Bible Pathways - Jan. 10, 2009
January 10
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Be sure to grasp the incredible truth found here in the mighty Abrahamic Covenant (one of the greatest honors God ever gives).
Esau had disqualified himself from receiving the Abrahamic blessing, for he had married heathen wives and had despised his birthright by "selling" it to Jacob for a bowl of soup. When Esau and Jacob were in Rebekah's womb, God, in His foreknowledge of their character, had prophesied to her: Two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger (25:23). Disregarding this God-given revelation, Isaac made plans to confer the Abrahamic birthright on his favorite, worldly son Esau.
When Isaac discovered that he had unintentionally bestowed the sacred blessing upon Jacob rather than upon Esau, he trembled with the startling realization that Almighty God had overruled his selfish, misguided, evil plans (27:33). Isaac, with no thought of deception from either his wife or Jacob, then openly acknowledged that Jacob was the one God had chosen to receive the birthright blessing and once again conferred on him the sacred Abrahamic Covenant blessing.
Jacob journeyed hundreds of miles on foot, fleeing from the murderous threat of his brother, traveling through a strange heathen land over paths he had never traveled, and facing an uncertain future. Little did he realize that he was being directed by God and would one day be blessed with twelve sons who would be used of God to head the twelve tribes forming the mighty nation of Israel that God had foretold to Abraham.
Since Jacob had left, it appeared that Esau would receive the family wealth. Jacob had something far more priceless — the birthright of God's promise: I am with thee (28:15). All that was included in the Abrahamic Covenant was now Jacob's inheritance (12:2-3; 22:18; 26:4). It not only included the promised land, but it meant that Jacob would be an ancestor of the Promised Messiah, who would reign over the house of Jacob for ever (Luke 1:33).
Jacob's life is an illustration of how God wonderfully uses and blesses His faithful servants — even though there may be times when it seems they are being cheated out of the best opportunities of life. But God's promises will be fulfilled as He wills and when He wills. The efforts of deception by an unbelieving world can never cheat a faithful Christian out of God's best.
What difference does it make if a Christian is penniless? He shall soon possess the priceless treasures of an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (I Pet. 1:4-5).
Thought for Today:
The Bible teaches us that a single day with the Lord is better than a thousand anywhere else (Ps. 84:10). How much better is a lifetime in His service?
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph who was born (Gen. 30:23-24) to save and preserve his people (50:20). Jesus was born to offer eternal life to all mankind (41:56-57).
Word Studies:
28:1 charged =commanded; 28:11 lighted upon =came to; 28:15 keep thee =watch over you with care; 28:17 How dreadful is this place =what an awesome, wonderful, holy place; 28:18 poured oil upon =anointed; 28:19 Bethel =house of God; 29:3 mouth =opening; 29:7 high =early in the; 29:12 brother =relative; 29:17 tender eyed =unattractive; 29:26 It must not be so done =it is not customary; 29:31 hated =unloved; opened her womb =enabled her to have children; 30:18 hire =reward; 30:23 reproach =humiliation, disgrace; 30:28 appoint =name; 30:36 journey betwixt =distance between; 30:37 pilled =peeled.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bible Pathway Accountant: Joe Sarsfield • Government Officials: Rep. Roy Blunt (MO), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA), Rep. Lois Capps (CA), Sen. Mark Pryor (AR), Rep. Bill Shuster (PA), Rep. Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. (MD), and Rep. Greg Walden (OR) • Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela • Major languages: English and Hindi • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God that the answers to your prayers are granted through the grace of God (Is. 30:19).
Optional Reading: Matthew 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 1:21
