THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Jan 18: Gen 19-21
Jan 19: Gen 22-24
Jan 20: Gen 25-26
Jan 21: Gen 27-29
Jan 22: Gen 30-31
Jan 23: Gen 32-34
Jan 24: Gen 35-37
Jan 25: Gen 38-40

NOTES ON GENESIS 19-37

·         Genesis means “beginnings,” and the book covers four events (creation, fall, flood, Babel) in chapters 1-11, and four patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) in chapters 12-50.  In this week’s reading, we get a taste of all four patriarchs – the end of Abraham’s life, the stories of Isaac and Jacob, and the beginning of Joseph’s story.

·         Watch how from the very beginning the Bible includes the flaws of its heroes as well as their strengths and contributions.  The inability to tell the truth emerges first in Abraham, then is mimicked by his son, Isaac, and comes full flower in Jacob.  By the end of the week we will find a refreshing contrast in Joseph – but he seems rather arrogant.

·         For the most part, these are interesting stories to read, one right after the other – among the more enjoyable parts of the Bible as far as keeping things consistently interesting.  But there are great life lessons as well, plus wonderful promises that God makes and keeps.

·         There have been some interesting questions posted lately on the Facebook discussion group I created for 2010 Bible readers.  Check the site occasionally (or make it your home page, as I have) – and respond to others’ questions or add your own.

·         My wife Linda also posted a couple of helpful web sites for Bible readers.  Here is another one with links to some public domain commentaries.  I do not necessarily recommend all these commentaries – but they may offer some helpful perspectives.

·         Neil Forrest sent along a link for listening to the Bible online:  http://www.biblica.com/niv/.

·         Next week: my recommendation if you fall behind in your Bible reading.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

“If God could use Jacob, he can use ANYBODY!” 

It’s impossible to replicate on e-mail the voice in which I first heard those words in a chapel sermon at Columbia Bible College more than thirty years ago.

The preacher was E. V. Hill, a large black man with an overbearing presence in body and voice.  His was one of a handful of chapel sermons I actually remember from my four years in Bible college.

As I read the book of Genesis again, I know exactly what he was talking about.  Jacob’s name means “deceiver” (Genesis 25:26), and he lived out his name.  In the best-known stories, Jacob deceived his brother, his father, and his father-in-law.  But there was more.  He was what we now call a habitual liar.

In spite of all this, God not only used Jacob – he called him, loved him, and blessed him.  To Jacob he said, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15).

This should increase in us encouragement.  God knows my flaws better than I know them.  But if he can use Jacob, he can use me.

It should also decrease in us judgmentalism.  We are prone to write off others as unusable because of their failures.  It’s a good thing God doesn’t do so.