Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 35, 36, Matthew 3
God's Promises and Our Faithfulness
Today, we are reminded once again that God made a promise that many descendants would come to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Through these three individuals we see a faithfulness and consistency in their willingness to follow and obey God. It is as they honored God, that God honored them. There is also the clear aspect that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the God to be honored. We will hear later on how God is a jealous God and how He is to have no other God's before Him. The question is, what is it in our lives that is our God or takes priority over the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?
We see a willingness to serve God, to follow His directives no matter what.
In a situation where fear exists, God gives courage. In a situation where harm
may come, God gives protection. Even our enemies will fear God. Of course there
may be hardships along the way. There may even be what some would consider
failure, but ultimately, God comes through to those who faithfully follow Him
in all things, not just some things. Could that be a reason many don't have the
peace that God offers, or the results that brings joy even in difficult times.
Yes, we will all be lacking at times but it is important to return to honor and
serve a God that keeps His promises.
The remainder of Chapter 36 is a genealogy. It is a reminder that God did
indeed keep His promises that many descendents would follow Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob. It is a reminder that for us, God will as well keep His promises. Are we
willing and do we need to and follow through with doing the things God would
have us do?
Matthew 3
In today's Matthew passage we see the introduction of John the Baptist who
would be the one in many ways to introduce his cousin, Jesus into the ministry.
In that introduction we see some characteristics of John that should not be
overlooked. John in many ways, was faithful to the point of being seen even in
his world as different. He had an aspect of authority about him but he also was
one that from his surroundings, mainly in the wilderness, had spent a great
deal of time contemplating on and seeking God.
John, had an impact, even many of the religious leaders of the time went to
John and to be baptized. In their efforts John saw through their hypocrisy. He
called them out as they had clearly not been seeking God, instead, they were
more or less playing games, trying to manipulate others to make themselves look
good. John didn't have a tolerance for this.
In today's world, it seems as if many in the church are not willing to hold
others accountable for their actions. That doesn't mean we turn our backs on
people, for sure, love them, reach them with the message of Christ, but we
shouldn't condone or make light of ones actions. We are called later on to be
fruit inspectors, but in today's world, many pastors don't do that, they make
excuses, they misuse scripture and make exceptions. Again, this isn't meant
that we abuse and hurt people, but neither does it mean we ignore their actions.
John is simply challenging, in a confrontational way, the intent and purpose as
he sees no evidence of change. John if you will, was not going to be
manipulated by the religious leaders of his time.
It is unfortunate that we still see this, but we do. We must be reminded, to
stay faithful to the ways of God. It isn't easy but when we do we have a peace
about us. There is nothing like looking back on mistakes and saying to
ourselves, "If I had only listened."
John sees another blessing for his actions, he gets to baptize his cousin, Jesus. John recognizes his own imperfections and realizes he is not worthy but in that, in his willingness to recognize his weaknesses, is a humility that contributes to the quality of leadership and relationship he had with God.
There are many lessons from John that we can learn from. There are lessons for the church. The question becomes; are we willing to learn?
To see Genesis Chapter 35 and 36 and Matthew 3 Click the following link:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+35%2C+36%2C+Matthew+3&version=CEV
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