The atmosphere of hostility and intrigue in ch 19-20. Jesus intervenes with the Parable of the Tenants, to illustrate what the Chief Priests, teachers of the law and elders were doing to Jesus - they were 'killing Him softly with their words' and attitudes. Jesus turns the table and kills their attitudes powerfully with His words. The Parable clearly points to Jesus as being the One whom the builders have rejected who will become the capstone.
Jesus answers the spies' question by placing the question back on them and making them responsible to both God and Caesar. It was a genius answer! I need to pay what I owe to both God and government.
Jesus often turns the tables on those asking 'clever' questions by showing He is above them all. He plays them at their own game and in the process answers their question - He is truly God - wiser than the wisest of humanity.
The Sadducees' question was a hypothetical story that went from the sublime to the ridiculous. Jesus doesn't answer it directly, but instead tells truth of who He is and what He has come to do. Jesus knows the Sadducees didn't believe life after death because it didn't appear in the 5 books of Moses - Jesus responds by talking of Moses' beliefs, and He also responds by dealing with their concerns about the practicalities of life after death. Jesus is supreme, even in answering questions!
21:1-4 God isn't looking at how much we give to Him, but rather what we keep back. Do we give our all, or just a little bit? If we have wealth, the percentages don't change - how much do we give? cf 2 Cor 8:12 God is not looking for greatness or flash clothes - He looks for those who are humble and don't seek the most important places.
'Son of David' was a title for the Messiah, which had the implication for national and political deliverer. Jesus teaches that the Messiah is prophesied in the Psalms and that He was called Lord ( by David) and also Son of David. The Messiah is a God-ordained reign, that came about through His plan and purpose - He would be both a descendant of David, but also prophesied by him.
The destruction of Jerusalem is described as 'days of vengeance' - its cause was because they did not recognise Jesus' coming or the prophets who had been before. They had not accepted any of these and so faced destruction and punishment because of their choices.
The disciples would face many dangers and problems:
People trying to deceive them that they are the promised One or that the time is near, they will be got at, be persecuted, put in prisons and before synagogues, kings and governors, they will be hated by family and friends and some will be put to death, they will see Jerusalem surrounded and there will be great distress. They need to remain focused on God - His promises, word, return. He will remain faithful, even when all hell breaks out against them. They are to ensure they "do not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Genesis 50 The faithfulness of God, in spite of death, Luke 19:29-46
God has been faithful to Jacob, even through his lifetime. They had been given the land, the descendants had started to multiply in number and were being blessed by his offspring (particularly through Joseph). The God of Jacob has indeed been a help to him (cf Psalm 146:5-6)
Grace is staggering and in many ways unbelievable. Joseph's brothers struggled to believe Joseph had truly forgiven them because they didn't deserve it & there was always the chance....Joseph reassured them & reminded them of God's purposes in the midst of their humanness and sin - His purposes will always prevail.
In the 17 years Jacob lived in Egypt (47:28) he had acquired property, become fruitful and increased his family size. Joseph's faith was an obvious testimony to God's goodness to his family and beyond. He lived to glorify God, even in the face of death. cf Heb 11:22
Joseph remained free from bitterness throughout his life because he kept his eyes fixed on God, rather than his circumstances or those who had grieved him. Even when given great responsibility, he kept level-headed, because his eyes were fixed on God, not himself.
As a type of Christ, Joseph was loved by his father, hated by his own family, betrayed by those he loved, suffered unjustly, remained silent in spite of false accusation, came to power, led his people through suffering into feasting, ultimately glorified.
Luke 19:29-46
Jesus came into Jerusalem in this public way to fulfill prophecy, but also to announce His arrival as He came to save the world - it was a 'last chance' for the people to respond rightly to their King/Messiah. His Kingdom was a Kingdom where the people would choose His rule over them.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem because He knew they would ultimately reject Him. He knows the end result of this both for the city and its people. Love does not exclude judgment - Jesus obviously loves the city, but He knows that it will face judgment from God. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Grace is staggering and in many ways unbelievable. Joseph's brothers struggled to believe Joseph had truly forgiven them because they didn't deserve it & there was always the chance....Joseph reassured them & reminded them of God's purposes in the midst of their humanness and sin - His purposes will always prevail.
In the 17 years Jacob lived in Egypt (47:28) he had acquired property, become fruitful and increased his family size. Joseph's faith was an obvious testimony to God's goodness to his family and beyond. He lived to glorify God, even in the face of death. cf Heb 11:22
Joseph remained free from bitterness throughout his life because he kept his eyes fixed on God, rather than his circumstances or those who had grieved him. Even when given great responsibility, he kept level-headed, because his eyes were fixed on God, not himself.
As a type of Christ, Joseph was loved by his father, hated by his own family, betrayed by those he loved, suffered unjustly, remained silent in spite of false accusation, came to power, led his people through suffering into feasting, ultimately glorified.
Luke 19:29-46
Jesus came into Jerusalem in this public way to fulfill prophecy, but also to announce His arrival as He came to save the world - it was a 'last chance' for the people to respond rightly to their King/Messiah. His Kingdom was a Kingdom where the people would choose His rule over them.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem because He knew they would ultimately reject Him. He knows the end result of this both for the city and its people. Love does not exclude judgment - Jesus obviously loves the city, but He knows that it will face judgment from God. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Genesis 46-49 The lost son & the loving father
In Egypt, there was greater opportunity to settle, work the land and grow, whilst as nomads in Canaan, the opportunity to grow and be great was more limited. In this incident, we see God's goodness on display - He goes before them, ordaining decisions and making the path clearer and open, so that they know where He wants them.
Joseph's advance planning and leadership are evident in his dealings with his father and brothers. God's hand has been on him and has placed him into a situation where he could be best used and bring most glory to God.
John 14:6 is illustrated in this passage by God's Way being shown as best and the only way, the Truth, in that in God the Truth has come out and that through Him Life has been received. It is only through God that we receive these blessings, though we may try through other methods or people.
2 Cor 4:17-18 is illustrated as it reminds us that God allows us to go through things that may cause real pain and suffering temporarily, but He is refining us and making us more like Him. Ultimately, an eternal perspective is what God is about, not just temporary happiness.
Joseph saved the people of Egypt's lives. He remained true to his father's God by always recognising His work, staying humble and repeatedly openly living before God.
47:9 shows Jacob's attitude of his time on earth being few, hard, difficult and poorer compared with his ancestors. 48:15-16 show that God has gone before him and his ancestors, has been his shepherd all his life and delivered him from hard. Jacob was looking at his life from 2 perspectives. However, only the latter provided a Godly perspective on life. I need to choose daily to live in God's perspective not my own.
Jacob realised the sense of privilege and honour in following in God's ways. However, he didn't take it for granted either. Rather, he saw the need to trust in God and look to Him to provide. Only when God blesses will we receive blessing, if God removes it, we will not receive His blessing.
Humanly speaking, those whom God chose to work with were a ragtag bunch of people with flaws and failings galore. God chose to use them, in spite of who they were, because He loved them and was keen to bring about His blessing through them. God's grace is sufficient for us - His power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
Ultimately, 49:10 was fulfilled in Jesus - Reuben, Judah & Joseph all had their part to play in bringing it to fulfillment. (cf 1 Chron 5:1-2)
Joseph's advance planning and leadership are evident in his dealings with his father and brothers. God's hand has been on him and has placed him into a situation where he could be best used and bring most glory to God.
John 14:6 is illustrated in this passage by God's Way being shown as best and the only way, the Truth, in that in God the Truth has come out and that through Him Life has been received. It is only through God that we receive these blessings, though we may try through other methods or people.
2 Cor 4:17-18 is illustrated as it reminds us that God allows us to go through things that may cause real pain and suffering temporarily, but He is refining us and making us more like Him. Ultimately, an eternal perspective is what God is about, not just temporary happiness.
Joseph saved the people of Egypt's lives. He remained true to his father's God by always recognising His work, staying humble and repeatedly openly living before God.
47:9 shows Jacob's attitude of his time on earth being few, hard, difficult and poorer compared with his ancestors. 48:15-16 show that God has gone before him and his ancestors, has been his shepherd all his life and delivered him from hard. Jacob was looking at his life from 2 perspectives. However, only the latter provided a Godly perspective on life. I need to choose daily to live in God's perspective not my own.
Jacob realised the sense of privilege and honour in following in God's ways. However, he didn't take it for granted either. Rather, he saw the need to trust in God and look to Him to provide. Only when God blesses will we receive blessing, if God removes it, we will not receive His blessing.
Humanly speaking, those whom God chose to work with were a ragtag bunch of people with flaws and failings galore. God chose to use them, in spite of who they were, because He loved them and was keen to bring about His blessing through them. God's grace is sufficient for us - His power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
Ultimately, 49:10 was fulfilled in Jesus - Reuben, Judah & Joseph all had their part to play in bringing it to fulfillment. (cf 1 Chron 5:1-2)
Monday, 28 January 2013
Genesis 43-45 Changed behaviour: grace at work
Jacob relented with Judah's offer, possibly because of the extension in time for the drought, but also possibly because he offered his own life, rather than his sons' lives as the 'deposit'.
Benjamin was given a meal five times the size of the others in recognition of his place and position and Joseph's gratitude to God for him still being alive. It may have been affection for Benjamin AND a test for his brothers to see how they responded to Joseph's kindness to the youngest. Either way, they passed the test and affection was shown.
The brothers' care for their father is obvious in this, the compassion for Benjamin clear. Their behaviour has changed and they are now taking care of both. They are showing love and responsibility, rather than hatred and irresponsibility.
Judah has taken the lead throughout this speech and appeal. (Judah is to be the one whose descendants would include Jesus.) He shows sensitivity, politeness, respect and honour, honesty, urgency, personal involvement and willingness, and a desire to respect his father and look after his well-being. All of this is a real change in Judah's behaviour from 37:26-27 and 38:1ff - he is a great reminder that we should never despair totally of anyone and even the most evil/fallen person is not beyond God's hope of change and repentance.
Joseph could have seen anger and opportunity for revenge, but rather he saw God's dealings throughout his life and his family's interaction with him. He used the sufferings and interaction with the family to test whether the brothers had changed at all, and in doing so, he saw changes in their behaviour, even if it was not complete. He then used the opportunity to show grace and bring about reconciliation.
The restoration of family harmony brought about unity, reconciliation, joy, honesty and openness, the blessing of his position, as well as some fun and mischief!
Benjamin was given a meal five times the size of the others in recognition of his place and position and Joseph's gratitude to God for him still being alive. It may have been affection for Benjamin AND a test for his brothers to see how they responded to Joseph's kindness to the youngest. Either way, they passed the test and affection was shown.
The brothers' care for their father is obvious in this, the compassion for Benjamin clear. Their behaviour has changed and they are now taking care of both. They are showing love and responsibility, rather than hatred and irresponsibility.
Judah has taken the lead throughout this speech and appeal. (Judah is to be the one whose descendants would include Jesus.) He shows sensitivity, politeness, respect and honour, honesty, urgency, personal involvement and willingness, and a desire to respect his father and look after his well-being. All of this is a real change in Judah's behaviour from 37:26-27 and 38:1ff - he is a great reminder that we should never despair totally of anyone and even the most evil/fallen person is not beyond God's hope of change and repentance.
Joseph could have seen anger and opportunity for revenge, but rather he saw God's dealings throughout his life and his family's interaction with him. He used the sufferings and interaction with the family to test whether the brothers had changed at all, and in doing so, he saw changes in their behaviour, even if it was not complete. He then used the opportunity to show grace and bring about reconciliation.
The restoration of family harmony brought about unity, reconciliation, joy, honesty and openness, the blessing of his position, as well as some fun and mischief!
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Genesis 40-42 You meant it for evil...but God meant it for good!
Qualities of Joseph in 40:1-41:13
Responsibility - he was given the care of other prisoners.
Leadership - as above.
Sensitivity - he noticed other prisoners were dejected.
Pastoral care - he did something about it.
God-centred - he recognised it was God who reveals dreams.
Integrity - he didn't try to get undue reward for interpreting dreams.
Winsomeness - he did at least ask not to be forgotten!
God used time to heal, and in His good timing, the opportunity for freedom came along. He used the opportunities that came to Joseph for His glory. Joseph's honest responses to temptation and false accusation ultimately led to God's greater glory. All of these were developmental for Joseph in preparation for his future roles.
It was because Joseph was a man in whom the spirit of God was that Pharoah was impressed. This must have been obvious and evident to outsiders.
If in Christ, we have found the Bread of Life, we must share the Bread with others who do not have it. Our job is to ensure all those who don't have it, get the opportunity to feast!
Joseph appears to be looking to see if there has been any change in his brothers. He loved them still, but was grieving over all that had happened. God disciplines those He loves - He allows them to go through pain and suffering, to refine and make more like Him.
When they pondered their situation, they realised that they had done wrong with Joseph and still felt guilty about it. Here, they admit their guilt.
Jacob still believed Joseph was no more, when he was at the very centre of all that was going on. We must remember that even when we think we know everything, there may still be things that God is doing and involved in that we know nothing of. Jacob would later learn this lesson.
Responsibility - he was given the care of other prisoners.
Leadership - as above.
Sensitivity - he noticed other prisoners were dejected.
Pastoral care - he did something about it.
God-centred - he recognised it was God who reveals dreams.
Integrity - he didn't try to get undue reward for interpreting dreams.
Winsomeness - he did at least ask not to be forgotten!
God used time to heal, and in His good timing, the opportunity for freedom came along. He used the opportunities that came to Joseph for His glory. Joseph's honest responses to temptation and false accusation ultimately led to God's greater glory. All of these were developmental for Joseph in preparation for his future roles.
It was because Joseph was a man in whom the spirit of God was that Pharoah was impressed. This must have been obvious and evident to outsiders.
If in Christ, we have found the Bread of Life, we must share the Bread with others who do not have it. Our job is to ensure all those who don't have it, get the opportunity to feast!
Joseph appears to be looking to see if there has been any change in his brothers. He loved them still, but was grieving over all that had happened. God disciplines those He loves - He allows them to go through pain and suffering, to refine and make more like Him.
When they pondered their situation, they realised that they had done wrong with Joseph and still felt guilty about it. Here, they admit their guilt.
Jacob still believed Joseph was no more, when he was at the very centre of all that was going on. We must remember that even when we think we know everything, there may still be things that God is doing and involved in that we know nothing of. Jacob would later learn this lesson.
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Genesis 36-39 The Lord was with Joseph
Esau & Jacob were both sinners, however, we don't read of Esau repenting and giving himself back completely to God. Hebrews 12:16-17 demonstrates this is the case.
Edom, the descendants of Esau were rejected by God, whereas Israel, the descendants of Jacob were chosen by Him. cf Obadiah 1-4, 8-10, 17-18, Malachi 1:2-5
Joseph was hated by his brothers who were envious of him for 3 reasons:
- Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons
- Joseph had a dream & told it to his brothers. He was unwise.
- Joseph had another dream & told this to his brothers. Again, he was unwise.
The brothers' envy led them to murder, both in thought and effectively deed, to lying and deceit, to dishonouring their father...James 3:16 rings true.
Jacob's possessive love of Joseph was fine, but not to the detriment or neglect of the other brothers. His favouritism was at fault for much of Joseph's ill-treatment by his brothers. His grief was a natural reaction to obvious sadness. There are lessons for parenting, sibling relationships and a reminder to steer clear of evil throughout all of this.
Ch 38: The events of sin & shame all originated from not trusting God and His purposes to provide and bring about His promises. In marrying multiple women and taking them from outside God's boundaries, the family brought real grief upon themselves.
Ch 39: Joseph exemplified the best qualities of his ancestors:
Faith & faithfulness of Abraham: by trusting in God, even when circumstances seemed to be going against him. By being obedient to him, even when it must have been hard (impossible?).
Meekness of Isaac: he humbly allowed God to use him in the circumstances he found himself in, rather than exerting power or authority.
Energy & ability of Jacob: he demonstrated capability to work well and bring God honour in the way he worked.
Beauty of Rachel: he was well-built and handsome, but showed this in his character also.
Joseph won victory over sexual temptation, the temptation to exert himself and defend himself, even in the face of lies, even the temptation (presumably) to get revenge. The key to his success was that God was with him throughout, and that he clearly was with God.
Edom, the descendants of Esau were rejected by God, whereas Israel, the descendants of Jacob were chosen by Him. cf Obadiah 1-4, 8-10, 17-18, Malachi 1:2-5
Joseph was hated by his brothers who were envious of him for 3 reasons:
- Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons
- Joseph had a dream & told it to his brothers. He was unwise.
- Joseph had another dream & told this to his brothers. Again, he was unwise.
The brothers' envy led them to murder, both in thought and effectively deed, to lying and deceit, to dishonouring their father...James 3:16 rings true.
Jacob's possessive love of Joseph was fine, but not to the detriment or neglect of the other brothers. His favouritism was at fault for much of Joseph's ill-treatment by his brothers. His grief was a natural reaction to obvious sadness. There are lessons for parenting, sibling relationships and a reminder to steer clear of evil throughout all of this.
Ch 38: The events of sin & shame all originated from not trusting God and His purposes to provide and bring about His promises. In marrying multiple women and taking them from outside God's boundaries, the family brought real grief upon themselves.
Ch 39: Joseph exemplified the best qualities of his ancestors:
Faith & faithfulness of Abraham: by trusting in God, even when circumstances seemed to be going against him. By being obedient to him, even when it must have been hard (impossible?).
Meekness of Isaac: he humbly allowed God to use him in the circumstances he found himself in, rather than exerting power or authority.
Energy & ability of Jacob: he demonstrated capability to work well and bring God honour in the way he worked.
Beauty of Rachel: he was well-built and handsome, but showed this in his character also.
Joseph won victory over sexual temptation, the temptation to exert himself and defend himself, even in the face of lies, even the temptation (presumably) to get revenge. The key to his success was that God was with him throughout, and that he clearly was with God.
Friday, 25 January 2013
Genesis 33-35 A changed person?
Mighty is the God of Israel - given as a name for God. It shows that God has prevailed in awful circumstances. He has overcome. His grace has shone through Esau's dealings with Jacob.
Jacob has previously called Him:
The God of my father (31:5), the God who has seen (31:42), the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us (31:53), God of my father Isaac (32:9).
Jacob's new name, Israel means "He struggles with God". Throughout his life, his story is one of constant struggle with God. Jacob's name ("He grasps the heel", lit, "He deceives" rings true). He has promised to give 1/10th of all he has. As Christians, we are called to be a changed people.
Jacob's sons appear honourable in this story, as they seek to protect their sister and their family rights. However, it goes against the call to live distinctively different and good lives.
Jacob seemed to have a very hands-off approach to his sons. He perhaps should have been more involved. His rebuke even suggests he was more concerned about being attacked than whether the right thing had been done or not. He should have been living according to God's ways and paths.
Jacob showed his repentance by calling the people to worship God by giving Him their all, giving up their foreign gods and serving Him only. In the midst of this, Deborah died, Jacob had a name change and then Rachel and Isaac died.
Jacob received a fresh revelation and reminder of who God was and it was because of this that Jacob responded to who God was. God is a God of grace, but He requires and expects repentance. That is our responsibility.
Jacob has previously called Him:
The God of my father (31:5), the God who has seen (31:42), the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us (31:53), God of my father Isaac (32:9).
Jacob's new name, Israel means "He struggles with God". Throughout his life, his story is one of constant struggle with God. Jacob's name ("He grasps the heel", lit, "He deceives" rings true). He has promised to give 1/10th of all he has. As Christians, we are called to be a changed people.
Jacob's sons appear honourable in this story, as they seek to protect their sister and their family rights. However, it goes against the call to live distinctively different and good lives.
Jacob seemed to have a very hands-off approach to his sons. He perhaps should have been more involved. His rebuke even suggests he was more concerned about being attacked than whether the right thing had been done or not. He should have been living according to God's ways and paths.
Jacob showed his repentance by calling the people to worship God by giving Him their all, giving up their foreign gods and serving Him only. In the midst of this, Deborah died, Jacob had a name change and then Rachel and Isaac died.
Jacob received a fresh revelation and reminder of who God was and it was because of this that Jacob responded to who God was. God is a God of grace, but He requires and expects repentance. That is our responsibility.
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