Tag: faith

The Dividing Christ

Neal Pollard

Wait a minute! We rightly say that Jesus died so that we all might be one in Him as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-21). How do we reconcile that with what Jesus says in Luke 12? He says He came to grant division (51). “Grant” means to give out, bestow, or donate, also with the idea of producing or imposing (BDAG 242-243). When Jesus makes this statement, it’s in the midst of a very distressing prospect for His own physical future (50) but also the impact His completed mission would have on His followers. 

HE REVEALS THE FACT OF THE DIVISION (Luke 12:49-53). This had to surprise His disciples for Jesus to issue this warning. Houses would divide over Him, as some tried to follow Him while others fought against Him. He desires us all to have peace (John 14:27; Col. 3:15), but it is a peace that requires submission and obedience to Him. That very prospect works like a sword (Mat. 10:34) that fights against peace for those who refuse to take Christ on His terms. Our response to Jesus may divide us from parents, children, in-laws, and no doubt siblings and even spouses (cf. 1 Pet. 3:1ff). How many of us today have experienced that very thing? Surely God would want us to be at peace, but choosing Him when loved ones refuse to do so inevitably causes division. 

HE REVEALS THE SOURCE OF THE DIVISION (Luke 12:54-56). There is a seeming abrupt change of subject here. How does their ability to read the weather relate to what Jesus has just taught? He is talking about a mindset or worldview. People in His day, like ours, were adept at analyzing earthly things like predicting weather from observing the earth and sky, but could not analyze things of greater importance. Here was Jesus who had come with the truth, something they should be able to hear, consider, and then rightly choose, but instead they chose to reject it. As long as there are those who treat Jesus this way, there will be division. 

HE REVEALS A WAY TO PREVENT DIVISION (57-59). Jesus closes this paragraph dealing with how to achieve peace when it comes to earthly things. It may be unavoidable that there will be division when it comes to who is lord of our lives, but there are ways to keep peace. If we see the spiritual as more important than the material, we will avoid unnecessary division with others. Jesus calls this judging what is right (57). Don’t fight and divide over earthly disputes. These drain our time, energy, and maybe more! It may exact a higher price than we anticipated. Reserve your fight for what really matters–things spiritual and eternal. 

We are in a divided world right now. That’s not just true politically, but certainly also spiritually. Everyone whose heart is open to the truth are those with whom we can find the common ground of unity in Christ. But our allegiance to Him may also make us some enemies. Jesus warns of this potential, but He also warns us not to unnecessarily create barriers that divide us from others. Discipleship is about priorities, prioritizing Jesus’ will above our own interests. That can be hard, but that mindset can help us win those in the world who are searching for truth. 

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XXXIX)

They Hated Him Even More (37:1-36)

Neal Pollard

Moses lays down one more peg in the progression of this inspired account, with the repeated marker “these are the records of the generations…” (2). He focuses on Jacob’s sons and most especially “the son of his old age,” Joseph (3). Jacob’s father and mother had played favorites, to disastrous results. Despite himself, Jacob (Israel) “loved Joseph more than all his sons” (3). This created destructive dysfunction. 

He indicates this elevated favor with a tunic. While the Septuagint (Greek O.T.) and Vulgate call it a coat of “many colors,” it was likely an expensive, ornamented, and long robe. A great discussion of this is found in Reyburn and Fry’s “A Handbook On Genesis”: “Speiser finds support in cuneiform inventories that suggest it was ‘an ornamented tunic,’ that is, a tunic or robe that was decorated by sewing ornaments to the cloth. Von Rad describes it as ‘a luxury which only those who did not have to work could think of having.’ In summary the garment may refer to a robe, coat, or long shirt-like piece of clothing. It was clearly a very special garment that gave Joseph a status not shared by his brothers” (848). 

With this tension in the background, we find the pivotal actions of this chapter resonating throughout the rest of the book of Genesis (with the exception of Moses’ inclusion of Judah’s indiscretion with Tamar in chapter 38; that is an aside which helps provide an emphasis on this final “toledoth” on Judah and Joseph whose descendants would be most prominent among the tribes).  Let us notice some important features of this chapter, wherein Joseph’s favor led to his fall.

The favoritism (1-4). Jacob’s foolish decision to make a special coat for his favorite son is only one way we see the favoritism highlighted. Moses casts a contrast by mentioning the maids of Rachel and Leah, underlings of less favored status than Joseph. The mention of Bilhah and Zilpah make us think of Rachel when we read about Joseph. Moses then notes that Joseph is the son of his old age. 

The fuel for their fury (3-11). While their later behavior is wholly unjustified, we can sympathize to some degree with the brothers’ dislike of Joseph. Not only do they resent the special status signified by the tunic (4), but there is the bad report Joseph gave his father about them (2) topped off by the two dreams that must have seemed the height of audacity (5-10). In both dreams, his family would bow down to him. The brothers are jealous (11), and even his father rebukes him for sharing the dream (10). We are left to wonder if Joseph struggles with either immaturity or self-righteousness, but the greater fault lies with the brothers and how their resentment grew into something far more sinister. 

The fateful fall (12-30,36). Things dramatically change one particular day when his brothers are tending the sheep in Shechem. Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers (12). Many have observed the steady stream of providence flowing through this entire account. For Joseph, this begins with the events already highlighted that led his brothers to hate him. But it can be seen in the minute details of the account. Joseph is lost and happens to run into a man who knew where his brothers were (15-17). They move their flocks from Shechem to Dothan, which puts them where a caravan route was (17,28). Reuben will happen to be present to ensure Joseph isn’t killed by his jealous brothers, but is absent when Judah recommends they sell him to the Midianite traders (28). The traders take him to Egypt and sell him to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s officer, captain of his bodyguard (36). Judah will sell them on the idea of making profit on their hated brother rather than bringing blood-guiltiness on themselves by killing him (27).

Matthews notes, “This garment introduces the important literary idea of clothing in the Joseph narrative. The bestowal and removal of Joseph’s attire signified change in his social standing. The stripping of his garment by his brothers (v. 23) and the seizure of his cloak by Potiphar’s wife (39:12–13) represented his descending status—from favored son to slave, from slave overseer to prisoner. The snatched garments were used in both cases to bolster false claims against Joseph” (NAC, 689). 

The forlorn father (31-35). The brothers sell the lie to their brother by dipping Joseph’s tunic in goat’s blood and through insinuation and deception convincing their father that Joseph was dead. This causes Jacob protracted (34) and inconsolable grief (35). As he had lost Joseph’s mother, his favored wife, prematurely, now he had lost his favored son. Unbeknownst to him, Joseph was alive if not well in Potiphar’s house.

Temporary Versus Permanent

Eli Watson

Good evening, Today before church I was working on cleaning a house out; the lady that had lived here passed two years ago, and in the meantime the objects in the house sat and gathered dust. And after taking countless trash bags out to the dumpster, it got me thinking about how none of the earthly possessions we collect in this life matter. They’re not coming with us nor will we need/miss them when we’re gone. Let us turn our attention to Matthew 6:19-21, which says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

These words offer a powerful reminder that our earthly existence is not meant to be permanent. God, in His infinite wisdom, has instilled within each of us a deep yearning for something beyond the boundaries of this temporary life. Our souls are eternal, but we are on a temporary trip. We have a longing and sense to be with him for eternity because that’s what He had intended from the beginning when He was walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve. Making the right decisions in life by focusing on what’s truly important is the only way to get back to him though. 

Now, before we jump to the wrong conclusion, Jesus didn’t say that … 

You can’t own a phone

You can’t buy a computer.

You can’t purchase a home.

You can’t drive a car.

You can’t buy gifts for someone.

You can’t save or invest money for retirement.

You can’t buy more than one shirt or a pair of jeans.

What Jesus did say was, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth …” 

Said another way, stop focusing on accumulating money and things and set your heart pursuing “treasures in heaven,” which leads us to the next question. What does this mean?

Consider the seasons of life mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. A time to be born, a time to die, a time to weep, and a time to laugh – all encompassing the spectrum of human experiences. Each phase serves as a stitch in the tapestry of our existence. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this earthly journey is not our final destination. There’s a longing for eternity within us. In acknowledging our impermanence, we can take a look at the apostle Paul, who in 2 Corinthians 4:18 encourages us to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. This shift in focus beckons us to consider the eternal significance of our actions, relationships, and faith. Everything that we do in this short life counts, but the possessions we have won’t affect our judgement day determinations, there’s no Forbes list in heaven. 

Our temporary journey on Earth prompts us to seek a deeper connection with God. It’s an opportunity to align our lives with His divine purpose, and spread his word along the way. That’s one of the most important parts of our walk in this life, and as we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that our existence here is just a sneak peak to the everlasting reality promised through faith in Jesus Christ.

The transient nature of life doesn’t diminish its value; instead, it underlines the importance of living purposefully. In Psalm 90:12, we’re encouraged to “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This wisdom involves recognizing the brevity of life and using our time wisely, investing in eternal treasures. These eternal treasures don’t care about your credit score or any debt to income ratios but rather of the spiritual score, are you living the way you know you should. Having the spiritual wisdom and maturity to get through this life will be what matters in the end. 

Our journey on Earth also invites us to share the love and hope found in Christ with those around us. Matthew 28:19-20 compels us to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we participate in God’s redemptive plan, extending the invitation to eternal life to others. While on this earth we were instructed to be fishers of men, and we are meant to use draw people in by showing them the love of God that is pouring out of us. We have been given an opportunity to show the everlasting mercy and grace of God that has been shown to us. 

In conclusion, as we contemplate the temporary nature of our earthly existence, let us be inspired to live intentionally. May we find purpose in aligning our actions with God’s will, nurturing deep connections with Him, and sharing His love with a world longing for eternal hope. For in the tapestry of life, our temporary moments find eternal significance in the hands of our Creator.

Bearing the Marks of Truth:

Living the Gospel in the Footsteps of Paul

Brent Pollard

Paul made a statement in Galatians 6.17 that is worth considering. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he declared, “From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (ESV). This statement raises the question: was he speaking literally? Did his fearless preaching of Jesus Christ result in physical marks? Considering the hardships listed in 2 Corinthians 11—195 stripes from the Jews, beatings with rods, and being stoned in Lystra—it’s plausible that Paul bore physical scars from these experiences. It’s unlikely any of us bear such marks for Jesus.

However, Paul’s message delves deeper than the physical scars. His letter to the Galatians also defended against accusations of being a false apostle. Critics claimed he received his message from men, not from divine revelation. Paul countered this by pointing to his scars as evidence of his apostleship and dedication to God’s truth. Thus, his physical marks were not just scars but proof of his faithfulness and the truth he preached.

This proof leads to a reflective question: if someone examined your life closely, would they see the truth of God’s Word as clearly as they might see the physical scars on Paul? It’s a challenging thought. Paul encourages us to bear the marks of Jesus, the marks of truth, in our lives. Remember Jesus’ words in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (ESV). God’s word, the Bible, calls us to bear its marks in our lives actively.

Bearing the marks of Jesus Christ means living in alignment with His teachings and principles, allowing His truth to permeate every aspect of our lives. This involves reflecting His love, grace, and forgiveness in our interactions and consistently seeking to grow in understanding and applying His Word. As we embody God’s truth, we become living testimonies of His transformative power and a beacon of hope to those around us.

In conclusion, the marks of Jesus Christ that Paul bore are a profound metaphor for Christian life. Whether physical scars from persecution or the spiritual imprints of living according to Christ’s teachings, these marks signify a life committed to the gospel. Paul’s dedication serves as a reminder of discipleship’s cost and divine truth’s strength. As followers of Christ today, we are challenged to bear our own marks through our actions and life choices, not necessarily through physical suffering but through a commitment to living out His teachings. Let us strive to make the gospel’s truth visible in our lives, serving as clear indicators of our faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, thereby honoring the legacy of apostles like Paul and contributing to the witness of God’s kingdom on earth. 

Thoughts On Love (Part 2)

Gary Pollard

Love for other people means taking care of them, even if we don’t like them. We’re also expected to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. How is it possible to show love to God the same way we show love to people? It isn’t possible, because God needs nothing. Everything we have comes from him, so we cannot give him anything he doesn’t already have. 

Jesus told a story about two sons. Their father asked them to work in the field — one of them said, “I will,” the other said, “I won’t.” The one who agreed to work never went to the fields, and the one who didn’t want to work eventually worked. Who actually did what their dad asked them to do? 

We show love for God by doing what he wants us to do, even if we don’t want to do it. It’s very difficult (often bordering impossible) to love our enemies. But if we love God, we’ll love our enemies. In our current political climate, it’s very tempting to violate the unconstitutional policies that have been shoved down our throats for decades. But if we love God, we’ll follow every law that doesn’t demand sin on our part. If we ever reach a point where our physical safety is threatened because of our faith, we will remain passive if we love God. 

Having love for God means doing what he wants us to do. John makes it very clear that we cannot love God and hate other humans at the same time. We cannot love God and neglect our Christian family. The point of love is to prove the goodness of God! If we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, the natural expression of this is to take care of the people God created! Loving God means emulating his nature — God is love. He proved this by sacrificing his son while we were neck-deep in violating everything he holds sacred. We deserved nothing, and he gave us everything. If we love God, we try to emulate that level of sacrifice for other people. 

From Disciple To Devil

Dale Pollard

Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s gospels all showcase for us the growth of Peter as a Christ-follower. In Matthew’s account Peter will be praised by Jesus— then rebuked by Him. The roller coaster ride Peter experienced is felt in the text but there’s more to this account than just an uncomfortable interaction. Peter declares the sonship of Christ through heavenly revelation, then Jesus refers to him as Satan just a few verses later. 

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human.” – Matt. 16.21-23

When we step back and look at the chapter as a whole we can see Peter’s response to Jesus as he informs  them (the disciples) that He must die and be raised seems to be one motivated purely out of love. Peter doesn’t want his teacher, friend, and master to die. That’s understandable. He even takes the Lord aside so as to not rebuke Jesus in front of the other disciples. This wasn’t something done in Peter’s mind to thwart the plans of God, but the response to this is unexpected. Did Peter deserve to be called Satan? 

His rebuke was a stumbling block to Jesus. 

Jesus was on a mission but the Pharisees, Scribes, the Roman government, and plenty of others had made the ministry of Jesus difficult- still He was able to overcome. When challenged by them Jesus was able to masterfully handle their questions and accusations. Those were challenges He faced by the wicked and cunning crowds, but someone as close to Jesus as Peter would have presented a different temptation. It’s difficult for us to hear persuasive voices from those close to us like friends and family. They have the ability to talk you out of or into all manner of things and many times this is a great help. Their advice is often appreciated more than those of outsiders. However this can also be a challenge to us in negative ways if their counsel leads us further from God. Peter deserved such a swift and blunt response because it was a threat to the will of the Father, and this is a good principle for us to follow today. 

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XXXV)

Reunited (33:1-20)

Neal Pollard

Have you ever dreaded something so entirely that you couldn’t eat, sleep, or concentrate? Some looming and fearful prospect, a dreaded conversation, some bill or taxes, an anticipated diagnosis, is all-consuming and prevents you from functioning like normal? That surely describes the emotion of Jacob in anticipation of seeing a brother from whose presence he had fled decades earlier. He sees Esau and his 400 men coming (1), so he braces for the confrontation by dividing his wives, maids, and their children presumably in favored order with Rachel and Joseph at the very rear (2). He goes to the head of the line and humbles himself by bowing seven times to the ground before he reaches his brother (3). Can you imagine? Perhaps he feels that these are his last moments on earth. 

Esau comes running toward him, but imagine Jacob’s surprise when he’s met with a hearty hug and kiss instead of a sword or fist (4). Both of them weep (4). Esau looks at the caravan of children along with their mothers and he inquires about them. Jacob introduces the eleven sons and his daughter, with Zilpah, Bilhah, Leah, and Rachel (5-7). After meeting them, Esau’s next concern is why Jacob had met him with such an extravagant gift (8-11; cf. 32:13-16). Jacob explains that God has blessed him tremendously and he wishes to share that with his cheated brother (10-11). After some persuasion, Esau reluctantly accepts it (11).

Then, Esau extends hospitality to his brother (12-16). Jacob politely declines both overtures, explaining that his company could not keep pace (13-14) and that Esau leaving men in their company is too much and not necessary (15). Jacob is relieved to experience Esau’s mercy and is content to move on with his life assured in the knowledge of their reconciliation. We assume that they parted on good terms, but the text is silent.

Both brothers are transformed. Jacob has both gotten a generous taste of his own medicine with Laban and received revelation and blessings from God. It has changed him, a thoroughly penitent, sacrificial, courageous man who faces his brother. Esau is no longer bitter or resentful, but even generous and certainly magnanimous. What a beautiful picture of two men who were once at odds but who could see the bigger picture. The fact that they were brothers was more important than what once divided them. What a lesson for God’s people today!

The chapter ends by charting Jacob’s resumption of his journey toward Canaan. He had fled 700 miles from Beersheba northeast to Haran, but had now traversed most of that distance back toward the southwest. Leaving his brother in modern-day Jordan, he crosses into the land of Canaan going from Succoth to Paddan-aram to Shechem (16-19). He bought a piece of land there and, just like his father and grandfather, he prioritizes worship by building an altar and called it “God, God of Israel” (20). From deceiver to devotee, schemer to supplicant, and conniver to committed, Jacob is no longer the man who conspired with his mother to steal from his brother and lie to his father. He is “Israel,” the one who not only strove with God but was permanently changed by his encounter with Him. 

Think back to your “old man.” If you reflect honestly, those times were not as enjoyable and fulfilling as you might have told yourself at the time. There is no happiness minus commitment to God. But look at how God shaped and transformed you through His Word, His providence, His blessings, and His goodness. As you’ve grown in trust and commitment, think of how much better life is as you’ve striven to become the “new man.” It’s truly fulfilling (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23; Titus 3:5-6). Jacob appears to have experienced such a process and was blessed for it! 

The Message Of The Cross

Carl Pollard

“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, til my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.” 

The cross has long been an integral part of Christianity. It has been a symbol of faith, a marker of hope, and a reminder of God’s love. 2000 years ago Jesus died on a cross, and ever since, millions have associated Christianity with a cross. Before Christ was crucified on one, the cross was just a terrible way of putting someone to death. 

Crucifixion was used by the Persians, Greeks, and Macedonians, but the Roman’s really perfected it. 

Tens of thousands of people have been put to death on a cross throughout history.

It was considered at the time to be one of the most brutal, shameful and humiliating ways to die. The cross was seen as a source of death and pain, but Jesus turned it into a symbol of life and joy. God’s own Son forever changed the meaning of the cross when He was nailed to one and gave His life. Now when you google, “the cross” the first thing that pops up is a description of Christianity and our beliefs. 

Jesus changed the entire purpose of a cross, and He did it for us. Sadly, the cross doesn’t mean to some what it means to others. The cross is a reminder of the life we have to come, but for others it is a made up story or fairytale. It is truly incredible how two people can look at the cross and think two entirely different things. 

Interestingly enough, Paul actually wrote about this very problem in 1 Corinthians 1. 

Written around 55 AD, Paul, the author, wrote to the church at Corinth for several reasons. They needed to understand the difference between divine and human wisdom. They needed pointers on marriage and sexual conduct. They had an idol problem, weren’t sure how Sunday services should be conducted, had no idea about the resurrection, and so much more. All in all there’s a lot to learn from this letter, but the part we will look at is found in 1:18-25. 

Chapter 1-4 is all about human wisdom versus divine wisdom. If you’ve ever wondered why the world thinks we’re crazy, Paul answers that in this section. 

The message of the cross. The cross causes different reactions in each person. 

The cross divides, delivers, and decides. 

  • The Cross Divides The Saved and Lost (18) 
  • The Cross Delivers True Wisdom (19-21) 
  • The Cross Decides Your Future (22-25) 

”The teaching about the cross seems foolish to those who are lost. But to us who are being saved it is the power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I will confuse the understanding of the intelligent.” Isaiah 29:14 So what does this say about the philosopher, the law expert, or anyone in this world who is skilled in making clever arguments? God has made the wisdom of the world look foolish. This is what God in his wisdom decided: Since the world did not find him through its own wisdom, he used the message that sounds foolish to save those who believe it. The Jews ask for miraculous signs, and the Greeks want wisdom. But this is the message we tell everyone: Christ was killed on a cross. This message is a problem for Jews, and to other people it is nonsense. But Christ is God’s power and wisdom to the people God has chosen, both Jews and Greeks. Even the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. Even the weakness of God is stronger than human strength“ (1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭25,‬ ‭ERV)‬‬

What does the cross mean to you?

“God Is So Good”

Neal Pollard

You might notice over your heading of Psalm 107 that it begins “Book Five.” You also do not see David’s name over this psalm. There may be clues pointing to this being one of the later psalms, even after Babylonian Captivity (1-3). Many believe this was a song sung by Jewish pilgrims who sang it on their way to Jerusalem for one of the major feast days. It is full of parallelism, where the writer says the same thing two similar ways (nearly every verse contains this, except 3,12,26,34,37, and 40). 

But as we pay attention to its structure, it looks like it contains four main “strophes” (poetic stanzas).  Each strophe ends with the same chorus or refrain: “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men” (8,15,21,31). It covers the full range of human distress and problems and God’s gracious response. We struggle, God delivers, and for that we should always be thankful! Truly, God is so good!

GOD IS GOOD WHEN WE WANDER (4-9)

Historically, we would think of the wilderness wandering or even being scattered by captivity. But this seems bigger than just one occasion. Whether we wander by sin, wander because of struggles and distresses, God is still so good to be our beacon and compass. He will help us find our way home, which should fill our hearts with gratitude. He can lead us back from any and every direction we have gone. 

GOD IS GOOD WHEN WE ARE OPPRESSED (10-16)

Sometimes our struggle is not of our own making and choosing. Sometimes, though, it is the result of our rebellion. Either way, when we face darkness and death, chains and misery, He brings us out and breaks us free. No one has to stay in spiritual prison. God offers freedom. That should draw our gratitude, He’s so good! 

GOD IS GOOD WHEN WE ARE HURTING (17-22)

He writes of afflictions and distresses, again some of which are self-inflicted and others which are brought upon us. It doesn’t matter which way it happens, God can heal our wounds. His word is medicine and He is the Great Physician. There is salvation and deliverance. 

GOD IS GOOD WHEN WE ARE IN DANGER (23-32)

Perhaps one of the most graphic illustrations of danger is of being storm-tossed at sea. Stormy winds and waves threaten to capsize us and expose us to the deep. We may at times feel like we’re hanging on by a thread, in desperation. 

This psalm makes me think of the hymn, “Does Jesus Care?” The writer brings up four different scenarios where we hurt or struggle, and we are reminded of how much He cares! There’s a good chance you are struggling right now or you have just been through struggle or are about to go through it. Please remember the goodness of God and His ability to help you through it.  But He hushes the winds and stills the storms. God is so good! 

The writer closes by speaking of all the ways God turns chaos into calm (33-43). He may not have mentioned your specific trial in this psalm, but he covered it. Remember, no matter what you face, He will bless you and help you through it all! No doubt, it will make you sing, “God is so good!”

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XXV)

Finding The Right Wife (24:1-67)

Neal Pollard

The spiritual growth of Abraham was so incredible that, though God had blessed him so much in a material sense, he is burdened about finding Isaac a wife God would approve of (1-9). Abraham makes his servant swear by the God of heaven that he would assist him in finding his son a wife in keeping with the promises and protections he had received from the Lord. Abraham expected divine guidance and providence in the process (7-8).

Abraham’s servant sets out on this mission endowed with material goods and livestock for use in luring a potential bride and her family (10-11). Perhaps Gideon later would have had privy to the plan of this servant, or perhaps the practice of seeking a non-miraculous sign of God’s providence was common among the ancients. But, he prays for Isaac’s wife to be the woman who voluntarily draws water not just him but also for the camels (12-14). God answers his prayer while he’s still praying it, and her name was Rebekah. Rebekah is described as beautiful (16), sexually pure (16), and servant-hearted (17-21). Despite God clearly sending what he asked for, the servant still ponders whether or not it was God’s hand (21). What a reminder of the importance to ask God in faith with nothing wavering (Js. 1:6). 

The servants wants to know about her family, and what she tells him causes him to know that not only is she from Abraham’s homeland, but that she is related (22-24). Any doubt he had about God’s intervention is resolved, and “the man bowed low and worshipped the Lord” (26). He exclaimed, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His lovingkindness and His truth toward my master; as for me, the Lord has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brothers” (27). We are impressed that either Abraham cherished this servant because of his faith, or his faith flourished because he was exposed to the example of Abraham–or maybe it was both. 

Rebekah reports this exchange to her mother’s household. Her brother, Laban, becomes her representative and spokesman. What we come to learn of his character, ultimately, makes us wonder if his angle is financial more than spiritual. The text mentions that he saw the lavish gifts on her wrist before he heard her report (30). Laban welcomes Abraham’s servant, whose motives seem much nobler. Before he will eat or relax after his long journey, the servant recounts the details of his mission and the events that had just transpired (31-49).

Rebekah’s father, Bethuel, and brother are quick to confirm this as providential (50), and they are ready to offer Rebekah in exchange for the gold, silver, and garments for her benefit, and also “precious things to her brother and to her mother” (53). Abraham’s servant worships God again (52). The servant and the men with him enjoy their hospitality, but they are ready to return to Abraham the next day (54). Despite Rebekah’s family’s request that she remain for up to ten days, the servant is anxious to return. The family let Rebekah decide, and she is ready to immediately go (55-59). Her family blesses her and sends her off (60-61).

Isaac and Rebekah’s meeting might even be classified as romantic. Isaac is meditating in the field as she comes in the procession at the close of day. Curious, he walks toward the caravan. She veils herself as they meet, “then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her; thus Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death” (67). 

Isn’t this one of the purest, most inspiring love stories not only in Scripture but in recorded history? A father who placed his son’s spiritual well-being above his portfolio or prestige. A man who trusts his father’s efforts to bless his life. A woman who prepared herself for vast blessings through a lifetime of humble service. A servant who depended on God every step of the way to play his part to get them together. And a God who at work the whole time. Isaac was devastated by his mother’s death, yet comforted by the wife God gave him. 

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XXIV)

Sarah Dies (23:1-20)

Neal Pollard

In our modern world where women typically outlive their husbands, we may find it surprising that Abraham will outlive Sarah by nearly a half century. “The years of the life of Sarah” were 127 (1). She dies in Hebron, in the land their descendants would one day own, and Abraham mourned her loss (2). Afterward, he had practical matters to settle (3). He approaches “the sons of Heth,” descended from Canaan (10:15) and the ancestors of the Hittites. In Scripture, they are typically allies of Israel rather than enemies (2 Sa. 11:3; 2 Ki. 7:6; 2 Chr. 1:17). 

Perhaps it is an overlooked evidence of faith that Abraham wants to buy a burial place in the land promised to but not yet possessed by him (4). Throughout Genesis, we will see more and more of Abraham’s family buried there–Abraham (25:9), Isaac and Rebekah (49:30-31), and Jacob (50:13). After the conquest, Hebron would belong to the inheritance of the nation descended from Abraham.

These proto-Hittites first propose one of their own tombs, but Abraham wants a place of his own that he does not have to share with these generous people (4-6). Not only that, but Abraham names the place, the cave of Machpelah, which he wants to buy from their presumed leader, Ephron (7-9). Ephron wishes to give the cave as a gift to Abraham, but the patriarch wants ownership to be clear for subsequent generations (10-13). Is there a bit of horse-trading humor when, after saying he would give it to Abraham, Ephron says when pressed, “My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead” (15). Abraham was listening (16), and paid the full price and was given the deed to the field and the cave along with all the trees in the field (17-20).

By burying his wife there and buying the land, Abraham was making a small downpayment on a place that would someday belong to the nation descending from him. This wife, Sarah, is remembered as really an ideal model for all wives in 1 Peter 3:1-6. She was submissive and obedient to her husband, she did what was right, and she was courageous. The writer of Hebrews likewise exalts her faith to believe that at 90 years old she could become a first-time mother (Heb. 11:11). Her loss was a source of grief and mourning to Abraham. Despite their inevitable foibles and faults, they were a “power couple”! They were driven together by a partnership that embraced the promises of God and “being fully assured that what God had promised, He was also able to perform” (Rom. 4:21). 

The Meat

Gary Pollard

There were some members of the early church who had difficulty accepting some of the basic teachings of Christianity. The Hebrews writer told them, “We have many things to tell you about this. But it’s hard to explain because you’ve stopped trying to understand. You’ve had enough time by now that you should be teachers. But you need someone to teach you again the first lessons of God’s teaching. You still need the teaching that is like milk. … Anyone who lives on this is still a baby and not able to understand much about living right. But solid food is for people who have grown up. From their experience they’ve learned to see the difference between good and evil” (Hb 5.11-14). 

What’s the basic stuff that prevents us from being mature? 

6.2 — Baptisms. This is probably Jewish washings and other irrelevant customs from the old system. They should’ve been past this by now. 

6.2 — This one doesn’t really apply to us today, but “laying hands on people”, usually to give them God’s blessing or supernatural power. 

6.2 — The resurrection of the dead and final judgment. 

These basics should be a given for every Christian. The Hebrews writer’s audience had “had enough time by now to become teachers” only a couple decades after Jesus’s work. It’s been about 2,000 years for us. We have no excuse to be stuck in the basics! 

So what should we be doing? 

Hebrews 7-10 — Understand that Jesus is far superior to any other system of belief, he’s in the highest position of power in the universe, he lives to serve as our perfect high priest, the old system (Old Law) is irrelevant now (8.13), that Jesus’s sacrifice cleared humanity of how the Old Law convicted us of sin (9.15), understand that his return means rescue for those of us who are waiting for him (9.28), to think about and encourage each other to show love and do good things for other people (10.24-39), and to never lose our confidence in the power of our king (10-11). 

This is a very simplified list for the sake of brevity, but a mature Christian tries hard to be like Jesus in how they live. They don’t give in when pressured by circumstance to deny Jesus through bad behavior. They accept suffering with grace and patience. Their confidence in who Jesus is and what he will do for us is never severely shaken. Their love for Christian family compels them to do good for them, and to encourage them by living like Jesus. 

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XXIII)

Sacrificing Blessings (22:1-24)

Neal Pollard

Not only is this chapter probably the best-known concerning Abraham’s life, but it is an event repeatedly reflected upon by New Testament writers. Abraham is mentioned 76 times in the New Testament, and this event is explicitly mentioned in Hebrews 11 and James 2. It is definitely a turning point in Abraham’s relationship with God. God has been abundantly supplying Abraham with blessings, the chief of which is this son of promise. Now, God asks Abraham to make a sacrifice for Him. It is called a “test” (1), and any of us can imagine how great a trial it was!

We see the specifics of the test (1-2). God tells Abraham to take his promised son, Isaac, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him as a burnt offering at the spot designated by God. None of these variables could be bypassed or substituted. God gives the place, the item, and the nature of the sacrifice. Of course, we will see Moriah again–first as the site of the temple (2 Chron. 3:1) and later as the site of the cross since Jesus was crucified outside the gates of Jerusalem. Moriah is established early on as the place of important sacrifice and it is always a place where faith is put to the test. 

We see Abraham’s submission to the test. Abraham’s response is almost unfathomable! There is no argument, rationalizing, or protest recorded; instead, Abraham rises early and sets out to obey the rigorous commands of this test (3-5). There is a steadfast determination to obey God from the moment Abraham hears up to the moment he attempts to finish the task (10). 

We see his struggle to complete the test. First, we see it intuitively. Abraham is asked by his God to make Isaac a burnt offering. What he knows and has learned of God seems at odds with the requirement.  Then, there is the physical struggle of the three days’ journey and the climb up Mt. Moriah. All three days are spent walking with Isaac along with his servants. Further, there is the innocent question Isaac has about the specific nature of the sacrifice–Scripture is silent about Abraham’s reply. 

We see his strength in passing the test. Abraham gets to the place God told him about, builds the altar, binds his son, and attempts to slay him (9-10). What fueled the strength is faith (Heb. 11:17-19), and what proved the strength was his faith working (Js. 2:21-22). Forever, the Jews would honor Abraham for such faith and afterward Christians would call for an imitation of such strong faith. 

We see God’s supply in “grading” the test. Reading subsequent statements from God about child sacrifice (Deut. 18:10; 2 Ki. 17:17; Jer. 32:35) and understanding the nature and character of God throughout Scripture, we can look in retrospect and anticipate that God would not allow Abraham to go through with this. Instead, God provides a substitute sacrifice for Abraham (12-13). In fact, Abraham will name the place “Jehovah Jireh” (The Lord will provide)(14). See his faith, promising Isaac on the way up Moriah, saying, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (8). At that time, Abraham could not foresee how but he trusted God. May we always remember that through our tests!

The divine supply continues after the ram is offered. The angel of the Lord (the preincarnate Christ who knows that on this spot much later His Father would not stop His being a sacrifice), who stopped the slaying (12) and commended his faith (12), speaks a second time from heaven and reiterates the future blessings Abraham would receive in the land promise (16-17) and the seed promise (18). 

NOTE:

I found a breakdown of this chapter in my Logos Bible software, from a chapel delivered several years ago by Mike Vestal at the Bear Valley Bible Institute. It is a great analysis of the text, with wonderful application. He points out that we have:

  • A call (1)–“Abraham”
  • A response (1)–“Here I am”
  • A command (2)–“Take…go…offer”
  • A response (3)–Six action verbs (beginning with “So Abraham rose…”)
  • Worship (5)–“We will worship…”
  • Preparation for sacrifice (6-10)–Six more action verbs
  • A call (11)–“Abraham! Abraham!”
  • A response (11)–“Her I am”
  • A command (12)–“Do not stretch…do nothing to the lad”
  • Worship (13)–“Abraham went and took the ram and offered him”

His provocative application is, “When God asks you to sacrifice blessings, are you willing to sacrifice?” Our faith will be tested, and when it is we must trust in God’s character and promises. When God reveals His will, we should obey without delay or complaint. When God has spoken, we must not only act but also worship. When we hold back, God blesses more than we ever thought possible. I especially love the observation that Abraham so loved his God that he gave his only son. 

So, Abraham returns to Beersheba with his heart and life revolutionized by this incredible test. His obedience is lauded (18b). His faith is vindicated (5 + 19). Moses rounds off the chapter by giving us the family line from which Rebekah, Isaac’s wife-to-be, will appear. 

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XXII)

A Birth, A Rivalry, And A Covenant (21:1-34)

Neal Pollard

We have constant reminders in the Bible that God keeps His promises, even ones that seem impossible or far-fetched. The chapter begins with the assertion that the Lord “took note” of Sarah, doing what He promised (1; 17:15-21; 18:10-14). The name “Isaac” (laughter) is fitting since both Abraham and Sarah laughed when they were first given the promise from God, but at his birth a different kind of laughter filled their home (6-7). There is abundant joy as this elderly couple welcome the son of promise into their family. Domestic tranquility does not last forever, though. The rivalry that first appeared between Sarah and Hagar has transferred to the next generation.

Ishmael mocks Isaac on the day he is weaned (9). Sarah makes the extraordinary demand that Abraham drive out Hagar and Ishmael, for whom he felt responsibility–especially for his first-born son. Yet, God assures Abraham that what Sarah wants is appropriate (12; Gal. 4:30) and that He will take care of them in the wilderness. He assures Abraham that Ishmael would father a nation, since he was his descendant (13). But “through Isaac [his] descendants would be named” (12).  

Undoubtedly, Hagar is not privy to this revelation Abraham received. She is left to cope with the frightening prospect of fending for herself and her teenage son with only the bread and water Abraham sends her away with (14). She wanders about and when the supplies run out, she braces for their deaths (15-16). They are helpless on their own, but God intervenes. 

I find several interesting parallels between what happens in this chapter with Hagar and Ishmael and what happens in the next chapter with Abraham and Isaac. First, both leave Beersheba at the command of God. Second, each time a son of Abraham faced seeming certain death. Third, neither time do we hear the child speak in protest or self-defense. Fourth, the angel of the Lord speaks in both cases to intervene. Fifth, God makes promises about the descendants of both sons. Finally, God opens the eyes of both parents to see what God provided, for Sarah a well of water and for Abraham a ram. 

God is with Hagar. He develops a life-preserving skill (archery) and his mother finds him a wife from their native Egypt. They live in the wilderness of Paran, a place we first encounter in the wars of Genesis 14:6. It is between Canaan and Egypt, northeast of Mt. Sinai. It will be the site of much of the wilderness wanderings in Numbers as well as the place David goes following Samuel’s death (1 Sam. 25:1ff). 

With the domestic issues settled and Abraham and Sarah fully focused on raising Isaac, a familiar face reemerges in their lives–Abimelech (22-33). He and his army commander can see how God is blessing everything Abraham had and did, and so they want there to be a covenant between the two clans. They swear peace between themselves, but Abraham has a complaint against Abimelech’s servants (25). They had seized the well of water Abraham’s servants were using. Abimelech, seemingly consistent with his character as revealed in Genesis, is totally unaware of such a breach and did not endorse it. Abraham shows great wisdom in gifting sheep and oxen and making a covenant with him (27). Additionally, he provides Abimelech seven ewe lambs, explaining to the puzzled king that they were a witness that he had dug the well at the place he calls Beersheba (“the well of the oath” or “swearing by seven lambs”). 

After Abimelech and Phicol return to the coastal area called here “the land of the Philistines” (32), Abraham plants a tamarisk tree there and worships “the Lord, the Everlasting God” (33). He resides for many days at what apparently was the northern end of Abimelech’s domain (Smith, 160). Abraham continues to do what he has been doing, publicly worshipping his God (12:8; 13:4). 

The table certainly seems set. They have the improbable son of promise. There is no domestic strife or competition between sons to distract the family. They are at peace with their neighbors. Life is good! How often do we encounter the calm before the storms of life, blissfully ignorant of impending crisis? Faith and spiritual strength are built in such times of peace and help us weather the storms that inevitably calm. We will see this more clearly when we turn the page to chapter 22. 

Handling Guilt

Cooper Dillingham

I want to talk about something that everyone has some experience with: guilt. I think it’s safe to say whether you’re a little kid sneaking cookies from the pantry, lying to a friend, or disappointing someone you care about, we’ve all felt guilt and shame. I know I’m not an exception. Not long ago, I went to a friend’s house. It was supposed to be a stay at home night with a few friends. At least that’s what I thought, and what my mom had signed off on. Little did my mom or I know, my friends had other plans in mind, and that chill night went out the window. I ended up driving around harmlessly with my friends. I ‘forgot’ to tell my mom that things had changed, or that I would even be leaving my friend’s house. I thought that if I acted normal it would be fine, and what my mom doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right?  But, I forgot about a minor detail. That little detail was that I had Life360 constantly giving my phone’s location to my mom. So, imagine her surprise when she looks at it, and sees me on the other side of the town when I was supposed to be at my friend’s house. I came home apologizing for breaking my mom’s trust, and lying to her. I learned my lesson, and luckily, my mom forgave me since it wasn’t as big of a deal as I thought it would be.

Sometimes in life we feel guilt or shame from our sins, and we think we  have wandered so far away from the path God wants us on that he’ll never take us back. But, God never gives up on you, and you can always get back on track. The first example that comes to mind is the parable of the Prodigal Son, which is found in Luke 15. We all know the story. The younger son wanted his inheritance early, which his father graciously granted him. It didn’t take long for the son to lose every last cent of his dad’s money, and he then found himself at a low point in his life. He had no choice but to go back home poor, dirty, and ashamed. He just knew his dad was going to be so mad at him, and if he was lucky, maybe his dad would let him come back as a servant . But look at verse 20 through 24 “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” You see the son made a lot of mistakes, but His biggest was underestimating the love his father had for him.

God has that same love for us, and Romans 5:8 reassures us of that, saying, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Turn with me, also, to 1 John 4 verse 16  ”So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.“ God’s love for us is stronger than any mistake we could make. All that matters to God is that we trust him and are willing to follow his commandments.

When we take Christ on in baptism we are supposed to stop walking our own path and follow him.  If you disobey His commandments, you are denying Him, therefore you are separating yourself from him.  But, even though you may be temporarily lost, that does not mean you’ve lost your salvation. One great analogy that Hiram mentioned at a recent Bible study, was for us to imagine our Christian walk as a literal walk. Everyone starts in one place and with each step that you take forward you stay on the path of God. Many people think that when you disobey God’s word and you go off the path, that you’ve lost your salvation, and are away from God. What Hiram reminded us however, is much different. I was told that every wrong direction that we take in life is just us taking one step back. It isn’t getting off the path of Christianity, it’s just a slight mistake in this long walk of life. I know many times I’ve taken a step back in my faith.  In the  story of the prodigal son, he took several steps back and his father was still waiting for him to come home. Our Father waits for us too, just like my mom was waiting for me when I got home that night. 

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XVIII)

God’s Covenant With Abram (17:1-27)

Neal Pollard

Sometimes a chapter makes its emphasis very clear through such means as the repetition of words. In Genesis 17, that word is “covenant.” We come across it 13 times in these 27 verses. Most frequently, God is speaking and calls it “My covenant.” It is repeatedly called the “everlasting covenant” or simply “the covenant.”

A covenant is a “treaty, compact, i.e., an agreement between two parties” (Swanson, np). Addressing the specific covenant here in Genesis 17, Kyle Hughes says, “This Hebrew word is used to refer to the imposition of an obligation upon someone. God’s covenant (bĕrît) with Abraham stipulates that Abraham and his male descendants be circumcised (mûl; Gen 17:10). God speaks of circumcision as an “everlasting covenant (bĕrît; Gen 17:13)”; circumcision is the means by which one becomes a member of the people with whom God has established his covenant” (Magnum, Lexham Theo. Wdbk, np).

This covenant came with blessings (2-8,15-16). Before God shares what He wants from Abram, He tells him what He will do for him. There are multiple blessings, but all spring from God’s lead statement: “I will multiply you exceedingly” (2). What did this entail? Making him exceedingly fruitful (6), making nations of him (6), bringing kings of him (6), blessing his descendants (7-8), and giving them the land of Canaan as a possession (8). No wonder 99-year-old Abram (1,24) fell on his face (3) as God disclosed these incredible promises.  God had been blessing Abram and delivering him, and now He has even more in store for him. He will bless the barren Sarah similarly (15-16). May I suggest that we serve the same God? Since early in our marriage, Kathy and I have loved and leaned on an old hymn that reminds us: “The Lord has been mindful of me, He blesses and blesses again; My God is the God of the living, how excellent is His name!”

This covenant came with transformation (5,15). As part of this covenant, God was giving them a new name. “Abram” (“exalted father”) would now be called “Abraham” (“father of a multitude”)(5). “Sarai” would now be called “Sarah” (“queen”)(15). The new names reflected not only blessings, but also exaltation. God was elevating their status as part of what He brought to the agreement. No wonder New Testament writers use Abraham as an illustration of what God has done most perfectly through Christ, elevating our status when we are in His Son (Rom. 4; Gal. 3; Jas. 2). In Christ, we are given a new and glorious name that reflects our blessings (Isa. 62:2; Acts 11:26). 

This covenant came with expectations (9-14, 23-27). A covenant demands participation from both parties. So, God tells Abraham what he must do to receive the blessings. Generically put, he and his descendants were to keep the covenant. Specifically, the males were to be circumcised. It applied to him, his children, and his further descendants. The stipulation would be males must be circumcised the eighth day. But Abraham would undergo this surgery at 99, Ishmael at 13 (26), and all the men of his household at whatever ages they were (27). Under Christ, the nature of the circumcision has changed. It is a circumcision for both male and female, but a figurative rather than a literal one. Paul writes about those in Christ, saying, “in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Col. 2:11-12). The “old man” who served sin is cut off, as we keep seeking those things above (Col. 3:1ff).

This covenant came with divine power (17-22). Understandably, Abraham is wrestling with believing this promise. He fell on his face, laughed, and reasoned within himself that it was hard to accept that he and Sarah could have children at their age (17). He asks God if Ishmael could be the answer (18). While God will bless Ishmael (20), He says, “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year” (21). 

We began our exploration of Abraham’s life by saying his faith was developing. This is a crucial stage of development. We are not told how he felt in Genesis 17, but inspired New Testament writers reveals this about his faith in God’s power. Paul says, “In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:18-22). This contains a blessing and an example for us, too, if we imitate his faith (Rom. 4:23-25). 

“I Am He”

Carl Pollard

Jesus describes Himself in many ways throughout the Gospels. Each name further explains His love, care, protection, judgment, and attitude towards us. There is one name He used that caused quite an uprising in His earthly ministry. However before we dive into the New Testament, we must start at the beginning. 

Exodus 3. 

Here we read that Moses was shepherding his father-in-law’s flock. He takes the herd to Horeb, the mountain of God. While he is there with the animals he notices a bush engulfed in flames, but the bush wasn’t consumed by the fire. Moses goes closer to investigate, and he hears a voice from the bush call his name. This voice is the voice of God and He had a job for Moses to do. 

He had heard the cries of His people in Egyptian captivity, and verse 10 He tells Moses to deliver them from the hand of Pharaoh. Moses isn’t too thrilled with his new task, but pay special attention to the next few verses: Exodus 3:13–14 says, “Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” 

When God revealed Himself to Moses, He identified Himself as “I AM.” These two words summarize God’s nature. He is the only: 

  • Uncreated
  • Eternal 
  • Always-existing Being. 

He is the I AM because He just is. He exists in all power and majesty, He has no timeline, no beginning, no end. He is I AM. No one else is like Him. Well, maybe someone is…

Seven times in the gospel of John, Jesus used the name “I Am” while claiming to possess certain attributes of God. For the Jews, numbers had special meaning. Seven is quite possibly the most important. In Hebrew numerology the number 7 represents completion or perfection. God created the world in 6 days, and rested on the seventh. The Jewish week had 7 days. Shabbat occurred every seven days. Noah brought 7 pairs of clean animals on the ark. The number Seven is the most important symbolic number in the Hebrew Bible. It conveys wholeness, perfection and for the Jew it came to represent holiness. 

It could be a coincidence, but I do think it’s interesting that Jesus says “I AM” 7 times in the gospel of John. He is God in the flesh, He came to make us complete, and whole. 

He came to make us holy. Seven times, He says, “I AM.” With that in mind, let’s look at the last time He says this. 

John 18

Jesus has just finished a lengthy discussion with His apostles at the last supper. He goes to the garden where He knows that He will be arrested. 

Verse 3 tells us, “So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.“ 

Look at the very next verse, “When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” This claim is made as a blatant show of divine power. A band of heavily armed men have shown up to arrest Jesus. Jesus asks who they were there for, and they respond “Jesus of Nazareth.” 

His self-identification in verse 6 does something incredible. Every last Pharisee, Roman soldier, and chief priest stumbled back and fell to the ground when Jesus spoke the words “I AM HE.” At His spoken word, these men are blown back. 

It’s interesting that this same apostle wrote later of the power of the LOGOS. 

So why did John record this? They came to arrest Jesus with weapons. Christ was clear that He knew what would happen, and He chose to cooperate with God’s plan. This moment highlights His sovereignty, reminding everyone that nothing happens to Him which is beyond His own control. 

He WILLINGLY gave Himself because no man can destroy the I AM. But the I AM can sacrifice Himself.

Jesus Is Better (II)

Gary Pollard

Humans have a tendency to project their own weaknesses onto others. We are all guilty of this. Sometimes that carries over to our prayers — can Jesus forgive me, even with how I’ve failed him over and over? Sometimes we find it hard to forgive others, so we may assume Jesus feels the same when we beg his forgiveness. We’re only forgiven to the extent that we forgive others, but it seems we (that includes me) project our human weakness onto Jesus. 

Jesus is still human, but perfect. He’s human, but at God’s right hand. He’s human, so he understands and feels for our weakness. “We have a better high priest, one who understands our weakness, even though he never sinned.” Jesus gets it! It must’ve been a miserable few decades in a constant war with himself. He was tempted every single way that we are, but never made a mistake. 

How many people do you know who are tempted by everything? Most of us have a few weaknesses, and those are hard enough to manage. But imagine being tempted by every single thing that had ever or would ever tempt a human! Jesus understands, even though he never sinned. That’s our perfect high priest! He can say to the father, “I understand how difficult [your temptation here] is to face.” 

Jesus is better because he knows what we go through, he’s experienced it all, and he never once made a mistake. He didn’t do that to make us feel inadequate — though we are all inadequate by ourselves — but to help us when we fall. Jesus is better because he’s a high priest who can empathize with every human on the planet, and he lives to do just that for us! 

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XVI)

God Points Abram To The Future (15:1-21)

Neal Pollard

I like the way James Smith puts it, that in Abraham’s life there is a pattern of consolation following crisis (The Pentateuch, 129). How often has that been true in your life and mine? Paul reminded the church in Corinth that God comforts us in all our afflictions (2 Cor. 1:3-7)! Aren’t you thankful? With the battle won, God speaks to Abram. What He has to tell this man of faith is dramatic, and God is equal to the occasion speaking to Abram first in a vision (1-11) followed by a dream (12-16). Whether the promise of verses 18-21 were spoken as part of the dream or otherwise, there is incredible news delivered through incredible means. All of it involves either the near or distant future, promised fueled by the integrity and power of God.

First, God foretells a coming child (1-6). Even as God promises Abram reward, this man ties that assurance to an heir. He had no direct blood descendant (2-3), yet God says that one would come forth from his body and be his heir (4). Coupled with this fantastic pledge, God directs Abram to His starry skies and uses it as an illustration of how numerous his descendants would be (5). 

One of the most powerful statements God ever made about any man is made concerning Abraham’s reaction to this. The first use of “believe” in all the Bible describes what this man regarding God’s promise. New Testament writers, Paul and James, will repeatedly quote Genesis 15:6 to show that we are justified by faith rather than works of the law (Rom. 4:3, 20-22; Gal. 3:6; Jas. 2:23). Trusting that God would do what He said, as unlikely as it seemed, was counted to Abram as righteousness. 

Then, God foretells the coming bondage and exodus (7-14). After reminding Abram of where He had brought him from (7) and what He had brought him to (7), Abram wants to know how he would know that this land promise would come true (8). In response, God tells Abram to offer sacrifice (9-11). After sunset, a deep sleep falls on Abram along with terror and great darkness (12). Having his rapt attention, God predicts the sojourn in Egypt down to the nature (enslaved), the time (400 years), the reprisal (“I will judge the nation they serve”), and the parting reward (his descendants would “come out with many possessions”)(13-14). 

From this moment to the call of Moses is in excess of 400 years! Imagine God appearing to the leadership of Jamestown, shortly after 350 of its 1200 citizens were killed by the Powhatan and freshly named capitol of a newly formed British royal colony, and telling them that their descendants would be free of foreign rule, a sovereign nation from their coast all the way across the continent to another sea, traversed by trains, planes, and automobiles, 330-plus million strong. That’s our timeline! Truly, God sees the end as if it were the beginning (Isa. 46:10). 

Also, God foretells Abram’s happy ending (15). For all the struggle his descendants would have, things would be different in this man’s own life. God assures him, “As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age.” 

Further, God foretells a coming conquering (16-21). Not only does God show the incredible foreknowledge only Deity could possess, He shows incredible forbearance like only He could show. When God looked at the Amorites, He saw their iniquity. But His long-suffering would continue another 400 years before He exacted punishment on them. Had they turned from their sin, surely God would have spared them (Lev. 18:24-28). As it was, Abram’s descendants would eventually make it from Egypt to Canaan, where they would receive the promised land and conquer its inhabitants. It was sealed by Abram’s sacrifice and God’s covenant (17-18).

Think about God’s foreknowledge in our lives today. He knows the physical and financial details of our future. He knows the emotional and social details of our future.  He knows the spiritual details of our future. He does not determine them, but He is at work in our lives. We know that He desires for it to be well with us ultimately (2 Pet. 3:9), even if there are rocky roads and uphill climbs between here and there. He has “granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” (2 Pet. 1:4). If we choose to believe these promises and act on our faith, it will be credited to us for righteousness. Not only do we benefit from the promises God makes to Abram (Gal. 3:26-29), we benefit from the ones He’s made to us. 

From Judges To Kings

(TOP FIVE TAKEAWAYS)

Dale Pollard

God had established the Judges to rule Israel rather than a king which was typical for other nations during that period. God grants their request to have a king even though this kind of leadership was bound to fail. Despite the fact that God told them how they ought to govern themselves, the people caved to peer pressure from surrounding nations. God handed those free moral agents of Israel a shovel and they began to dig.

With that context in mind, here’s a portion of Samuel’s final words to a people who’ve just made a poor decision to reject God’s guidance. 

“Then Samuel called on the Lord, and that same day the Lord sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the Lord and of Samuel.

19 The people all said to Samuel, “Pray to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.”

20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.”
I Samuel 12.18-25

TOP FIVE TAKEAWAYS 

  1. There’s a needed message for the church today. We should never let our previous sins hold us back from pressing forward. Samuel tells the children of Israel not to let the evil in their recent past keep them down— but he doesn’t pretend as if they hadn’t sinned against God. 
  2. There’s hope. Samuel tells the people that God is quick to forgive. He still is!
  3. There’s a reminder to be selfless in prayer. It’s interesting that Samuel says that his failure to pray for God’s people would be a sinful thing for him to do. 
  4. There’s a glimpse of God’s power. Samuel tells the people to fear the Lord AND remember what He’s done for them. God could have wiped them out. He clearly had the power as He demonstrated a portion of it over nature in the beginning of this section. 
  5. There’s a warning— motivated by love. It was true for the children of Israel and it’s true for us today. If we persist in doing evil, we will perish.