January 13–Genesis 43-46

“Your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; and the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn to pieces,” and I have not seen him since. If you take this one also from me, and harm befalls him, you will bring my grey hair down to Sheol in sorrow’ “(44:27-29).

The puzzle pieces are fitting together quickly, now! Without revealing his identity, but still searching for answers, Joseph puts his brothers under considerable stress. When he threatens to hold Benjamin (on a trumped-up charge) Judah begins to talk.

Judah begs for Benjamin’s freedom. Doing so, he reveals important information. Jacob, Joseph’s father, was no part of the original plot. In fact, the brothers lied to him. All these years, Jacob thought Joseph was killed by an animal. Years later, he still grieved.

Emotional and liberating moment! Hearing of his father’s love, Joseph found freedom, release from his pain. Sending his Egyptian servants away, with great emotion and many tears, he revealed himself to his brothers. Huge breakthrough! Joseph was a godly and successful man. None of his successes equaled the benefit of this powerful truth.

Not unique to Joseph. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us to call God, “Our Father.” Invisible reality. Like Joseph, when we receive (truly hear) the news that we are LOVED, deeply LOVED by God, healing relief floods into our hearts! In this certainty, we can face the insults and cruelty of the world. Forgiveness and freedom become possible.

Friend, have you, by faith, come to this powerful moment? Do you know this invisible, sorrow-releasing truth? Despite the years and miles and mistakes and sorrows, your Father LOVES you! He grieves for what has happened to you. He sees honestly your sins and the sins of others, but still has plans for you and wants you to come home!

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life. . .nor things present, nor things to come. . .will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38).

“How deep the Father’s love for us, how kind beyond all measure; that He would give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure” (Stuart Townend).

January 12–Genesis 41-42

“Then they said to one another, ‘Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us’. . .They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them” (42:21,23).

Amazing moment! As Joseph (unrecognized by his brothers) listens to their conversation, the puzzle pieces of his life drop into place. His long-asked questions are answered! 

Until this moment, he never knew his brothers felt guilty for their betrayal. He didn’t know that, even after many years, they still thought of him and regretted their actions. It was news to him that Reuben tried to protect him, and that his father and brother were still alive. Such a powerful and emotional moment! When he heard their remorse, Joseph wept, left the room to compose himself.

Friend, do you have similar unanswered questions? Did events happen, even years ago, that still trouble you? Do you carry heart-scars that ache for explanation or justice?

Scripture promises that eventually everything will be revealed. “God will bring to light the things hidden in darkness,” says 1 Corinthians 4:5. All questions, puzzles and confusion will ultimately be chased away in the brilliant light of God’s truth and justice.

We are thankful for the light we have now. In Daniel 9:22, an angel comes to give the prophet “insight and understanding”. Habakkuk had a similar need. Puzzled by the events of his day, he believed that God would help him understand, so he went to a quiet place to ask his question and listen for a response (Habakkuk 2:1).

Even so, in this present hour, our understanding is always partial. We “see through a glass, darkly.” When the Lord comes, He will bring a larger perspective and the missing pieces of the puzzle will be revealed. “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light” (Luke 8:17).

God’s requirement for His children is, therefore, PATIENCE. Like Joseph, we are called to obey and to wait. We trust God’s character AND His calendar!

Does this assurance inspire you? Darkness never has the last word. Ultimately, God will shine light on every heartbreak, every question. Go forward, believing friend! Trust! Obey! Wait! Someday soon all things will be revealed.

“Farther along, we’ll know all about it. Farther along, we’ll understand why. Cheer up, my brother. Live in the sunshine. We’ll understand it all, by and by” (W. B. Stevens).

January 11–Genesis 37-40

“His brothers. . .hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms” (Genesis 37:4).

“The Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it to prosper” (Genesis 39:23).

Joseph is an example of a Spiritual man. His life illustrates for us the trials and the triumph of those who walk by the Spirit.

At an early age, Joseph was aware of God. He dreamed and rightly regarded his dreams as prophesy, communications from God. His brothers resented him for it. They were both jealous and threatened. (Pilate reports the same heart in the enemies of Christ. See Matthew 27:18). From his brother’s animosity came a series of injustices. They assaulted him. Sold him as a slave. “Through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom,” said Paul with both resignation and courage (Acts 14:22). Those who follow Christ will experience opposition.

Despite the dangers, Joseph was blessed. “The Lord was with him.” See 39:2, 21, 23. He flourished in prison. As his dream predicted, his brothers eventually came and bowed down before him. Deep irony of Spiritual life! Our lives will be a strange mix of both conflict and conquest. Difficulty and victory.

It will take time, require patience. Victory will inevitably come to those who walk by the Spirit. “The one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). “The sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow,” are both part of the Spirit’s equation for our lives. (1 Peter 1:11). As a believer, I must never be impatient with the plan of God, nor uncertain of His promises.

Friend, are you willing to follow Christ on these terms? Like Joseph, are you patient in trouble, calm in chaos, certain of victory?

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you. . .as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

“Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is. . .when Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1,4).

January 10–Genesis 34-36

“You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name” (35:10).

Marvelous story! Despite his dysfunction, and that of his family, Jacob continues to take steps forward in sanctification. Grace does not require perfect people or circumstances. Progress is often our best proof of God’s presence.

It has likely been ten years since Jacob returned from Haran. He has not yet paid the vows he promised the Lord at Bethel. See Genesis 28.

His family still has idols. To this moment, Jacob has been too weak to give leadership on this matter. At the call and command of God, however, Jacob challenges his family to, “put away foreign gods,” and journey with him to a place of worship. Powerful moment! A father begins to lead his family toward righteousness.

At Bethel, God bestows on him (again) his new name and the covenant-promises. Jacob means “supplanter, cheater”. Israel means “he fights with God in prevailing prayer”. See Genesis 32. A new name! A strong name!

When we come to Jesus in faith, the Lord has a new name for all of us. This powerful new identity is not something we immediately grasp. Even now, I struggle to fully appreciate who I am in Christ. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when he appears, we will be like Him”(1 John 3:2). What a WONDER! A new me already exists! A new you, as well! Conformed to the image of His Son! We barely know our dignity or standing or purpose, but God does!

Friend, as you walk with the Lord today are you learning the new you or clinging to the old? One of God’s sweetest gifts for His children is a new name, the call to live into a new identity. Even if your understanding is only partial, can you answer? What is your new name? Who are you in Christ that you were not before?

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it”(Revelation 2:17).

January 9–Genesis 31-33

“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak”(32:24).

Dealing with God is painful. Not dealing with Him is even more. There is no easy option.

Over years, Jacob’s understanding of God had gradually grown. “A breath of a higher life is stirring in the shifty schemer who has all his life lived by his own wits” (Alexander Maclaren). On a particular night, he came to a crisis of faith, and after hours of wrestling with God, he experienced a breakthrough. He became a new man with a new name.

It was an intense moment. His brother Esau was heading toward him with four hundred men. Given the bitterness of the past, Jacob had huge (and understandable) fears for himself and his family. In great distress, Jacob prayed. See 32:9. After he prayed, he schemed and sent gifts. Nothing, however, calmed his anxious heart. Have you ever been restless, dear reader? Searched for peace, without success?

In the dark, as Jacob worried, a man came and began to wrestle with him. No words were spoken. Mysterious adversary. An attempt to throw Jacob down, to conquer him. Intuitively, desperately, Jacob resisted. Hour after long hour, the dark and wordless contest continued.

Eventually, it became apparent to Jacob that his opponent was God. “I have striven with God,” he said later. In a moment of insight, he realized that this struggle was a symbol and summary of his life-long resistance to God. Maybe your heart and story is like Jacob’s. Mine certainly is. My default is a need to control. Trust is hard.

As daybreak approached, the “man” commanded Jacob to release Him, so as not to be seen. Weakened by the struggle and changed by God’s grace, Jacob finally understood what needed to be said. Surrendering his old ideas of what is truly valuable, he turned his stubbornness in the direction of God! He refused to let go, except on the condition that, “God bless him.” On these terms, the God who scripted this encounter was glad to be conquered.

It is a picture of prayer. Not the kind that gets us what we want. Rather the kind that teaches us a stubborn surrender that gains for us what God intends. It is hard work! Was for Jacob. Will be for us, too. Even so, a breakthrough for all who desire God and refuse anything else.

In Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of woman who persevered in prayer. As the sun rose over the Jabbok, that morning so long ago, Jacob had a similar story. He was a new man with a new heart and a new name. He prevailed in prayer and was never the same.

May his story be ours, as well.

January 8–Genesis 28-30

“He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (28:12).

In the ancient world, your family was your protection. From harm. From hunger. There were no police forces, no fire and rescue units, no EMTs. Without a family (tribe), a person was vulnerable. As Jacob traveled away from family, he was anxious. With good reason.

As he slept that night, he had a dream. He saw a ladder (perhaps, “a stairway”) set on earth, connecting to heaven. On the ladder, moving up and down in purposeful traffic, were the angels of God. As Jacob observed this wonder, the Lord stood above Him and spoke promises. Promises of grace. Promises like those given to Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham. A revelation for Jacob. God is near. Heaven and earth are connected. Constant traffic between the two worlds.

When he woke, Jacob took steps of genuine, if immature, faith. He decided to “deal” with God. Perhaps, he thought, God could be the protection I need! Even if his words seem like bartering to us, it is a first positive step! Jacob is learning of a God who guides and protects. Are you dealing with God, dear one?

In John 1, Jesus referenced this story. (It is one of many examples of our Lord’s regard for Scripture, the authority He gave it.) In conversation with Nathanael, Jesus claimed that He (Christ) was(is) the ladder upon which the traffic between heaven and earth moves. Do you want to be a part of God’s realm? God’s world? Jesus is the ladder. The Son is your way up to the Father and His way down to you.

The old spiritual song imagines us “climbing Jacob’s ladder”. Genesis actually describes the reality in slightly different terms. In Christ, we are connected to Heaven. Our eyes are opened to the reality of the supernatural. We are invited into God’s activity and protection. Sweet gift from God! For the first time, maybe ever, we feel safe. We learn that the way forward is not scheming self-reliance but trust!

Do you feel insecure? Alone? Anxious? Jacob did, too, until He saw the ladder.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

“Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountains were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17).

January 7–Genesis 25-27

“Thus Esau despised his birthright” (25:34).

Sad story. Familiar. Esau made a great mistake. In this present day, many follow him.

Esau was the first-born twin, Jacob the second. They were not identical (not in personality or calling or assignment.) Before they were born, God spoke to their mother. “The older shall serve the younger” (25:23). We will leave for later the discussion on the freedom of God to make choices. “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord in Jeremiah 29:11. God does not consult with us, nor need our approval for His decisions. See Romans 9.

Over time, Esau’s character became apparent. He was disinterested in the things of God. In a moment of hunger, he despised his birthright by selling it to Jacob for a bowl of lentils. Hebrew bazah, “to despise, to regard as having no value.”

The birthright of the elder son gave him precedence over his brothers. It amounted to a double share of the inheritance with the opportunity for leadership in the family. Rather than treasure this sacred responsibility, Esau took it for granted, dismissed it. Material life was his daily focus. “The mind set on the flesh is death,” says Scripture.

Do we the same? Do we take seriously the privileges God has given us in the gospel? Scripture, the power of prayer, the encouragement of a Spiritual community? Do we treasure and pursue these birthrights or do ignore and despise them?

Esau will later blame and hate his brother for his failure. See 27:36. Easy to do, isn’t it? Blaming others is often an attempt to escape responsibility for my own choices and sinfulness. While the Scripture makes no attempt to excuse Jacob’s behavior, the responsibility for Esau’s life was his own.

As the New Year begins, will you take Esau’s life as a warning? Will you allow it to be an encouragement to “keep seeking the things above?” See Colossians 3:1. Zeal can be cultivated. Must be. With gratitude and discipline, God’s children can treasure and pursue the Father’s gifts. It is a great mistake not to.

“Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly. . .who set their mind on earthy things” (Philippians 3:19).

“That there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears” (Hebrews 12:16-17).

January 6–Genesis 22-24

“Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you” (22:2).

It seems cruel. Unreasonable. We can barely believe God is asking it. After years of waiting for the birth of his son, Abraham is now commanded to sacrifice Isaac. “My thoughts are not your thoughts,” says the Lord. God has higher agendas than we can know.

A pre-echo of the cross, no less cruel, no less irrational. God does not ask His people to bear what He refuses for Himself. Suffering and loss are part of redemption’s story.

Loving God requires ALL my heart. An exclusive relationship. No other affection can be equal to Him. No idol. No person or pursuit. Not even my family or happiness or survival. At various points along the way, God draws those who love Him toward perfect union. He asks for THE thing that is dearest to us. “God jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us” (James 4:4). Exclusive love is God’s goal. He tests us on this point.

Isaac didn’t die on that mountain, but Abraham did. As readers, we are relieved to learn that God made provision for a sacrifice. (Exactly what Abraham anticipated.) Nothing, however, softens the emotional stress or painful choice God required of His friend that day. God called him to walk beyond the limits of the man he previously had been. “Deny self,” says Jesus. “Follow Me,” even when it painful.

“When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer). It is a recurring pattern for all who follow Christ. We are called to pick up the CROSS daily. To die to our privileges and our dreams and our comforts. Pledged in principle at the beginning, self-denial is learned and confirmed in daily practice and obedience. “He learned obedience through the things He suffered,” says Hebrews 5:8. Until it hurts, obedience is just a concept.

Friend, do you know the God who demands so much, who merits such sacrifice? Does your old self protest that His demands are too difficult? As Abraham pondered these concerns, he made a deep and eternally wise choice. “God’s wisdom is greater than mine. I will not second-guess. I will obey and trust Him to work it for good.”

“It is in dying that we are born to eternal life” (Francis of Assisi).

“Then Thomas said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, so that we may die with Him’ ” (John 11:16).

January 5–Genesis 18-21

“Now the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre. . .when he lifted up his eyes. . .three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran. . .to meet them. . .So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes’ ” (18:1-2, 6).

As you read God’s word, today, did you learn from Him? Scripture is God’s voice, God’s word. As we study, He is faithful to guide us into all righteousness. With great sincerity, we must heed what the Spirit is saying.

Did you notice the words that indicate haste or hurry? “He ran.” “He hurried.” Abraham told Sarah to prepare, “quickly.” Afte twenty-five years, the time had come! The fulfillment of God’s promise! When the angel visitors came, Abraham sensed the moment. See 19:1. How he recognized them we do not know. One of the three, I am convinced, was the Lord, Himself. The pre-incarnate Christ. See 18:10, 17.

Spiritual growth is a process. We must not resist this fact, nor resent it. God uses years to develop His children. Slowly, He softens our wills, gives us ears. Painful assignment for us. Even so, God’s love and patience are the same. He uses time because we need it, learn best with it.

Spiritual growth is also filled with decisive moments. When God’s time finally arrives, circumstances will change rapidly. New paths will be presented to be embraced with enthusiasm. Airplanes know this truth. To take off, you need speed. Abraham hurried because he believed.

As paradoxical as it seems, God requires BOTH skills of His children. The ability to wait (when it is time for waiting) and the ability to hurry (when it is time for action and forward movement). The story of Lot’s wife warns us. See Genesis 19. Given an opportunity to flee, she proved unprepared. She did not (would not) hurry. She looked back and was judged.

Where are your track shoes, dear reader? When God speaks, He expects us to move quickly.

” A year from now, you may wish you had started today” (Karen Lamb).

“Immediately they left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:18).

“Haste, haste to give Him laud, the babe, the child of Mary” (“What Child is This?” traditional Christmas carol, italics mine).

January 4–Genesis 14-17

“Then he (Abram) believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” (15:6).

It is a step required of us all. God will call us to step forward on a path that is not completely clear or logical, certainly not what the world, or the flesh, prefers. Much evidence of His goodness and presence will be provided, but nothing that amounts to full understanding. We will be called to believe God. To accept what He says. To obey what He commands.

It will be our salvation to do so. When we believe, God credits us with right standing. As He did with Abraham, He reckons righteousness to us. Hasab (Hebrew), “to think, calculate, account.” Faith is the door into a relationship with God, and the essential quality of the relationship going forward. “By faith, men of old gained approval,” says Hebrews 11:2.

In our text today, when Abraham believed, the Hebrew word is aman. From it, we get the English word “amen”. In the original language, it pictured a man coming to stand at the right side of another. To believe God is to stand WITH Him in His declared purpose. Surrendering our doubts and preferences, we affirm His choice. We join our lives to Him.

For years, I was distant from God. Independent, self-determined, anxious and afraid. By God’s grace, eventually, I realized that my distance was insult. “They did not honor Him as God or give Him thanks,” says Romans 1:21. My story. Sadly, everyone’s story.

Through faith, my terrible separation came to an end! In Christ, by grace, through faith, I became a member of God’s family. Permanently home. And just as He did for Abraham, God reckoned me righteous!

Dear one, will you believe God? In full surrender of your complaints and rights, will you say, “amen,” to God, His direction and decisions and word? Will you go and stand at His right hand, align yourself with His will? Doing so, Abram’s testimony will be yours, too.

“I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face, questions die away. What other answer would suffice?” (C. S. Lewis).

“Your faith has made you well” (Jesus, Mark 5:34).