Good morning everyone, and a Happy Martin Luther King Day to you.
Today we finish the book of Genesis. Here are some thoughts on the readings:
1) Notice, after having been told in several vision the promise of God, Jacob takes comfort in this upon his deathbed and reiterates it to his children. He never forgets God's promises, but even in death, passes the promise on. So also we, who have received the promise of God upon our own lives, should even in death desire to pass those promises on to our children.
2) Who or what is Shiloh? (49:9-12) Scholars disagree on who or what this actually is. Some take it to mean "until he (Judah) comes up to Shiloh." Some Christians and many Jews have also applied this to Messianic prophecy (that is, referring to the Messiah, whom Christians believe to be Jesus Christ), and I think it does make sense if Shiloh is meant to be a personal name.
3) Jacob was "Gathered to his people" I just really like how this is stated. I think it does perhaps give us hope of being reunited with loved ones who now stand before the throne of Jesus. I wouldn't build a whole theology around it (and I haven't done any real research on this), but I do like the way this is stated.
4) Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. Again, reminds us of the promise in Romans 8:28, "God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." Whatever bad befalls us in life, will not God ultimately use it for good and according to His purpose? That is certainly our hope.
Well, I think that's all for today. Tomorrow, we begin our journey through the book of Job. Blessings to you today!
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Nathan
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment