Overview of: GenesisToday's Reading:
Gen. 30:1-43
"More Family and Flocks"
Focus Verses: Genesis 30:43
43 In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Insight:
So this is how we got the twelve tribes of Israel? Jacob's family increased because of the rivalry of wives? And this is how Jacob became a prosperous man? By bickering and bargaining with his father-in-law? By experimenting with breeding tricks to manipulate the condition and coloring of flocks? Was God the reason Jacob was increasing and prospering, or was it all the maneuvering and machinations of the people involved?
Jacob had had an experience at Bethel where God said, "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give the land on which you are lying…Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth…I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go…I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."
God was keeping his promise, but none of the people involved seem to be aware of God's part in any of what was going on. It's hard to notice what God is giving, when you're so busing scrambling and scraping for yourself. It's easy to forget God when you’re busy being a self-made person.
Response and Action:
Do I trust God's promises to me? Am I so busy scrambling for myself that I forget God is at work in my life? I hope not. I want to lean into God every day. I want to remember his promise and presence in every aspect of my life. I will fix my eyes on Jesus, cling to God's promises, and cultivate an ongoing awareness of his presence. In all my ways, I will acknowledge him, and trust him to make my path straight.
O God, give me the wisdom to look to you for guidance, strength, and provision in all things. In every blessing, may I give you thanks. In every hardship, may I persevere by the power of your Spirit. In every pain, may I find your peace. In every ambition, may I seek to honor you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
New Testament for Today: Matthew 6:31-34
31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
In Context: Matthew 6:25-34
Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:6-8
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."
Resources:
How To Read Genesis
by Tremper Longman
