March 7 -- "Beth-El: House of God"

  Today's Reading:  Genesis 35

"Beth-El: House of God"

The story of Jacob naming the place where he had the vision of God as "Beth-el" ("Beth" meaning "house" combined with "El" meaning God, thus "House of God") highlights the significance of recognizing and acknowledging moments of divine encounter in our lives. Just as Jacob named the place where he encountered God, we too can identify the places, circumstances, or experiences where we feel closest to God, and acknowledge them as sacred and meaningful to us.

In practical terms, this can involve setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and worship, or even creating a physical space in your home or community that serves as a reminder of your connection to God. It can also mean actively seeking out opportunities to encounter God in new ways, such as through reading Scripture, serving others, or participating in church ministries.

By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience a greater sense of peace, purpose, and guidance in our lives. Whether it's through moments of quiet contemplation or acts of service, the goal is to cultivate a sense of God's presence in all aspects of our lives, and to acknowledge and honor that presence in meaningful ways.

March 6 -- "Tit for Tat"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 34

"Tit for Tat"

The verse from Genesis 34:13 highlights an important aspect of human behavior and the consequences of our actions: a concept of revenge known as "tit for tat" - the infliction of an injury or insult in return for one that someone has suffered. In this instance, Dinah had been defiled, or violated, by Shechem, the local prince. Shechem certainly deserved to be punished for his heinous act, but the sons of Jacob go about it in the wrong way. They used deceit and violence to retaliate against Shechem and his father Hamor. Jesus taught us to leave the retaliation to the Lord. In Matthew 5:38-39 He said, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, don't react violently against the one who is evil."

The sons of Jacob retaliated with deceit and violence. They were not just angry, they wanted to take down the whole city. They weren't strong enough to fight them, so they came up with a sneaky plan to ambush the inhabitants when they were weak. The Shechemites were unable to defend themselves and it became a brutal massacre instead of a victory. This increased the wickedness of Jacob's sons, who only cared about satisfying their anger.

This serves as a warning against the use of deceit and dishonesty in our dealings with others. It shows that deceitful actions can lead to conflict and violence, and ultimately, harm both the deceiver and the deceived. In the end, Jacob's sons' actions led to an escalation of the tensions between the Israelites and Schechemites, as violence and war continued to increase.

The Bible teaches that individuals who inflict pain on others should - and will - face consequences for their actions. This can be seen in both Old and New Testament passages. People will experience the consequences of their actions, both good and bad, either in this life thorough appropriate legal action or ultimately when they face their Maker at the Great White Throne.

This verse also shows that God doesn't try to hide or cover up the imperfections and sinfulness of those He has chosen. The Bible characters weren't perfect - far from it. This gives hope and encouragement to all of us, knowing that God chooses us and calls us despite the failures in our lives. Our amazing God accepts us unlovable people and loves us anyway!

 

March 5 -- "El-Elohe-Israel"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 33

"El-Elohe-Israel"

In Genesis 33, Jacob has a reunion with his brother Esau who he had previously cheated and ran away from. In this chapter, Jacob sends gifts ahead to Esau and meets him with his family and possessions. Esau, who had previously held a grudge against Jacob, forgave him and they reconciled. After this meeting, Jacob and his family settled in the land of Canaan.

The verse Genesis 33:20 specifically talks about an altar that Jacob built in the land of Canaan after he settled there. The verse says that he "erected there an altar" and "called it El-Elohe-Israel." The act of building an altar was a common practice in the ancient Near East as a way to worship and offer sacrifices to God.

The naming of the altar "El-Elohe-Israel" is significant as it highlights Jacob's recognition of God as the God of Israel. El-Elohe-Israel means "God, the God of Israel." El can also be understood to mean “Almighty” or “mighty”, thus giving us the translation “the mighty God of Israel.” This shows that Jacob is not only acknowledging the existence of God, but also acknowledging that God has a special relationship with the Israelites and is their God.

By placing this altar on his own land and giving it this distinctive name, Jacob is declaring that the God he once referred to as "the God of Abraham and Isaac" is now his God as well. Thus, Jacob announces that his ancestors' God is now also the God of "Israel" (the name given to Jacob by the Angel of the Lord). He is henceforth known as "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

What a blessed transition! From knowing about your parents' God, to knowing Him yourself and declaring that He is yours. Every Christian parent hopes and prays that this day will come for his/her children - the day when they announce that their parents' God is now theirs. What a blessed transition it is.

March 4 -- "Israel: A Divine Transformation"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 32

"Israel: A Divine Transformation" 

Following their nighttime wrestling match, the angel of the Lord tells Jacob that his name will no longer be Jacob (meaning "deceiver"), but will now be "Israel", which means "he who struggles with God" or "he who is governed by God." This change of name reflects Jacob's experience of wrestling with God and with men, and his ultimate victory.

In this story, Jacob wrestled with the angel, who represented God. This wrestling match is understood as a spiritual struggle, where Jacob grapples with his own inadequacies and his sense of unworthiness, and God's power and grace. The wrestling match symbolizes Jacob's spiritual transformation, and how through his struggles, he is able to face his fears and overcome them as he submits himself to the Lord.

The significance of Jacob's new name, Israel, is that it represents a change in his identity, from a deceiver to a person who strives with and is now governed by God. This is a transformation from a man who is focused on himself, to a man who is focused on God.

Just like Jacob, every Christ-follower is called to struggle with God and with themselves, as they seek to understand their own inadequacies and their need for God's grace. This process of struggling and wrestling with God is often referred to as the "Christian walk" or "spiritual growth."

Christians are called to take on the identity of "Christ-follower" or "disciple" of Jesus, which means to strive to follow and be governed by Jesus in their thoughts, words and actions. This implies a change of mind, heart and behavior, a new way of living. In the Bible, transformation means “change or renewal from a life that conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God.”

Just like Jacob, each one of us must learn “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)

What will be your new name?

March 3 -- "The Fear of His Father"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 31

"The Fear of His Father"

Today's reading is part of the story of Jacob and Laban, his father-in-law. In this verse, Jacob and Laban make a covenant with each other, in which they agree to stop being adversaries and to live in peace.

Jacob and Laban call upon the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor (Laban's father) to be the judge between them and to ensure that their covenant is kept. Both Jacob and Laban swear by the God they worship, and they make a pact at the heap of stones, which was likely a pile of stones that they built as a physical marker of their agreement.

This passage is an example of the concept of a "covenant" in the Bible, which is an agreement or promise between two parties, often made in the presence of God as a witness. This covenant between Jacob and Laban is a sign of their willingness to put aside their differences and to live in peace and harmony.

This is now the second time that Jacob has used the phrase, "the fear of my father." In this context, he is using it as a name for God, synonymous with "Yahweh." He is making it clear that the God who is confirming their covenant is the very-same God who Isaac "feared." The believer’s "fear of God" is his/her reverence of God. Hebrews 12:28-29 is a good description of this: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ’God is a consuming fire.’” This reverence and awe are exactly what the fear of God means for Christians.

Jacob acknowledged Isaac's reverence and awe for Yahweh. So much so, that he used the phrase "the Fear of my father" as a name for God.

March 2 -- "The God Who Remembers"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 30

"The God Who Remembers"

In the Bible, God is often described as remembering His promises and the people He cares about. The idea of God remembering is a way of expressing God's faithfulness and his ongoing concern for his people.

For example, in Exodus 2:24-25, God remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and sees the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt. He hears their cries for help and decides to intervene on their behalf.

Similarly, in Isaiah 49:15-16, God says, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me." This passage communicates that God's love and care for his people is so strong that he will never forget them, and that they are always on his mind.

In Genesis 30:22, God remembered Rachel and opened her womb, which is seen as a sign of God's faithfulness and care for her. Rachel had waited a long time before she became pregnant. She likely became frustrated and impatient during this time and perhaps had even given up on her desire to be a mom.

When the Bible talks about God remembering, it is expressing the idea that God is faithful and compassionate, and that He keeps His promises and takes care of those who put their trust in Him. He will not (actually, cannot) forget you or the promises He has made to you. So, don't get frustrated and impatient during the "waiting time." God will remember you and your situation in His perfect timing.

He has "engraved you" on the palms of His hands and He will not forget!

March 1 -- "Time Flies When You're in Love"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 29

"Time Flies When You're in Love"

Today's verse is referring to this time period of seven years that Jacob served Laban to marry Rachel. Despite the arduous labor, Jacob's love for Rachel made the time pass quickly for him. This is an example of how love can make difficult or trying times seem less so, and it is also seen as an expression of Jacob's deep love for Rachel.

Love can make difficult or trying times seem less so because it provides a sense of emotional support and connection to someone else. When we are going through a difficult time, it can be easy to feel alone and isolated. However, when we have someone that we love and who loves us in return, it can help us to feel more grounded and secure. This can make it easier to cope with the challenges we are facing.

One example of this is a couple who is going through a difficult period in their relationship. They may be experiencing financial stress, career setbacks, or other challenges that are putting a strain on their relationship. However, because they love each other, they are able to support and encourage each other through these difficult times. They may talk through their problems, make plans together, and lean on each other for emotional support. This helps them to feel more connected and less alone, even in the face of difficult circumstances. Through their love for each other, the couple is able to weather the storms of life together.

In the same way, our God is a loving and compassionate God who is always present and available to provide support and guidance to those who turn to Him. Jesus often talked about love in the context of God's love for humanity, and the love that believers should have for God and for others. Jesus' teachings on love can be seen as a reminder that love is at the heart of our relationship with God and with others. Love is central to Jesus' message and it is a vital aspect of the Christian life. He teaches that through His love, we too can discover that our years on Earth may "seem like days" because of the great love relationaship between us and our God.