"Judah recognized them, and said, 'She is more righteous than I, inasmuch as I did not give her to my son Shelah.' And he did not have relations with her again." -Genesis 38.26
Judah's caught. But rather than make excuses, or hide in embarrassment, he owns it. He doesn't flee to another city, he straight up says, "She is more righteous than I."
Men, this needs to be our response. We don't like to admit our short falls. We have a fear of being found out as phonies, and we'll do whatever is necessary to prevent that from happening. But if we would be men, we need to man up and own it. We need to acknowledge our shortcomings and our failures. We need to be willing to say, "I messed up, and they are more righteous than I am."
It isn't easy to do. There are consequences that we may have to face, and costs we may have to pay, and probably some humbling that has to take place. But if we would be men, then we must own up to what we've done, or failed to do.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Your Sin Will Be Found Out
"So he turned aside to her by the road, and said, 'Here now, let me come in to you'; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. And she said, 'What will you give me, that you may come in to me?' He said, therefore, 'I will send you a young goat from the flock.' She said, moreover, 'Will you give a pledge until you send it?' He said, 'What pledge shall I give you?' And she said, 'Your seal and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.' So he gave them to her and went in to her, and she conceived by him... Now it was about three months later that Judah was informed, 'Your daughter-in-law Tamar has played the harlot, and behold, she is also with child by harlotry.' Then Judah said, 'Bring her out and let her be burned!' It was while she was being brought out that she sent to her father-in-law, saying, 'I am with child by the man to whom these things belong.' And she said, 'Please examine and see, whose signet ring and cords and staff are these?'" -Genesis 38.16-18, 24-25
Judah's first son had a wife, Tamar, but he was evil and God took his life. Onan, the middle son, had the duty to have children for his brother, but knowing they wouldn't be his, he didn't perform his duty, and God killed him too. Now Judah had a third son, Shelah, and Tamar should have been given to him as a wife, but Judah is afraid for his youngest son's life. Instead of doing what he should do, he sends her home with the false promise of giving her to his son when he is old enough.
Judah's wife dies and he heads to the town to shear his sheep. Tamar hears about it, and knowing she hasn't been given to Shelah, disguises herself as a prostitute. Judah sleeps with her, and gives her his seal, cord and staff, to hold in trust until he sends payment. But she removes the disguise and later it is found out that she is pregnant. As they are about to hand out punishment she produces Judah's items, and he is caught. He sinned against her and God. He knew what was right and refused to do it. When the prostitute couldn't be found he figured he was in the clear, but his sin found him out.
Men, our sins will always find us out. Nothing we can do will erase them, and nothing we can do will fix them. We can move to another church, or neighborhood, hoping to leave our sins behind, but they will eventually catch us. And when they do, we will face judgment for them.
Let us live our lives free from sin. Let us flee from evil and avoid sin at all costs. Let us do what is right always, because sin will be found out. It might not be today, or next week, or even next year. But one day all things will come to light, and sin that has been hidden during life leads to the lake of fire. Your sin will be found out, flee from it, and seek God's strength to live above it.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Judah's first son had a wife, Tamar, but he was evil and God took his life. Onan, the middle son, had the duty to have children for his brother, but knowing they wouldn't be his, he didn't perform his duty, and God killed him too. Now Judah had a third son, Shelah, and Tamar should have been given to him as a wife, but Judah is afraid for his youngest son's life. Instead of doing what he should do, he sends her home with the false promise of giving her to his son when he is old enough.
Judah's wife dies and he heads to the town to shear his sheep. Tamar hears about it, and knowing she hasn't been given to Shelah, disguises herself as a prostitute. Judah sleeps with her, and gives her his seal, cord and staff, to hold in trust until he sends payment. But she removes the disguise and later it is found out that she is pregnant. As they are about to hand out punishment she produces Judah's items, and he is caught. He sinned against her and God. He knew what was right and refused to do it. When the prostitute couldn't be found he figured he was in the clear, but his sin found him out.
Men, our sins will always find us out. Nothing we can do will erase them, and nothing we can do will fix them. We can move to another church, or neighborhood, hoping to leave our sins behind, but they will eventually catch us. And when they do, we will face judgment for them.
Let us live our lives free from sin. Let us flee from evil and avoid sin at all costs. Let us do what is right always, because sin will be found out. It might not be today, or next week, or even next year. But one day all things will come to light, and sin that has been hidden during life leads to the lake of fire. Your sin will be found out, flee from it, and seek God's strength to live above it.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Do What is Right
"Then Judah said to Onan, 'Go in to your brother’s wife, and perform your duty as a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.' Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother. But what he did was displeasing in the sight of the Lord; so He took his life also." -Genesis 38.8-10
We come to Judah's second son, Onan. He gets a little more face time in scripture, but still we know very little about him. But what we do know has valuable lessons to teach us.
We have a duty to perform. In the Middle East during this time if a man died with no children his brother would take his wife and have children for his brother. It was the brother's duty to give children to the wife. And Onan, knowing that they would not be his children wastes his seed so that no children will be born. This act is displeasing to God. Onan knew what he was supposed to do and yet doesn't do it. And so God takes his life too.
In my Bible after this verse I have a note written that says "James 4.17", that verse says this, "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." Romans 6.23a tells us "The wages of sin is death". When we know the right thing to do, and we refuse to do it, we sin. And sin results in death. This death could be physical, gradual, or eternal, as we looked at yesterday, but it all results in death.
Men, when we are presented with a choice, let us choose to do the right thing. Onan didn't and it cost him his life. When we choose to do what is wrong, or even simply not to act, the Bible says we sin. May we always choose to do what is right, it will be pleasing to God, and bring us life.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
We come to Judah's second son, Onan. He gets a little more face time in scripture, but still we know very little about him. But what we do know has valuable lessons to teach us.
We have a duty to perform. In the Middle East during this time if a man died with no children his brother would take his wife and have children for his brother. It was the brother's duty to give children to the wife. And Onan, knowing that they would not be his children wastes his seed so that no children will be born. This act is displeasing to God. Onan knew what he was supposed to do and yet doesn't do it. And so God takes his life too.
In my Bible after this verse I have a note written that says "James 4.17", that verse says this, "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." Romans 6.23a tells us "The wages of sin is death". When we know the right thing to do, and we refuse to do it, we sin. And sin results in death. This death could be physical, gradual, or eternal, as we looked at yesterday, but it all results in death.
Men, when we are presented with a choice, let us choose to do the right thing. Onan didn't and it cost him his life. When we choose to do what is wrong, or even simply not to act, the Bible says we sin. May we always choose to do what is right, it will be pleasing to God, and bring us life.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, March 28, 2014
Evil Costs Life
"Now Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord took his life." Genesis 38.6-7
We don't know much about Er. We are told that he is the first born son of Judah, that he had a wife named Tamar, and that he was evil in the sight of the Lord, which led to his death. We have very little information on him, but still we can learn an important lesson from his life. Evil costs life.
God hates evil, and He will destroy it. Er was an evil man, and God took his life. We can look at this in three ways. First there is the way of Er, where God literally takes physical life. How evil does a person have to be for God to just take their life because of it? The thoughts, words, and deeds of an individual are so offensive to God that He does not allow them to continue any longer.
Second, God takes the goodness of life from an evil man. I think this happens far more often. Er was unable to enjoy his marriage. He never had the chance of watching his children be born or raising them. He never got to settle down on a piece of ground and work to provide for his family. His wickedness robbed him of the goodness of life. Do your actions drive those closest to you away? Are you gradually losing everything you've worked so hard to attain? Is there evil in your life? God could be taking things from you to get your attention.
Third, God takes the life of the evil man eternally. Sometimes it seems like the worst people get to enjoy the treasures of this world the most. There seems to be no accountability or justice for their actions. They can be evil and get away with it. And it seems that God just allows it to happen. Let me assure you, judgment is coming for them. One day we will all stand before God and give an account of our lives. The evil man will be standing alone and will face the wrath of God. But the man who has sought righteousness we have Christ standing before Him, taking the judgment of God on his behalf.
Men, if you want life, then turn from evil, it brings nothing but death. It could be immediate. It could be gradual. It could be eternal. But no matter how, evil will cost you your life.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
We don't know much about Er. We are told that he is the first born son of Judah, that he had a wife named Tamar, and that he was evil in the sight of the Lord, which led to his death. We have very little information on him, but still we can learn an important lesson from his life. Evil costs life.
God hates evil, and He will destroy it. Er was an evil man, and God took his life. We can look at this in three ways. First there is the way of Er, where God literally takes physical life. How evil does a person have to be for God to just take their life because of it? The thoughts, words, and deeds of an individual are so offensive to God that He does not allow them to continue any longer.
Second, God takes the goodness of life from an evil man. I think this happens far more often. Er was unable to enjoy his marriage. He never had the chance of watching his children be born or raising them. He never got to settle down on a piece of ground and work to provide for his family. His wickedness robbed him of the goodness of life. Do your actions drive those closest to you away? Are you gradually losing everything you've worked so hard to attain? Is there evil in your life? God could be taking things from you to get your attention.
Third, God takes the life of the evil man eternally. Sometimes it seems like the worst people get to enjoy the treasures of this world the most. There seems to be no accountability or justice for their actions. They can be evil and get away with it. And it seems that God just allows it to happen. Let me assure you, judgment is coming for them. One day we will all stand before God and give an account of our lives. The evil man will be standing alone and will face the wrath of God. But the man who has sought righteousness we have Christ standing before Him, taking the judgment of God on his behalf.
Men, if you want life, then turn from evil, it brings nothing but death. It could be immediate. It could be gradual. It could be eternal. But no matter how, evil will cost you your life.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Fix or Avoid?
"Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments. He returned to his brothers and said, 'The boy is not there; as for me, where am I to go?'" -Genesis 37.29-30
Reuben had a plan. He had had an affair with one of his father's concubines, and his father found out about it. He had lost honor and integrity with his actions, and for some time had been trying to figure out how to regain it. He had made a mistake, gotten caught, and now was trying to fix it. Then one day the annoying little brother shows up and the other brothers decide they have had enough and to off him. At last, the opportunity he's been waiting for.
The first part of the plan goes well. He talks them out of killing him, and Joseph ends up alive in a pit. Now all that's left is to get him out secretly, and take him home. He'll explain what happened, how he saved the life of the father's favorite son, and all will be forgiven. Later he heads back to the pit for step two of the plan, but now the pit is empty. Joseph is gone, and so is the one hope he had of fixing his mistake.
He had a plan that might have worked, but the problem is he needed a plan to begin with. Reuben never should have compromised himself and fallen into the need of a redemptive act. Men, how many times do we try to fix our mistakes? We say something we shouldn't have and we try to apologize. We get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and we try to make excuses for why we're there, or we throw someone else under the bus to try to save our own skin. We change our environment so that the truth doesn't get found out. We put so much work into trying to fix our faults, instead of putting all of that energy into avoiding them to begin with.
With Reuben, he gave in to a desire for pleasure. He didn't think he'd get caught, but as soon as he does he begins to work on a plan to try to fix it. How many men have fallen into a similar trap and reacted in a similar way? You've compromised your integrity, and truthfully, there is no way for you to undo that. It's like chopping down a tree. One mistake won't topple you, just like one strike of an ax won't bring down a tree, but it leaves a mark that will always be there. Try as we might, there is no way to undo it, the mark will always be there.
Men, we cannot fix our mistakes. We can't take back the words we say. We can't hide from the truth forever. So instead of working so hard to try and fix them, let's put the energy into avoiding them. Let us flee from temptation and evil. Let us learn self-control, and how to tame the tongue. Let us focus on God, and growing in righteousness.
I have been dwelling on Proverbs 3.5-8 for several months now, and when we get there I'll write more on it, but if we would avoid mistakes, this is where our focus needs to be. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones."
I've used the word "mistake" in this post, but I don't mean the little things like coloring outside the lines. I'm talking about the big things. The things that destroy us. I'm talking about sin. And while sin can be forgiven by God, we have to live with the consequences of our actions, and that means damaged integrity. But if we trust in God and acknowledge Him in all things, not leaning on our own understanding, He will make our paths straight. If we are humble and fear Him, turning away from evil, we will have peace.
Men, let us pour ourselves into avoiding sin at all costs. Let us flee from everything that could compromise our integrity. Once the damage is done, it's impossible to fix it. Reuben's plan didn't work, and neither will your's. Let's not get ourselves into the situation where we have to try to fix it. Rather, let us focus all of our energy on walking the path of righteousness and avoiding sin at all costs.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Reuben had a plan. He had had an affair with one of his father's concubines, and his father found out about it. He had lost honor and integrity with his actions, and for some time had been trying to figure out how to regain it. He had made a mistake, gotten caught, and now was trying to fix it. Then one day the annoying little brother shows up and the other brothers decide they have had enough and to off him. At last, the opportunity he's been waiting for.
The first part of the plan goes well. He talks them out of killing him, and Joseph ends up alive in a pit. Now all that's left is to get him out secretly, and take him home. He'll explain what happened, how he saved the life of the father's favorite son, and all will be forgiven. Later he heads back to the pit for step two of the plan, but now the pit is empty. Joseph is gone, and so is the one hope he had of fixing his mistake.
He had a plan that might have worked, but the problem is he needed a plan to begin with. Reuben never should have compromised himself and fallen into the need of a redemptive act. Men, how many times do we try to fix our mistakes? We say something we shouldn't have and we try to apologize. We get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and we try to make excuses for why we're there, or we throw someone else under the bus to try to save our own skin. We change our environment so that the truth doesn't get found out. We put so much work into trying to fix our faults, instead of putting all of that energy into avoiding them to begin with.
With Reuben, he gave in to a desire for pleasure. He didn't think he'd get caught, but as soon as he does he begins to work on a plan to try to fix it. How many men have fallen into a similar trap and reacted in a similar way? You've compromised your integrity, and truthfully, there is no way for you to undo that. It's like chopping down a tree. One mistake won't topple you, just like one strike of an ax won't bring down a tree, but it leaves a mark that will always be there. Try as we might, there is no way to undo it, the mark will always be there.
Men, we cannot fix our mistakes. We can't take back the words we say. We can't hide from the truth forever. So instead of working so hard to try and fix them, let's put the energy into avoiding them. Let us flee from temptation and evil. Let us learn self-control, and how to tame the tongue. Let us focus on God, and growing in righteousness.
I have been dwelling on Proverbs 3.5-8 for several months now, and when we get there I'll write more on it, but if we would avoid mistakes, this is where our focus needs to be. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones."
I've used the word "mistake" in this post, but I don't mean the little things like coloring outside the lines. I'm talking about the big things. The things that destroy us. I'm talking about sin. And while sin can be forgiven by God, we have to live with the consequences of our actions, and that means damaged integrity. But if we trust in God and acknowledge Him in all things, not leaning on our own understanding, He will make our paths straight. If we are humble and fear Him, turning away from evil, we will have peace.
Men, let us pour ourselves into avoiding sin at all costs. Let us flee from everything that could compromise our integrity. Once the damage is done, it's impossible to fix it. Reuben's plan didn't work, and neither will your's. Let's not get ourselves into the situation where we have to try to fix it. Rather, let us focus all of our energy on walking the path of righteousness and avoiding sin at all costs.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Life, Protect and Value it
"But Reuben heard this and rescued him out of their hands and said, 'Let us not take his life.' Reuben further said to them, 'Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him'—that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father." -Genesis 37.21-22
Joseph's brothers have had all they can take. First it was their father's favoritism, but then Joseph had these dreams that just pushed them over the edge. They take the sheep to pasture, probably relieved to be on the road away from home, and their brother. But Israel wants a report. Again, he cares about all of his children, he loves each of his sons, Joseph is just his favorite, and everybody knows it.
Joseph is sent to bring a report, his brothers see him in the distance and decide to be done with him. They are in the wilderness, no one will know what really happened except for them, and so they decide to be rid of their pesky little brother forever. But then Reuben, the oldest, speaks up, and saves his life.
I have a theory that Reuben is trying to win back some approval from his father after his relationship with Bilhah. What better way then by saving the life of the favorite son? But here we see a crucial characteristic for a man. Men value, and protect, life.
Anyone can take a life, physically or figuratively. It's not hard to destroy someone, people do it everyday without a second thought. But it takes strength to stand up for life. It takes strength to fight for life. It takes strength to resist taking a life. In the first Hobbit movie Gandalf says to Bilbo, "True courage is knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one."
It takes a man to protect life, and a man does. A man does everything he can to save life. He realizes how precious a gift it is, and he does what he can to give it. Men, let us do all that we can to protect life. Let us speak it into others, and rescue them from those who seek to destroy it.
Life is precious, value and protect it. This is what your strength is for.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Joseph's brothers have had all they can take. First it was their father's favoritism, but then Joseph had these dreams that just pushed them over the edge. They take the sheep to pasture, probably relieved to be on the road away from home, and their brother. But Israel wants a report. Again, he cares about all of his children, he loves each of his sons, Joseph is just his favorite, and everybody knows it.
Joseph is sent to bring a report, his brothers see him in the distance and decide to be done with him. They are in the wilderness, no one will know what really happened except for them, and so they decide to be rid of their pesky little brother forever. But then Reuben, the oldest, speaks up, and saves his life.
I have a theory that Reuben is trying to win back some approval from his father after his relationship with Bilhah. What better way then by saving the life of the favorite son? But here we see a crucial characteristic for a man. Men value, and protect, life.
Anyone can take a life, physically or figuratively. It's not hard to destroy someone, people do it everyday without a second thought. But it takes strength to stand up for life. It takes strength to fight for life. It takes strength to resist taking a life. In the first Hobbit movie Gandalf says to Bilbo, "True courage is knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one."
It takes a man to protect life, and a man does. A man does everything he can to save life. He realizes how precious a gift it is, and he does what he can to give it. Men, let us do all that we can to protect life. Let us speak it into others, and rescue them from those who seek to destroy it.
Life is precious, value and protect it. This is what your strength is for.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Loving Your Children
"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms." -Genesis 37.3-4
Israel (Jacob), like his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, had a favorite child. No doubt he had learned from watching his parents that this was an ok practice and carried it on. His situation is slightly different however. For him growing up there were only two, so each child had a parent who loved them most. Israel has twelve sons and a daughter, so the ratio is thrown off a bit. And two be fair, it doesn't say that he didn't love his other children, just that he loved Joseph more than all of them.
I think this is something that happens a lot more often than people are willing to admit. There is one child that stands apart. Maybe they were the first born, maybe they are the youngest. Maybe they are the only son, or only daughter. Maybe it was a child you weren't supposed to be able to have, your miracle child. Whatever the reason it's clear that they are your favorite, and though you might not see it, the siblings feel it.
My wife made a comment a few weeks ago about how do you love all of your children the same, and I've thought about it a little since then. My answer, you don't, you love them each differently. And by differently, I mean uniquely. Each child is there own individual special being. Each one is different. Each one has different passions and desires. Each one has different gifts and talents. You love your children by loving their hearts. You take an interest in what they are interested in because their heart matters to you. You show them that just being together with them is what you want, even if it involves doing something you aren't crazy about.
I love to hike, camp, canoe, basically anything outdoors. I hate to work on cars, but if I have a child that enjoys it, then I'll learn to do it and enjoy it with them because it's something they enjoy. I'll learn to speak to them in their love language, and each one knows that they are loved and valued by dad for who they are. And had Israel taken this approach Joseph's brothers wouldn't have hated him.
Love your children uniquely in ways that show them you know them and care about what they care about. Make time together the point, showing them you value being with them, even if it's not something you yourself would choose to do. Love them for who they are, and love them all, not just the ones you have things in common with. Love them uniquely.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Israel (Jacob), like his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, had a favorite child. No doubt he had learned from watching his parents that this was an ok practice and carried it on. His situation is slightly different however. For him growing up there were only two, so each child had a parent who loved them most. Israel has twelve sons and a daughter, so the ratio is thrown off a bit. And two be fair, it doesn't say that he didn't love his other children, just that he loved Joseph more than all of them.
I think this is something that happens a lot more often than people are willing to admit. There is one child that stands apart. Maybe they were the first born, maybe they are the youngest. Maybe they are the only son, or only daughter. Maybe it was a child you weren't supposed to be able to have, your miracle child. Whatever the reason it's clear that they are your favorite, and though you might not see it, the siblings feel it.
My wife made a comment a few weeks ago about how do you love all of your children the same, and I've thought about it a little since then. My answer, you don't, you love them each differently. And by differently, I mean uniquely. Each child is there own individual special being. Each one is different. Each one has different passions and desires. Each one has different gifts and talents. You love your children by loving their hearts. You take an interest in what they are interested in because their heart matters to you. You show them that just being together with them is what you want, even if it involves doing something you aren't crazy about.
I love to hike, camp, canoe, basically anything outdoors. I hate to work on cars, but if I have a child that enjoys it, then I'll learn to do it and enjoy it with them because it's something they enjoy. I'll learn to speak to them in their love language, and each one knows that they are loved and valued by dad for who they are. And had Israel taken this approach Joseph's brothers wouldn't have hated him.
Love your children uniquely in ways that show them you know them and care about what they care about. Make time together the point, showing them you value being with them, even if it's not something you yourself would choose to do. Love them for who they are, and love them all, not just the ones you have things in common with. Love them uniquely.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, March 24, 2014
What Could Have Been
"Now these are the records of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom). Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah and the granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite; also Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, the sister of Nebaioth. Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Basemath bore Reuel, and Oholibamah bore Jeush and Jalam and Korah. These are the sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan. Then Esau took his wives and his sons and his daughters and all his household, and his livestock and all his cattle and all his goods which he had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to another land away from his brother Jacob. For their property had become too great for them to live together, and the land where they sojourned could not sustain them because of their livestock. So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom." -Genesis 36.1-8
Genesis 36 gives the account of Isaac's other son. His family became a great nation, so great that he moved east because he and his brother were both heads of large families and the land could not support all that they had. The brothers part ways, on better terms this time, but the family of Israel takes center stage. We find references to Edom throughout the Old Testament, but this is not the story of the Edomites. But really, it could have been.
Jacob tricked Esau out of his birth right, and then stole his blessing. He stepped in and took over the covenant. He became Israel, and the Bible tells the story of his children. But Jacob was the youngest. Everything he received was meant for his older brother. And you have to wonder, what would have been?
Men, in our lives there are things that could have happened. For one reason or another they didn't unfold that way. I mentioned some of the things that my family history involves in a recent post, and all of those events have led me to where I am now. There have been times I've wondered what life would be like if it wasn't for that initial abandonment and adultery. I wonder if my family could have been like Israel, one with a story worth telling that changes the world. But with everything that's happened, I feel more like the Edomites, lost in the shuffle, and fading into the background in insignificance.
Before we act, let's think about what the long term consequences could be. Let's think about all that we could be giving up, and all that we could be costing our family in the future. Will your actions help bring about a great story that changes the world? Or will they cause your family to sink into obscurity? Do you want them to look back and wonder what could have been? Or to proudly share the story of what was, and is?
You play a huge part in what happens, will it be what is, or what could have been?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Genesis 36 gives the account of Isaac's other son. His family became a great nation, so great that he moved east because he and his brother were both heads of large families and the land could not support all that they had. The brothers part ways, on better terms this time, but the family of Israel takes center stage. We find references to Edom throughout the Old Testament, but this is not the story of the Edomites. But really, it could have been.
Jacob tricked Esau out of his birth right, and then stole his blessing. He stepped in and took over the covenant. He became Israel, and the Bible tells the story of his children. But Jacob was the youngest. Everything he received was meant for his older brother. And you have to wonder, what would have been?
Men, in our lives there are things that could have happened. For one reason or another they didn't unfold that way. I mentioned some of the things that my family history involves in a recent post, and all of those events have led me to where I am now. There have been times I've wondered what life would be like if it wasn't for that initial abandonment and adultery. I wonder if my family could have been like Israel, one with a story worth telling that changes the world. But with everything that's happened, I feel more like the Edomites, lost in the shuffle, and fading into the background in insignificance.
Before we act, let's think about what the long term consequences could be. Let's think about all that we could be giving up, and all that we could be costing our family in the future. Will your actions help bring about a great story that changes the world? Or will they cause your family to sink into obscurity? Do you want them to look back and wonder what could have been? Or to proudly share the story of what was, and is?
You play a huge part in what happens, will it be what is, or what could have been?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Deal With the Issues
"It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it." -Genesis 35.22
At some point one of Jacob's sons takes a liking to Bilhah, the maid that Rachel gave to her husband as a wife to bear children on her behalf. Reuben begins an affair with her, Israel hears about it, but that's all we get. He doesn't deal with the issue. We have no record of him confronting his son. We have no record of anything being done about it. We are simply told that Israel heard about it.
Men, when our children sin and get into destructive behavior we need to deal with the issue. In this family there is a history of just letting things slide and go unaddressed. The actions of the sons go unpunished, at times even unaddressed, by their father. And the more that they get away with, the more they are willing to try.
It began with slaughtering a city. Then it became this event of Reuben's. Coming up there is talk of murdering one of their own brothers. The more things that get overlooked, the bolder they get. And the same is true today.
Men, when we find our children, or anyone we care about, engaging in a destructive activity, whether physically or eternally, we must deal with it. We have been given strength by God to deal with these issues. It is our duty to protect our children. It is our duty to discipline and correct their behavior. Ignoring an issue and allowing it to go unaddressed does neither of them, and by doing this you actually show your children that you hate them.
Don't allow your children to run rampant and destroy their lives. And actually it isn't just their lives they are destroying with their actions, but others as well. If you love your children, biological or not, discipline them and deal with the issues. You might just rescue their soul from hell.
Man up, and deal with the issues.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
At some point one of Jacob's sons takes a liking to Bilhah, the maid that Rachel gave to her husband as a wife to bear children on her behalf. Reuben begins an affair with her, Israel hears about it, but that's all we get. He doesn't deal with the issue. We have no record of him confronting his son. We have no record of anything being done about it. We are simply told that Israel heard about it.
Men, when our children sin and get into destructive behavior we need to deal with the issue. In this family there is a history of just letting things slide and go unaddressed. The actions of the sons go unpunished, at times even unaddressed, by their father. And the more that they get away with, the more they are willing to try.
It began with slaughtering a city. Then it became this event of Reuben's. Coming up there is talk of murdering one of their own brothers. The more things that get overlooked, the bolder they get. And the same is true today.
Men, when we find our children, or anyone we care about, engaging in a destructive activity, whether physically or eternally, we must deal with it. We have been given strength by God to deal with these issues. It is our duty to protect our children. It is our duty to discipline and correct their behavior. Ignoring an issue and allowing it to go unaddressed does neither of them, and by doing this you actually show your children that you hate them.
Don't allow your children to run rampant and destroy their lives. And actually it isn't just their lives they are destroying with their actions, but others as well. If you love your children, biological or not, discipline them and deal with the issues. You might just rescue their soul from hell.
Man up, and deal with the issues.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Give Your Children an Identity
"Then they journeyed from Bethel; and when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and she suffered severe labor. When she was in severe labor the midwife said to her, 'Do not fear, for now you have another son.' It came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." -Genesis 35.16-19
Jacob, now Israel, has been given a new identity by God. He has received his true name, one of honor. We see that Rachel is pregnant, and the time has come to give birth, which would be her last act on earth. As with all of Israel's other children, the mother names her son. With her dying breath she names him Ben-oni, which means "the son of my sorrow". That's the identity that his mother gave him. It's a reminder of shame, and a name of dishonor. How is a boy to grow up with a name like that?
But fortunately for the son, his father has recently received a new identity. He is a new man, and for the first time in his years as a father, Israel names his son. He steps in and names him Benjamin, "the son of my right hand". Benjamin is a name of strength and honor. It is a name with a solid identity foundation. He begins life not with a mark of shame, but of dignity. And that is what can happen when a father steps in and gives an identity to his children.
Men, what identity have you given to your children? This passage is about a son, but the same need is there with daughters. What have you named them? What have you called them and led them to believe about themselves? Have you named them "Ben-oni" filling them with shame? Or have you named them "Benjamin" giving them pride?
Men, you have incredible power over your children. You give them an identity, but the question is what identity do you give them? You can build them up or tear them down. If you have been given your true identity from God, you will build them up. You will help them see who they really are in God's eyes. You will help them see God as a loving father who can be trusted, not as an angry tyrant to be feared.
You will give your children an identity, what will it be?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Jacob, now Israel, has been given a new identity by God. He has received his true name, one of honor. We see that Rachel is pregnant, and the time has come to give birth, which would be her last act on earth. As with all of Israel's other children, the mother names her son. With her dying breath she names him Ben-oni, which means "the son of my sorrow". That's the identity that his mother gave him. It's a reminder of shame, and a name of dishonor. How is a boy to grow up with a name like that?
But fortunately for the son, his father has recently received a new identity. He is a new man, and for the first time in his years as a father, Israel names his son. He steps in and names him Benjamin, "the son of my right hand". Benjamin is a name of strength and honor. It is a name with a solid identity foundation. He begins life not with a mark of shame, but of dignity. And that is what can happen when a father steps in and gives an identity to his children.
Men, what identity have you given to your children? This passage is about a son, but the same need is there with daughters. What have you named them? What have you called them and led them to believe about themselves? Have you named them "Ben-oni" filling them with shame? Or have you named them "Benjamin" giving them pride?
Men, you have incredible power over your children. You give them an identity, but the question is what identity do you give them? You can build them up or tear them down. If you have been given your true identity from God, you will build them up. You will help them see who they really are in God's eyes. You will help them see God as a loving father who can be trusted, not as an angry tyrant to be feared.
You will give your children an identity, what will it be?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, March 21, 2014
Glimpses of the Destination
"Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. God said to him, 'Your name is Jacob; you shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.' Thus He called him Israel. And also said to him, 'I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come forth from you. The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and I will give the land to your descendants after you.'" -Genesis 35.9-12
It was decades ago that Jacob set out on a journey, without knowing the destination. At the beginning God appeared to him and spoke, and over the next several years he learned and grew. He's been through a lot, gained a lot, and even gotten a couple of glimpses of where the journey leads.
In the beginning God promised to be with him and give him the land. At the wrestling match on his way back he was given a glimpse of who he really was, his true name, but still had some growing to do in order to get to that point. And now God appears to him and blesses him. God himself changes his name and officially brings him into the covenant.
Men, we are on this journey, and most of the time we don't know exactly where we're going, if we did we wouldn't need faith, but I believe that along the way God will give us glimpses of the destination. We get them to fan the flames that drive us to pursue our dreams and passions. We get them to encourage us to keep doing through the rough times. We get them to help us endure the tedious events we have to do. We get them to help our faith grow and to strengthen our identity in God.
This moment in Jacob's life was not the end of his journey, simply another glimpse of all that God had for him and his family if they remained faithful. The glimpses we get of where God is leading are contingent upon our continued obedience to Him. God can't take us somewhere we aren't willing to follow Him to. And it is important to remember that God is faithful. If we are obedient to Him, He will do all that He has promised and so much more abundantly beyond that.
Along the way we'll get glimpses of where we're going. Grab them, hold on to them, and continue to faithfully follow.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
It was decades ago that Jacob set out on a journey, without knowing the destination. At the beginning God appeared to him and spoke, and over the next several years he learned and grew. He's been through a lot, gained a lot, and even gotten a couple of glimpses of where the journey leads.
In the beginning God promised to be with him and give him the land. At the wrestling match on his way back he was given a glimpse of who he really was, his true name, but still had some growing to do in order to get to that point. And now God appears to him and blesses him. God himself changes his name and officially brings him into the covenant.
Men, we are on this journey, and most of the time we don't know exactly where we're going, if we did we wouldn't need faith, but I believe that along the way God will give us glimpses of the destination. We get them to fan the flames that drive us to pursue our dreams and passions. We get them to encourage us to keep doing through the rough times. We get them to help us endure the tedious events we have to do. We get them to help our faith grow and to strengthen our identity in God.
This moment in Jacob's life was not the end of his journey, simply another glimpse of all that God had for him and his family if they remained faithful. The glimpses we get of where God is leading are contingent upon our continued obedience to Him. God can't take us somewhere we aren't willing to follow Him to. And it is important to remember that God is faithful. If we are obedient to Him, He will do all that He has promised and so much more abundantly beyond that.
Along the way we'll get glimpses of where we're going. Grab them, hold on to them, and continue to faithfully follow.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Standard of Righteousness
"Then God said to Jacob, 'Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.' So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, 'Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments; and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.' So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem." -Genesis 35.1-4
Jacob has been on a journey of growth. He was sent from his home to a foreign land and there learned to work. He traveled back when God told him to return home and after wrestling with God, learned to face his fear. Genesis 34 we see him largely passive and inactive, but here in the beginning of chapter 35 we see another change. God gives him instructions, and Jacob follows them.
Think back to Genesis 31, before leaving Laban, Rachel takes the idols from her father's house. Idol worship was a practice that they had grown up with, and to some extent it was practiced within Jacob's household. If it wasn't he wouldn't have had to tell them to put away their foreign gods. Jacob knew the promises that God had made him, and yet he hasn't led his family in whole hearted worship and service to God. He has allowed them to do their own thing.
Maybe this is part of the reason for his sons actions in chapter 34. Maybe Jacob did try to handle the situation correctly, we aren't told what he did. But maybe he had allowed his children too much freedom and they weren't used to their father telling them what to do. But here we finally see Jacob begin to point his family to God, and begin to set the rule for the one his family will worship and serve.
Men, you have a huge influence on the spiritual decisions your children make. Statistics show that children attending church is astronomically higher if dad makes it a priority for the family to go. If he's absent the number drops quickly. God has put you in your family to lead them to Him. Your children are not yours, they are His, and He has lovingly entrusted them to you. It is your job to love them, protect them, and point them back to Him, their true father.
Men, you are responsible for the things that go on in your household. You are to set a standard of righteousness for them to follow. You are to live with a love and passion for God and the way of holiness, and teach this same love to your children. You are to set their feet on the path of righteousness and help them follow God. If you don't then you leave them to their own idols and have failed them.
Men, it is up to you to set the standard of righteousness for your household to follow. Don't fail them.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Jacob has been on a journey of growth. He was sent from his home to a foreign land and there learned to work. He traveled back when God told him to return home and after wrestling with God, learned to face his fear. Genesis 34 we see him largely passive and inactive, but here in the beginning of chapter 35 we see another change. God gives him instructions, and Jacob follows them.
Think back to Genesis 31, before leaving Laban, Rachel takes the idols from her father's house. Idol worship was a practice that they had grown up with, and to some extent it was practiced within Jacob's household. If it wasn't he wouldn't have had to tell them to put away their foreign gods. Jacob knew the promises that God had made him, and yet he hasn't led his family in whole hearted worship and service to God. He has allowed them to do their own thing.
Maybe this is part of the reason for his sons actions in chapter 34. Maybe Jacob did try to handle the situation correctly, we aren't told what he did. But maybe he had allowed his children too much freedom and they weren't used to their father telling them what to do. But here we finally see Jacob begin to point his family to God, and begin to set the rule for the one his family will worship and serve.
Men, you have a huge influence on the spiritual decisions your children make. Statistics show that children attending church is astronomically higher if dad makes it a priority for the family to go. If he's absent the number drops quickly. God has put you in your family to lead them to Him. Your children are not yours, they are His, and He has lovingly entrusted them to you. It is your job to love them, protect them, and point them back to Him, their true father.
Men, you are responsible for the things that go on in your household. You are to set a standard of righteousness for them to follow. You are to live with a love and passion for God and the way of holiness, and teach this same love to your children. You are to set their feet on the path of righteousness and help them follow God. If you don't then you leave them to their own idols and have failed them.
Men, it is up to you to set the standard of righteousness for your household to follow. Don't fail them.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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