and ascending the “stairway to heaven” – also known as “Jacob’s Ladder.
Jacob is amazed when he awakens and says basically” WOW! God is here and I didn’t even know it!”
He builds a memorial pillar of the stone he slept upon and sanctifies it with oil (another great allusion!)
The stone represents the house (dwelling) of God. Are not we, who follow the LORD, living stones of the house of God?
1 Peter 2:5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Peter makes a reference back to this event. Jacob, who would later be renamed ISRAEL, had the vision of angels ascending and descending where he lay! Jacob made a spiritual sacrifice of oil upon the pillar of the “house of God”.
Scripture is deep and powerful!
God’s will is progressively being revealed and continually affirmed in all of Scripture as we read through the OYB… and we who believe are a part of it!
Peace,
Jeff
======= Julie:
Jacob’s ladder not a ladder!?! … but more like stairs winding up a ziggaraut. A circle staircase. When you asked if anyone has ever had a similar dream, I got so excited. I have, several times! But never thought my dream was like Jacob’s Ladder…that is somehing for Old Testament biggies…not a nowadays little mommy at home with kids, laundry and all that stuff. The stairs that I dreamed were going up to heaven, around and around and up and up. Every time around brought the climber up anther distance but most importantly past the pillars that supported the stairs. The pillars are basics in our faith: God loves us, Jesus died for us, Its all about love, Its all about faith. Can’t park on one place; gotta go the whole circlearound. Have you ever been to a place in your walk when you said, wow I thought I already learned this, I must have flunked the lesson because here it is again. I thought that I knew God loved me. I thought that I already knew that we can’t please Him without faith. But here I am again, learning it all over again. Wow, I must be reallly stooopid. But every time we pass one of these supporting pillars, the basics of our life in Christ, we are at a new level. We are growing; God’s teaching style is this repetitive lesson, little by little, concepts learned again and again just at harder levels. Kinda like Saxon math?
You also pointed out how Jacob tricked his bro out of the birthright and that is exactly what happens to him when he gets tricked into taking Leah…because it was her birthright to be married first. What we sow, we reap!
I am so jazzed to be reading this through again this year!
Julie
======= Raeann:
God corrects those he loves to show them the error of there ways.
12 “And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”
I have always loved the immagery of the angels ascending and descending from Heaven to Earth.
17 “Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.”
Rebecca met Isaac’s servant the same way Rachel met Jacob at a well watering the flocks.
In my opinion is was not right the way Leban tricked Jacob and gave one daughter when he had promised him the other one in marraige.
COMPASSION is the main theme of Jesus’s ministry on Earth, HE was moved with compassion to do ALL of the wonderful things that HE did for others.
I like these verses in Psalms and Proverbs
7 “For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.”
11 “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:”
12 “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Raeann
======= Rita:
Hi mike! this reading has helped me, i have been rebuked by the Lord. i am working as a lone full time staff worker for Nurses Christian Fellowship in the Phils. i never seriously prayed for other full time staff, believing that none would want this work(O You of little faith..)I doubted the God who called me and is working in the hearts of others to fill up the need for staff workers.i was deeply touched by how the Lord has emphasized in my heart that it is His work and He’ll be the One to call workers for His field. thank You Lord. Godbless everyone!
Rita
======= Zig:
Hi Mike,
Pardon me for being a bit slow. i know that discipline is needed to put someone on the correct path, though I’m not so sure I have or I am being disciplined? I think I must be one of those who ignores the discipline. Any examples of such discipline? is it things like not getting promotions, maybe losing a family member?? if you could shed some light please assist.
Have blessed day everyone and I am so enjoying reading the bible daily.
Zig
======= Jennifer:
I am not sure that I can answer the discipline part, but I do know that there are times in my walk where I feel distant from God and in that distance I seek out what is going on in my life and how to renew that relationship. Also there are circumstances that happen in my life that bring my sin out in my life that I was trying not to deal with, making excuses, etc. However, the event will be so obvious what my sin was that I have to face it and ask for Gods help in dealing with it.
In this reading what really struck me was Leah. I know the story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel very well and every other time I read the story I thought Jacob was treated very unfairly and I did not feel sorry for Leah, but just thought that at least she was married. Now I realize that God expected more from Jacob than his cold disdain for the wife he did not love. Leah deserved more. Leah should have been loved better. How many times do I treat those closest to me worse than a stranger or take advantage of them because I know they will always be there.
I constantly seek out what is my role in the “harvest” and seek to fulfill my role that the Lord has given me.
Jennifer
======= Jane:
Something that jumped out at me was the names Leah gives to her boys, and the reason for the names.
VS.32 Reuben – The Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.
VS.33 Simeon – Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.
VS.34 Levi – Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons
VS.35 Judah – This time I will praise the Lord.
I see progression in Leah’s faith and focus as she names each of thses children.
Many times it takes us a while in our circumstances to stop focusing on what we don’t have and focus and praise the Lord, who meets all our needs!
Jane
======= Elizabeth:
Wow, Ramona. I always love your comments. Keep those coming!
I too was struck by Leah and how ‘weak eyes’ actually meant ‘delicate’ and possibly could have referred to her character as gentle, while Rachel is selected on beauty alone. And that Leah was blessed double in number of children. Lots of lessons in there.
Elizabeth
======= Dee:
I too loved the story of Jacob and it is also one of my favorite stories of the Old Testament. If you want to get into some more reading (which are fictional) but based upon Rachel, Leah, and Jacobs lives in a christian fiction kind of way, Liz Curtis Higgs makes a good series pertaining to this story and she does it in a Scottish way! The books are: Thorn in my Heart(1st one), which is about Leah’s life!, Fair is the Rose(2nd one), which is about Rachel’s life, and final one is: Whence Came a Prince, about the entire family and centered of course around, you got it, Jacobs, then she did a fourth one called Grace in Thine Eyes, about Leah and Jacobs only daughter, Dinah. Very Good Reads!!
and speaking to Ramona pertaining her quote and Proverbs read she put up above, I wish I could give that message over to majority of my parents, then maybe some of my Kinders would start listening!!
It is so true that we are setting our children up for greater disaster when we don’t discipline and when we do give Godly discipline, yes, it hurts at that moment but it sets a standard of living just like in Deuteronomy, when it states that we have life and death, blessings and cursings, therefore choose life! that you may live and be prosperous and then in Matthew about the wide is the road and narrow is the way that leads to life basically and don’t go down the easy path and head down the wide road that leads to destruction, but chose the narrow path that leads to salvation, and blessings and long life and prosperity to give health to your body and really nourishment to your soul!!
Be blessed,
Dee
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