Genesis 35, Matthew 26

Monday, Jan 14, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 35, Matthew 26)


(Genesis 35)

“So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.”

Jacob was serious this time. He was responding to the vow made prior to God in heading to Bethel. I guess it’s better late than never. This scripture reminds me today of our responsibility as the head of our household. Jacob told each one to get rid of the foreign gods… and they did. Then he buried them. He helped not only his household get on better terms with God, but also all who would come with him.

They followed because he told them to. Why did he wait so long to tell them? They waited on him. If he had told them sooner, they would have followed sooner. We have great responsibility in leadership. When we neglect our responsibilities as spiritual leaders, those who follow become the neglected, and I believe as one in authority, we will stand accountable.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." – Joshua 24:15

Father, bring to our minds areas in which we neglect your ways. Bring to our minds ways that we could better lead either as husband, father, employer, or friend that others might be drawn closer to you. Help us to see the amazing responsibility, but also the honor of leading that comes with authority.

(Matthew 26)

“Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. "But not during the Feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people." (vs.3-5)

So in essence they are saying, “Hey, let’s do this terrible thing, but not on this day, because it’s Holy and it would bug too many people. Let’s wait to do it on another day where people won’t mind it.”

How easily we compartmentalize our lives. It’s so easy to exercise our faith on certain days and neglect it so greatly on others. Whether it’s cultural or personal, we need to recognize this reality in our nature. This seems to me to be directly related to our proximity to God. If Sunday “Church” is where we encounter God alone, there alone is where we will leave Him. It is so significant that we pursue God in relationship throughout the week. One thing I’ve realized is that there is no “flat-line” in Christian existence, there is no happy medium that we can “hold” to. We are either growing in faith or we are declining. With that in mind (and many other things) we should constantly be seeking ways to draw closer to God, on a daily basis.

Father, give us the discipline, the desire, the perspective to do the things that foster a growing relationship with you. Only then will we realize its true significance. Thank you that our strength lies in you.

Genesis 34, Matthew 25

Friday, Jan 11, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 34, Matthew 25)

(Genesis 34)

Verses 15-17 “We will give our consent to you on one condition only: that you become like us by circumcising all your males. Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We'll settle among you and become one people with you. But if you will not agree to be circumcised, we'll take our sister and go."

There is so much to think about in chapter 34. It gives us insight to what happens when we think justice is ours. It gives us insight to what happens when we respond emotionally to something personal. It reminds us to consider the collateral impact of our actions far beyond the immediate. I’m sure there are more lessons.

For some reason this story makes me think about evangelism. A good friend of mine who has an amazing ministry to the impoverished in India mentioned that when Christians hand out tracks there, it’s almost a joke, because the people know if they accept it and listen to the message that then they will give them food, clothing, or other support. Let’s make a deal, right? So their vision is to just lead with love, in the form of food, clothing, education, and other support. And if God gives them the opportunity to lead someone to Christ, they do it. But they recognize the heart of what it’s all about (See Matthew 25). In verses 15-17 in Genesis 34, the entire group of men agreed to be circumcised. Why? Not because they decided to follow their God, but because they wanted something from them and they knew this was the way to get it.

Then my mind travels across the seas to America. I think we have to be careful that we don’t do the same thing here.

Father, help us to keep perspective. Help us to truly make our faith journey about love and trust in you and not reduce it to a handful of rituals. Teach us to grasp the fullness of a relationship with you, that when we share it, others see more than a step across a line in life. Instead, that we would all truly see it as a new life.

(Matthew 25)

Verses 37-40 say, "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

There it is. There is no way we can ignore it. How can we? I had a conversation with a gentleman the other day about faith. His sticking point about faith was the “hypocrites” out there. How many times have we heard that? Why do we just dismiss it? We should look at the pattern and think, “hey, maybe they’re right, maybe we really are all hypocrites.” After dialoguing about how faith is lived out, he said to me, “You can tell me what you value in faith with words and I won’t believe you. I’ve seen it before, they’re just words. If you show me with your life, then I’ll believe you.”

As followers of Christ, we have to ask ourselves some questions. When was the last time I gave my shoes to someone who does not have shoes? When was the last time I gave my coat to someone without a coat? When was the last time I saw someone hungry and I fed them? Did I even take the time to ask their name or hear their story? When was the last time I saw a stranger who needed shelter and I invited them in? When was the last time I prayed for a widow or orphan? When was the last time I saw injustice and fought against it? When was the last time I saw someone society would consider “unloveable” and I loved them? And if we’re supposed to be a people on mission, making disciples, then who are we leading to do the same?

God, I believe with all my heart that this matters to you. Break our hearts for what breaks yours, Lord. Give us eternal perspective that our earthly bodies fight to see.

Genesis 33, Matthew 24

Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 33, Matthew 24)

(Genesis 33)

“He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” Verses 3 and 4.

What an amazing illustration of the power of humility. Because of Jacob’s humility and offering, he turned away the wrath of Esau and was embraced. God giving protection and success to his people through humility is a pattern. It is not with us. When will we realize that although we like to be first, although we want the attention, the spotlight, and the credit… that Jesus really meant it when he said the “first will be last”. Jesus really meant it when he said that the “meek” will inherit the earth. Jesus meant it when he said “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

Our ways do not work as God’s ways do. Humility works over pride and serving others works over serving ourselves. When will we ever learn to drop our agendas? Only then will we get to where we’ve been striving for all along.

I believe this “way” of our God, is also illustrated in serving the “least of these” in our world. I’ve tried my whole life to “love my neighbor” and change my view of how I intuitively place myself in front of others. I have never succeeded in a way that I believe honors God. But I’m learning something in my life right now, when I serve the “outcast”, when I hear their story and learn their name, my compassion for them grows. And when I can find compassion for them, I turn and realize it’s grown for my “neighbor” as well.

I believe this is God’s true game plan in changing our hearts. It’s not just figurative when Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

I think way too highly of myself.

Father, may we trust your ways. May we see that when we humble ourselves and we serve and care for others, that there are two things at work: First, we have the honor of being used to meet a need, and then second, that we are slowly become the disciples of Christ you desire us to be.

(Matthew 24)



“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”(vs10-14)

If we’re not careful, Chapter 24 can really scare us. But we must be careful to put things in perspective. And be ready (as best we can). Chapter 25 will do that for us. For those of us who are in Christ, we have no reason to fear. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”.

Father, may our true confidence be found in you. Give us clarity in our calling, that we may be found faithful, not to our agenda, but to yours.

Genesis 32, Matthew 23

Wednesday, Jan 9, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 32, Matthew 23)

(Genesis 32)

Jacob’s name is changed to Israel. From a name signifying a supplanter, alternate or literally a “backup” to a name meaning a Prince with God. He’s come a long way. Once again I am reminded of the significance of an encounter with the living God. All that Jacob had experienced, all of God’s favor, His leading, His blessing and His communication with him had come to this moment of leaning on God and God alone in his most fearful of moments. And He wrestled. And God was faithful.

Each of us should wrestle with God more. We should struggle with what it takes to learn to trust Him. We should invest our mental and physical energies into finding out what brings Him great joy. We should seek to understand His greatness. We should fight to celebrate His great mystery. We should do whatever it takes to figure out how to remain in His presence, guidance, and favor more and more each day we live.

It’s so much a part of our nature to get to the point in which we think we’ve got God figured out enough that now we can take over. “Okay God, I got it, you can let go now. I think I know what you want and I’m pretty sure I can handle it.” Wrong. Instead, when we think we’ve got something figured out, how about if we fight to draw even closer. How about if we wrestle to stay in that intimate place a bit longer. How about if we do what Peter did in Matthew 17 when He saw the transfiguration of Jesus with Moses and Elijah (it was a pretty lame attempt but at least he tried) when he offered to build them each shelters so they could just stay there a while.

Father, give us the desire to know you more, search out your ways more, find out more of the things of YOU. Forgive us, God, for being lazy in our pursuit. Forgive us for not contending more for your Glory in our lives. God, we know you will be glorified. May we fight that you be Glorified in that which we are called to both as individuals of faith and as the Body of Christ.

(Matthew 23)

Can you even imagine this scene in Matthew 23? These are amazingly bold words of Truth. I can just feel the tension building. I wonder if the disciples wanted Jesus to back off a bit or if they where completely on board with what was happening. Surely they knew all that heard would not agree with his words. Surely they knew that he would be held to his words. Surely they knew they were guilty by association. But Jesus spoke with all authority in heaven and on earth. He continued with his accusations, “You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” Those were not soft words.

I’m reminded of a verse that a good friend encouraged me with recently. What an amazing truth, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Thank you Lord for your power.

Genesis 31, Matthew 22

Tuesday, Jan 8, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 31, Matthew 22)

(Genesis 31)

When it was all said and done, Laban said in verse 50, “…remember that God is a witness between you and me." I hope this reality is always our confidence. At any moment in our lives, with any relationship, if we can find peace, joy, and/or confidence knowing that God is our witness, ultimately, that’s all we need. However, we must be aware that at times in which knowing this truth brings us strife or fear, not confidence, that something is wrong. It is then that we must truly search our hearts and motives. So many times in our journey, we avoid dealing with a personal issue in respect to Godly counsel or scripture. If we tune in, we will see that those are moments we have divorced our minds from our spirit and forgotten who stands as judge.

Father, help us to find our confidence in knowing that you stand as our witness. Help us to see that when our pattern in any area is to not go to You and Your Word for counsel, we are most commonly wrong in our intention. Help us to reunite our minds with our spirit as we search our hearts motives.

(Matthew 22)

In Matthew 22, once again the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking is it right to pay taxes to Caesar. Verses 18-21 give Jesus’ response, “But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"

"Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.”

They were amazed. Why? It was probably for a few reasons. One, they simply could not stump Jesus. Two, Jesus always knew what they were up to. And three, His answer was amazing. It’s Caesar’s coin. So give it to him.

This begs the question: What truly belongs to God? We must be careful how we answer this question, because it’s answer (by wisdom’s demand) means it must be offered back to him. Or instead of being careful how we answer this question, maybe we should be joyful.

God, help us to see that all is yours. Nothing is ours. May we find confidence in knowing you are our provider, knowing also, that you are our protector, and our Heavenly Father. Thank you for loving the world so much, that you gave your only begotten Son. Thank you that through Him, we might have life, and might have the right to be called sons and daughters of the Creator of the Universe.