Genesis 31-38

What I love about the Bible is that the various authors go out of their way to make sure that they give the entire story about the characters, both positive and negative, righteous and sinful.  It can be tempting to tell a story about someone and only give the good parts to paint the person in the best light possible.  But the Bible is full of humanness, as we’ve seen from this weeks reading.

Gen

31 Jacob parts from Laban

32 Jacob wrestles and is renamed

33 Jacob and Esau reunite

34 Dinah and her brother’s revenge

35 Jacob goes back to his roots

36 Esau’s lineage

37 Joseph has dreams and is betrayed by his brothers

38 Judah gets Tamar pregnant

As Jacob's World Turns

Jacob's life is a soap opera. Wow, this guy has a story. And to think this guy is the man who became Israel, the nation of God.

Gen
27: Jacob steals Esau's blessing
28: Jacob's dream at Bethel
29: Jacob marries Leah and Rachel and has children
30: Jacob tricks his father-in-law and becomes prosperous

There are some fascinating things going on in the original language of much of this text of Scripture. If you are interested in a unique read, check out The Uncensored Bible, which is written by 2 theology profs and contains 2 chapters in their book from the 4 chapters we read today. It's a fun way to learn how the Bible was written.

To try and get a big picture grasp on where we are big picture in Genesis, look at it this way:

Gen 1-12 Creation-Fall-Flood
13-50 The Patriarchs (Abraham-Isaac-Jacob-Joseph)

Tmrw Gen 31-34

Back to Genesis

Genesis chapter reviews:

23: Sarah dies and is buried
24: Isaac meets and marries Rebekah
25: Abraham dies/Jacob and Esau are born
26: God's hand is upon Isaac

There was an interesting reference 24:45. Abraham's servant says that when he was "praying in my heart" is the moment he saw Rebekah. I thought this was interesting because it shows us from the beginning of Scripture that silent prayer, much like we practice today, was defined as 'prayer' in the Bible. There are other references to prayer as it is practiced in other numerous ways in the Bible, but we see here that silent prayer is included in the Bible's definition of prayer.

The next few days will be readings focused on the life of Jacob, Isaac's younger twin son.

I will be writing a review quiz that I will be posting this weekend.

Finishing up Job

Today, if you're on track with week #4, you'll be finishing up Job today. Job ends with a direct interaction between God and Job. Even though Job is a unique book and sometimes hard to track with, I'm hoping you will sense God speaking to you through the message of the book.

Job
39-41: the LORD continues His response
42: Job's response/epilogue of Job's life

Tmrw we're back to Genesis starting in chapter 23.

THOUGHTS ON JOB

If you've never read it before, Job is quite a fascinating book. There's a lot of mystery to it, like the date it was written, the meaning of the book, was it a real event or a parable. I hesitated on whether or not to state this, but I'll tell you my thoughts on this last one. I lean toward the opinion that the account of Job is a parable, and not a real event. Scholars much smarter than me disagree and believe that the book of Job captures a literal person and the events were real. Other scholars take it as more parable-like in nature. Job is considered 'Wisdom' literature in biblical genre, and is similar to writings of its kind from the Ancient Near East. Many of these writings included the same theme of understanding the meaning of life in the face of suffering. (like the Egyptian piece "A Dispute Over Suicide", sounds like a fun read, doesn't it?)

Don't think that because it might not reflect real events that it is irrelevant.

On the contrary, either view doesn't lessen what this book can teach us. Job probes deep into the soul of why suffering exists. I can't help but think that as we've been reading this book one of the greatest tragedies of our time occurred with the earthquake in Haiti. The estimation is that 200,000 lives were lost in the devastation. It's hard to understand why this would happen. The timing of reading Job in all of this is something that we should think about.

Let me say, if you're going through tough stuff right now, don't be afraid to dialogue with God and others about it. I spoke with a high school student at a retreat I taught at last weekend and this young person has been through some incredible things. This student questioned me because I said that God can take anything that happens in life and turn it into a blessing. They wondered and seriously questioned this, and still need to work this out with God. I have another married friend who has had a physical injury that has put them out of commission from 'normal' life for the last 7 weeks. God is at work in this couple's life in cool ways because of this, and they recognize it.

I can attest personally right now that God has me in the most vulnerable position I've ever been in in my entire life. If I don't have Him right now, I'm lost. But thank God I can rely on knowing that He is at work in ALL things. We can all take rest in that.

But sometimes it's easy to see God working, and other times it's not at all.

Why do things tragic or challenging things happen to us? Only God knows the answer, I believe that rings true in the book of Job. But remember, God has the ultimate authority and He is in control.

Job 19:25 in a way can summarize the entire book: I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end will stand upon the earth. God hasten the day!

PS. So, do you recall my goal in this journey? (to remember the theme of each chapter) To remember Job, and all of our reading, it's best to know the overview of the entire writing. Think of the book this way:

Job 1-2 prologue/events in the story
3-32 Job and his three friends dialogue on the reason for suffering
33-37 Elihu, a new and younger character speaks
38-41 God speaks and reminds Job He is in control of all things
42 Job's response/epilogue in the story

READ ON!

JOB 27-38, and a preview of what's ahead

My chapter summaries catching up to today, followed tmrw by info about the book of Job, since we are about to move on in our reading and back to Genesis. The summary I post tmrw of Job will help you get the big picture of the book, I encourage you to go over it on the weekend before we go on to week #4.

27-31: Job responds part 2/maintains his righteousness
32: introducing Ehilu...
33-37: Ehilu speaks condemning Job and his 3 friends while exalting God's justice and righteousness
38: God breaks His silence in the discussion (a turning point in the book)

Are You still hanging?

This is the point where a lot of New Year's resolutions begin to fall apart for most people. But you're not that person, are you? I have tried resolutions many times, and most of the time I'll admit I didn't see them through. But I've learned if you have others traveling with you it is much easier and it will happen.

I'm hoping you are still with me. It helps me to know people are serious about seeing this through. Don't give up. I know we're all busy, but I read something today that said we have on average as Americans about 5 hours of free time a day. We watch TV, mess around on the internet, and then say we're busy. Don't be that person. Put your time to good use.

Pretty soon we'll be out of Job and back into Genesis. Stick with it.

Job 15-26

I've been out of internet connection when I could post, so here are my last 3 days of summaries:

Job
15: Eliphaz's accusation
16: Job responds and talks of God's role in his suffering part 1
17: part 2
18: Bildad's opinion on evil people
19: Job again defends himself
20: Zophar ties Job's riches to his woes
21: Job questions why the evil seem to prosper
22: Eliphaz: righteousness = prosperity
23: Job's response part 1
24: part 2
25: Bildad: men are 'maggots'
26: Job again responds part 1

You'll definitely begin to notice that each of the 3 friends of Job have their unique themes and nuances. For example, Eliphaz's typical response so far has been a pretty demeaning view of people.

Job 7-14

I love Job 8:8, "ask the former generations." This is why I have believe that working with young people is so important, because they need to hear from the former generations. I heard a quote once that went something like this, "Most people live their life as if history began the day they were born." This resonates with me, I see it in most people. We need to learn from the past through those who have lived it, ones that are alive while we are and those who have left truths of time for us in their writings.

Job 7: Job's response part deux
Job 8: Bildad's 1st speech (friend #2)
Job 9: Job responds to Bildad
Job 10: Job responds to Bildad
Job 11: Zophar's turn to talk (friend #3)
Job 12: Job responds to Zophar
Job 13: Job responds to Zophar
Job 14: Job responds to Zophar

Just so you know, I'm keeping a bird's eye view on the book with this model of study. I'm trying to catch the rhythm of the book and not get too bogged down in the smaller nuances as much as the megathemes of what's happening in the book. Remember, this is a somewhat of a poetic book (it's listed in the "Wisdom Literature" genre of Scripture) so I'm personally not too preoccupied with trying to remember lots of details, only the main themes.

+Did you notice Job 9:9? Job mentions the names of the constellations, names we still use today. Wow, from the most ancient of books thousands of years ago they had the stars mapped out and named. Very cool.

+9:13 mentions Rahab, who doesn't enter Scripture until the book of Joshua. This book is supposed to be one of the oldest books in the Bible, and I'm not sure how this reference snuck in there. Anyone have any idea?

+Job 14:5-6 chalk up a passage that seems to favor Calvinism

Today's exciting reading

Sarcasm, can you sense it?

This begins the section of dialogue that goes on for a while.

This week I'll be sharing some memory tips that I'm using to help me keep up on remember the story of Scripture. I'm not sure how you might be reading Scripture and if you have a specific goal in mind, but my focus is to work on remembering the general theme of each chapter and retain it in the big picture of the entire Bible. That's why I'm keeping my summaries short.

Job 3: Job's response to tragedy
Job 4/5: Eliphaz's response/rebuke
Job 6: Job's reply part 1

week 2

Only 48 more to go!

My summaries and then a word about the book of Job.

Gen 21: God has the last laugh: Isaac is born
Gen 22: Abraham is tested to sacrifice Isaac
Job 1: Job has everything...then loses it all, except his faith
Job 2: Job is physically afflicted (and has a gnarly wife)


Job is a fascinating book. We will be there for a while so it's good to get a heads up about what we are reading and where it goes. The first 2 chapters of Job look to be historical and record a series of quick events in the life of Job that cause pain and suffering. (though some scholars disagree and believe the entire book is a metaphor meant to teach a principle rather than actual events)

The next 40.5 chapters are a dialogue between Job, his 3 friends, and God.

The book is concluded by an historical epilogue.

PS
What's up with the guy named "Buz" in Gen 22? Wonder if he had a girlfriend? Woof. (reference for you Home Alone fans out there)

Quiz

Take this 8 question little quiz and see how you do. Make sure you do a quick review before hand. Questions are in chronological order.

1. What chapter was the 'fall of man' where Adam and Eve sinned?
2. What 3 chapters include Noah and the flood?
3. Chapter 11 introduces languages. What was the main event in this chapter?
4. Do you remember what chapter introduces Abram?
5. Gen 15 something important happens in Abram's life between him and God. What was it?
6. Gen 18 Abraham pleads with God. What happened?
7. What 2 cities were destroyed in Gen 19?
8. This chapter centers on Abraham's deception to King Abimilech.

How'd you do?

First 10 week schedule

Here is the first 10 weeks. Click on the chart to enlarge it and print it if necessary.

End of week 1: Abram/Abraham

Gen 17: signs of the covenant between Abram/Abraham and the LORD
Gen 18: God reminds and Abraham bargains
Gen 19: Sodom & Gomorrah destroyed/a crazy story about Lot and his daughters
Gen 20: Abraham lies again, but God still has his back (Abimelech)

I never noticed before that as soon as Abram sensed the call from God to confirm on his end the covenant with the LORD to be circumcised along with his whole entourage, he did it the SAME day. (17:23) That's a pretty big decision to make that quickly, it shows Abraham's heart and obedience to God.

I'm reminded in chapter 18 when Abraham seems to 'bargain' with God about sparing a city the importance the role of believers are in geographical areas. A lot of times we Christians want to hang out together, and run in packs. There's an importance to be as Jesus said 'salt and light' to the world in which we live. If there would have been just 10 righteous, this episode would not be in Scripture. I think about our nation, and if God's people will plead to God for those who don't yet know Him, rather than condemn them.

The Lot thing...don't know what to say. Bizarre to say the least.

I plan on writing a quiz for myself each week to keep me fresh on trying and remembering the major theme(s) for each chapter. I'll post it, let me know how you do.

I hope you are still hanging in there if you are on this reading plan.

My plan is on days 6 and 7 is to review my reading from that week and work on retaining it.

Next week many reading plans insert Job into the chronological reading after Gen 22, towards the end of the story of Abraham. That's my plan. So my Monday looks like this: Gen 21-22/Job 1-2. And from there work through the book of Job.

Look for my quiz, and review/catch up this weekend. Also look for the most or all of the entire reading plan.

Genesis/Abram

Gen 13: continued story of Abram: he and Lot part ways
Gen 14: continued story of Abram: he rescues Lot
Gen 15: continued story of Abram: God makes a contract (covenant) w/ Abram
Gen 16: continued story of Abram: Hagar and birth of Ishmael

The splitting of the animals in Gen 15 was a covenant ritual when one was made between two people in a human 'contract'. Interesting how God uses an earthly ritual to show Abram how He will fulfill His promise. I can't help but jump to the modern day possibilities.

More from Genesis

You'll notice as you read particularly the OT the theme of "be fruitful and increase" in number. God has stated this several times in the Scripture up to this point, and we'll see it many more times in readings to come. It's interesting how God equates fruitfulness with blessing, particularly with children. God's ways are that children = blessing, and even many times favor.

Yet because of sin's curse and effect many people view children as an inconvenience, a hurdle to living a full 'life.' It's fascinating to me that even Christians can view having children in an unbiblical manner. It must sadden God to see people who have the opportunity to be blessed through the life of children and a family pass it by for 'better' things. (mainly more material possessions) I even heard someone say a few days ago in reference to someone else that this person 'can't stand the thought of having children.' How sad for that person and what a missed opportunity.

I could write a lot about this topic, but not now, maybe later:)

My summaries of today:

Gen 9: God's fulfillment of His covenant with Noah
Gen 10: the beginnings of nations
Gen 11: the tower of 'babble'
Gen 12: intro of Abram/Abram's deception in Egypt

Genesis reading

Gen 5: genealogy from Adam to Noah (Methuselah 969 years old)
Gen 6: Noah’s covenant with God and instructions for the ark
Gen 7: the Flood part 1
Gen 8: the Flood part 2

How'd you do today?

For those of you reading this, maybe you're taking this journey through Scripture with me. Today was week #1 day #1, Genesis 1-4. I'm taking time to summarize each chapter, and attempting to remember it. I'm not going to blog every day, but so far this is what I've got:

Gen 1: creation of all things
Gen 2: Adam and Eve
Gen 3: sin enters the picture and God has a plan
Gen 4: Cain and Abel and the effects of sin

I hope you will stick with this and learn Scripture like never before.

Day 2: Gen 5-8
Day 3: Gen 9-12
Day 4: Gen 13-16
Day 5: Gen 17-20
Day 6/7: review

An experiment in knowing the Bible...

One of my seminary profs said that one of his profs knew the Bible well enough that if someone mentioned a chapter, he could tell you what is was about. I've always remembered that, and it became my goal. I've wondered of a method to help me achieve this, and I came up with an idea.
There are a lot of 'read through the Bible' type plans, but I couldn't find any to help me achieve this particular goal. So here's what I came up with:
+read the Bible in chronological order
+read 4 chapters a day/5 days a week (20 chapters a week)
+summarize each chapter when reading it
+review (or catch up if needed) on days 6/7
+it will probably take about 30 minutes a day to do this
+read primarily the sections of the Bible that connect historically (basically, everything except most Wisdom LIterature)

With these parameters in mind, I figured I would read 5 days a week, 4 chapters a day 50 out of 52 weeks in 2010. Doing the math, this figures to be 1,000 chapters. For you Bible scholars, there are 1,189 chapters in the Old and New Testament. If you subtract Psalms, Proverbs and Song of Solomon it comes out at exactly 1,000 chapters.

So this is what I've decided to do in 2010 as somewhat of a new year's resolution. Forgive me, I'm still an optimist at heart and believe in new year's resolutions. (last year I went without soda for a year along with 2 of my daughters, so I know they work) I've found for me, and I think for most people, the key to keeping a commitment is a supportive/accountable community of people doing the same thing.

So, this is why I've started this blog. It will be simple, and it will be a method of accountability for me and hopefully for you too. Therefore I encourage you to not only consider doing this for yourself but also asking others you know to join you on the journey.

I'll be posting the reading schedule in the next few days. Easy enough, you can get started right at the beginning of the Bible in Genesis 1 starting Monday, January 4th.

Feel free to post your ideas and comments along the way.

Have a blessed 2010.

Jeff