BIBLE READING: Genesis 38

Joseph dominates the end of Genesis. His rise from slavery to become a powerful ruler in Egypt preserves the life of God’s chosen people and sets us up for the critical story of the Egyptian Exodus. But just after Joseph is sold, Genesis interrupts the story to tell us about his brother Judah’s personal life. It started innocently enough. He took a wife and had some kids (Genesis 38.2). He found a wife for his oldest (Genesis 38.6). But then the worldly influence kicked in. His son Er was wicked, and the Lord put him to death (Genesis 38.7). Judah did the honorable thing by giving Tamar to his next son Onan, but he was wicked and the Lord put him to death (Genesis 38.10). In his carnal frame of mind, Judah doesn’t understand what is going on, and treats Tamar as though she’s the problem. He refuses to do what the law said and give his youngest son to her, forcing Tamar into life as a widow (Genesis 38.11; Deuteronomy 25.5-11).

After a while, Judah goes “sheep shearing”, and makes a proposition to a prostitute (Genesis 38.12-19). However, unbeknownst to him, the prostitute is Tamar in disguise. Following their time together, she conceives, and we see Judah once again act based on ‘honor’. He calls for Tamar’s death, until he is confronted with the brutal reality: the child was his (Genesis 38.24-26).

This story is ugly… and yet this is the lineage of Christ, which Matthew specifically cites in his genealogy (Matthew 1.3). This interruption is instructive. It reminds us that God’s people aren’t immune to wicked behavior. Genesis 8.21 is still a present reality; and yet it doesn’t stop God from being faithful. In fact, this ugliness profoundly shows God’s redemptive ability. There is no circumstance too messy for God to work with. However, God’s grace and mercy expose those who are willing to accept it.

Judah made a lot of foolish choices. But in this moment, we see a contrast from his brothers. He doesn’t justify bad behavior. He doesn’t place the blame on somebody else. Instead, we see honesty about his sins. “she is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son…” (Genesis 38.26). I believe this was a turning point in his life. When we first met Judah, he was selling his brother into slavery (Genesis 37.26-27). At the end of Judah’s story, he was offering to sell himself into slavery to save the life of one of his brothers (Genesis 44.33-34). God sovereignly turned Judah’s sinful decisions into steps that would lead to the salvation of many people through Jesus Christ.

For Christians, we are promised a place in God’s plan of salvation—to shine the light of Christ out of our own imperfect, weak lives, just like Judah and Tamar. But we must be changed by the grace of his exposure and truth. We must not hide what God reveals to us and the world about our hearts. Instead we must remain humble, deal with reality, and give thanks for God’s mercy and grace to let us be vessels of his wonderful salvation.  

BIBLE READING: Genesis 34

Genesis 34 interrupts the narrative to remind us that sin is still a present force in the world. Shechem “saw” and “took” Dinah, using her to satisfy his own selfishness (Genesis 34.2). Apparently, this was ok in his culture. I mean, for someone to behave as he did and still be well-respected says something about the state of the world (34.19). The thoughts and intentions of human hearts are wicked continually (Genesis 8.22), and God’s promised people were not immune its effects. The proximity and interaction of Jacob with these people had opened the door for this horrific event.

However, Jacob has chosen to live here. Jacob tentatively promised to come to Esau in Seir (33.14), and God had commanded Jacob to return to the land of his kindred (31.3,13); but Jacob decided to settle his family in Succoth (33.17). This subtle act of disobedience and deception positioned his family among the Canaanites. There seemed to be an affinity for learning about and living among the people that attracted Jacob and his family (34.1). In fact, Jacob’s response to the whole incident implies he was more concerned with his status among these people than for the well-being of his family (34.21, 30).

Jacob positioned his family to both see and be seen by these godless people. This is a stark contrast to Abraham’s deliberate choice for Isaac NOT to marry the women of land or return there (Genesis 24.3-8). Abraham seemed to recognize the impact it would have on his life and faith. I’m not suggesting Jacob is to blame for Shechem’s actions. Nor am I suggesting that Dinah was at fault for what happened. Shechem’s wickedness were the result of his own choices. I am suggesting that perhaps Dinah shouldn’t have been in the land to begin with. If Jacob had obeyed God and followed through on his promise to Esau, he would have been in a much different place among much different people.

Throughout the OT we see God calling his people to be different and separate from other nations. He forbade intermarriage (Deuteronomy 7.3). He rejected sexual promiscuity (Leviticus 18). He even prohibited moving landmarks or selling property to other nations (Leviticus 25.23-34; Deuteronomy 19.14). This wasn’t because other nations were worse sinners than Israel. It was because God was trying to show how distinctly different his people should be. There is no gray area where human desires and God’s will collide. There is only holiness or there is wickedness.

We still live in a world of sin and selfishness. We cannot insulate ourselves from its effects, but we can choose how close we let it come. Perhaps having non-Christian friends or engaging in certain social activities seems harmless; but what doors is it opening in your heart and mind? How is it affecting your spiritual conviction? How is it positioning you and your family in relation to God. These are not irrelevant concerns. God directs us for good and for our protection. We must be diligent to maintain distinction and holiness as we walk with God.

“Friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4.4)

 BIBLE READING: Genesis 28-32

After 20 years working for his uncle, Jacob found himself in an uncomfortable position. He couldn’t return to Laban’s house, and he had no idea what was in store for him at his father’s house. At this crossroads, we see Jacob learning from his experiences with man and God. Over the last 20 years he had received a taste of his own medicine from Laban. But Jacob also perceived God’s hand in his prosperity (Genesis 31.42). Jacob had grown to trust and appreciate God’s direction. So, his choice to go home was an act of obedience (Genesis 31.13; [28.10-22]). That didn’t mean he was necessarily happy about it; but it did mean he was positioned to rely upon God.

When Jacob heard that Esau was coming towards him with 400 men and unknown intentions (Genesis 32.6), Jacob stopped to pray. He was afraid (32.7); but instead of letting that consume him, he filled his mind with God’s promises (32.9, 12). He realized God’s abundant grace towards him and his unworthiness to receive any of it (32.10); and yet God had given it to him because of His covenant faithfulness. It is upon this that Jacob makes his plea (Genesis 32.11-12).

Later that evening, Jacob found himself wrestling with a man (32.24). Jacob seemed to have the upper hand although the man knocked his hip out of place (32.25). As the man tried to leave, Jacob demanded a blessing, which is given by the man (32.26-27). But Jacob was not content. He pressed the man for his name but was denied (32.29). The man’s refusal was understood by Jacob as a Divine response in which Jacob was granted mercy and allowed to live (Genesis 32.30). He had ‘striven with God and with man, and prevailed’ (32.28); but he was not unchanged.

This moment was a turning point in Jacob’s life. His name and his walk were obviously different; but more profoundly his understanding was changed. He could strive with God, but he would not be the same. And that’s exactly what needed to happen for him to find peace with himself and others.

Like Jacob, we face difficult seasons as we live by faith. In our minds, we see a path forward, but it usually involves very little change on our part. When seasons persist and peace seems evasive, this can cause anxiety and fear. Perhaps we need to wrestle with God. It is not enough to simply tell God what you want. You must pound that against his promises and faithfulness. You must bend your wants and stretch your mind to see his purposes. You must realize that your way is not always the best way. It is powerful that God hears and helps those who trust him… but he does not change. The experiences we face, if tempered with time spent with God, will change our understanding and our desires. There is great peace in knowing that even though things will not always go according to plan, God works all things together for good.

"The mind of a person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." (Proverbs 16.9)

BIBLE READING: Genesis 25-26

Did anybody else get déjà vu reading the stories about Isaac? Both he and Abraham had barren wives (Genesis 16.1; 25.21); they both sojourned in Gerar and lied to Abimelech about their wives (Genesis 20.1-13; 26.1-11); Abimelech made treaties with both because he perceived they were blessed by God (Genesis 21.22-ff; 26.26-33); they both dug wells and had disputes with the locals over them (Genesis 21.25-33; 26.18-22).

While some of this is coincidental, in Hebrew literature, this is presented for emphasis. These events demonstrate that Isaac’s life was aligned with Abraham’s. As it pertains to the Genesis narrative, it drives us to see that Isaac lived as Abraham did, even receiving the same promises (Genesis 26.3-5; 23-24; see 12.1-3; 17.1-21; 22.18). His life is not extensively reported, but he was faithful to God and his promises.

On this side of history, we expect this from Isaac; but it is important to see how this developed. It is evident Abraham taught him to love the LORD. I also suspect Isaac was impacted early on by the events of Genesis 22. But it is clear he personalized his father’s faith in walking with God (ex. Genesis 26.23-25). However, you likely haven’t heard many sermons about Isaac’s life of faith. That’s because, unlike Abraham, there is no mention of significant sacrifice or a profound, life-altering move to another country. Instead, Isaac is simply commended for his trust in God’s promises (Hebrews 11.20). His way of life prepared the next generation to know God and his promises. God gives his approval of Isaac for the rest of history through the repetition, “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (ex: Genesis 50.24; Exodus 3.15; Acts 7.32).

The lack of narrative surrounding Isaac is instructive. It is our tendency to exalt people of faith for the great things they do. And certainly, passages like Hebrews 11 remind us that faith requires this sort of commitment. But Isaac reminds us of where we must put the emphasis. Great faith is a witness to a great God. Whatever he willingly did in faith is irrelevant if we miss the obvious: he believed God could be trusted.

I’m not suggesting faith doesn’t move us to act. I am saying that our activities of faith must not be superficial. We can know and do all the right things, even compelling ourselves to do hard things; but we must ask the question, “Does it show God’s worthiness?” Isaac’s simple practice of faith teaches us to keep our motivations pure and grounded in the right place.

Most of us will likely never have the experiences of Abraham. But just because you have not had an epic moment of faith doesn’t mean you aren’t doing it right. Instead, we may find ourselves like Isaac: raised with the knowledge of God and his promises. Our calling is not to do something others would write stories about, but rather to steward God’s promises in steady faith for coming generations.

BIBLE READING: Genesis 21-22

“The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him.” (Genesis 21.1-2)

This event was so unexpected it was laughable (Genesis 17.17; 18.12). No one should be having kids at Abraham and Sarah’s age; and yet God had promised, and Isaac was born according to His word (see Genesis 17.16, 19, 21). This culminating event demonstrated God’s ability to make good on His promises, regardless of how unlikely. But “after these things God tested Abraham… ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to… offer him there as a burnt offering’…” (Genesis 22.1-2).

The immediate context shocks us. How could God ask Abraham to do such a thing? However, in the larger context of scripture we see the foreshadowing of Jesus. God would not allow Abraham to kill Isaac, but instead God would give his only Son as a gift of covenant love and faithfulness. God’s willing sacrifice would be the means of ‘blessing the world’ (Genesis 12.3). We may not understand the complete rationale for this pattern, but we do know this: in this covenant God gives what is necessary and personally bears the cost for our good.

But covenants require deliberate faithfulness from both parties. Grace extended constrained Abraham. God did not sadistically require the life of Isaac but was giving him a test of trust. Even Abraham understood Isaac to be a gift according to God’s promises (Hebrews 11.17). So, when called to do this, “[Abraham] considered that God was able even to raise [Isaac] from the dead…” (Hebrews 11.19).

Abraham understood his role and responsibility to God. To accept the promises, he did not get to make the terms. As much as he cherished Isaac, Abraham was indebted to the one who gave him Isaac. Furthermore, he was a steward of the promises given. Just as Abraham went when God said go, (Genesis 12.4; 13.14-18), he gave when God said give. Many times, Abraham did not physically see how things would play out; but he learned to consider God faithful and respond with whatever God required.

Faith often calls us beyond what we are comfortable. Just as Abraham’s most valued gift was required, we too will be faced with giving our most valued things to God. God is never unjust, but he will test the genuineness of our faith to perfect us (Jeremiah 17.10; 1 Peter 1.6-7). Perhaps he is revealing to us some greater truth to understand at a later time. Perhaps he is trying to reduce our distractions. Perhaps he is trying to center on attention on his faithful promises and the wonderful blessings of knowing him. As Job would say, “shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2.10). God will be faithful; but we must prove faithful by testing ourselves and doing the will of the Lord (Romans 12.1-2; 1 Corinthians 13.5-6). True faith will endure testing by submitting to the God who is able.