Genesis

Finding A Wife

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Genesis 24:4
“You shall go… and take a wife for my son Isaac.”

2015/01/img_1321.jpgRelationships are a key part of life. Healthy relationships lead to a good life, and unhealthy relationships will make life very difficult. The most important earthly relationship is marriage, and who you marry is one of the most important decision in life (second only to receiving Christ.) Solomon wrote “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). Genesis 24 tells the story of how Isaac and Rebekah met. Their story is a bit different than most of ours because the marriage was arranged, but there are some vital principles to keep in mind for any relationship.

Genesis 24:40
“But he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my family and from my father’s house.'”

First, it is important to remember God has a plan for you. Paul wrote, God has foreordained good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10); that includes who we will marry. Long before Abraham’s servant arrived at the well, the angel of the Lord was there preparing the way. To think God has forgotten you is bad theology, and often leads to bad decisions. When we forget God has a plan for us, we get impatient and begin to settle for less. Imagine if Adam had not waited on the Lord, he would have ended up with an ape.

Second, we are told where they met. Abraham was adamant that Isaac’s bride not be selected from the ungodly Canaanites. If Isaac was going to have a good marriage, he must choose a godly wife. As his servant went on the search, he selected a location where the young women gathered to draw water. I have been told, the three most important rules of real estate are location, location, location. The same is true of relationships. If Isaac was going to find a godly wife, he needed to look in the right places. Too often, people become lonely, impatient and discouraged. When they have not found the right someone, they lower their standards, and start looking in the wrong places. Remember, there are certain places that are off limits. Looking for a relationship with an unbeliever – off limits. Looking for a relationship with someone who is married – off limits.

Third, Abraham’s servant had a high standard. He was first taken by the beauty of Rebekah, but that beauty was soon overshadowed by her godliness. She revealed her godliness in her willingness to serve, and her great faith. Having never met Isaac, she was willing to trust the Lord and move forward with the relationship. Solomon wrote,

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

Finally, while the servant is out searching, Isaac is at home waiting on the Lord. This serves as a vivid illustration: Isaac represents the believer waiting on the Lord, and the servant represents the Holy Spirit at work. Isaac finds his bride, not by seeking her, but by seeking the Lord. Jesus said, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). One of the grave mistakes we make is seeking a spouse, instead of seeking the Lord.

Pastor Jim

 

The Battle Is Won

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Genesis 21:10
“Therefore she said to Abraham, ‘Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.’”

Post_image-720x360.jpgOn the day Isaac was weaned, Abraham and Sarah celebrated by throwing a party. Because they had waited so long for a son, and since Abraham’s camp was large, this would have been quite a celebration. Tragically, this joyous occasion is cut short when the teenage son of Hagar began to mock his half brother Isaac. While it is not shocking to any parent that one child could tease another, we might all be taken back a bit by the strong reaction from Sarah. When she hears his scoffing, she calls on Abraham to “Cast out the son of the bond woman…” In response, Abe will give Hagar and Ishmael a canteen of water and a loaf of bread and send them packing. On the surface this seem like a colossal over-reaction. What was it about Ishmael’s actions that warranted such a harsh reaction?

Two thousand years later, Paul explained to the Galatians church that this event, while literal, is also designed to illustrate one of the oldest and most difficult struggles we face. That struggle is the battle within, between the flesh and the Spirit. This is a struggle every child of God knows all too well. Each and every day we find that some of our desires are pleasing to God and complementary to Scripture, while other desires are an out right rebellion against God. Just about every night, we lay our heads down on our pillows regretting some action or reaction from our day. This is not the struggle of some, but is the struggle of all. Fortunately, the Bible gives us insight into how we can be victorious in the battle between flesh and Spirit. Paul gives the following recipe for success:

Galatians 5:9
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

Galatians 5:16
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

We need to cast off our flesh or our own desires. If we want to see victory in our lives, we need to be sowing to and walking in the spirit; only then can we see the battle being won in our lives.

Pastor Jim

 

Instead Of Me

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Genesis 22:2
“Then He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’”

2015/01/img_1318-1.jpgJesus declared the whole Bible testified of Him. Sometimes, the testimony is the form of prophecy, other times, it is in the form of a type, or illustration. Here, we find a vivid illustrative picture of the cross of Christ. Let’s examine the details.

Abraham was instructed to take his only son, whom he loved, on a three day journey to Moriah, and offer him as a burnt offering. Upon arriving, his son, who would have been close to twenty years old, willingly allowed himself to be tied to the altar. Just as the knife was approaching his throat, God spoke and provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac. We see many parallels to the cross.

First, the sending of Jesus was a plan orchestrated in the council chambers of heaven. In other words, it was the plan of God. Peter declared, Jesus was crucified according to “the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23).

Second, it was the only Son of God who was sent as the ransom for mankind. The Psalmist declared the salvation of the soul is costly (Psalm 49:8). At the cross we see just how costly. No angel, man, or amount of cash, would suffice to pay for the sins of the world. Nothing short of the blood of God would be sufficient. Peter wrote,

“. . . knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1Peter 1:18-19

Third, the crucifixion took place on the mountain range of Moriah, where Jesus willingly offered Himself as the sacrifice for humanity. Jesus had openly declared, no one could take His life from Him but that He would willingly lay it down (John 10:18). We read, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus surrendered to the will of the Father, and submitted to the cross. He was taken by force, condemned, beaten, and crucified to provide forgiveness for our sins.

At this point, Isaac no longer serves as a picture of Christ, but as a picture of mankind. As the knife approaches his throat, God stops Abraham’s hand, and we see two things vividly. First, God will have nothing to do with human sacrifice. That is not how the wrath of God is appeased. Second, no sacrifice, no matter how great, can cover our sin; there must be a substitute. In the bushes, a ram is caught, and becomes the substitute for Isaac. A promise is then given for all of mankind that God would later provide Himself as the substitute for our sins (Genesis 22:8).

Whatever joy must have filled the heart of Abraham, knowing that his son was rescued, pales in comparison to the joy that we should celebrate, knowing that Christ took our place and paid for all our sins.

Pastor Jim

 

Turning Around

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Genesis 20:2
“Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, ‘She is my sister.’ And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.”

2015/01/img_1314.jpgAbraham’s journey had led him to the far south of the promised land, to an area that had begun to be occupied by the Philistines. Because of the reputation of the Philistine people, Abraham and Sarah decided the best approach to guarantee their safety was to lie about their relationship. They would tell anyone who asked, they were brother and sister. Thinking Sarah would not be taken and Abe would not be killed. It seems their plan backfired, because when the Philistine king of Gerar saw Sarah, he took her into his harem and sought to make her his wife.

This passage serves as an illustration of many things, not the least of which, it gives us a clear picture of what true repentance actually looks like.

It seems the moment Abimelech took Sarah, things started becoming difficult within his home. In addition to the fact that his family members became barren, unable to have children, he also began to have some very vivid, and quite disturbing dreams. In one of these dreams, God appeared to him declaring that if he did not return Sarah to Abraham he would be killed. We read that God told Abimelech to restore Sarah to her husband. The word restore means to return or to turn back. It is a word which could be used synonymously with the word repentance. In essence, God is calling the king to repent of his actions.

It seems odd that this Philistine king becomes a very clear and positive example of what true repentance actually looks like. We read, he was confronted by the Word of God, he cried out to the Lord, and he changed his behavior. All three of these steps are a part of real repentance. Sadly, we often find ourselves arguing with the Word or attempting to justify our actions instead of allowing the Word to change our living. In some cases, we we might even go as far as admitting what we are doing is wrong and even cry out to God, without being willing to make the appropriate changes.

Let’s determine today, to follow Abimelech’s example and make whatever changes the Word of God demands. After all, once he repented, he began to receive the blessings of God.

Pastor Jim

 

You’re Kidding

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Genesis 19:14
“So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, ‘Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!’ But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.”

2015/01/img_1313.jpgI remember growing up with the story of Paul Revere riding through the New England countryside, heralding the message that the British were coming. In the version I was told, he rode from town to town warning the people who responded by preparing themselves for battle. Lot, like Paul Revere, was given a warning. His warning came by the hand of two angelic messengers, explaining that the Lord was coming to judge. When Lot began to broadcast the message, those closest to him responded with laughter, thinking he must be joking. I have always been stunned by their reaction.  Lot lived in such a way that no one would believe he was truly a follower of God.

We too, have been given a message to declare to the world. It is a message, that if heeded, will result in being delivered from eternal judgment, into eternal life. It is the message of salvation through faith, in the work of Christ on the cross. Each one of us has been commissioned by the Lord, and given unique opportunities to share Christ with others. Sadly, some of us live in such a way that when we open our mouths to talk of Christ, our behaviors make others think we must be kidding. If our speech is filled with coarse jesting, off color jokes, and sexual innuendo, or if we spend more time at the bar than we do at Bible study, our witness will be weakened. Living a godly life is an essential part of being an effective witness. Paul exhorted the Ephesians to “Walk worthy of the calling we have been called to.” Ephesians 4:1.

I recently spoke at a funeral service for a man who had been ministered to by a family at our church. They had been praying for him, inviting him to church, visiting him at his home, and showing him the love of Christ . When I stood behind the pulpit, it was so easy to share Christ with his family, because they had seen the love of Christ in the witness of others.

Let’s not be like Lot, whose witness was completely tarnished by his living. Instead, let’s be the light of the world, that would lead others to faith in Christ.

Pastor Jim

 

Change

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Genesis 17:5
“No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.”

2015/01/img_1310.jpgJuliet asked Romeo, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That question takes on a whole new meaning when seen in light of the events recorded in Genesis 17. This chapter chronicles God changing the names of Abram and Sarai, as well as providing the name of their long awaited son.

At his birth, Abram’s parents must have had great hopes and expectations for their son. His name means “exalted father.” How sad it must have been for him to go through life never having the pleasure of a child of his own. Now, at an age where having children might seem to some of us, more like a curse than a blessing, God changes His name from “exalted father,” to Abraham, “the father of many nations.” With this change came a promise that could only be fulfilled by he power of God. Sarai would also have her name changed to one that speaks of her position as the mother of nations.

I love that God sees what no one else could possibly see. If we looked at Abram, we might also want to change his name. We might call him “exalted fatherless”, or perhaps, because of the care he showered upon Lot, we might call him “exalted uncle.” It is God and God alone who could see the work He would do in this couple. It was by the miraculous work of the Spirit of God, transforming Sarai’s womb, that would make her a mother, and him the father, of nations.

While we may not have had an appearance from God requiring a legal name change, the Bible is filled with promises declaring who God desires for us to become. Some of these might seem as far-fetched as an old couple having kids. It is important to keep in mind, God not only makes the promise, but has the power to perform it. We can be greatly comforted knowing the same God who provided the impossible for Abraham, is working to transform us into the image of His Son.

Pastor Jim

 

Impossible

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Genesis 18:14
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

2015/01/img_1308.jpgThis question was not asked on a theology exam, but in a real life situation. A one hundred year old man, and a ninety year old barren woman, were promised a child from whom a great nation would be established. The promises of God were met head on by the circumstances of life, making them seem so far-fetched, both Abraham and Sarah laughed. It was not improbable for a 90 year old woman to have a child, it was impossible. Not only was she passed the age of child bearing, but she had been infertile her whole life. What did not happen in her youth, could not happen in her old age. Yet in these circumstances, God made a promise. When the promise was doubted, God asked them a question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

Life is filled with the improbable, and the impossible. We face things that are too difficult for us to handle on a regular basis. It is vital we come to understand, that while things may be beyond our strength, nothing is too hard for God. It was not difficult for him to miraculously provide a child to an elderly couple, nor will it be difficult for him to part a sea, provide water from a rock, knock down city walls, or topple a giant. Whatever we are facing, no matter how difficult it may seem, no matter what shadow it may cast over the promises of God, we can be sure there is nothing to hard for God.

Pastor Jim

 

God Who Sees

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Genesis 16:13
“Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?’”

2015/01/img_1306.jpgWe have four sons and had to select names for each of them. When making our decisions, we looked through name books, considered family names, then ultimately chose names that we liked. Very little consideration was given to what, if anything, the names actually meant. In Biblical times, names mattered much more than they do today. A person was named for an event that transpired around their birth, or to describe a particular character trait. A son who came out of the womb with a lot of hair was called Esau or Hairy, and his twin brother who held on to his heel, was called Jacob, or heel catcher. This principle is particularly true as it relates to God. The names ascribed to God in Scripture are more than titles to distinguish Him from others. These names are like miniature portraits and promises that identify who He is and what He does.

Hagar, the maidservant of Sarai, found herself in a difficult place. She had become pregnant, had no husband, and was forced out of her home by a jealous woman. With nowhere to go, she fled to the wilderness in desperation. It was there, by a spring of water, that she had an encounter with the Lord. He met her where she was, and gave her promises for her future. In response to this meeting, she called the place “Beer Lahai Roi”, or “the well of the God who sees.” When no one else seemed to care about her state, or to know where she was, God was carefully watching, and had plans for her life.

As Scripture unfolds, many names for God are given. Each name reveals something about His character. A brief list of some of those names may prove to be a source of encouragement to you.

Jehovah – The Self Existent One
• Jehovah-­‐jireh -­‐ The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14)
• Jehovah-­‐rapha -­‐ The Lord that heals (Exodus 15:26)
• Jehovah-­‐nissi -­‐ The Lord is my banner (Exodus 17:15)
• Jehovah-­‐mekoddishkem-­‐ The Lord who sanctifies you (Leviticus 20:8)
• Jehovah-­‐sabaoth -­‐ The Lord of hosts (Joshua (5:13-­‐15)
• Jehovah-­‐shalom -­‐The Lord our peace (Judges 6:22)
• Jehovah-­‐elyon -­‐ The Lord most high (Psalm 23:1)
• Jehovah-­‐rohi -­‐ The Lord our shepherd (Psalms 23:1)
• Jehovah-­‐tsidkenu -­‐ The Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
• Jehovah-­‐shammah -­‐ The Lord is there (Ezekiel 48:35)

Again, these are not only descriptions of who God is, but of who He will prove to be to you. If you are in need, He is the provider. If you are afraid, He is your peace. If you are alone, He sees and He is near. Take a few moments to consider who God is, and how He desires to help in your time of need.

Pastor Jim

 

Agents Of Shield

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Genesis 15:1
“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’”

2015/01/img_1305.jpgAbraham had every reason to be afraid. He had just mounted a surprise attack against the forces of king Chedorlaomer and stole back all the spoils of Chedarlaomer’s victory over the king of Sodom. It seems obvious, this king would soon return with his armies and attempt to wipe out Abraham.  I love that God wastes no time in coming to Abraham with a promise to be his protection against the enemies attacks.

Abraham’s fears may have been compiled by the fact that he had just rejected all the spoils offered to him by the king of Sodom. In an act of great, perhaps even heroic, faith, Abraham resisted the temptation to take a financial gift from the king. He chose, instead, to boldly declare he would rather trust in the provision of God, than to have anyone think it was the king who  made him rich. What a blessing to hear God declare He would be Abraham’s reward.

No matter what circumstances we might be facing, we can be assured that God wants to provide protection and provision. Just as He held back the vengeful hand of Chedorlaomer, He is able to work out the troubling circumstances which seem to be drowning you. God is faithful to be our shield and our reward.

Pastor Jim

 

Moving Forward

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Genesis 13:3-4
“And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the Lord.”

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/b9a/30989304/files/2015/01/img_1304.jpgAs we read the story of Abraham, we find erecting altars was a regular part of his walk with God. On five separate occasions, he took time to build an altar and call on the name of the Lord. These altars were tangible ways for Abraham to express his commitment and devotion to the Lord for all God had done for him. The story behind this altar is of particular importance, as we seek to walk with God.

The last scene in the life of Abraham was a low point for the patriarch. Difficult circumstances had led him to Egypt, where his faith faltered, causing him to lie about his relationship with Sarah, and risk her life for his own safety. Of all his stories, I am sure he wishes this one had not been recorded, but it is through his failure that we learn how to keep moving after we fall down. After his fall, Abraham returned to the place where he had experienced God. He went back to Bethel, back to the altar, and back to calling upon the Lord.

It is all too common, when a believer falls, that the guilt of the fall will keeps him from calling on the Lord. We feel like a hypocrite calling on God after we sin, and this guilt keeps us from returning to the Lord. I think we would all do well to follow the example of Abraham and get back to the place where we first met God. No matter what you might be struggling through, the answer will not be found avoiding the Lord, but spending time daily, at His feet and in His word.

Pastor Jim