Genesis 21, Matthew 12

Monday, Dec 24, 2007 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 21, Matthew 12)


(Genesis 21)

So many times we are concerned about things that are out of our control. Today I am reminded of this when reading of Sarah’s selfishness in how she desired Abraham to treat Hagar and her son. She didn’t even refer to her as Hagar, she called her, “That slave woman”.

Verse 12 and 13, “But God said to him, ‘Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant… I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring."

Why is it that we feel like if we don’t do something, God is helpless? Sometimes we treat God like if we don’t accomplish the task, that the task won’t be accomplished. But he knows what he’s doing. Our faith will be built when we realize that we have the honor and privilege to be a part of his plan, not that we determine the success of his plan.

Father, help us to be faithful with what you have asked us to do. Open our eyes to the needs around us and give us discernment as to when we should intervene.

(Matthew 12)

It’s interesting to me that the end of Matthew 11, Jesus is speaking about how the “yolk” of following him as a Rabbi is easy and his burden is light. Then in chapter 12, the first example he sets as Rabbi, is harvest food with his disciples on the Sabbath. Of course the Pharisee’s were close by, ready to make accusations. Jesus goes on to remind them of when David’s men ate in the temple as well as the priests and were considered innocent. He then declared “Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

Jesus gives us a lesson on legalism here. The heart behind the law is not to do nothing at all, but to do good at all costs (to do what’s right). There are so many applications and so many variations, but all lead with love.

Father, help us to see what things in our lives we live out of obligation and legalism while we sit idly by on so many other areas that need to be addressed. Help us to yield toward your heart in each area of our lives.