February 22 -- "Sarah's Death and Abraham's Mourning"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 23

"Sarah's Death and Abraham's Mourning"

Today's key verse is part of a story in which Sarah, the wife of Abraham, dies at the age of 127. After her death, Abraham goes to the city of Kiriath-arba, which is later known as Hebron, to mourn for her and to weep. Kiriath-arba is located in the land of Canaan, which is the land that God promised to give to Abraham and his descendants.

This verse is significant because it marks the passing of a key figure in the Bible, Sarah, who is the wife of Abraham, and the mother of Isaac, who is the son of the promise. It also marks the first time that the city of Kiriath-arba (Hebron) is mentioned in the Bible and it later becomes an important city for the Israelites.

It is also significant in that it shows the love and devotion that Abraham had for Sarah, and the depth of his grief at her passing. This verse also shows that Abraham was a man of faith, who trusted in God's promise, even in the midst of his grief.

The Bible has several passages that discuss mourning and grief, particularly in relation to the death of a loved one.

In Ecclesiastes 3:4 it says "a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance," this verse highlights that mourning and grief are natural and appropriate responses to the death of a loved one, and that God comforts those who mourn and grieve. It also teaches that God will provide beauty and joy in place of ashes and mourning, and that He will turn the grievers into "trees of righteousness," and in this way, they will display His glory.

February 21 -- "Abraham's Blessing for All Nations"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 22

"Abraham's Blessing for All Nations"

Today's verse is part of the story in which God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith. Abraham obediently sets out to do so, but at the last moment, an angel of the Lord intervenes and provides a ram to sacrifice in Isaac's place. After the event, God speaks to Abraham and says these words, "And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice."

This verse is significant because it is the first time in the Bible that the concept of the "offspring" of Abraham, or his descendants, is mentioned. The verse is also significant because it is the first time in the Bible that the concept of the blessing of all nations through the descendants of Abraham is mentioned. This verse is considered to be the first promise of the Messiah, who would come from the descendants of Abraham, and that he would be a blessing to all nations.

It is also considered as the first time that God revealed his plan of salvation through Abraham's descendants and it's the first instance of the promise that God made to Abraham to bless all nations through his offspring. This verse is considered as one of the foundations of the Jewish and Christian faith, as it lays the groundwork of the promise of the coming of the Savior and the blessings that would come through Him.

The New Testament teaches that Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise made in Genesis 22:18, that the Messiah would come from the descendants of Abraham and be a blessing to all nations.

February 20 -- "Calling Upon the Name of the Lord"

Today's Reading:  Genesis 21

"Calling Upon the Name of the Lord"

"Calling upon the name of the Lord" is a phrase that is used throughout the Bible to refer to prayer and worship directed towards God. It often implies a deep sense of devotion, humility, and dependence on God. It also implies a sense of seeking God's presence, guidance, and help.

When someone "calls upon the name of the Lord," they are expressing their faith and trust in God, and seeking His help and guidance. It can be a form of a prayer, a cry for help, or a declaration of faith. It's a way of acknowledging and addressing God, expressing one's dependence on Him, seeking His help and guidance, and worshipping Him by acknowledging His unfathomable greatness.

In the context of Genesis 21:33, Abraham is planting a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God as an act of faith, and as a way of asking for God's blessings on the treaty he had just made with Abimelech. It is a way of Abraham showing his trust in God and asking for His presence to be with them and guide them in their agreement.

Jesus, in the New Testament, teaches about calling on the name of the Lord in several ways. He encourages his followers to pray to God, to have faith in God's power to help, to worship Him, and to rely on Him for guidance. He emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God, and that true worship comes from the heart.

One example of Jesus teaching about worship is found in John 4:23-24, where Jesus says "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." Jesus is teaching that true worship is not about following a set of rules or rituals, but about having a genuine connection with God in spirit and in truth.

February 19 -- "Healing through Intercession"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 20

"Healing through Intercession"

In Genesis 20, we read about a situation where Abraham and Sarah travel to the land of Gerar, and to avoid any potential conflict, Abraham tells the king of Gerar, Abimelech, that Sarah is his sister. Abimelech takes Sarah into his household, but God reveals to Abimelech in a dream that Sarah is actually Abraham's wife and not his sister. Abimelech is outraged and immediately returns Sarah to Abraham, but God also afflicts Abimelech and his household with infertility as a punishment for taking another man's wife.

In this verse, it is said that Abraham prays to God on Abimelech's behalf, asking for forgiveness and for the healing of Abimelech and his household. God grants Abraham's request and heals Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves, allowing them to have children again. This verse illustrates the power and effectiveness of Abraham's prayer and the mercy and grace of God.

Jesus, in the New Testament, teaches about healing through intercession and prayer several times. He encourages his followers to pray for the sick and to have faith in God's power to heal. He also performs many healings himself, demonstrating God's power to heal through him.

In Matthew 9:35, Jesus teaches about the importance of intercession and prayer for the sick, saying "And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction." This passage shows Jesus not only teaching about the power of intercession but also actively going out and healing people through prayer.

In James 5:14-15, the Apostle James says "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." This passage emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer for the sick, and the belief that through faith in God, the person can be healed.

February 18 -- "Don't Look Back"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 19

"Don't Look Back"

In this verse, Lot's wife looks back at the city of Sodom, which is about to be destroyed by God, and turns into a pillar of salt. Lot's wife's name is not mentioned in the Bible. According to some Jewish tradition her name was Ednah, and others suggest that her name was Ado or Amrah. (It's important to note that these names are not found in the Bible and are not considered to be authoritative or historically accurate.)

This verse is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a reminder of the destruction that occurred in the city of Sodom, which was known for its wickedness and immorality. The destruction of the city serves as a warning to all of us that God will not tolerate sin and wickedness.

Secondly, it is a warning to God's children not to look back when God is leading them to safety. Lot and his family were instructed by God to flee the city before it was destroyed and not to look back, but Lot's wife disobeyed this instruction and looked back. Her punishment of turning into a pillar of salt serves as a warning to not to look back when God is leading us away from danger or sin.

Thirdly, Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt can be seen as a symbol of the hardening of the heart, she disobeyed God's command and looked back towards the wickedness, she turned her back on God, this act of disobedience can be seen as a metaphor for the hardening of one's heart and turning away from God.

Our loving Heavenly Father is always leading us away from darkness, sin, and danger. We must stay focused on Him and follow Him wherever He leads us. Looking back to the ways of the world – especially if we are looking back longingly – is a sign that we are no longer finding our satisfaction and spiritual contentment in Him. Don’t look back! The glories of fellowship with your Creator await you in the future. Stay the course. Keep your eyes on Him!

February 17 -- Today's Reading: Genesis 18 "Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 18

"Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?"

Today's verse begins with the question, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" This is a rhetorical question, as the answer is clearly "no." God is all-powerful and there is nothing that is beyond His capabilities.

The verse continues by saying, "I [the Lord] will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son." This is a promise from God to Abraham and Sarah that they will have a child, despite their advanced age and Sarah's previous inability to conceive. It is a reminder that with God, all things are possible and that He can do the impossible.

This verse is also significant because it highlights the faith and trust that Abraham and Sarah had in God. Despite their circumstances, they believed that God was able to fulfill His promise and that Sarah would have a son. Their faith is a reminder to us that we too should trust in God's power and ability to do the impossible in our own lives.

This verse also implies God's foreknowledge and sovereignty, he already knew the outcome, and he was certain that Sarah will have a son, the verse gives a sense of time frame for when the promise will be fulfilled. This can give hope and reassurance to the reader that God's promises will come true in his timing.

February 16 -- Today's Reading: Genesis 17 "The Promise of Canaan"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 17

"The Promise of Canaan"

This verse is part of God's covenant with Abram (later renamed Abraham) in which God promises to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants as an eternal possession. The land of Canaan is the land that is currently Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

This verse is significant because it shows God's promise to give the land to Abraham and his descendants as an eternal possession. It also shows God's promise to be their God, which is a reminder of the close relationship God desires to have with His people.

This verse is also significant because it establishes the concept of the Promised Land in the Bible, which would play a significant role in Jewish and Christian theology throughout history.

Jesus, as a Jew, would have considered the Old Testament as scripture, and would have been familiar with the story of God's covenant with Abraham and the promise of the land of Canaan.

In the New Testament, Jesus does not directly reference Genesis 17:8, but he does speak about the concept of the Promised Land and the fulfillment of God's promises in the New Covenant. Jesus emphasizes the spiritual aspect of God's promise rather than the physical land, he talks about the Kingdom of God, which is not limited by geographical boundaries. Jesus says in John 4:21-24 "For salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

In Matthew 5:5 Jesus says "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This verse also emphasizes the spiritual aspect of inheriting the Promised Land, which is not limited to a physical piece of land, but rather a spiritual inheritance.

So, Jesus did not negate the Old Testament, but rather fulfilled it in a spiritual way and taught the deeper meaning of God's promises.