Genesis 30, Matthew 21

Monday, Jan 7, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 30, Matthew 21)

(Genesis 30)

I read today an amazing response to the closing verses of Genesis 30. It shares some incredible insight: “The fourteen years being gone, Jacob was willing to depart without any provision, except God's promise. But he had in many ways a just claim on Laban's substance, and it was the will of God that he should be provided for from it. He referred his cause to God, rather than agree for stated wages with Laban, whose selfishness was very great. And it would appear that he acted honestly, when none but those of the colours fixed upon should be found among his cattle. Laban selfishly thought that his cattle would produce few different in color from their own. Jacob's course after this agreement has been considered an instance of his policy and management. But it was done by intimation from God, and as a token of his power. The Lord will one way or another plead the cause of the oppressed, and honour those who simply trust his providence. Neither could Laban complain of Jacob, for he had nothing more than was freely agreed that he should have; nor was he injured, but greatly benefited by Jacob's services. May all our mercies be received with thanksgiving and prayer, that coming from his bounty, they may lead to his praise.”
(Matthew 21)

Our perspective is truly critical. I think we sorely underestimate the power of our mental processes. Paul spoke regularly about the renewing of our minds and having the attitude of Christ. It is so critical that we do not separate our spirituality from our minds. Because it is then that we so easily begin to do things of our own power, focus, and gain. It is then that even our efforts of faith can become misaligned with the ways of God, and we miss the fullness of what our role might be in this great journey.

Even the Chief Priests missed it in Chapter 21. In their minds, they had lived for God their entire lives. But they completely missed it when the Word became flesh and stood before them. What others saw as wonderful and joyful, they looked at it with disgust, because it was no longer about them. Incredible acts of kindness were being done. Those struck with life-long illnesses were being healed. Verse 15 says, “But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant.”

Father, help us to celebrate the amazing things you are doing. Give us a true spirit of joy through the successes of others. Help us to look at the amazing work of Jesus and join with the children who sang “Hosanna”.

Genesis 29, Matthew 20

Friday, Jan 4, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 29, Matthew 20)

(Genesis 29)

What a complex story. It’s simple in structure, but complex because it’s scripture. In chapter 29 you see hard work and commitment, you see trickery, and favor for beauty. There are some “no way” moments for me, especially when Laban said, “I’ll give you Rachel for another seven good years”. But Jacob did it. Then she was barren. Leah had three children, all with the hopes of it making Jacob love her more.

Here’s my greatest takeaway today, twice Leah bore a child with hopes ONLY for Jacob to love her. On the fourth child, she finally got it and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” The next statement said that at this realization, she stopped having children.

How many times do we do things for the acceptance and affirmation of man with greater fervor than that which we seek Gods favor? It’s such a difficult task for us to change our perspective to eternal. For Leah, it took years and four children. Maybe this was her main lesson in all of this, to find contentment in the love of God alone. The key is that she finally got it. And she didn’t just accept it, she praised God in it.

The lineage of Christ is traced back to her fourth child, Judah. God knows what He’s doing. There’s a lesson for us.

God, may we not only desire to find approval and love from you above anything else, but may we have the same attitude as Leah. Her response was to find fulfillment through the Love of her God and to “Praise the Lord”.

(Matthew 20)

Here is just a portion of Matthew Henry’s thoughts on The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. I found it to be profound:

“There is great proneness in us to think that we have too little, and others too much of the tokens of God's favour; and that we do too much, and others too little in the work of God. But if God gives grace to others, it is kindness to them, and no injustice to us. Carnal worldlings agree with God for their penny in this world; and choose their portion in this life. Obedient believers agree with God for their penny in the other world, and must remember they have so agreed. Didst not thou agree to take up with heaven as thy portion, thy all; wilt thou seek for happiness in the creature? God punishes none more than they deserve, and recompenses every service done for him; he therefore does no wrong to any, by showing extraordinary grace to some. See here the nature of envy. It is an evil eye, which is displeased at the good of others, and desires their hurt. It is a grief to ourselves, displeasing to God, and hurtful to our neighbours: it is a sin that has neither pleasure, profit, nor honour. Let us forego every proud claim, and seek for salvation as a free gift. Let us never envy or grudge, but rejoice and praise God for his mercy to others as well as to ourselves.”

Genesis 28, Matthew 19

Thursday, Jan 3, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 28, Matthew 19)

(Genesis 28)

On Jacob’s journey from Beersheeba to Haran, he stopped at Bethel to rest. There, God came to him in a dream. After affirming the fulfillment of the covenant He made with Abraham, God revealed that the land he was laying on would be the place it would be done. Then God made another promise in verse 15, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

The thing I love about this scripture is Jacob’s response to God. He had two profound revelations, the first was that “Surely the Lord is in this place” and the second, “How awesome is this place!” He instantly accepted it, did his best to set the land apart through setting up a pillar from the rock he used as a pillow, and made a vow to God to express his dedication.

Jacob hadn’t done everything perfect in his life, but here’s what he did do, when God spoke he believed. Jacob never QUESTIONED God’s profound leading and provision, he DEPENDED on it.

I love the fact that he used the very rock he slept on to build the pillar. He marked the spot where it happened. Just like the waterstones from the river Jordan that the priests set out, it would be a reminder for generations to come of God’s faithfulness. This is an amazing challenge to us, how do we remember the profound moments in which our lives were changed forever? How do we capture that moment of dependency and thanksgiving where we were ready to change everything if God asked? How do we remember the zeal and excitement of a fresh new vision or promise for it to be fulfilled?

If we do not remain in fellowship with the Spirit, it will fade, if not disappear. If we do not remain in fellowship with one another, we will forget. This is the heart behind Hebrews 10. We are told to consider how we can encourage one another, how we lead others towards loving and that love being expressed through works of service (good deeds). That is our stone. It tells us to keep meeting together and to hold to the hope that we profess, the “new” command that Jesus gave. And it says to do so even more as we see the Day (capital “D”) approaching.

(Matthew 19)

In speaking to the rich young man, Jesus hit him at the core. Although he was asking what it took to gain it, Jesus knew what he valued over eternal life. For him, it existed in the temporary. Bottom line, we have to be willing to leave behind what we value apart from Christ. Why? Typically those are the things we value in lieu of Christ. Jesus said even if that is our house, or those we love, or even our fields (places of work or provision). Obviously, he doesn’t always call us to do that. But he asks us all to be willing. This is a huge challenge to us all. Each day as we make decisions, we are choosing sides. God, give us a faith that trusts your provision. Then Father, give us the courage to find joy in the journey it takes us on.

Genesis 27, Matthew 18

Wednesday, Jan 2, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 27, Matthew 18)

(Genesis 27)

Chapter 27 makes me more curious, and a bit enamored with the ideology of God’s perfect verses His permissive will. I guess anytime I read about when His ends are met with our “messed up” means it increases my amazement. We certainly make decisions each day that can either be something that honors God or does not. You would think that with so many variables and decisions, any plan could easily be derailed. What we can bask in is the unbelievable foreknowledge of our God. Once again I am amazed at the mystery of God’s realm of existence and understanding. It is far beyond ours.

It was foretold that Esau would serve Jacob. Obviously, Isaac had not “duly considered” the Divine word concerning his two sons. He took matters into his own hands. And yet, through what most would consider an odd experience, His Divine word was fulfilled.

I’m reminded once again, of our influence as parents. Matthew Henry reminds us that, “Rebekah knew that the blessing was intended for Jacob, and expected he would have it. But she wronged Isaac by putting a cheat on him; she wronged Jacob by tempting him to wickedness. She put a stumbling block in Esau’s way, and gave him a pretext for hatred to Jacob and religion. All were to be blamed. It was one of those crooked measures often adopted to further the Divine promises; as if the end would justify, or excuse wrong means. Thus many have acted wrong, under the idea of being useful in promoting the cause of Christ. The Answer to all such things that which God addressed to Abraham, I am God Almighty; walk before me and be thou perfect.”

Father, make us sensitive to the means in which we live our lives. Produce in us, decision making abilities that choose your means in the journey towards your ends. When we stray, make us sensitive to your redirection. Sharpen us gently, Lord.

(Matthew 18)

There are three words of instruction Jesus gives us in regard to becoming like “little children”. I think it’s important we remember the qualifying word used here is “little”. There is a huge difference between little children and children. There is a different spirit of innocence and desire to belong. There is a desire to do whatever their “big brother” wants them to because they just love them so much. There is even a sweetness in how they treat smaller children. Although they make bad decisions often, they obey when redirected when instructed because they see a parent as absolute authority. They learn quickly. They act how they feel. They are fairly unpolluted by the world, just polluted by their nature, which with the right provision can be overcome. Here are the words related to the “little children”. (1) Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. (2) Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. (3) See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. If you let your mind explore them, we’ll find how each of these three thoughts have so many facets.

Father, help us to humble ourselves before you and in how we relate with others, help us to be compassionate with others, help us to not see ourselves more highly than we ought to. May this all be an expression of love towards you and others.

Genesis 26, Matthew 17

Tuesday, Jan 1, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 26, Matthew 17)

(Genesis 26)

Verse 2 and 3 say that, “The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you.”

God knew Isaac’s thoughts. He knew Isaac was in a quandary of survival. There was a drought in the land he was promised to flourish in and he was tempted to take things into his own hands. I would imagine as a leader, this would appear to come with much risk of credibility lost. God was leading Isaac, His promise was to fulfill the covenant He had made with Abraham. But there were so many others involved. They knew the land was parched. They knew there were other options that might provide what they needed. They probably dreamed of immediate gratification. And they were looking to Isaac for leadership.

But Isaac had a direct confirmation from God. And he remained faithful. And so did God.

I’m reminded as we lead our families, our employees, influence our friends, and play a role in society how quickly we are derailed by the immediate. It’s so easy to give God a “little help” and take things into our own hands.

This expresses such a blatant lack of perspective we have. Sad but true. God has communicated throughout His word and relationships that His end goal is different than ours. Because He already knows how the story ends, His goal for us is the journey, the experience, the joy, the trust, and the faith built each day we choose to follow His ways. Our goal quickly becomes the result at the end of the journey.

Isaac’s greatest task that day wasn’t to worry about how he was going to birth a nation, it was to choose to stay in Gerar and not go to Egypt as Abraham did. While he failed the task of trusting that God would protect him and his wife without lying, he succeeded in the task of staying put.

God, give us your perspective in the daily decisions we make. Help us to trust in your protection within that daily calling. Teach us God, to move when you move us, and to wait on you when you don’t.

(Matthew 17)

Peter’s response to Jesus’ transfiguration was interesting to me. Here he is standing before Jesus, revealed as the Son of God, and next to His side stands both Moses and Elijah. Here’s what he says, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."

Notice that none of them responded to Peters question. They literally ignored him. I don’t know if it was because it was such a ridiculous request, simple request, a request without perspective, or what, but they did not respond. Instead, God interrupted and continued with His revelation.

I wondered today what was going through Peters mind. Obviously, to some extent, he just wanted everyone to stay put. “This is good”, he thought “How can I control things and keep it like this forever?” OK, here’s the deal Jesus, I’ll build you guys a shelter (because you need that so much) and you can stay. He didn’t even go so far as to offer a palace or some grand piece of design and architecture. The word literally translates to be a place of shade or covering. What an underwhelming offer.

Too many times, that’s exactly how my faith is. I try to bundle up Jesus and try to keep him in a place I want him. Maybe to keep him out of others places (Don’t we all?) I take the stories and miracles of the time of Moses and Elijah and place them in my safe box of understanding. In my flesh, I so easily make them what I need (or want) them to be and forget that God is on a mission bigger than mine.

Father, help us to receive your Truth as Truth. Give us courage that when we discover something in your Word and through the life of Jesus to let go and receive it. Teach us to stop trying to control our faith and simply live in covenant relationship with you as sons and daughters of the living God. Help us to stop “doing” things for you God and to see that our efforts are as simple as Peter’s offer to build a shelter for Jesus. Thank you for Grace that our salvation does not depend upon what we can offer you, but instead, what you have offered us as a free gift of love.