Folly of Idolatry
One of my favourite books is Tim Keller's "Counterfeit Gods". It is a no that continues speaking to me and helps me to understand a lot of scripture in light of my own fallen nature and idolatry. Anyway, the reading from Genesis today was actually one that Keller used in is book, the story of Jacob being deceived by Laban. Blinded by his lust (idolatry of Rachel), he didn't realise he was being deceived by Laban. So that got me thinking about idolatry of course as I read on, and in Esther, I couldn't help but notice how Haman was himself exhibiting signs of idolatry. He was in a privileged position already, and yet because of his high self image (idolatry of self), he could not enjoy it just because Mordecai had no fear of him. Quite sad really, especially given the rest of the story... Man I love Esther!!
No One Righteous, Not One
Genesis 27 is one of those passages where it is difficult to see any good at all. One messed up family with all playing their evil part... There are the parents playing favourite, the older brother who doesn't care about his family, and of course, Jacob the younger brother who deceives his way into a blessing he was supposed to get anyway. I guess the only good thing that comes out of this is that it does set the stage for God's sovereign work of building up the chosen family, Israel. But one wonders, if they had just trusted in Yahweh, how much easier would things have been for them?
Sins of the Father
It's incredible to read this story in Genesis 26 of Isaac and Abimelech, king of the Philistines, if only because I had read it at least twice before, albeit with Abraham doing the lying about Sarah. First of all, it's just plain wrong and cowardly for these men to have lied about their wives being their sister in order to avoid possible trouble. But more importantly, it is also a lack of faith in Yahweh, who has already promised his blessing to them, that lead to that cowardice. Quite sad indeed...
Sovereignty in the Small Matters
Genesis 24 has another one of those "LOL" verses in the a bible (which I love). On oath to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham's servant asks God for a sign regarding the young woman he is to choose for him. Pretty much right after that, he meets Rebekah, who fulfills the sign exactly. P that's the context of the verse, "The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the LORD had prospered his journey or not." I can just imagine the servant in kind of this confused/amazed state.. I find it amusing. Hahaha. Anyway, some observations: 1) The servant praying to Yahweh is a testimony of Abraham as a master/employer. He's obviously taught everyone in his household, including the lowly servants, that Yahweh is the only true God. 2) God is obviously concerned over even the small matters such as finding Isaac a wife. Not that I think finding a wife should on love the kind of sign this servant asked God for. Just the principle of God's sovereignty in this small matter is helpful to know. 3) Rebekah's obedience is amazing to see, even though she clearly comes from a household that had respect for, but did not completely believe in Yahweh. Did she herself believe at this point? Or was she being prompted in her heart by the truth? Either way, she defied (it would seem) her family's wishes for her to stay longer, and in a way, trusted in Yahweh through her obedience to Abraham's servant.
Genesis 22 on Worship
I can't let Genesis 22 pass by without comment because it is one of my favourite passages concerning worship. Yes. Worship. Because of what Abraham said to his servants: "I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." Obviously with the sacrifice of Isaac in mind, Abraham calls what he is about to do "worship", nonetheless. With that said... 1) Worship is merely a response to God's initiative in our lives. Just as he called Abraham, who answered "Here am I". 2) Worship is often a calling to do something difficult. No, it isn't just what we do on Sunday mornings. It is much more. 3) Worship is a form of sacrifice. Giving up something that you love or cherish, in faith that God's sovereignty reigns. 4) Worship is not purely emotional (though it can contain emotion), but just as Abraham rationally made preparation to sacrifice Isaac, worship needs to be prepared for and made ready. Finally, 5) Worship is an expression of faith in God's gift of Resurrection Life. Amen!
Misconceptions
This is the second time Abraham has lied about Sarah being his sister. And this time he gives an "explanation" (more like an excuse) for why he does this. Abraham said, "I did it because I thought, there is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife." I wonder how often Christians sin or lie when they make the mistake of thinking that God isn't big enough to reveal themselves to those who they think don't know him..
Sodom and Gomorrah
There have been many comments of course already made about Genesis 18, and Abraham's boldness to bargain with God. But I think more than that, this almost comedic episode of Abraham pleading is an indictment against the evil of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham manages to "convince" God not to destroy the city for just 10 righteous people (starting at 50) and even that many was not found! Certainly this is a foreshadowing of what happens in the next chapter which lays out in detail how depraved these people were.
To God Be The Glory
It is at first really odd that God would insist on Sarah being the mother of the child of promise when Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar is the convenient choice. But in his interaction with God about Sarah becoming a mother - he actually laughs at God! - it becomes clear why this is so. Abraham wonders how it is that he, an old man, and Sarah, and old woman, might be able to still have a baby. But really, it's precisely because they were o,d that God wanted to do this miraculous work in their lives now. It will be absolutely clear, then, that this new child, the child of promise was the result of God's mighty work. Sometimes things just have to happen in that way. People brought to the end of themselves, so that it is clear that God is the one working in and through them.
So Quickly Forgotten
Genesis 12 starts of well enough with Abram obeying God's instruction to leave his land and move to another. This was a big deal in those days... Much more so, even than say, when my family moved here to Canada from the Philippines. It was a great display of faith on Abram's part, then, to obey. The chapter doesn't end so well, though, as Abram moves down to Egypt because of a famine and then lies about Sarai being his wife. Quite the display of faithlessness there... So it is in the Christian life, which has its ups and downs. Abram would have at least 2 other episodes like this, but as he grew in his faith, certainly the transforming work of God became more evident also.
Amazing Grace!
I was thrown off a little bit by the end of Genesis 8. God vows never again to "curse" the ground because of men... Why? Because "the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth." I was like.. What? You'll never judge the earth again because man is so evil? Then I realized of course, that this is God who is talking, the merciful and gracious LORD. Of course he would vow never to destroy the earth again because man is too evil. He instead will send a saviour whill deal with man's heart from within. Amen!