January 12

Genesis 26:17-27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10

Pray:  We begin in prayer before we read so we might understand more fully the stories of faith and how these stories intersect our lives. Prayer is also dialogue, not monologue. So, as you read listen for the voice of God speaking to you through the text. 

Read: Disturbing stories here about a brother betraying both his father and his brother while a mother helps in the betrayal. Yes, the Bible is a real book about real dysfunctional people who struggle with being faithful just like you and me. Don’t miss the one verse in Genesis 26:35 which stresses the importance of who influences our lives. Esau married two Hittite women who made the lives of his parents miserable. What is more problematic is that these wives will influence the children of Esau and these women are not believers in the God of Abraham and Isaac. Lastly, Jacob receives his father’s blessing while Esau gets the “leftover blessing”. It saddens me when Esau cries out, “Don’t you have a blessing for me?” So many children grow up crying out to their parents, “Don’t you have a blessing for me?”

Edify:  In Matthew, we read of Jesus reaching out to heal the paralyzed man. The first thing Jesus does is assure him that his sins are forgiven. This is what disrupts the religious leaders and should get your attention as well. Their statement is true, …”Does he think he’s God?”  Yes, should be our response. Jesus is not merely a prophet, a wise man, nor is He a spiritual guru who points us to God. Jesus is the living God in the flesh who alone has come to atone for the sins of humanity. Perhaps one take away today is that you and I don’t worship a weak Savior but a powerful God in the flesh who cares for the least among us. He cares for you and your family.

Practice: Look for the persons among you today who are crying out for a blessing. Look for those who want their lives to be different and need encouragement and prayer. Perhaps that person is you. Why not share the deep needs of your heart before the Lord and then be mindful of those who need hope.