Salvation of Jacob's Family

Genesis 42. The rest of Genesis (ch.42-50) involves "The Salvation of Jacob's Family". Today is the beginning of that process, and that process begins with repentance. Some have questioned as to why Joseph didn't immediately reveal his identity. Joseph's last memory of his brothers was their cruel treatment of their own flesh and blood. So Joseph will test his ten brothers to see if they are still evil and treacherous or have they changed over the years? In fact in Genesis 42:15, Joseph will test them to see if they had been as cruel to Benjamin as they had been to him. Benjamin was his only full brother, and he wanted to see him face to face.

This whole experience brought the ten men to the place where conviction was starting to germinate in their hearts. True reconciliation requires sincere repentance and humble confession of sin. From a human point of view, Joseph would have been happy for "instant reconciliation", because then he could have seen his father and his brother Benjamin much sooner. But like a skilled physician, Joseph was patient, knowing this was the correct way to bring about true and sincere reconciliation.

God Himself is the skilled physician of our hearts and would be happy for "instant reconciliation", but He knows true and sincere reconciliation requires repentance. The first word of the Gospel is "repent" (Matt.4:17, Mark 1:15). Repentance first. Then comes reconciliation. This is true in all relationships.

Exaltation of Joseph

Genesis 41. I want to thank each of you for your prayers. My family and I are on the mends and are doing much better. God has answered our prayers and healed our sick bodies. So all the praise and glory to Him. Now for today's devotional thought:

We're now well into the last section of Genesis that deals with Joseph and his life. Joseph's life is a typology of Christ. Remember, we studied typologies back on Feb. 3 in Genesis 24, and Joseph's life is a foreshadowing of Christ's. Let me give you just a few parallels:

1. His Position: Loved By His Father: Gen.37:3-4.

Jesus, of course, was loved by His Father: "This is My beloved Son in whom I'm well pleased."

2. His Mission: Sent To His Brothers: Gen.37:13-14.

The Lord Jesus was sent to His brethren, the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

3. His Rejection: Rejected By His Own: Gen.37:8

The Jews "would not have this man reigning over them". Luke 19:14; John 1:11.

4. His Crucifixion: They Plotted To Kill Him: Gen.37:18-20.

5. His Resurrection: He Was Raised Up!: Gen.37:28

Joseph was raised from the pit. Jesus raised up on the third day.

6. His Ascension: Taken Away: Gen.37:28ff

After Joseph was sold, he was taken away for many years. Christ ascended up into heaven. He told His disciples that they should see Him no more until His return. And in today's reading (Gen.41) we see Joseph exalted to the throne and placed in charge of the affairs of Eygpt, second in command to Pharaoh. Remember, I titled this part of Joseph's life "The Exaltation of Joseph" (39-41).

Lesson: Self Promotion can never replace Divine Promotion. Joseph's self promotion (in ch.37) was when he was a boy telling his family of his dream. And it happened again in prison when he took matters into his own hand and tried to get the chief butler to exalt him (ch.40). Now, some 23 years later, it's God who promotes him. Self Promotion can never replace Divine Promotion.

And again, the typology stands out. Pharaoh had Joseph to ride in the second chariot and cried out before him "Bow the knee!" (Gen.41:43). I know another "Joseph" of whom we'll bow the knee to. In fact, Scripture says that "every knee shall bow...and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!" (Phil.2:9-11). Have you bowed the knee to Him and confessed Him as Savior and Lord of your life?

7. His Marriage: He Takes A Gentile Wife: Gen.41:45.

One more typology I don't want you to miss. Joseph marries an Egyptian, not a Hebrew girl, and thus he takes a Gentile bride. The New Testament teaches us that Jesus is the Bride Groom and we, the church, are His Gentile Bride!

Charles Spurgeon once said, "Cut the Bible anywhere you wish, and it'll bleed red the blood of Jesus." Look for Jesus everywhere in your Bibles. Today we find Him in Genesis 41. Amen!

The Exaltation of Joseph (39-41)

Genesis 39. Continue to pray for us. Everyone in the Hendry household is sick. I can't even focus or concentrate. I can't even sleep. I just feel bad. But I know God is going to get us through this. Lord willing, I will resume blogging on Thursday. I would title Genesis 39-41 "The Exaltation of Joseph".

Ch.39: Joseph the Faithful Steward: Today

Ch.40: Joseph the Forgotten Slave: Wednesday

Ch.41: Joseph the Famed Statesman: Thursday (I'll resume blogging here).

In today's reading, pay close attention to Genesis 39:2, 3, 5, 21, 23. The LORD was with and blessed Joseph. God is as much with His servants in a prison as in a palace. He does not desert us, however low we may be brought. How comforting to know this from Joseph's life and Jesus' lips: "...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." (Matt.28:20).

Pray for us

I won't be posting a devotional today. Our whole family is sick, and I just feel too bad to post this morning. Pray for us. But in order to stay on track, go ahead and read Genesis 38 and note the corruption in the family continues. And note that this chapter vividly contrasts the immoral character of Judah with the moral character of Joseph in the coming chapters. God bless.

Bro. Royce

Corruption In The Family

Genesis 37. The rest of Genesis will focus on Joseph. Today we see the corruption in his family. Jacob’s family is in a hostile environment. They are strangers in this land. They do not possess this land…yet! They are covenant people in covenant with God, and one day they will possess it. So you’d think they would band together in order to survive. Instead, they are at each others throats. There is trouble in the tribe.
Today, our families are in a hostile environment. 50% of marriages are ending in divorce. That’s just the ones that go down to the court house and make it legal. Many more are divorced even though they live in the same house, drive the same car, and eat at the same table. They just haven’t made it official yet. There’s much fighting and many broken homes. There is an enemy out there, called Satan, who wants to destroy your family and mine. And yet we, like Jacob’s family, can’t see the bigger picture.
So the question is how does a family survive today? With our text before us I think we can answer that question by asking another question. What is destroying our families? If we will learn what’s destroying our families then we can make the necessary changes. We’ve got to know what the problem is in order to produce the solution. Several basic problems we need to identify.

1. GOSSIP (the tongue) Genesis 37:2
Joseph brought back a bad report on his half-brothers. A 3 inch tongue can knock down a 6 foot man. Did you know that the snail has teeth on its tongue? A well known scientist examined a snail's tongue under a microscope and counted 30,000 teeth. Many people have teeth on their tongues. Bodies have been broken, lives destroyed, reputations have been ripped and souls have been slain by the tongue. James says we can tame wild animals, but we can’t tame the tongue (James 3:8). We can tame Flipper, Trigger, Shamu, and Lassie, but we can’t tame the tongue. But God can. If you give Him your tongue? No. If you give Him your heart. “For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”, says Jesus. The tongue will destroy your family.

2. FAVORITISM Genesis 37:3
The coat of many colors was more than just a pretty garment. It was a long sleeved robe that was worn by authority; worn by one who would be a future leader. It was an honor normally given to the first born. And of course the dream backs that up. One day Joseph would be over his family. Now Jacob should have known better. He has experienced, first hand, how damaging favoritism is. One might argue, “yea, but it’s God’s will.” Yes it’s God’s will. But it’s the way you go about arriving at God’s will that hurts or blesses. If you go after God’s will God’s way, the journey will be pleasant. But if you go after God’s will your own way, the journey will be miserable. Jacob should have known better. Favoritism will destroy your family.

3. HATRED (bitterness) Genesis 37:4
As you see, one problem breeds another problem. They hated Joseph. Hatred is something that will destroy you. “…those that hate the righteous shall be desolate.” Psalm 34:21. Those who have caused hurt and who have hated all who live righteously will one day find themselves forsaken, wretched, and alone. This family ended up desolate and desperate during the famine and would have to be helped by the one they had previously hated. Hatred will destroy your family.

4. BOASTING Genesis 37:5-10
Joseph’s youthful pride caused friction with his brothers. Joseph thought he was ‘the highest hog at the trough.’ And he would be, one day. But don’t brag about it. Let’s not be so pious. Let us remember that we are saved by grace. Don’t brag about how spiritual you are. This will damage your witness to family members, and you’ll never be able to win them to Jesus.

5. ENVY Genesis 37:11
Envy is a feeling of resentment aroused because of another person’s qualities, possessions or position, and the desire to have them for oneself. Joseph’s brothers envied him because of the favoritism shown him and the position he claimed. When you envy others you hurt them and you. Envy doesn’t enrich you, it empties you. It doesn’t lift you up, it lowers you. When you let envy and jealousy simmer, it then begins to plot- Genesis 37:18-20. Then it erupts-Genesis 37:23-27. Then it deceives-Genesis 37:31-35. When you turn green with envy, you’re ripe for trouble. But a heart full of love has no room for envy. My friend, envy will destroy your family.

CONCLUSION: There are more problems here. There’s betrayal, lying, no mercy, and no reconciliation. But I hope you’ve recognized something else. These things will not only destroy your family. They will also destroy the family of God-the church family. How’s the church going to survive in enemy territory? First, we have to be able to identify the problems. And the root of all problems is a problem called ‘sin’. Now, what’s the solution? The solution is Jesus. The solution for Jacob’s family would be Joseph. Later, he’ll be their deliverer in the famine. Joseph is a type of Christ: A foreshadow of Him to come. Note the parallels: Vs.3 His father loved him dearly. Vs.2-A shepherd. Vs.4-Hated by his brothers. Vs.13-14-Sent by his father. Vs.20-Others plotted to harm him. Vs.28-Sold for the price of a slave. What a picture of Jesus! How are you going to survive eternity? How are you going to be delivered? Only by trusting in Jesus. The problem is sin. The solution is Jesus. Have you placed your faith in Him today?

Crowning Reward

Genesis 36 is a long chapter containing many names, but is the end of the story as far as Esau is concerned. The Edomites are named in the Old Testament only because they are a part of the story of Israel. "Esau" and "Edom", the avowed enemies of the Jews, are mentioned over two hundred times in the Bible, but "Jacob" and "Israel" are found over two thousand times!

We can still learn something from this chapter. I want us to focus on one verse that concerns some of Esau’s in-laws (Genesis 36:24). Now compare v.25 to v.1-2 (Genesis 36:1-2 cp. Genesis 36:25). Here we learn that Anah is Esau’s father-in-law and Ajah is his wife’s uncle. And in this list of names that usually makes for dull reading, the Holy Spirit gives us a footnote; gives us a bit of narrative in v.24 about these two brothers when they were younger and were out tending to their father’s donkeys.

How many times have you woke up on a Sunday morning, and you went through your normal routine of getting ready for church? How many moms faithfully get up and get their families ready for church? How many times have we come to church in the same old routine, doing the same old thing, week in and week out. But then on one given Sunday, God just shows up in such a powerful way. Somebody gets gloriously saved. Somebody is moved to tears. Somebody joins the church. Somebody is touched by God. God moves in your heart in a powerful way. And what you’ve experienced is an ‘Unforseen Blessing’.
That’s what we read about in our text. Anah and Ajah were out tending the animals for their father. They were out doing what they always had done. And then the Holy Spirit records for us that they come into an unforseen blessing. [mules -KJV; springs of water -NKJV]. Either way, it was an unforseen blessing. He wasn’t looking for anything, but because he was out there doing what he was supposed to be doing, he found some unforseen, unexpected blessings.

Anah went on to become a chief (Genesis 36:29). He went on to receive a crown. [By the way, this is why old carnal Esau marries his daughter. It’s for political gain; selfish motive]. But the point is Anah went on to receive the crown. Listen when you faithfully serve the Lord, and even though it becomes monotonous at times, there’s coming a day at the Judgement Seat of Christ, when you’ll hear those words: "Well done my good and faithful servant". And there you’ll receive your crown!

Coming Back To God

Genesis 35. If chapter 34 was about disobedience, chapter 35 is about obedience. In fact, this chapter is about faith, revival and radical obedience. The name of the Lord wasn't mentioned in chapter 34, but 'God' is mentioned ten times in chapter 35, and He used His name 'El Shaddai' , which means 'God Almighty, the all sufficient One.' This chapter is about Jacob coming back to God.

But as you read this chapter, you soon note that Jacob's new step of faith didn't prevent him from experiencing new problems and trials. In chapter 35, Jacob buried a dear friend (Gen.35:8), a precious wife (Gen.35:18-20) and a beloved father (Gen.35:29). Many people think that when you become a Christian that problems and burdens in life go away. Nothing could be further from the truth. Suffering is not the exception to the rule; IT IS THE RULE! Jesus said, "Blessed are you WHEN they persecute you...." (Matt.5:11). Paul said, "...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus WILL suffer..." (2 Tim.3:12). It's WHEN, not IF. It's WILL, not MIGHT. Job said that man is born of woman, few of days and full of trouble (Job 14:1). Now there's a verse we can draw strength from. Why? Look at it again. Man is born of woman.... Even Jesus was born of woman. And He suffered. He understands what we are going through. He identifies with us (Heb.4:14-16). Thank God, He knows and He understands.

Yes, those who teach that our commitment and dedication to the Lord automatically protects us from troubles and tears need to read this chapter carefully. God had forgiven Jacob, but Jacob still had his share of trials and troubles. But thank God, He's always there for us. Amen!

Catastrophe in Canaan

Genesis 34. Yesterday, in Genesis 33:17, Jacob moved to Succoth and built a house. God had told him to go to Bethel, but he didn't do what God asked of him. As a result, this chapter is a catastrophe in Jacob and his family's life. Jacob built a house in Succoth, and then moved to Shechem (housing market must have been good; it was time to sell)(Genesis 33:18-19). And though he pitched a tent in Shechem, the Scripture is reminding us that Jacob is settling down in the land; settling down in the world. It's obvious that Jacob wasn't in a hurry to obey God and return to Bethel. We commend him for erecting an altar and giving public witness of his faith (Genesis 33:20), but sacrifice is no substitute for obedience (1 Sam.15:22).

It appears that Jacob had intentions of going on to Bethel, but his delays are costly. And delayed obedience is DISOBEDIENCE. Let me just pause here a minute and give you a good definition of obedience: Obedience is doing what God tells you to do, when He tells you, and with the right attitude! Much of what Christians call obedience is really disobedience. And disobedience has catastrophic consequences. This chapter is riddled with those kinds of consequences: rape, murder, lies, deceit, are the obvious ones. One consequence you may overlook was Jacob's lost testimony. What good was it for Jacob to build an altar and worship the true God before his pagan neighbors if his children were going to act like pagans?

Yes, this is a chapter riddled with catastrophe, but oh what valuable lessons we learn--the primary ones--THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME, and--LET US OBEY GOD--according to the definition above! Are you settling down in this world? Are you getting comfortable here? Are you delaying in some decision that God has clearly spoken? Then be forewarned, catastrophic consequences are just around the corner!

Contrast in Brothers

Genesis 33. Today we see a contrast in two brothers. In this chapter Esau acts more godly and Jacob has reverted back to his old scheming ways. There has been a change of heart in Esau. He's no longer bitter over losing his birthright and blessing. Instead, he is content with what he had. The fact that Esau ran to his brother, embraced him and kissed him, and wept is evidence that a change had taken place in his heart.

Life can bring us some bad situations. We can feel cheated as Esau did, but we don't have to remain bitter. We can forgive those who have hurt us and be content with what we have. This is where Esau is at this point in life.

But Jacob, on the other hand, acts ungodly. He's back to his old scheming ways instead of trusting God. By putting Rachel (his favorite wife) and Joseph (his favorite son) behind the other family members, he created a new problem in the home, and it's no wonder (later) why Joseph's brothers hated him. You certainly knew where you stood in Jacob's household! When Esau ran up to Jacob and kissed him, that gave Jacob an open door to talk with Esau about the past and get family matters straightened out. But instead of confessing his sins and giving witness to God's grace in his life, Jacob spent time begging Esau to accept the gifts he had sent. Remember, Jacob had seen God 'face to face', and he says nothing about it. A golden opportunity to witness--LOST!

What about us? Are we squandering golden opportunities? Are we bypassing those open doors to testify of God's goodness and grace in our lives? Here's Jacob, a child of God, yet acting like the world. And here's Esau, who is of the world, yet acting like a child of God, with forgiveness in his heart. What a contrast! Often I wonder if that's not what's wrong with the church. People sitting on the front row acting like the world. Check your heart. And don't pass up opportunities to testify for Jesus.

Communion With God

Genesis 32. Here we see Jacob's confrontation and communion with God. Here is where we come to the second great spiritual crisis in Jacob's life. This place would be named Peniel (Gen.32:30). Bible students need to pay close attention to Jacob's two encounters with God. The first encounter took place at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22). The second encounter took place here at Peniel. At Bethel he saw the ladder, while at Peniel he saw the Lord. At Bethel he became a believing man. Here he became a broken man. At Bethel he became a son of God. Here he became a saint of God. At Bethel, twenty years prior, he learned the great lesson of salvation. Here, at Peniel, he had to learn the equally great lesson of sanctification. God touched Jacob's heart at Bethel. At Peniel, He claimed his life. What happened at Bethel took care of his beliefs. What happened at Peniel took care of his behavior. Jacob came away from Bethel with a new spring in his step. He came away from Peniel with a lasting limp in his walk. At Bethel he died to sin. Here at Peniel, he died to self. And it's only when we die to self, that we'll see the face of God. That's what Peniel means literally: the 'Face of God'.

There was a time when Moses desired to see God's glory (Exodus 33:18). But God said to Moses, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me and live" (Exodus 33:20). What does that mean? It means if you see the face of God you will die. In other words, only dead men see God. But in our text today, it says that Jacob saw God face to face (Gen.32:30). How come Jacob didn't die? Oh but he did. He died to his 'self'. He died to his agenda. He knew first hand of what the Apostle Paul would write later: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me...." (Gal.2:20).

To see the face of God means to live in His manifest presence. Most Christians never live or walk in the manifest presence of God. Why? Because they will not die to self. They died to sin at Calvary (Bethel). But they refuse to die to self at Peniel. Are you a Christian? If so, then you died to sin at Calvary. All that is left for you to do is to sign off on your death certificate of your sin nature. In a word, it's called "surrender". It's a call for you to be a living sacrifice (Rom.12:1-2). When you finally die to self, you will then step into the manifest presence of God, because only dead men see God!

Conforming To God's Will

Genesis 31. Jacob had been away from home twenty years. Now it's time to go back. But how did he know? How did he know it was God's will? How do we know God's will? How does God direct us? Well first, He directs us through the inner witness in the heart. Sometimes we call it a 'tug on our heart' or a 'gut feeling'. But for the Christian, who is walking daily in prayer and is earnestly expecting God's 'still small voice', we know that inner witness for who He is: The Holy Spirit. God still directs us with that inner witness of the heart, just like he did Jacob who had an inner desire to return home (Gen.30:25).

Second, God directs us, as He did Jacob, through outward circumstances around us (Gen.31:1-2). Toward the end of those six critical years, Jacob noticed that his in-laws weren't as friendly toward him as before. Circumstances aren't always the finger of God pointing out His way (Acts 27:1-15), but they can be significant indicators of God's will. When God wants to move us, He occasionally makes us uncomfortable and "stirs up its nest" (Deut.32:11).

The third and most important way God leads us is through His Word. God had already spoken to Jacob in a dream (Gen.31:10-13), but Jacob remained in Padan Aram to acquire his wealth. Then God said to him, "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you" (Gen.31:3).

There is a fourth factor, and that is confirmation from others. Jacob took time to share his thinking with Rachel and Leah. Both Rachel and Leah agreed that their father hadn't been fair with Jacob or loving toward them, and then it was time to make a new beginning.

Is it time for you to make a new beginning? Are you facing some big decisions like changing churches or changing jobs/careers? Whatever decision you're facing, know that this pattern is always found in the Bible. Henry Blackaby, in his monumental work called "Experiencing God", said that when these four factors line up, then you can proceed knowing that it is the will of God. When the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, the outward circumstances, the Word of God, and the confirmation of others ALL LINE UP, then you can be assured that God is conforming you to His will. All that is left is for you to obediently step forward and follow Him. When God shows you these four things around a certain decision you need to make, what you do next really indicates whether you believe God or not. You'll either step forward in obedience or stay put in disobedience. The decision is yours!

Children of Jacob

Genesis 30. The Jews looked upon parenthood as a stewardship before God, and this was especially true in the case of Jacob, whose descendants would multiply "as the stars of heaven" (Gen.22:17). God would honor him by making him the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, but the fact that four different women were involved in building his family would create for Jacob one problem after another. This chapter could also be titled "The Competitive Home". The man who had grown up in a divided and competitive home (Gen.25:28) would himself create a divided and competitive family.

Jacob's wives knew that children were blessings from God (Psalm 127:3-5; Psalm 128:3-6). This knowledge is evident in the contest between Leah and Rachel for Jacob's affection. Though their motive was wrong, the fact remains: children are a blessing from God. Throughout Scripture we find a running theme that highlights children as blessings from the hand of a loving and merciful God. We see Jesus gathering up the children in His arms (Matt.19:14). Yes, they can get on our nerves at times, but children are indeed a blessing from God.

How do you view children? As a blessing? Or a hassle? What's your attitude when you hear children cry during church? People often ask me does children crying in church distract you in your preaching? My answer is 'no'. I would rather hear that little fellow crying in church, than to hear him crying from a jail cell in eighteen years, because some sourpuss, so called Christian had him put out of the service as an infant. I'd rather have them crying under the sound of the gospel than, cry behind the clanging of jail cell doors closing. Catch yourself the next time children frustrate you and remember that even the smallest children are gifts from God.

Con Man Conned

Genesis 29. I'm writing this on Monday night to let you know that I will be in a Sunday School conference in Macon, Georgia on Tuesday, when most of you will read this. I won't elaborate on Genesis 29 in great detail because 4:00 am will come too soon. But I do want to take the time to say "thank you" to all who read, and I hope that this "chapter by day" devotional has been of some help to you all. God bless each and everyone and be like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).

The Con Man Conned

Jacob who deceived his father was deceived by his father-in-law. This man known as the 'deceiver', the 'heel grabber', who passed himself off as the firstborn son, now receives Laban's firstborn daughter to be his wife. The con man is now conned. It's an inescapable law of life that that we eventually reap what we sow (Gal.6:7-8). As it has been said so many times, we can't sow bad seed and then pray for crop failure. We eventually reap what we sow. Let's sow good seed today. In fact, let's sow the seed of God's Word today. And then the harvest will be a good harvest!

Covenant Confirmed To Jacob

In Genesis 28 we see:
1. Jacob's Venture: 28:1-9

Here we see Jacob as a lonely fugitive. Jacob the deceiver is now blessed but banished. To protect Jacob from Esau's wrath, Isaac sent him away, reassuring him that the God who blessed his grandfather and father would also bless him. But even though he left with his father's blessing, Jacob faced an unknown future, and his brother still wanted to kill him. Not an encouraging beginning for a new chapter in his life. But God was still in control (Rom.8:28).

2. Jacob's Vision: 28:10-15

Jacob was literally between a rock and a hard place. But that night, Jacob made several discoveries that helped change his life. He discovered that God was with him and working for him and had a perfect plan for his life.

• He sees the angels of God: 28:10-12. During a dream at Bethel, Jacob sees angels ascending and descending upon a stairway reaching from earth to heaven. Jacob may have been separated from home, but he was not seperated from heaven. John Phillips points out that "Jacob learned that there was such a place as heaven, and that heaven is not only an actual place; it is an accessible place. Centuries later, in talking to Nathanael, the Lord Jesus identified Himself as the ladder that Jacob saw. He is the link between earth and heaven; being the God/Man, He bridges the gap between deity and humanity, heaven and earth. We can approach God and reach heaven only through Jesus. That night, Jacob learned a truth centered in Christ. It was a saving truth." See John 1:51.
• He sees the God of the angels: 28:13-15.

3. Jacob's Vow: 28:16-22

Upon waking, Jacob promises to serve God, but only if God protects him and provides for him. A selfish prayer to say the least, but nonetheless, Jacob is a changed man. To wrap it up, here are some spiritual lessons from the characters we have seen in the last few chapters:

Isaac: 1) We must never put our own way ahead of God's Word. 2) Parental favortism can cause division in the home. 3) It's possible to be saved yet carnal. Let us walk in the Spirit.

Rebekah: 1) Let God work out His will. Don't take matters into your own hands. 2) Favoritism, in the home or elsewhere, always breeds trouble.

Esau: 1) We should never trade spiritual treasures for earthly treasures: (Gen.25:29-34; Heb.12:16-17). 2) Many of God's blessings, once missed, can never be reclaimed.

Jacob: 1) It is possible to pursue the right goal (Gen.25:23; Rom.9:10-13) in the wrong way (Gen.25:29-34; Gen.27:1-19). 2) We should never place conditions on our promises to God.

Crumbling of the Family

Genesis 27. Today we see the crumbling of the family. Isaac knew he was going to die, and yet his greatest desire was to enjoy a good meal at the hand of his favorite son and cook, Esau. When Isaac's father Abraham prepared for death, his concern was to get a bride for his son and maintain the covenant promise. When King David came to the end of his life, he made arragnements for the building of the Temple. Someone has well said, "The end of life reveals the ends of life." When sideshow promoter P.T. Barnum was dying, he asked, "What were today's receipts?" Instead of seeking healing in his hurting family, all Isaac wanted was a savory meal. Isaac's philosophy was "If it feels good, it is good!"

His wife Rebekah, knowing that Jacob was chosen to receive the covenant blessing, immediately took matters into her own hands. She lived by the philosophy "The end justifies the means!"

Jacob's concern wasn't "Is it right?" but "Is it safe?" He was worried about the eleventh commandment: "Thou shalt not get caught!" That was his philosophy.

I see Esau as an impatient, pragmatic kind of guy. Back in chapter 25, he "came in from the field, and he was weary", thus he sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. See his own words in Gen.25:31-34. Esau's philosophy was: "It's all about the here and now!" He had no concern, whatsoever, for the future.

Four characters. Four tragic philosophies on life. What's your philosophy? How about we make Paul's philosophy our philosophy? "And He [Christ] died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." 2 Cor.5:15. Let's make that our philosophy: "Christ died for me; Now I shall live for Him!"

Covenant Confirmed To Isaac

Genesis 26. God confirmed the Abrahamic covenant to Isaac. He had no reason to doubt. He had every reason to trust God. But today we see Isaac's faith waver. True faith is always tested, either by temptation within us or trials around us (James 1:1-18), because a faith that can't be tested can't be trusted. God tests us to bring out the best in us, but Satan tempts us to bring out the worst in us. Isaac faced two temptations.

1) The Temptation To Run: 26:1-6

When Isaac faced a famine, he decided to go to Gerar, the capital city of the Philistines, and get help from Abimelech. The safest place in the world is in the will of God. Why? Because the will of God will never lead us where His grace can't provide for us. Unbelief asks, "How can I get out of this," while faith asks, "What can I get out of this?"

2) The Temptation To Lie: 26:7-11

Isaac may flee from the famine, but when he put himself in a situation that offered no escape, he had to turn to deception to protect himself. Abraham committed this same sin twice. Like father like son. Each new generation must experience the same tests as previous generations, only to discover that the enemy doesn't change and that human nature doesn't improve.

When Isaac found himself in difficulty, he was tempted to run and to lie. We'll face the same two temptations throughout life. Remember the enemy doesn't change his tactics. Let's walk by faith and trust God all the way. [thoughts from Warren Wiersbe today...]

Closing Years of Abraham

Genesis 25 records, for us, the closing years of Abraham and the beginning of Isaac's home. Gen.25:21 shows us that it was a Disappointed Home; then Gen.25:22-23 tells us that it was a Distressed Home. And finally, Gen.25:24-28 reveals to us that it was a Divided Home, a division that began in the womb. Jacob's name means "supplanter" "heel grabber", "deceitful". Jacob, as we shall see in coming chapters, was a trickster, a con. He was a scoundrel from the beginning. And in the words of Eugene Peterson, "God used a scoundrel to begin his community of faith....Jacob was the charter member. He came out of the womb grabbing the heel of his twin brother, Esau, as if to trip him up and overtake him. He hadn't even cleared the birth canal when he started this kind of behavior that would characterize his life: grabbing by any means necessary to get ahead of whoever was in his way."
Why would God begin his nation with such a character? Because it gives you and me hope. Jeremiah 17:9 says our heart is "deceitful". This Hebrew word is a derivative of the word "Jacob". You see, there is a little "Jacob" in all of us. That gives me hope. God used Jacob. He can use me. "God doesn't pick out the best and most promising people to make up the Body of Christ. He picks scoundrels." [Eugene Peterson] That gives us all hope! Amen.

Commission By Abraham

Genesis 24. Abraham, now very old, commissioned his oldest servant to go and find Isaac a wife. This chapter is rich in typology. What is a Biblical typology? Simply put, a Biblical type is a "foreshadowing" of what was to come at a later time. Through a person, place or thing, a Biblical type points toward a NT fulfillment. These types or models are sometimes called pictures or Biblical pictures. And here we have a beautiful picture of Jesus the Bridegroom and the church-the Bride of Christ. Note the following "types".
1. Abraham, a type of a certain king [and father] who arranged a marriage for his son (Matt.22:2).
2. The unnamed servant, who may be Eliezer (Gen.15:2), is a type of the Holy Spirit. Eliezer's name means "helper". The Holy Spirit is called our Helper in John 14:16. And, like Eliezer in this "typology", the Holy Spirit does not "speak on His own authority" but takes of the things of the Bridegroom with which to win the bride (John 16:13-14).
3. This servant, a type of the Holy Spirit, is seen enriching the bride with the Bridegroom's gifts (1 Cor.12:7-11; Gal.5:22-23).
4. This servant is seen as a type of the Spirit as bringing the bride to the meeting with the Bridegroom (Acts 13:4; Acts 16:6-7; Rom.8:11; 1 Thess.4:14-17).
5. Rebekah is a type of the Church, the 'called out' virgin bride (Gen.24:16; 2 Cor.11:2; Eph.5:25-32).
6. Issac, a type of the Bridegroom "not seen" as yet, whom the bride nevertheless loves through the testimony of the unnamed Servant (1 Peter 1:8).
7. Isaac, a type of the Bridegroom who goes out to meet and receive His bride (Gen.24:63; 1 Thess.4:14-17). [notes from The Scofield Study Bible]

Now armed with this information, I want you to go back and look at chapter 22. There we saw Abraham, the father, taking Isaac, his only son, up Mount Moriah to sacrifice. (Again rich typology of Father God and Jesus His Son). But pay close attention to Gen.22:19. The verse says that Abraham returned unto his young men. There's something strange about that verse. Where is Isaac? The answer, of course, is that it's implied that Isaac went along with them--that he did come back down the mountain (Gen.22:5). But that's not what verse 19 says. It just says that Abraham returned [alone] back to his young men. Isaac is last seen on the mountain. Where is he? He isn't seen again until the end of chapter 24 when he is united with his bride. What a beautiful picture of the Son, Jesus Christ the Bridegroom, going up Mount Calvary, last seen on the cross and at His ascension, and will be seen again when He returns to rapture His Bride, the church, home. And there we'll sit at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! (Rev.19:7-10).

Yes, Genesis 24 is a great love story. But it can be your love story if you trust Jesus Christ and say like Rebekah, "I will go." And if you already belong to Jesus, then be like the faithful servant and tell others the good news about the marriage and the glorious wedding feast that they can become part of, if they'll just trust in Jesus as their Savior. Invite them to say, "I will go!" Amen!

Cave of Abraham

Genesis 23. Today we see the death of a princess. Sarah had been a good wife to Abraham and a good mother to Isaac. Yes, she had her faults, as we all do, but God called her a princess (Gen.17:15) and listed her in the "Hall of Faith" (Heb.11:11).
1. Abraham's Tears: 23:1-2
We can feel Abraham's pain as he weeps over his wife's grave. At funerals I remind people it's okay to cry. Tears are to the soul what soap is to the body--they cleanse the soul. Grieving is one of God's gifts to help heal broken hearts when people we love are taken from us in death. But as believers, our grieving is different. Paul told the Thessalonians not to sorrow "as others who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The grief of a believer should be different from that of an unbeliever, because we have hope: resurrection hope! And remember, the God who washes away all of our sins, will also wipe away all our tears in glory (Rev.21:4).
2. Abraham's Tomb: 23:3-20
The key phrase in this chapter is used seven times "bury my [the, thy] dead". Even though Sarah was gone, Abraham showed respect for her body and wanted to give it a proper burial. When he purchased the cave of Machpelah for a tomb, he was making a statement of faith to all who were there. He did not take Sarah back to their former home in Ur but buried her in the land God had given him and his descendants. He did not ignore the body but gave it a proper burial in view of the promised resurrection. And by the time Genesis ends, it ends with a full tomb. Abraham's tomb is quite full. Sarah was buried there, and then Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah (Gen.49:29-31); and then Jacob joined them (Gen.50:13). Genesis ends with a full tomb, but the four gospels end with an empty tomb! Jesus conquered death and has removed its sting (1 Cor.15:55-58). Because of His victory--His empty tomb, we need not fear death or the grave!