Genesis 37

After a tremendously long break that clearly has made this journey more than a 2yr plan, I'm getting back into it:

In Genesis 37, it starts out talking about Joseph and how his father loved him more than his other brothers. I cannot imagine what it would be like to feel like your parents loved you more or less than your siblings. I am so thankful that I never felt that growing up, or even now. It seems though that there was definitely not enough communication going on in this family, but in all of it, God had a bigger plan.
Can you imagine plotting to kill your own brother? Joseph's brothers were filled with hatred so much that they wanted him dead. They at least came somewhat to their senses and decided it wasn't such a good plan to kill him, but rather they ended up selling him as a slave. Although they didn't kill him, they still made it look like he was killed- dipping his robe in blood and bringing it to their father. How much deceit! I'm sure they didn't realize that this was all a part of God's plan...
There are so many times where I know I don't see the bigger picture. I tend to focus on the things at hand, or the things right in front of me, and worry about the mountain I am facing- not realizing that I just need to surrender it all and let God lead me through the wilderness. I need to look at things more positively, and see that there is a purpose in my current struggles- maybe the need to draw closer to Him? I KNOW I definitely need more of that...

Genesis 35-36

Not too much going on in these chapters. Rachel dies after giving birth to Benjamin, the last of Jacob's 12 sons. Isaac dies and Esau and Jacob bury him. And then Gen 36 is full of geneology.
On to Genesis 37...

Genesis 33-34

What an awesome chapter on restitution and forgiveness! It is so clear that Esau no longer had any negative feelings towards Jacob for stealing his blessing. Earlier, he wanted to kill him- now we see the two brothers embracing one another! All along it seems that since Jacob stole Esau's blessing, Esau is left empty handed, when in fact God has been working behind the scenes over a long period of time (over 20 years). Jacob was blessed tremendously with livestock/servants/family and now wants to give his possessions to Esau as a matter of reconciliation. Though hesitant at first, Esau accepts the offer from Jacob. I'm sure that was an unexpected blessing for Esau. After all this time he could have grown bitter, but instead his heart was softened and he ended up with more than he needed.

It is amazing how much anger can fill, enough to the point of destruction. Simeon and Levi, brother's of Dinah, were so enraged at what Shechem had done to their sister, that they plundered the city where Shechem lived, killed him and his father, and much more. Rage is a dangerous thing. Getting your thought life under control may not be easy, but the consequences of not controlling those thoughts can lead to actions that you may regret.

Genesis 31-32

I find it encouraging Jacob prays to God, thought it was out of fear of Esau, he acknowledges that he is unworthy of God's faithfulness and provisions to him, and expressing his gratitude towards God. He went directly to the Source that could help him and he did it before involving himself in a potentially bad situation. How many times do we not look to God for help, and get ourselves in a mess, and THEN turn to God? My prayer is that I will continually look to God, the one who knows the outcome of every situation, and that I will constantly rely and depend on Him rather than my own self. I am nothing apart from Him...

Genesis 30

The first thing I realized is the parallel to the story of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah was unable to bear children, so she gave her maidservant to Abraham. Now, Rachel couldn't bear children, so she gave her maidservant, Bilhah, to Jacob. AND, Leah was unable to bear anymore children, so she gave Jacob her maidservant, Zilpah, to Jacob. To unravel all of this, Leah has 6 sons, 1 daughter, Bilhah has 2 sons, Zilpah has 2 sons, and Rachel has 1 son (Joseph)-all fathered by Jacob.

I read a little deeper and it says that the above (barrenness and multiple wives) was part of an ancient Near Eastern culture- children born to the substitute, or second, wife were regarded as belonging to the main, or first, wife, so that continuity of the family line was preserved.

It is only at the point when Rachel no longer resented her sister and God "took away her reproach" that was she able to bear a child. I think it is also interesting that Laban ended up getting the spotted/speckled sheep out of his deal with Jacob. This could be because of his earlier deceit (giving Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel). We cannot expect to receive any blessings from God if we are hiding behind deceit, feelings of resentment, bitterness or anger. Until we give everything up to Him, it is only then that we can truly obtain the desires of our hearts.

Genesis 28-29

I think it is interesting that at this point, we don't see Jacob being punished for stealing the blessing from Esau and deceiving his father, but rather God establishes His promises to Abraham through Jacob. I do think though that Jacob came to the realization that God was with him and he didn't even know it. God shows his grace and is merciful even when we don't deserve it and sometimes it can cause us to turn to Him and realize that He is right there with us and that we need Him to depend on Him to carry us through.

I read further that Jacob still didn't fully accept the Lord as His God and this is indicated by him constructing a pillar, not at altar, after the Lord spoke to him. Later in Genesis 35 he goes back to Bethuel to construct an altar, signifying at that point he fully accepted Him as God- a God that was with him not only on earth but in heaven.

It is ironic that Jacob deceived his father by pretending to be Esau (the firstborn) in order to inherit the blessing, and now Laban sends Leah (the firstborn) in to Jacob, pretending to be Rachel. Sometimes what goes around comes around and it sure did with Jacob!

I question though why it is ok to 1) marry your cousin and 2) have multiple wives. Jacob was Rachel (and Leah's) cousin and he ended up marrying them both.

Genesis 27

Even though Rebekah knew that "the older shall serve the younger" (25:23) as the Lord had spoken to her, instead of waiting on the Lord for this to happen she took matters into her own hands and made it so that Jacob would receive the blessing from Isaac instead of Jacob. I wonder what would have happened it Jacob didn't obey his mother? I also wonder why Isaac still gave Jacob the blessing even though he was confused and didn't recognize who he was speaking with (he said it sounded like Jacob's voice, but his hands felt like Esau's). He could have asked him questions, had him speak more, but it seemed like a rushed/quick thing. Maybe he had faith in his son and didn't think that they would deceive him? This says a lot about his sons and their hearts.

Genesis 25-26

Sorry for the delayed message. I am a couple days back-logged. This should have been Friday's post, but it's here now:

Even Abraham only lived 175yrs. It seems like the ages of people are decreasing from the beginning of Genesis.

Ishamel (Hagar's son) lived 137yrs. I still wonder if the decrease in age is due to the sin problem? Something I need to dig into further.

The desire of Isaac's heart was that he would have children. He simply prayed to the Lord and his prayers were answered. Rebekah conceived and had twins- Jacob and Esau, after 20 yrs of marriage! Could you imagine being married for 20 yrs and then having children? I guess our concept of age/time isn't the same as it was back in Genesis-time. I think it is interesting how the Bible clearly shows how Isaac loved one son (Esau) and Rebekah loved the other (Jacob). I'm sure both sons knew that too. I could just imagine the tension in this family. Whatever was going on, it was enough to push Jacob to demand that Esau sell his birthright. Instead of making his own food, Esau gave in and sold his birthright to Jacob- just because he wanted a pot of stew! I bet after he finished eating and left empty handed without a birthright, Esau was wishing he had learned to make his own stew.

So, here's a familiar story- like father like son- Isaac tells Abimelech that Rebekah was his sister, instead of his wife, for fear that he would be killed after settling in Gerar (the land which the Lord told him to go to). Wouldn't you think that since the Lord told him to go there, that he would be safe and not fear being killed? I feel like this would be a good point for Isaac to be God-smacked. Issac is human though, just like us. Most of the time, we don't think about what we have done until after the injury and we end up in an "I should have known better" moment. Thank goodness for God's mercy and forgiveness!

Genesis 24

Could you imagine not knowing the man you are going to marry? Rebekah was basically told that she had to follow Abraham's servant and go to the land where Isaac lived (Canaan) to become his wife. What an act of faith! It is neat to see also that the servant also had so much faith- to leave Abraham, go the distance to find Isaac a wife and bring her back safely. I think it is awesome that the servant prayed for wisdom/guidance in finding her. God's hand is in this whole situation. Abraham had faith that the servant would bring a suitable wife for his son, the servant had faith that God would direct him in finding Isaac's future wife, Rebekah had faith to leave the land where her family was and marry a man she had never met, Rebekah's family had faith that she would be safe and go to this new land and marry. Lord...increase MY faith!

Genesis 22-23

This is an awesome chapter that records a true test of faith for Abraham. Only God would choose the perfect time to test Abraham's faith. In previous chapters we learn that Abraham lacks faith and a fear of the Lord, but in this chapter he was about to slaughter his only son, Isaac, before the Lord intervened. At this point, we know that Abraham feared God. Could you imagine having faith like that- enough to sacrifice your only son?

I find it interesting that Sarah only lived 127 years. Compared to Methuselah who lived 969 years, there seems to be a huge difference in lifespan. I wonder if this is due to the increase of sin in the world?

Genesis 21

We have all heard the saying, "bad things happen to good people," and that certainly was the case for Hagar. Although we do not know much about her, we know that she was mistreated by Sarah, forced to flee her home (later returned), and now is asked a second time to leave along with her son, Ishmael. God met her in her time of need and provided water when she lost all hope of surviving in the wilderness. This is a great picture that at our weakest point, God steps in and makes us strong. No matter what has happened in our past, we need to press on, remove the fear that we hold onto and put our faith in the Lord, knowing that he will deliver us from our hardships if we rely on him.

Genesis 19-20

So, angels eat? Apparently they eat unleavened bread (chapter 19). "The two angels came to Sodom...and he [Lot] made them a feast and baked unleavened bread and they ate." I never thought of the fact that angels ate...

19:3 I have read this before, but reading it again still gives me the same reaction. What kind of father would offer his two daughters to a crowd of men to do what they please with them?!? And yet God rescues him [Lot] and his family. What a merciful and gracious God we serve.

The only thing we know about Lot's wife is that she looked back at the city (after the angels told Lot's family to flee because God was going to destroy it) and turned into a pillar of salt. Why such a harsh penalty for her and not Sarah (allowing her husband to sleep with another woman and impregnate her) or Eve (we all know what she did). I just find it interesting how God handles each person's situation and what kind of punishment he deems necessary.

19:34 Here is where we learn that the Moabites and Ammonites came about-- from incest (Lot's daughters got their father drunk and slept with him). As I read this of course I thought it was disgusting, but also why did Lot allow them to get him drunk (or even allow himself to drink that much to not know what they were doing to him- two nights in a row!!) Why do people do what they do?! Even this long ago people were crazy!

So, here we go again. In chapter 20, Abraham lies about Sarah being his wife (he also did this in ch. 12), and tells Abimelech that she is his sister. Doesn't he remember that the last time he did this plagues came over Pharoah's house and he and Sarah had to flee? Thankfully, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him how he could be spared. Pharaoh wasn't as fortunate. Once again this shows man's lack of faith and also a lack of the fear of the Lord.

Genesis 16-18

If men were called to rule over their wives ( Gen. 3:16) then I wonder why Abram listened to Sarai and "went in to Hagar." I'm also surprised Sarai didn't despise Abram for doing so, rather all of her contempt (at least what we read of) is towards Hagar, enough to drive her away.

I wonder why God chose circumcision to be the sign of His covenant with Abraham (no longer called Abram at this point) Couldn't there have been another sign? And I'm pretty sure nowadays babies are circumcised before eight days, but 17:12 says, "he who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised." This just leaves me confused.

God obviously had a much larger plan than any of us could imagine. He could have smote Abraham and Sarah (no longer Sarai) for their sin, yet He blessed them, making them and their offspring into great nations, even when they mock/laugh at God when he said they would have a son (Isaac) at such old ages. God ALWAYS has a much bigger plan for all of us. We don't always see what that plan is, but we need to walk in faith and trust in it.

I find it interesting in chapter 18 that God and Abraham were more or less bartering to save the righteous from Sodom and not destroy them along with the wicked in the city. Why the back and forth? Couldn't God just say "I will spare the whole place for their sake" rather than going through all the numbers-50, 45, 40, 30, 20, then 10?

Genesis 12-14

I was curious as to why so many altars seemed to be built so far, as I have always viewed them with a negative conotation (making altars to worship gods/idols). I had to look in the study notes in my Bible to read that altars were constructed because there was no central sanctuary before the exodus from Egypt, so they were places where God could be encountered in worship. Now it makes more sense...

I thought it was interesting that as close/obedient to God as Abram seemed, he asked his wife, Sarai to lie about being his wife (for fear that Pharaoh would kill him). We all have a sinful nature though, even Abram. Because of this lie, Pharaoh ended up taking Sarai as his wife and then God sent plagues on Pharaoh and his house. This confuses me that Pharaoh would be punished for being misled by Abram. Furthermore, we don't read anything about Abram having a repentant heart. I wonder if it's because this is pre-Christ?

Genesis 10-11

I'm not sure why people use "nimrod" when name calling, "you nimrod!" I have heard before. As I read 10:9 I was reminded that "nimrod" is a Biblical name. Nimrod was Noah's great grandson! (Noah's son Ham, whose son was Cush, whose son was Nimrod). Who would have thought that name would be thrown around now like it is? I'm seeing more and more biblical references come out in everyday life. Nimrod belonged to the kingdom of Babel, and he also built Nineveh.

Ever wonder why there are so many languages and everyone lives in so many different locations? In chapter 11 the tower of Babel is spoken of. It represented independence and self-sufficiency apart from God. The people were building a tower up to the heavens, but this is when God steps in and confuses their language so no one could understand each other, therefore resulting in people dispersing. I'm sure scientists today have a much different explanation, but I'm going to side with the Bible on this one (always the best choice).

Genesis 6-9

As I read about the flood, I wondered if God's decision to "blot" out mankind/animals is carried over into today, essentially a reversal of Creation through fires/hurricanes/typhoons/earthquakes, etc. Yes, God was angered with man, but after the flood he made the covenant with Noah -the rainbow being the sign established between God and Noah that the earth would never again be destroyed by a flood. Further, in 8:21, God says that He will never again curse the ground because of man...so I guess that answers that!

Question: If all mankind was blotted out, things on dry ground and every living thing that was on the face of the ground were blotted out, then wouldn't that mean that water creatures survived? Unless the water is considered the face of the ground...

So, God found pleasure in Noah and spared him and his family. Just as we are, Noah was a sinful man, yet he was spared. Isn't that encouraging? To know that even though we are sinful, God can choose us to carry out His plan. He HAS chosen us already.

Note: Both clean and unclean animals were brought onto the ark- clean ones that would later be used for sacrifice (8:20 Noah builds an altar for the Lord- as a sign of atonement and also to indicate that God’s attitude had changed. It expresses tranquility and also gratitude for divine deliverance). I'm not exactly sure why sacrifices and altars were made- even though they were to the Lord, but I'm sure I'll uncover more about it as I read on.

Remember my comment on vegetables? Well, in 9:2 God allows man to have rule over every beast/bird/fish, “Into your hand they are delivered.” This is the point where God allows man to eat meat. Did I mention I love meat?!

Genesis 1-5

Since I already began reading through the Bible two weeks ago and am just starting this blog now, I thought I would still record some of my thoughts I had journaled elsewhere when I started to read. Starting with Genesis 1, I read through the 7 days of creation and thought it was interesting that God gave all of the green plants on the ground for the animals and to man he gave the fruit on the trees and every plant that yields seed. It made me think "Wow, am I not supposed to eat meat?!" Maybe there was a point when Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael only ate vegetables and were found more nourished than those who had the royal food. I sure do love meat though!

The more I read the more I have been recalling Scripture that I had read throughout school. Here are some things I found interesting: Adam lived nine hundred and thirty years! Cain's son was Enoch, whose son was Methuseleh who lived nine hundred and sixty nine years! Out of Enoch's line Noah came. Noah lived to be nine hundred and fifty years old!