Thoughts on the readings for January 16th (Genesis 28, 29, Psalm 33, Matthew 18)

In Genesis 28 we are told that Isaac in response to Rebekah's entreaty sends Jacob to Haran to seek for a wife who is of the Abrahamic faith. The Abrahamic promises are given to Jacob in verses 3-4. Jacob took his journey in haste still worrying over Esau's intention of killing his twin. Verses 6 to 9 tell us that Esau has not the faintest idea of what being a faithful believer means. He takes two more wives, who have descended from Ishmael. In verse 10 we are told of Jacob's arrival at Bethel ("the house of God"); although referred to earlier in the record, it was most likely so named because of the incidents in this chapter. Jacob must have been wearied from his journey as he took a stone for a pillow; and dreamed of a ladder stretching from earth to heaven. There were angels on the ladder; and, we are told that they were first ascending, and secondly descending upon the ladder. Word order is critical to observe and carefully read in the Bible, as Hebrews 5 explains. If they ascend first that means they are already with Jacob to help him (see Hebrews 1:14). They go to heaven and return after having been instructed in what further aid is needed (Revelation 3:5). Verse 13 tells us that Yahweh (most likely Michael - the angel who bore the Name of his God) stood, as a caring supervisor of those providing the help, at the top of the ladder. All things associated with the salvation of His children are of God and from Him. Some people have mistakenly used this chapter to suggest that the text teaches "we go to heaven when we die". In fact, it teaches the very opposite. The angels were with Jacob on earth providing him aid. Notice also in the words that immediately follow Jacob is promised the Land covenanted to Abraham and that through the seed of Jacob (the Lord Jesus Christ) blessing will come to all nations of this earth (the NT says the same, Romans verse 13). Next the Almighty offers to Jacob daily care and protection throughout his sojourn; until he returns to the Promised Land (verse 15). On awakening Jacob felt the awesomeness of the place, where he had slept; and reverentially names it "the House of God" (Bethel). He set up the stone upon which he had slept, and "anointed (Hebrew Massiah - i.e Christed it) the stone and declaring it to be the pillar of the house (Matthew 16 verses 16 to18 and 1 Corinthians 3 verses 11, 16 and 17 Ephesians 2 verses 11to 22, please read them slowly and consider carefully. This is the first use of "anointing" in the Bible. In acknowledgment of the overshadowing care of the Almighty and the promise of inheritance and providence of the LORD Jacob promises to give a tenth of all (a tithe) back to his Sovereign to show that all we receive is a blessing, of which we are unworthy, from the Father. in our reading In Genesis 29 Jacob arrived at Haran and in a display of strength rolls the great stone from the well's mouth to water the flock of Rachel. After a familial embrace with Rachel Jacob explained why he had come to his relatives. In verses 13 and14 Laban showed interest in his nephew, no doubt remembering the wealth that he had earlier received from Eliezer (on the occasion of his sister Rebekah's betrothal). Immediately the materialistic and crafty uncle devised a contract in which all the advantages were with Laban. Jacob contracts to serve Laban for 7 years in exchange for Rachel's betrothal. Tricky Laban deceived Jacob on the wedding night and forced out of his nephew another 7 years' work - having substituted the veiled Leah on the wedding night. More than likely Jacob's mind would contemplate the time when he and his mother had deceived Isaac. So after 14 years work Jacob has nothing to show from it. Verses 31 to35 tell of Rachel's barrenness, just like that of her mother and grandmother. However the LORD heard Leah's dismay at Jacob's love for her sister, Rachel (which appropriately for a shepherdess means "little lamb") and gave Leah conception. Leah's first son is named Reuben, meaning "see a son". We can hear her saying the words as the boy is given to Jacob. But Jacob felt no closer to Leah. She again gave birth to a second son, calling him Simeon (meaning "hearing"), because the LORD had heard her plea. A third son is born and named Levi: meaning "joined". Her hope is, that after baring 3 sons, Jacob might finally be united with Leah. Alas, it doesn't happen and so in resignation to her husband's lack of interest in her she bare a last son and named him Judah (meaning "praise"); acknowledging that Leah has given up on gaining her husband's favour and so her focus will be on serving her God. Psalm 33 extols the steadfast loving kindness of our Sovereign. Faithful believers are exhorted wholeheartedly to praise their God with a new song, new because the singers will do so with the new experience of immortality in their Father's kingdom (see Revelation 14 verses 1 to5). In verses 4 and5 Yahweh is praised for His righteousness and steadfast love (Chesed - see Exodus 34). Verses 6-9 proclaim the power of His Word in Creation. When He speaks it becomes and is immediately done. His Word is unbreakable - immutable. Verse 12 tells of the blessings of being His chosen people. It was the Gospel sound of the alternating bells and pomegranates on the hem of the High Priest's robe; and that privilege likewise belongs to the disciples in Christ: Matthew 13 verse 43, Romans 10 verses 14 to 18. The LORD knows and discerns the hearts of the children of men. Safety is not with mighty weapons, nor by human strength, but rather by putting our trust in the Living God. Pharaoh had trusted his chariots and warhorses in vain (Exodus 14 and 15). The eye of our Creator is ever upon His children, as Jacob came to realise in Genesis 28. Please slowly read aloud verses 20 to 23 and carefully contemplate what it teaches us. Matthew's 18th chapter focuses on humility and forgiveness, both of which are crucial if a disciple is to enter the Kingdom. Humility and absence of malice is the foundation for receiving an inheritance with our Father and His Son. The disciple must never become the cause of stumbling for another. Being conscious of the sources of sin in our lives will result in extreme action required to prevent us losing the Kingdom. The parable of the lost sheep indicates the love of the Shepherd for the straying sheep and the extreme effort expended in its recovery; as well as the accompanying joy. The parable of the stumbling disciple is based upon the same principles- the maximum exertion is to be pursued seeking recovery. Our Lord's words to Peter of ongoing and limitless forgiveness as the number 490 represents. Our forgiveness is conditional on extending constant forgiveness to others (Matthew 6 verse 12 to 14). Jesus' instructions here stand in stark contrast to Lamech's vengeful attitude mentioned in Genesis 4 verse 23 to24. Most pertinent to us is the parable of the unforgiving servant. Our God has forgiven us an immeasurable debt. Unless that moves us to see that, however great we might esteem any wrongs done to us, they need to be seen in perspective as inconsequential. We must be moved within our heart to truly from our heart forgive others. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christa delphian video .org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-january-16th-genesis-28-29-psalm-33-matthew-18/?feed_id=82601&_unique_id=6787c34c842fe