Foundations: Genesis (Part Two) - Day 7

Read: Genesis 33

This chapter is the account of Jacob’s reconciliation with Esau.  Jacob could see Esau coming with his four hundred men, so he arranged his wives and children in order of importance with Rachel and Joseph being given the preferred position (v. 1-2).  Jacob then went out in front, approaching Esau in a submissive posture of bowing (v. 3).  But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him with kisses and tears (v. 4).  This showed that Esau held no animosity toward his brother, and that although Esau had also made mistakes in the past he had matured and was choosing to do the right thing.  Esau was then introduced to Jacob’s children and wives (v. 5-7) and then questioned the presents that Jacob had sent to him (v. 8).  Esau declined the gifts but Jacob insisted that he keep them.  Jacob was making restitution for the wrongs that he had done to his brother and brought it all back to God’s gracious dealing with him.  A remarkable parallel is made between God’s unmerited favour and Esau’s willingness to forgive (v. 10). 

Esau suggested that they journey back together but Jacob refused using the weariness of his animals and children as his excuse (v. 12-14).  It seems as though Jacob might not have trusted Esau entirely.  Esau then offered to leave some of his men with Jacob but Jacob instead insists that God will take care of him (v. 15). So Esau returned to Seir and Jacob set up his household at Succoth (v. 17).  Jacob then came safely to Shechem (in the land of Canaan) and bought the piece of land where he had pitched his tent (v. 19) for a hundred pieces of money.  He then built an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (v. 20) signifying his commitment to worship the Lord. 

Prayer and Journaling

1.   How sincere and genuine the conduct of Esau!  He did not hold a grudge but rather received his brother, who had wronged him, with forgiveness and love.  Ask the Lord to show you if you have any unforgiveness towards someone.  This could be recent or from the past – ask God to reveal to you the root of the unforgiveness.  Then confess this as sin and pray a blessing on the person who wronged you. 

2.   Jacob made restitution for the pain that he caused his brother Esau.  Restitution means that you give back something that has been lost or stolen, it means that you make amends for the pain that you have caused someone or that you compensate for any damage done to a person.  Ask the Lord to show you if there is anybody whom you need to make restitution to.  What does this look like in your relationships?  Commit to following through on what God shows you. 

3.   This chapter ends with Jacob building an altar signifying his commitment and worship to the Lord.  God had been gracious with Jacob and did not give him what he deserved but rather reconciled him to his homeland and to his brother!  God is good!  Spend some time in worship of the Lord, praising Him for the good things that He has done for you.  He is merciful!  He is loving!  He has shown kindness to you.  Write out a prayer thanking Him for each of these things.   

Foundations: Genesis (Part Two) - Day 6

Read: Genesis 32

Jacob was on his way back to the land of his kin when he had another experience with God (v. 1-2).  The story now shifts from the difficulties of leaving Laban to the difficulties of seeing Esau again.  So, Jacob sent messengers before him to scope things out a bit and to see if he will find favor with his brother (v. 3-5).  The messengers returned to Jacob and told him that Esau is coming with 400 men (v. 6).  This yields fear in Jacob so he divided his people and possessions into two camps so that if one was destroyed the other could escape (v.  7-8). Jacob was not trusting the Lord, who had originally told him to return to Canaan.  Jacob had assumed that Esau was coming with hostile intentions but in reality Esau was planning to honour his brother.  Jacob then turned to the Lord in prayer and expressed his gratitude to God and his unworthiness of God’s love and faithfulness (v. 10).  He recognized that all he had was a gift from God.  He then pleaded for deliverance from Esau and referred to the promise of being a great multitude (v. 12).  Jacob was slowly starting to understand God’s plans and purposes!  Jacob then sent various droves of animals as gifts to his brother Esau (v. 13-21). 

The next section of the chapter gives the account of an encounter between God and Jacob.  His life was transformed by this encounter which included the changing of his name.  Jacob sent his wives, their servants and his eleven children across the river, leaving him alone (v. 22-23).  A man wrestled with Jacob until the breaking of the day (v. 24) and there is no doubt that this man is Jesus Christ.  The wrestling was not just a physical exercise but a spiritual one.  The man did not prevail against Jacob so He touched his hip socket and it was put out of joint (v. 25).  The man then requested to be let go but Jacob would not let go unless he was blessed by this man (v. 26).  The man then changed his name from Jacob to Israel signifying that Jacob had wrestled with God and had prevailed (v. 28).  Jacob received a blessing from this man and called the place Peniel saying, “I have seen God face to face and yet my life has been delivered” (v. 30).  This is why the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the bone socket (v. 32).  This account is the climax of Jacob’s life.  All through his life he had been struggling with others and now he struggled with God.  Through this he finally realized the importance of being blessed by God.  The past events of his life had changed Jacob for the better as the God of his father had now become his God.  It wasn’t until after he had a severe struggle that he got his name, his heart and his character changed.  He was no longer Jacob the deceiver but Israel – the man who prevailed with God. 

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Jacob reconciled with Laban and proceeded to Canaan – God was continually watching over his welfare.  Here we see God’s omniscience – He knows, He remembers, He sees our trials and difficulties.  Spend some time in thanksgiving prayer praising God for watching over you!  Ask Him to show you 8-10 things that you can be thankful for today.

2.   The thought of meeting Esau, whom Jacob had treated with unkindness and injustice, filled him with fear and helplessness.  Sometimes as Christians we may feel this way but try to hide it, we don’t want anyone to think that there is something wrong with us.  But, if we keep pretending that life is good and keep hiding our problems from God and others, then we won’t experience the freedom that we could have.  Ask the Lord to show you a few things that you like to keep a secret from others.  Is this something that you should be sharing with your table group and praying with them about?  What does God want to say to you about becoming more vulnerable around others? 

3.   Jacob had an encounter with Jesus that transformed his life.  We love and serve a living God who can transform lives!  He can transform you, your spouse, your kids and even your biggest foe.  Who do you need to pray for today?  Take a moment to listen in prayer for this person; ask the Lord to show you how to pray for this person.  Then pray those things for this person. 

Foundations: Genesis (Part Two) - Day 5

Read: Genesis 31

Jacob’s increasing wealth became a problem in Laban’s household (v. 1).  Laban’s sons were jealous of Jacob’s prosperity, and even Laban started to look at Jacob differently (v. 2).  So, God intervened and told Jacob to return to Canaan, promising to be with him (v. 3).  Jacob then called his wives and explained his reasons for returning to Canaan, comparing their father Laban with the God of his father.  Laban had cheated Jacob but God did not permit Laban to harm Jacob (v. 7).  In this speech Jacob referred to a dream in which he had received guidance from the angel of God (v. 11).  He continues describing how God commanded him to return to the land of his kindred (v. 13).  God worked against Laban’s schemes and Jacob now saw God’s faithfulness to him.   

Rachel and Leah responded favorably by describing how their father had disinherited them (v. 14-15) but that God had provided for them and their children (v. 16).  These women knew and understood the true character of their father – his schemes had also caused them great pain. 

Next we find Jacob packing everything he owned up and preparing to flee to Canaan without Laban knowing a thing (v. 20).  As they were leaving Rachel secretly stole her father’s household gods and Jacob made the most of his father-in-law’s absence and left.  When Laban found out what had happened, he gathered some men and pursued Jacob for seven days (v. 23).  But God warned Laban to be careful what he said to Jacob (v. 24).  When Laban caught up to Jacob he questioned why Jacob fled and mentioned that he would have sent them away with a party (v. 26-27).  Laban wished that he could say goodbye to his grandchildren and explained how their secret departure was foolish and that he could harm Jacob because of this.  He then describes how the Lord spoke to him, and asked about his household gods (v. 29-30).  Jacob explained that he secretly escaped because he didn’t think that Laban would let his daughters go (v. 31).  Jacob then says that whoever stole the gods would not live, having no idea that his beloved Rachel stole them (v. 32).

Laban tried to find the gods but could not since Rachel hid them well and was now the deceiver (v. 33-35).  Jacob then confronted Laban.  For twenty years Laban had been controlling Jacob and now Jacob says something about it.  Jacob had faithfully served Laban and had cared for Laban’s herds with integrity and honesty.  He had never taken advantage of Laban, even when he was mistreated (v. 36-41) and God had seen this and had rebuked Laban in the dream (v. 42). 

In spite of their agreement in the past, Laban still claimed that everything that Jacob owned was actually his (v. 43).  So he suggested that they make a covenant (v. 44) to protect the future of his daughters and to keep them from pursing each other in the future (v. 51-52).  This concluded the matter and the next morning Laban departed and returned home (v. 55). 

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Throughout the last few chapters we see how Laban really was only looking out for himself – Laban’s continual sin was covetousness.  If he could benefit he really didn’t seem to care who he wronged or who had to suffer.  He wronged his daughters and his son-in-law in the process.  Ask the Lord to show you any areas of covetousness that you struggle with.  Do you struggle with coveting the possessions of others, their position, or beauty, or talents, or maybe their vacations, or houses, or the relationships that they have, etc.  Confess as necessary and pray for the Lord to grow you in contentment. 

2.   In the twenty years that Jacob lived in Laban’s household he learned many life lessons.  He learned to trust and depend on God and was prepared to return home and live life as the promised heir.  They were twenty tough years as there was deception, dishonesty, distrust, fear and jealousy.  But through it all God kept his promises and brought Jacob back to the land of promise.  Take a look at your life.  Where can you see God working in the last five years? Ten years? Fifteen years? Twenty years?  How is He transforming and growing you into a person that can be used of Him and for His purposes?  Spend some time thanking Him for this.

3.   Pray for the people in your life to grow in their relationship with God.  Pray that you would be a good living example of being led by God and following Him.  Pray that you would be quick to obey and listen to God, quick to inquire of the Lord and to follow through on what He shows you. 

Foundations: Genesis (Part Two) - Day 4

Read: Genesis 30

This chapter shows how the family of Jacob grew from four sons to eleven sons.  It started with the envy of Rachel, which enticed her to offer her maidservant to Jacob, adding two sons to his clan - Dan and Naphtali.  Rachel acted in the flesh and is showed no reliance or dependence on God.  She had the affection of her husband but still was not satisfied.  She wanted what her sister had.  Envy is rotten!  Jacob realized that he could not give her what God has refused (v. 2).  So Rachel used the pagan tradition of having a maidservant bear her children as maidservants were the property of the mistress and so where their children.  Here we see that neither Jacob nor Rachel prayed for her to conceive rather they tried to fix things using their own methods.  Rachel would have known that Jacob carried the promise given to Abraham and this gave her the chance of producing the promised seed.  Leah then countered by also offering her maidservant to Jacob , who then bore two more sings, Gad and Asher.  

This chapter includes an obscure reference to mandrakes that Reuben found in a field and brought home to his mother Leah.  Rachel requested the mandrakes and Leah responded, “You have taken my husband, would you also take my sons mandrakes” (v. 15)?  It seems that Rachel sold conjugal visit rights to Leah for some fruit.  It seems these women had an intense desire to bear Jacob children – probably because of the hope of having a share in the blessing of Abraham by bringing forth Him in who all the nations of the earth were to be blessed.  Then Leah had two more sons and a daughter - Issachar, Zebulun and Dinah.  

After many years of waiting and wishing for her own child, finally Rachel conceived and delivered a son, Joseph.  Had she finally learned to seek the Lord in prayer?

Having completed 14 years of faithful service, Jacob then decided to go back to his own country (v. 25).  He had faithfully served his time with Laban and now had a large family to provide for.  Jacob wanted to return to the land which God had promised him.  He did not ask for anything other than his wives and children to take back to Canaan with him, showing his trust in God.  Laban realized that the Lord blessed him because of Jacob (v. 26) and was reluctant to see Jacob return to his family in Canaan.  He tried to entice Jacob to stay as the chief shepherd, this time with proper wages.  They came up with a deal - Jacob would keep the speckled and spotted sheep and goats as wages for his continued work and Laban would get the rest.  But Laban again tried to cheat Jacob by removing all the speckled and spotted sheep and goats which he gave to his own sons (v. 35).  So, Jacob was cunning and manipulated the breeding process so that the speckled and spotted offspring became the stronger sheep and goats while Laban got the weaker flocks.  Years earlier Jacob had arrived in Paddan-aram with nothing but his staff and now he was becoming quite rich (v. 43).

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Leah was able to have children but Rachel was barren.  This ultimately shows that it is God who creates human life.  The idea of God’s sovereignty over the womb is a persistent theme in the Bible.  Spend some time thanking and praising God for His Sovereignty.  He controls not only the good times but also the troubling circumstances in our lives! 

2.   Despite Rachel’s great beauty she suffered despair.  Leah wanted Rachel’s beauty and love from Jacob and Rachel wanted Leah’s ability to conceive.  The problem was that both were not looking to God for His purpose for their lives, but were rather set on their own circumstances.  Comparison is rotten, it breeds discontentment and offense.  Ask the Lord to show you areas in your life where you struggle comparing yourself to others.  Confess any areas of sin that He reveals to you and pray that you would learn to accept what God has for you and not to compare to others. 

3.   Rather than conscientiously tending the flocks of Laban while looking to God for the increase, Jacob decided that this was something he could handle best by resorting to his schemes and devices.  Spend some prayer on this issue again for yourself.  How are you doing in trusting God?  How are you doing in inquiring of the Lord for His plans and obeying them?  Dialogue with God about the things He has already showed you over the past few weeks. 

Foundations: Genesis (Part Two) - Day 3

Read: Genesis 29

In this chapter Jacob arrives at his journey’s destination and meets some shepherds at a well with three flocks of sheep.  He asked the shepherds if they knew Laban (v. 5) and they reply that they did (v. 6) and that Rachel, Laban’s daughter, was coming with the sheep.  They dialog a bit about the logistics of watering and pasturing the sheep (v. 7-8) as Rachel comes up with her father’s sheep (v. 9).  Here we see a woman as a shepherdess!  Jacob then helps to water Laban’s sheep (v. 10) and then kisses Rachel and weeps (v. 11).   He explains that he is her relative so she runs to tell her father (v. 12).  Laban hurries to meet Jacob and embraces him and kisses him, bringing him home (v. 13). 

After a month of staying with them, Laban suggests that Jacob receive pay for his work (v. 15).  Laban obviously saw that Jacob was of great use to him and therefore wished to keep him around to work on his farm.  Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years in return for Rachel’s hand in marriage (v. 18).  Rachel was the younger of Laban’s two daughters; Leah was the oldest (v. 16).  Laban agreed and Jacob served the seven years to get Rachel (v. 20).  After the seven years had passed the day for the marriage arrived but Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah, the older sister (v. 23).  The marriage feast lasted seven days (v. 27) and after that Laban would give Rachel to Jacob in exchange for another seven years of labour (v. 27).  Jacob, the deceiver was now deceived!  Jacob agreed and received Rachel as his wife (v. 28).  It is clear that Jacob did not have to work another seven years before receiving Rachel but that he got Rachel and then worked the seven extra years.  The giving of the maidservants to Leah and Rachel were significant as they bore children to Jacob.  Scripture is also clear that Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah (v. 30).  Leah then conceived and bore four sons to Jacob – Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah.  Leah, although she was neglected by Jacob and despised by Rachel, had a great purpose in God’s plan.  The two greatest tribes of Israel came from Leah, not Rachel - Levi, the priestly tribe, and Judah, the royal tribe which would birth the Messiah.  The uglier sister, who was neglected and despised, learned to look to the Lord and praise Him. 

Prayer and Journaling

1.   During the month that Jacob spent with Laban he was busy making himself useful, so useful in fact that Laban desired to keep him around.  It is good to use our time wisely and profitably as there is no room for laziness in the life of a Christian.  Ask the Lord to show you how you are doing in the area of laziness.  Are you diligent and productive?  What are your biggest time wasters?  Are you making excuses for not keeping up with the work that is your responsibility?  What does the Lord want to say to you about these things today? 

2.   Laban’s deception and manipulation of Jacob created years of discord between his two daughters.  Rachel and Leah were in constant competition with each other.  Leah received children and Rachel received Jacob’s love and they were both jealous of each other.   Jealousy is a terrible thing and can cause division in families and friendships.  Ask the Lord to reveal to you any areas of your heart where you are jealous or envious of another.  Then, confess these things as sin and ask for forgiveness. 

3.   When the Lord saw Leah was unloved He opened her womb (v. 31).  Here we see God’s compassion on Leah, which is touching.  She was innocent in this mess and God ministered to her and met her needs.  She had been scorned by her husband, who preferred Rachel.  The naming of her fourth son, Judah was significant.  His name means “praise”.  This shows how Leah had stopped naming her children to reflect the pain and longing in her heart, she now focused on God.  She let God meet her needs and could now praise Him.  She was driven to God by the neglect of her husband.  Ask the Lord to show you how He meets your needs, even in the midst of your sorrow or troubles.  Ask Him to show you His compassion towards you and what your role is in praising Him.  Then, write out 8-10 things that you can praise God for in your life, things that are going on right now.  Then praise Him for each one. 

Foundations: Genesis (Part Two) - Day 2

Read: Genesis 28

This chapter starts off immediately from where the previous left off.  Rebekah sees the need for Jacob to leave because of the anger of Esau, so she comes up with a plan.  She suggests to Isaac that Jacob take a wife from her relatives.  Isaac agrees that this is a good idea and sends Jacob to his mother’s relatives to find a wife.  Before Jacob leaves Isaac gives him the blessing of Abraham (v. 4).  This time Jacob receives the blessing on purpose with his father fully knowing whom he was giving it to.  When Esau heard that Jacob had gone to Paddan Aram to find a wife, he realized how displeasing it was that he had married pagan women.  He saw how marrying a relative of Abraham was a better choice so he took another wife from the line of Ishmael.  His intentions were good but he still hadn’t figured out God’s ways.  Ishmael was not to inherit Abraham’s promise.  Esau was trying hard but it was too late and he still missed the mark.  His offspring with this woman would not be part of the divine promise.  He did all of this to desperately try to please his father, not to please the Lord. 

On his way to Haran, Jacob had an interesting dream about a staircase reaching to heaven and angels ascending and descending on it (v. 12).  Above the staircase was the Lord who spoke, passing on the blessing of Abraham to Jacob.  God gave Jacob and his descendants the land which Jacob was lying on (v. 13).  He promises to bless all nations through Jacob’s offspring, a foreshadowing of the Messiah (v. 14).  God then promises to be with Jacob, to watch over him and bring him back to this land.  God will do what He says He will do (v. 15)!  The primary purpose of this dream was to show the sovereignty of God by which he watches and regulates all things on earth and to confirm the covenant with Jacob. 

When Jacob awoke he knew that something divine had happened.  He took the stone that was his pillow and set it up as a pillar (v. 18) and called the place Bethel (v. 19).  Then Jacob made a vow and acknowledged for the first time that the God of Abraham and Isaac was his God.  The full acknowledgement would come only after his safe return from Haran.  He also pledges to give God a tenth of all that God gives him. 

God established a regular tithe in order to provide for those who devote their lives to ministry and therefore cannot provide for themselves in the marketplace.  Being instituted by God Himself it can be seen as reasonable to devote a portion of our earthly goods to those who give of their time, talents and strength to watch over, labour for and instruct people in spiritual things.  Without the regular tithe of the people of the church how else is the church to pay its bills?  The church should not have to beg for money - the people of the church should willing give to the place where they are fed and where they experience godly fellowship. 

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Esau took a wife from the line of Ishmael in order to please his father, without inquiring of the Lord.  It’s easy to be hard on Esau but in reality, many people struggle with people pleasing.  It is God we are to please, not man.  Ask the Lord to show you a recent example of when you made a decision or a maybe even a comment in order to please someone rather than God.  Dialogue with God about this.  Ask Him to show you what motivates you to please people in this way?  What is the root of this behaviour?  Then pray through what He shows you. 

2.   The primary purpose of Jacob’s dream was to show the sovereignty of God by which He watches and regulates all things on earth and to affirm the covenant with Jacob.  God is in control!  This is a good thing because we can trust Him, His love and His faithfulness.  He brings His purposes to completion.  All things are under God’s rule and control and nothing happens without His direction or permission.  Praise and thank God for these things.  Ask Him to impress these truths deeper on your heart and to grow you in a firm resolve to trust and follow Him.   

3.   God meets with and reveals Himself to His followers.  God is a relational God!  We have so much to thank and praise Him for in this regard.  Ask God to show you areas in your life where He has met and revealed Himself to you!  Praise and thank Him for these things. 

Foundations: Genesis (Part Two) - Day 1

The Book of Genesis - Part Two

The second part of Genesis focuses on Jacob and his offspring, who will become the nation of Israel.  These chapters depict a God who initiates interpersonal relationships and transforms human lives.  In light of the evil portrayed in this book we see glimpses of God’s plan to bring an ultimate solution to the problem of sin and restore the ideal of His original creation. 

Genesis 49:10a "The scepter will not depart from Judah."

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Read: Genesis 27

The promises God gave Abraham were for his offspring, specifically Isaac, the promised heir.  The promise of becoming a nation, the land of Canaan and the promise of a Messiah were all going to be fulfilled through Isaac.  Isaac is now old, probably close to death (v. 2) and not properly seeing God’s ways concerning his two sons.  Remember how God spoke to Rebekah back in chapter 25 telling her that the older would serve the younger?  Yet Isaac resolved to pass the promised blessing upon Esau, his eldest son (v. 4).  He was doing things his own way instead of inquiring of the Lord and doing things God’s way.   

Rebekah knew what was going on (v. 5) and she knew that the blessing was intended for Jacob but she wronged Isaac by fooling him and she wronged Jacob by tempting him to do wrong by stealing the blessing deceitfully (v. 10).  Her actions gave Esau reason to become hard-hearted towards his brother, mother, and father, and towards God.  She was trying accomplish God’s will but she was doing it her own way. 

Jacob got the blessing through deceitful means even though it was God’s will for him to receive it.  Jacob lied in three different ways.  First by his words. He said, “I am Esau your firstborn” (v. 19).  Second, by his actions in giving Isaac the food (v. 19).  Finally, by his clothing – putting on Esau’s garments (v. 15).  He made use of every possible way of deceiving in order to accomplish his ends.  Do we really need to act immorally in order to accomplish the purposes of God?  I think not!  These methods are not to be praised. 

When Esau found out that Jacob had stolen the blessing he cried out with a bitter cry (v. 34).  The one who took lightly his birthright is now begging to be blessed by his father.  Isaac knew that Jacob deceitfully stole the blessing (v. 35).  The blessing could not be revoked; Jacob would be lord over Esau (v. 37).  Esau pleads to receive a blessing and he wept aloud (v. 38) but the only blessing he received was that of the sword and serving his brother.  It is important to note that the descendants of Jacob generally had dominion over the descendants of Esau throughout history.  The Edomites (Esau’s line) were generally lower than the Israelites (Jacob’s line).  The Jews were never subjected to the Edomites and just as Jacob and Esau were eventually reconciled, the Jews and Edomites eventually became one people.  Today the Edomites are totally extinct but the Jews still continue as a distinct people.  All the Words of the Lord have been fulfilled regarding these two peoples. 

Esau’s response was becoming offended and holding a grudge against Jacob (v. 41) and he desired to kill his brother Jacob.  Rebekah hears of Esau’s plans and urges Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran (v. 43). She pleaded with him to stay there until she gave word that it was safe to return (v. 45).  The chapter concludes with Rebekah telling Isaac that she was disgusted with living because of Esau’s wives and encourages Jacob to not marry a pagan woman but rather a relative (see Gen. 28:2).  Basically, she is using deceitful means in order to encourage Isaac to encourage Jacob to leave; all the while her intent was to keep her son safe. 

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Isaac’s favoritism of Esau caused him to disregard God’s plans for his children.  He knew from the Lord’s prior prophecies that Jacob was the one in whom the covenant blessing would pass but he still intended to give the blessing to Esau.  Many of us have clouded vision about ourselves, our children or even our spouse.  Ask the Lord to reveal to you any strongholds that are keeping you from seeing things clearly.  This could be pride, selfishness, lack of love, low self-esteem, unforgiveness, etc.  Then pray, confessing these things to the Lord and asking Him to forgive you and show you how to walk out your forgiveness.   

2.    Rebekah and Jacob’s actions in this chapter were sinful and highly inexcusable.  A mother teaches her favourite son to cheat and defraud his brother, deceive his father and tell lies!  This shows a lack of trust in God’s purposes.  Jacob managed to maneuver things to get the birthright and the blessing but he did both by human means.  It was God’s divine plan to give both to him but he took matters into his own hands.  Walking with God requires trusting not only His plans but His timing and His completing of those plans.  We cannot run ahead and we cannot lag behind.  Pray that God would strengthen and grow you in walking in His perfect timing for your life, according to His purposes.  Pray that you would complete the steps that He is asking you to complete, according to His timing. 

3.    Jacob and Rebekah’s manipulative, sinful ways damaged Esau.  This sin had consequences and caused division in the family.  Ask the Lord to show you a time when your actions hurt someone in your family, extended family or a friend.  This could be even just a small thing like an unkind word or a judgmental statement.  Ask the Lord for forgiveness and what steps He wants you to take to make amends. 

Foundations: The Book of Esther - Day 6

READ: Esther 8

This portion of the story reveals the destiny of the Jews after Esther’s brave request. Esther is not finished with the role she has been called to; clearly by the king’s response, she is safe from slaughter, but the edict against the Jews remains an irreversible proclamation. Esther’s love for her people is revealed as she weeps at the king’s feet, pleading for something to be done for the cause of the Jews. Unlike King Hezekiah who, when he was told of the calamity that would come to his family after his death said, “The word of the Lord is good; at least this won’t happen in my lifetime!” (see 2 Kings 20:16-19), Esther’s own salvation was not good enough for her. She fought for the welfare of her people, begging the king to provide some sort of protection for them.

Though his initial decree cannot be revoked, Xerxes puts forth a second command – that all Jews have full permission to fight back on the 13^th day of the 12^th month if anyone should try to attack them. The end of the chapter describes the joy that spread throughout the Jews in the land – a far cry from the mourning that overtook them with the king’s original edict. With the king and queen on their side, fear of the Jews spreads across the land! This is another evidence of God’s sovereign hand guiding the events of the story, and gives us a glimpse of what it means to have a fear of the Lord: when we see people and circumstances change in miraculous ways, our eyes are opened to the incomprehensible power of God, who is sovereign over all things and all people. This should cause us to fall on our knees before Him – if we don’t do it now, we certainly will someday (see Phil 2:10-11).  

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Esther had a true love for her people. Esther’s “people” were the Jews; in comparison, our “people” is the church. Unfortunately some of the biggest hurts happen within the church; but we are called to love each other, and if we can’t love our brothers and sisters in Christ, who can we love? Do you love the people in the church?

a.   Ask God to show you how you are doing at walking out the commandment to “love your neighbour as yourself”. Let Him encourage you in the good things you are doing and convict you where you need to step it up.

b.  Ask God for an active step in loving someone from the church today.

2.   Think back over the story of Esther that you have read so far – how do see God’s all-powerful, sovereign nature throughout the story? Our God is ALL powerful, ALL knowing, ALL wise! What does this mean for you today? Think of a specific struggle you are dealing with: how does God want to use this truth to encourage you?

Foundations: The Book of Esther - Day 5

READ: Esther 5, Esther 6, and Esther 7

The remaining chapters move quite quickly. After three days of fasting, Esther goes to see the king, knowing that she is quite possibly walking to her death. But Xerxes is in a joyful mood and accepts her readily. Some would read the first half of the chapter and think Esther is stalling for time, afraid of what will happen if she tells the king she is a Jew. But Esther is shrewd and patient, having thought through how she will reveal her secret to the king; her aim is to fully win his favour so that he will sympathize with her entirely when she tells him the truth about herself… and Haman.

Speaking of Haman, Esther is setting him up for a big fall, inviting him to her banquets and thus pumping up his pride which oozes out of him in the second half of chapter 5. He’s almost unbearable to listen to – bragging about his promotion and position and good fortune to his friends and family. He is painted as a temperamental child: anger quick to flare and feelings quick to bruise. Offended by Mordecai’s lack of respect, and fueled by his satanic hatred of the Jews, Haman orders a 75-foot gallows be built on which he plans to hang Mordecai on the coming slaughter day. Little does he know, in building the gallows, Haman is digging his own grave.

Chapter 6 begins to reveal the incredible irony of the story. The king has insomnia and decides to do some reading in the chronicles of his kingship. He just happens to come across the account where Mordecai saved his life and is astonished to learn that Mordecai never received a reward for his service. Just as he is thinking up a suitable tribute, Haman comes in – he is so excited about his gallows and his plan to hang Mordecai that he, too, cannot sleep and has come to tell the king of his plan. What happens next is really hilarious for us to read. What a blow to Haman’s pride, having to honour Mordecai the way he himself expected to be honoured! Again, he runs home to whine about his plight, and his wife and friends finally end up giving him some wise advice: “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” (6:13) Again, God’s name is not mentioned outright, but His presence is blaring – it is HE who make the Jewish people indestructible! Yahweh had a reputation, known even by pagans. God deserves all glory and honour. He rescued the Israelites time and time again, and continually fulfilled His promises, for the sake of His Name (see Ezekiel 20). God’s glory and reputation have always been the foundation for His grace, His love and His justice. 

Chapter 7 brings us to the second banquet where Esther finally reveals that she is a Jew, and that Haman is behind her destruction and the destruction of her people. She is shrewd, even in her plea, to play to the king’s self-interest by pointing out that the destruction of the Jews will be an economical loss to his empire (v 4). Things could not have gone worse for Haman; his world quickly falls apart and he is sentenced to be hung on his own gallows.

There are a number of lessons we learn from this central part of the story. Perhaps most clearly we see Proverbs 16:18 prove painfully true: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Haman was so pumped with pride that he was blinded to the truth. He had so elevated himself above others that he couldn’t imagine ever being dethroned. His dedication to hatred and refusal to humble himself ultimately caused his demise. If anything, this should give us incentive to rid our lives of pride as quick as possible!

We learn another truth – that God is in full control of who sits where. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai told her that if she did not step up to her calling, God would use another; God can easily depose us if we do not obey Him. We see this in the life of Haman. He had everything going for him – wealth, power, esteem – but because he sought to destroy God’s people, he was removed. God can do the same to us if we choose to disobey Him and go our own way.

We also learn the value of patient wisdom in these chapters, as Esther bides her time, waiting for the exact moment to reveal her secret. Had she moved in fear or haste, the story could have ended quite differently. Surely Esther drew on the Lord for strength and wisdom, which He fully provided, as He promises to do for those who put their trust in Him.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Haman’s pride and hatred set him to seek revenge, which ultimately brought him to a hard fall. Ask God to open your eyes to areas of pride in your life. Some questions to ask yourself:

a.   Do I put myself above others? Is there anyone who I think of as being below me?

b.  When talking to my friends and family, do I talk more than I listen? Do I ask people questions about them, or am I talking about myself most of the time?

c.  Are you easily offended? When people hurt you, do you think things like, “How dare they do that to me!”?

Spend some time in repentance, saying sorry to God for putting yourself on a throne. Thank God for revealing areas of pride to you and ask Him to help you to be humble. Ask Him to make you like Jesus “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7).

2.   These chapters show us the importance of ACTION. Surely Esther prayed as she fasted, but there was something for her to DO after those three days. To quote one study Bible, “We should pray as if it depended on God and act as if it depended on us.” As Christians, we must rely on God – His power – but we cannot just sit and let Him do all the work. We are co-workers for the kingdom! Are you a person of action in God’s kingdom? Do you err on the side of much prayer and little action, or on the side of quick action with little prayer? Perhaps you are lazy in both. Ask God to speak to you about this point. What does it mean for you to be active in your faith?

3.   Are you being obedient to God in the position you are in? Are you spending your time, your money, your love, etc. the way God has asked you to? Don’t be afraid to ask God if you are! He is not out to get you or to trick you; He loves you and is for you! Isaiah 48:17 says “I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go”. Ask God to teach you and direct you in your position.

Foundations: The Book of Esther - Day 4

READ: Esther 4

The Jews hear of the edict for their destruction and they grieve. Imagine the death sentence! Being told that in a year you and your family and your people will be slaughtered! When, in the first month, he cast lots to determine a date, Haman might have been disappointed that he had to wait so long for the date of destruction, but certainly he would have used his twelve months to prepare by trying to turn the hearts of the Persian people against the Jews. Haman wanted a bloodbath on the 13^th day of the 12^th month.

We see now that the sovereignty and strategy of God was behind Mordecai’s earlier command for Esther to keep quiet about her identity. Her silence has allowed her a key position in the palace. But the time for silence is over; she must now use her position to intercede for her people. Mordecai is adamant and convincing, clearly anointed throughout this conversation with Esther. Though Mordecai does not mention the name of God, His presence is clear as crystal. With extreme faith, Mordecai declares what He knows about God – that He will always protect a remnant of His people. He also understands that those God chooses to fulfill His purposes will be held accountable to how they respond to His calling – he is convinced that if Esther remains silent, she will die.

Esther, like Joseph and Daniel before her, has been given a position of power in a pagan society. Like Daniel, she has the opportunity to step out in courage or to hide in a closet. She is a courageous woman and she readies herself to rise up to the call, knowing that to appear before the king uninvited is a risk of death itself. She calls her people to fast for her and resolves to rise up to her calling, even if it means death.

This is an incredibly important chapter for the church today. God is calling for Esthers and Mordecais to rise up within their spheres of influence. None of us is in the position we are in because God needs us and can’t find anyone else to do our job. God doesn’t need us. God can use a donkey to fulfill his purposes – and he did (see Numbers 22)! God has purpose for His people and He will hold us accountable to what He calls us to; if we don’t obey, He can easily raise up someone else, but we will miss out on the blessing that comes with our obedience. We don’t have to be queen or king’s official to make a difference – we can lead others wherever we are, no matter our position.

Our society is becoming increasingly anti-Christian. This shouldn’t surprise us; Jesus said that the world would hate us because of Him. We cannot continue to blend into those around us; as God’s people, we are called to be different, to stand for what Jesus stood for, to care about what God cares about. Are you ready to be an Esther?

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Ask God to show you clearly what He has called you to – what He is asking of you – in your sphere of influence (job, friendship groups, roles, etc.). Ask Him how He wants you to walk that out, even today.

2.   Are you stepping out in boldness, or are you shirking your calling and trying to blend into the background? Take some time to write out your fears, the things that keep you from being bold and stepping out. Ask Jesus to take these fears from you. Ask Him to tell you His truth about each of your fears.

3.  Joseph, Daniel and Esther were God’s people working in high places within pagan societies. Take some time to think about the following:

a.   Think about the things they did – the decisions they made and the ways they refused to compromise.

What kind of suffering did they endure?

What blessings did they receive?

What legacy did they leave?

b.  Be inspired by these people of great courage! Ask God to give you that kind of courage and faith. Thank God for the incomprehensible blessings that await you in heaven.

Foundations: The Book of Esther - Day 3

READ: Esther 3

Here is where the plot thickens, where the heart of the story comes to life. We are introduced to Haman, a descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites and enemy of Saul, king of Israel (see 1 Samuel 15). Haman is a man of intense hatred and pride, carrying the generational loathing of the Jewish people that originated with his ancestors. King Xerxes gives Haman a promotion, setting him above all of the king’s officials. It was a custom of Persian etiquette to bow to ones superiors, not in worship, but in respect. However, for whatever reason – whether it was because of Haman’s open hatred towards Jews or for some other reason – Mordecai refused to bow.

We see Haman, like others before and since, emerging as Satan’s pawn to destroy the Jewish people. The reader feels his pure loathing, not only for Mordecai, but for the Jewish people as a whole, as he sets forth to annihilate the Jews, even offering a bribe to the king’s treasury! A day is chosen by the casting of lots and a decree is sent throughout the empire that on the 13^th day of the 12^th month, all people are to kill and plunder the Jews – young, old, women and children. And we see the wickedness of both Haman and King Xerxes as they sit down to drink to the destruction of an entire people group.

This was no small thing; the Persian Empire encompassed all of the Jews. This was a deliberate act of Satan to destroy God’s chosen people and stop the coming of the Messiah. He had already tried through other leaders (Pharaoh (Exodus 14), Athaliah (2 Kings 11)), and he would not stop at Haman! Herod would condemn hundreds of baby boys to death when he would hear about the Messiah’s birth from the Magi. And this isn’t just a thing of ancient civilizations – Hitler unabashedly tried to wipe out the Jewish people only a short while ago in our own “civilized” society. Satan and mankind are not getting less evil. Satan’s goal has always been to destroy God’s people, and mankind has always had a sin nature. Through sinful people willing to follow him, Satan continues to work towards the destruction of God’s people, both Jews as God’s chosen and Gentiles who have been grafted into the family. But our God will not be mocked; His plans will not be thwarted. This is why the Apostle Paul declares with great joy in Colossians 2:15 what happened when Jesus went to the cross: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Jesus openly shamed Satan when he rose from the grave, and He will triumphantly defeat Satan one final time yet to come. Our God is indeed great!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Hatred is a slippery slope. We are to hate only sin and never people. Hatred towards others is the exact opposite of God, who is Love. When we hate others, we are breaking the most important commandments: to love God and to love others, for if we hate our brother or sister, we do not love God (see 1 John 4:20). Read 1 John 2:9-11. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you have hatred in your heart towards another individual. Spend some time confessing this to Him, asking Him to cleanse you from these feelings. Ask Him for a step of obedience He wants you to take in loving this person.

2.   The Jewish people continue to be hated by other nations; we see evidence of this in the news every day. We need to pray for the Jewish people, that God would continue to protect them and their land, and that their eyes would be opened to the truth about Jesus. Many Jews have dismissed Jesus and are still waiting for their Messiah to come; others have no active faith at all. Pray for a great turning among the Jewish people, that they would learn and love the truth.

3.   Spend time worshipping God for His sovereignty. While Haman and Xerxes drank wine and plotted the destruction of the Jews, God was not ringing His hands in fear or discouragement. God is never afraid; His plans are never frustrated. There is no one like our God! Thank Him for who He is. Think of a situation that has you frustrated, discouraged or worried. Remember that God is not feeling these things. Thank Him for who He is in your situation.

Foundations: The Book of Esther - Day 2

READ: Esther 2

Four years have passed since Vashti’s banishment in 483 B.C. Xerxes has been to battle and back again, and upon his return, seems to be pining over his love, lost at his expense. But his attendants’ suggestion to hold a beauty pageant of young virgins is all he needs to get his mind off of the former queen, and officers are sent out to gather up the most beautiful women in the land.

Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl in the care of her cousin, Mordecai, is one of the many women chosen to come before the king. The process for the “contestants” was quite serious: they were brought into the first harem where they received a whole year of beauty treatments, followed by initiation into the king’s second harem: when it was her turn, each woman would spend the night with the king; in the morning she entered the second harem where she would stay for the remainder of her life, never allowed to marry, and never to go to the king again unless he called for her. When Esther enters the first harem, she quickly wins the favour of the head eunuch, Hegai. As a result, he provides her with all she needs and gives her the best place in the harem. Not only is Esther beautiful, she is humble and likeable. She listens intently to Hegai’s direction and wins the favour of the king who, upon seeing her, falls instantly in love with her and crowns her queen.

Verses 10 and 11 give us a hint of the anti-Semitism (prejudice against Jewish people) that is to come later in the story, and that was prevalent at the time. The Jews were an exiled people trying to maintain their way of life while under foreign governance. Mordecai knew that Esther’s Jewish heritage would pose a hindrance to her eligibility as queen and urged her to keep quiet. Clearly God is behind this, giving wisdom to Mordecai as he advises Esther, and setting in place the means for the salvation of His people.

The book of Esther is written in a most thrilling way, with foreshadowing and suspense, keeping us on the edge of our seats. Verses 19-23 describe an incident that will come greatly into play later on in the story. It seems that through Esther’s influence, Mordecai has been given a job as one of the king’s officials, putting him in a position to easily watch over his cousin. Mordecai happens to be in the right place at the right time and overhears two of the king’s eunuchs plotting a royal murder. He tells Esther who tells the king, making sure to give credit to Mordecai, and the king has the two thugs hanged on the gallows and Mordecai’s loyal act recorded in the chronicles of his kingship.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Like the Jews in Persia, we as Christians are living as foreigners in this world – or at least we should be. It is not easy, but we are called to be different. Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 and Titus 2:11-14. These passages urge us to say “No!” to the ungodliness in the world. Meditate on these verses.

a.   Is there a specific situation where you are finding it hard to say “no” to ungodliness? Ask God to help you to do good – to love righteousness like Jesus does. Pray that God would be glorified through our obedience – that others would see and know Him.

2.   Esther was in a precarious position – a Jew in an environment somewhat hostile towards Jews. She needed wisdom and discretion and favour from God. Our country is becoming increasingly hostile towards Bible-believing Christians, yet we must continue to stand firm, looking forward to our “blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ”! Spend some time interceding for believers across our nation. Pray that they would hold firmly the hope of Christ’s return. Pray that they would love righteousness and hate wickedness. Pray that, like Esther, God would give them wisdom and favour.

3.   Esther didn’t choose her position, and she certainly didn’t know what God had in store for her. Perhaps you are in a position that you didn’t choose. Whatever the case, God has purpose for you. Are you willing to say “yes” to His purposes for you? Take a moment to recommit yourself to the Lord today; tell Him you are willing to say “yes” to His purposes for you, even though you may not know them yet.

Foundations: The Book of Esther - Day 1

Foundations: The Book of Esther

The book of Esther is a powerful drama full of conspiracy and courage. It is one book of the Bible where God’s name is not mentioned; however, His presence is strongly evident. This story is incredibly important for the church today, as we, like Esther, must step out in courage to accomplish the things God calls us to do.

Esther 4:14 (ESV)

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

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DAY 1

READ: Esther 1

The book of Esther describes the establishment of the Jewish holiday of Purim. This particular holiday was not instituted by Yahweh in the Law of Moses (such as Passover, the Feast of Booths, etc.); this holiday was instituted by the Jewish people to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews through Esther. Purim continues to be observed today to celebrate the survival of the Jewish people throughout history, despite intense persecution across the ages. The book of Esther is about a few people’s calling and courage amid a culture that becomes increasingly hostile towards their people. This makes theirs an important story for the church today, as our culture, too, becomes more and more adverse towards Christianity.

The story of Esther takes place during the Babylonian exile during the reign of Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus), King of Persia. Chronologically the story fits in between chapters 6 & 7 of the book of Ezra, between the first and second waves of Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem. While King Cyrus gave permission for all Jews to return to the land of Judah (see Ezra 1), only a handful actually went. Esther’s parents and grandparents had evidently chosen to remain in Susa, one of the Persian capitals.

The story begins with the description of two banquets. We are introduced immediately to King Xerxes who appears to be a man of pomp and pride, taking six months to display his wealth and majesty to his guests. History tells us that Xerxes was preparing to go to battle against the Greeks at this time, and was aiming to gain support from the guests through these extensive festivities. In a somewhat drunken state, Xerxes summons for his wife, Queen Vashti, to parade herself before his guests, that they might see her beauty. Her refusal puts him in a difficult position, particularly since his guests are people he hopes to impress so that they will support him in his quest against the Greeks; what will they think if he cannot even control his own wife? He is angry and, by the council of his wise men, makes a rash decision to banish Vashti from his presence forever, and a countrywide decree that every man is to be master of his own household.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   We know from Esther chapter 2 that King Xerxes will regret banishing Vashti. Have you recently done or said something rash out of hurt or anger? Confess your actions to the Lord. Is there anything that you need to make right? Make a plan to do that today.

2.   Take some time to pray for our government leaders and officials. Pray that they would not make rash decisions. We will learn in the book of Esther that God is in control, even when sinful plans are put in place. Pray for God’s will to be done in our nation; pray that He would use our government leaders for His glory.

3.   Spend some time asking God to prepare your heart to receive the things He wants to teach you as you read the book of Esther over the next number of days. Ask Him to make the story come alive for you. Ask Him to speak to you clearly through the Scripture you will read. Ask Him to open your eyes to things you have not seen before.

Foundations: The Book of Nehemiah - Day 10

READ: Nehemiah 13

This final chapter in the book of Nehemiah describes some further issues and reforms that took place during his time. When Nehemiah had asked Artaxerxes permission to go to Jerusalem, the king had released him readily, asking only for Nehemiah to give a return date. We don’t know when Nehemiah pledged to return, but chapter 13 tells of at least one time that he went back to Persia. The priest Eliashib takes advantage of Nehemiah’s absence and gives Tobiah – Nehemiah’s adversary – a room in the temple. This was a room purposed for storing tithes. After the people had just committed themselves to taking care of the Lord’s house and tithing diligently, this is quite an act of disrespect. Nehemiah is livid to find the temple desecrated in this way and he ensures that the room is cleansed and put to use for its true purpose.

But that isn’t the only problem in the temple. It seems those who had so eagerly promised to tithe had neglected their commitment, and the temple workers were left without any provisions. The priests and Levites had no choice but to return to their homes in the countryside. With skilled leadership, Nehemiah sets things back in order.

A third issue had risen: people – both Jews and foreigners – were selling their wares on the Sabbath, directly breaking God’s commandment to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. We see Nehemiah rise up in righteous anger, rebuking the people of Judah and boldly threatening the outsiders.

Fourthly, the people had started to intermarry again. This is quite sad, seeing that not too many years earlier, the people had confessed and ended intermarriage under the leadership of Ezra (see Ezra 9 & 10). This is a disgrace to the name of the Lord! The people’s children are seen to not even know the language of Judah, but are well-versed in the language of their pagan parents. And verse 28 reveals that intermarriage has reached even the priestly families. Nehemiah gets very angry here, even beating some who have violated the law! Intermarriage was an act of adultery against Yahweh and quickly lead the people into idolatry, as proven classically by the once wise King Solomon.

Four times in this chapter we hear Nehemiah pray, asking God to remember his deeds. Nehemiah was a man of prayer, but his prayers were always accompanied by action. He was a man of righteousness, a man zealous for God’s ways. He was bold and sure-footed. He did not second-guess what God commanded him, even in the face of opposition and challenges. He knew God; he lived with a sincere fear of the Lord and thus he was willing to spend his life on whatever God called him to do. Let us allow his dedication and faithful service to spur us on as we seek to follow the Lord with joyful hearts.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.  Are you passionate for God’s ways? Are you zealous for righteousness? Ask God to give you the boldness of Nehemiah – the boldness that enables you to do what is right and stand for what is right even when those around you are sinking into the culture. In listening prayer, ask God how He wants you to stand for Him today.

2.  Take the qualities you have come to admire in Nehemiah and pray these things for yourself. Ask God to make you a person of great faith. How will you walk differently today because of what you have learned?

3.   What do you want God to remember you for? Ask Him. Be one who prays boldly for favour, just as Nehemiah did!