Today’s Bible reading (we’re following along the Walking With Wainright Bible reading plan) takes us through the death of Abraham, Isaac’s journey, the birth of Esau and Jacob, Jesus and some tough red letters, and a warning from Proverbs.
If you’re looking to get more active in the Word and be held accountable, hang with me and let’s get this done!
Day 12: Genesis 25:1-26:35, Matthew 10:1-33, Proverbs 1:20-33
Abraham dies at the age of 175, and it’s noted he took concubines and another wife. This is not prescriptive but descriptive. Isaac is “blessed” by God after his father’s death, and Abraham was buried next to Sarah.
Ishmael’s descendants are listed, and they fall into 12 princes according to their tribes. Ishmael died aged 137 years.
Isaac’s son’s: Rebekah asks the Lord why there is so much struggle with her pregnancy, and the Lord answers that there are two nations in her womb, and one will be stronger than the other. This shows that man isn’t a product of his own doing but rather the Lord is sovereign over the affairs of man.
Esau came first, “hairy like a red garment” followed by Jacob, who came out holding his brother’s heel. Esau grew up to be a skilled hunter, Jacob was a peaceful man.
Isaac “loved Esau” while Rebekah loved Jacob. Favoritism never ends well, and it doesn’t in this case either. Then comes the famous story of Esau coming in from the field, hungry, and is so desperate for something to eat. Jacob shamefully extorts Esau instead of just helping his brother, he says he’ll give him the food he’s made if he sells his birthright. Esau also succumbs to fleshly desire but despising his birthright.
Isaac attempts to sojourn during a famine, but the Lord instructs him not to because he wants to fulfill his promise to Abraham. Isaac obeys the Lord and stays in Gerar.
Isaac repeats the same mistake made by his father, telling the men of the land his wife is his sister, because he was afraid, thus he didn’t trust the Lord to fulfill His promises. Out of fear.
Isaac moves on after becoming wealthy (bc of the Lord’s blessing) and settles in Beersheba. He understands it is the Lord who is blocking certain avenues and opens others. The Lord speaks to Isaac and reminds him of this.
The twelve:
- Simon (who is called Peter)
- Andrew (Simon Peter’s brother)
- James (son of Zebedee)
- John (James’ brother)
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Thomas
- Matthew
- James (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddeus
- Simon (the zealot)
- Judas
Jesus gives them the authority to heal the sick and commands them to do so. He tells them to preach to the Jews first, and instructs them what to acquire and where to stay. If people don’t receive them, Jesus says dust off your sandals and move on — adding that Sodom and Gomorrah will be nothing compared to the city that rejects Jesus’ disciples.
Jesus promises hardship on account of His name, even says they will be “hated” because of His name… and tells them to be shrewd in their ministry but not to worry about what to said if they are handed over to authorities, for God will provide the words at that time.
“For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”
Do not fear those who can kill the body but not the soul, but rather fear Him who is able to destroy the body and the soul to hell. These are Jesus’ words, for all the red letter Christians out there who like to sugar coat the seriousness of Jesus’ message.
“I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” This is not a contradiction of the Prince of Peace… Jesus came to bring between man and God, but he also came to bring conflict between Christ and the Anti-christ.
DO NOT FEAR is a repeated message.
Wisdom warns… a message to those who scoff at God and rely on their own wisdom. God explains how that will go for them in that day when they finally do realize they need God. Think of the person who is hanging off the cliff — what is the first thing they always do when there is no one around to help? Cry out for God to save them. Remember where your help comes from BEFORE this time.
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