Preservation

So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:4,6 ESV)

Preservation

My mother used to can foods.  She canned corn, beans of various sorts, strawberries, blueberries, apples, and pears.  To some degree, my family liked or appreciated those foods.

My mother did not can beets, asparagus, brussels sprouts, or kale.  My family did not like those foods at all.

Foods we liked, she preserved.  Foods we did not like, she did not preserve.

God preserves what He loves.

Here, it was Jacob’s family. 

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, it is you.

For the simple reason that he loves His people.

Without His love, there would be no need for preservation.

But because His love is deep and profound, He does amazing work in the world to preserve us.

You are preserved because of God’s love.

Success

The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed. (Genesis 39:23 ESV)

Success

It is said of bacon, that it makes every food better.  Bacon improves hamburgers, bacon improves casseroles, bacon improves vegetables, bacon improves corn chips… bacon even improves ice cream!

But even more than bacon, the Lord’s presence improves every aspect of His children’s lives.

Joseph found that even betrayed by his family, the presence of the Lord made everything better.  Even locked up in prison, Joseph was successful because the Lord was with him.

More than His presence, it is the love of God which brought Joseph’s success.  For God is present everywhere, all the time.  But Joseph, whom God loved, found unique success.

Because God is omnipotent, all-knowing, omnipresent, and sovereign, HIS presence, HIS attention, and HIS love guarantees Joseph’s success.

Not Joseph’s cleverness, not Joseph’s pleasantness, not Joseph’s passion… but God’s loving presence.

The love of God is not simply a benefit for believers… it makes all the difference in the world.

Surrender

“Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” (Genesis 35:10 ESV)

Surrender

Jacob was a tough hombre.  During most of his life he fought against those stronger than him, wealthier than him, and more powerful than him.  But, even when he fled some of those fights, he did not really give up.  He struggled and strove and contested every problem he had.

Until finally, unbelievably, he found himself actually fighting an angel!  God’s messenger!  In a sense, a symbol of God Himself!

And Jacob finally lost.  Jacob finally gave up.  Jacob finally surrendered.

And at that moment, Jacob reached peace with the God who loved Him.

Before we can respond to God’s love, we surrender to Him.

God changed Jacob’s name to “Israel,” which meant basically, “he fought with God,” to remind him of that for the rest of Jacob’s life.

God allowed Jacob to fight with Him because God loved Jacob.  God knew that losing THAT wrestling match would enable Jacob to surrender.  And to therefore know God’s love.  And then to be able to finally love God, too.

As hard as it is for us to comprehend or accept, God does the same thing with us.

When we object to God’s plans, God’s actions, God’s intentions, and God’s will… we, too, contend with God.

And we lose, like Jacob.

And when the dust settles, when we are able to see that we lost, we notice His love.

Tomorrow, maybe I can surrender before the fight, because God’s love is worth surrendering for.

Love Multiplied

But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. (Genesis 33:4 ESV)

Love Multiplied

I enjoy Star Trek, and therefore I desire the rest of you to enjoy Star Trek, too.  I enjoy bacon, and therefore I desire the rest of you to enjoy bacon, too.  I enjoy Christmas, and therefore I desire the rest of you to enjoy Christmas, too.

But I do not have the power to cause you to like those things.

God, however, does.

God loves, and therefore He desires His children to love, too.

And He can bring our hearts to love even our bitterest enemies.

No one would have thought Esau and Jacob would weep with joy at their reunion.  But God changed them.

In a bigger way, no one would have thought that a rebellious sinner like me would be ever growing in my love of the One True Living God.

God is love, and He multiplies that love through His people.

So love more.

More

Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. She conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” And she called his name Joseph, saying, “May the Lord add to me another son!” (Genesis 30”22-24 ESV)

More

Rachel did not write a book of the Bible, did not found an empire, did not start a university, nor have more children than her sister, or their two servants.

She complained a bit, was jealous, was manipulative, and often untrusting.

But she understood at least one thing about God better than I usually do.

When God blessed her, she expected that God would bless her more.

Perhaps that was greedy, but I believe it was hopeful.  Perhaps it was selfish, but I believe it was trusting.  Perhaps it was childish, but I believe her knowledge of God’s boundless love was mature.

God does not distribute blessings to His beloved stingily.  God is no miser or cheapskate.

Rachel believed, and was right, that when God blesses His children, it means we can expect more blessings.

Because that is how much He loves.

More than we think.  More than we expect.  More than we notice.

From the immense blessing of cross-purchased forgiveness, to the incredible blessings of not merely a long life, but eternal life… God blesses more.  God blesses again.

God blesses as big as His love.

Generations

God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham! (Genesis 28:3,4 ESV)

Generations

My parents used to tease me, saying that I had been an accident.

But babies of God’s people are never accidents.  They might not be born according to our plans or expectations, but God works through generations to bring His people into being, nourish us, and complete His kingdom.

Here, Isaac is telling Jacob about God’s blessings.  And Isaac mentions Abraham, himself, and now Jacob as participants in God’s blessings.  It is God’s normal method to pass blessings from parent to child, to child, to child, and right down to tomorrow. Sometimes through physical birth, sometimes through adoption, sometimes through mentoring.  And God even does this generational work through the family found in the Church, communities, and particularly the family of God.

Even if the blessings are not obvious.  Even if the lineage seems disrupted.  Even if our generations seem to fail.

God is working His plan, founded in His love for His people.

I am eagerly anticipating God’s blessings continuing on… from my grandparents, to my parents, through me, to my children, to my grandchildren.

God’s love is shown through generations.

Repeat

So Isaac settled in Gerar. When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he feared to say, “My wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,” because she was attractive in appearance. (Genesis 26:6,7 ESV)

Repeat

The concept of repeating is a common idea in Scripture.

Jesus preaches nearly the same sermon over and over.  The primary message of every Biblical book is the same.  We find some phrases (e.g. fear not, I will never leave you nor forsake you) repeated repeatedly.

We are instructed to repeat our forgiveness 490 times.

God forgave the thick-necked Israelites over and over and over.

What do all those repeats have in common?

The same thing that certain TV shows, certain desserts, certain books, certain road trips, certain conversations, certain hobbies are repeated.

We repeat what we love.

And God does, too. 

This story of Isaac lying about Rebekah is a repeat of the story of Abraham and Sarah.  And the story occurs twice for Abraham.

God repeats this story to us because just like Star Trek, cherry pie, The Hobbit, camping at Big Bear Lake, discussing our children, and collecting stamps… love is involved.

God repeats Himself to us, a lot.  Because He loves both His Message, and His people.

Connections

Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. (Genesis 25:3 ESV)

Connection

Cynical historians may doubt it, because of a lack of archeological evidence, but it seems to me that in the midst of this Biblical list of descendants of the Patriarchs, many of the listed names were the ancestors of tribes, nations, and people groups. 

And there, nestled hidden in one of the lists, is Sheba.

Was this Sheba the ancestor of the Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon years later?  Eager to learn not merely about the Israelite King, but perhaps also about the God of Solomon?

Maybe her journey to Jerusalem was the other end of a beautiful thread, woven first here in Genesis.  Maybe Sheba was not just coming to study wealth and power, but maybe she was also coming to be returned to the fold.

It’s possible.  Because God connects His loved ones.  Miles and years mean nothing to Him.  He promotes unity in Himself, and in His people.  Because He loves all of His children.

Most of us are not interested in someone else’s family reunion.  But we probably feel differently about our own.

God reunites.  Because He loves.

All Things

Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. (Genesis 24:1 ESV)

All Things

I was in a play recently, in which I had to read a last will and testimony.  And as I read of the division of a character’s worldly goods and chattel, I thought of how difficult writing such a legal document really is.

We give, in our wills, to those we love.

And what we really want to do, is leave everything to ALL of our beloved.

But our lives do not work that way.  We have too many limits.

But wow, oh wow, God does not!

He blessed Abraham in ALL things!  And somehow He had also blessed Sarah in ALL things!  And Isaac! And Rebekkah!  And somehow every child of His, in every way, throughout time.

We can not do it.

Not only because we are not powerful enough.  But more importantly, because God alone loves us THAT much.

He loves, as only He can.  And so He can give all blessings!

Tested by Name

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” (Genesis 22:1 ESV)

Tested by Name

It almost seems like a contradiction. 

We see that God is testing Abraham.  Making sure that Abraham is full of faith, and believes God’s incredible promises to Abraham. 

But as scripture tells us of the test, the Word FIRST reminds us of Abraham’s name.  It means, “Father of Multitudes.” 

As the test begins, and Abraham and Isaac prepare to go face the threat of promise-ruining death… God reminds us that the promise was secure.

And it is found in Abraham’s very name.

And He does the same thing with us.  While we might sometimes think our name is Tom, or Frank, or Charlene, or Cindy… our name, changed by God just like God changed Abram’s, is now “Christian.”

We are Christ’s adopted siblings.  We are literally, “Little Christs.”

It might be that the Lord tests us (for our benefit, not His), but the end of the test is clearly declared in our name.  We are Christ’s!!!

And the reason He tests, is because He loves us.  He knows that we will endure in Christ.  He knows that we will be encouraged in Christ.  He knows that Christ will pass the test on our behalf, when it seems we fail.

And His love is shown in the fact that God does not test us saying, “Hey, you!  Get ready for a test!”  But rather, God says, “My child, whose name I know… whose name I gave… little Christians… here comes some love.  Look to see it and understand it.

Kept

The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. (Genesis 21:1 ESV)

Kept

One afternoon I received a book in the mail.  I did not understand why I received that book (it was second-hand, and unfamiliar to me). So I studied the return address, and recognized the name as an old friend.

I called him.  And he laughed.  He reminded me that he had promised that book to me years and years and years ago.  He suddenly remembered, and mailed it!

He kept his promise.  Even though I had forgotten.  Even though time had passed.  Even though it was an insignificant promise.

But he was imitating God, in His love.  God promised a son to Sarah and Abraham.  And though that promise, when made, was already an unlikely event, God meant it.  That promise, though years had passed,  was meant by God.   As important as that promise was to Sarah and Abraham, it was more important to God.

Because God made the promise in love.

Because that promise was a key moment in God’s plan of salvation.

Because God is forever, and His timing is perfect.

And so God promised… and it happened.

He keeps His promises to You, too.  Because He loves His people.  In fact, really the promise to Sarah was also a promise to Christians, today.

And He loves us… so He kept it.

Laughing

But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.” (Genesis 18:15 ESV)

Laughing

We usually frown at Sarah for laughing.  And certainly, the part of her laughter that was colored by doubt should be frowned upon. 

But Sarah’s laughter was also simple laughter.  Perhaps a bit of hopeful laughter.  Perhaps a bit of pleased laughter.  Perhaps a bit of amazed laughter.  Perhaps a bit of thankful laughter.

Laughter is often those things, too.

Our laughter comes ultimately from God’s love.  We sometimes taint it with doubt.  We sometimes misuse it with cruelty.  We sometimes use it to hurt or demean.

But that is us.  That is not the nature of God’s gift of laughter.

When we laugh, it can be a joyful reaction to God’s love.  When we laugh, it can be the result of His love.  When we laugh, it can be an expression of love.

God loves… and so we laugh.

Belief

And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6 ESV)

Belief

Abraham was not a righteous man.  Scripture contains stories of Abraham’s lies, Abraham’s faithlessness, Abraham’s cowardice, Abraham’s slowness, and Abraham’s sins.

But God enabled Abraham to do one thing amazingly well.  Abraham believed.  Abraham made a choice to follow God.  Abraham made a decision to trust His Lord.  Abraham made a profession of faith.  Abraham, like Thomas in the New Testament, said, “I believe.”

God enabled Abraham to believe because God loved Abraham.

Abraham’s belief, that which led Him to a covenant relationship with the One True Living God, occurred because God first loved Abraham.

And God loves the rest of His children like that, too.  He loves, so we believe!

Shield

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield. (Genesis 15:1 ESV)

Shield

While Captain America does occasionally throw his shield as a projectile weapon, shields are primarily defensive.

Shields stop harmful things from harming us.  Shields keep us out of danger from dangerous things.  Shields protect us when we need protection.

Because God loved Abram, He promised to be Abram’s shield.

Through all of Abram’s life, the Lord kept that promise, because God loved Abram.  Abram was kept safe from Egyptians, from Canaanites, from Lot, from Sodom, from drought, from poverty, from Abram’s own fears, and even from the terrible effects of Abram’s sinfulness.

He shields us the same way, for the same reason.  He loves us, so He protects us from sin.  He loves us, so He protects us from His enemies, even when it is not obvious.  He loves us, so He protects us from our own mistakes, bad decisions, and the results of our unrighteousness.

In fact, God’s love itself IS a shield.  Because if He is for us (and is not that what love is?) who can be against us?

Blessed

Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most high, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” (Genesis 14:19,20 ESV)

Blessed

My dog is good for me, and I am good for my dog.  My wife is good for me, and I am good for my wife.  My children are good for me, and I am good for my children.  My church is good for me, and I am good for my church.

And those things mimic God’s relationship with Abram, and with His people.

We know He blesses us.  If you doubt it, I urge you to slow down and consider your life.  Sometimes our eyes are trained to see curses, not blessings.  Be assured He blesses you!

But somehow we are also a blessing to God!  He is pleased when we choose to love Him.  He inclines His ear when we pray.  He is glorified when we worship. 

God’s love causes both sides of blessing.

His love blesses us, and His love blesses Him.

Increase

I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. (Genesis 13:16 ESV)

Increase

I am not a good gardener.  Perhaps, though, it is not due to the lack of a mythical green thumb.  Perhaps, though, it is not due to a lack of garden-knowledge.  Perhaps, though, it is not due to a harsh Kansas climate, garden-wise.

It is probably because I do not particularly have any affection for vegetables, plants, or gardens.  I do not like vegetables, plants, or gardens.  I do not particularly care for vegetables, plants, or gardens.

But God does particularly care for His people.  In fact, more than that, He loves us!  Not  because we are so lovable, but because His Son, Jesus IS lovely!

He loves US because He loves HIM.

And so He increases us.  God’s kingdom increases.  God’s blessings increase.  God’s people increase.

Because that is how much God loves us.

Loyalty

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3 ESV)

Loyalty

Our culture looks down upon showing favor to our loved ones.  We are not ‘supposed’ to hire them, give them raises, reward them, or even notice them.

One of the most difficult parts of coaching occurs when family members are on the team.  We often end up too harsh, or too generous, as coaches of our children.

But God favors His beloved children.  In this verse, God promises to not only treat Abraham and His descendants well, but to reward OTHERS for treating us well!

He is surprisingly loyal to us.

God’s people, whether old-time Israel, or the more modern church, do not have a good reputation regarding our righteousness, holiness, or faithfulness.  But God loves us, and is loyal to us.

God’s people, whether old-time Israel, or the more modern church, do not have a good reputation regarding how we treat other groups, nations, or ideas.  But God loves us, and is loyal to us.

Not because we have earned that loyalty, or deserve it.

But because God loves His people!

Punishment

And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth. (Genesis 11:9 ESV)

Punishment?

I bought my first vehicle from an uncle.  If I remember correctly, the price was $100.  I did not have $100.  So, Uncle John allowed me to make monthly payments. 

Some of my friends rolled their eyes in disgust.  Why didn’t my uncle just GIVE me the truck? 

But when I gave him the last $10, he smiled, took an envelope from a drawer, and returned all my payments.

I learned the discipline of paying off debt, and I received a gracious gift at the same time.

When God responded to Babel by somehow changing human languages, and spreading folk all over the planet, it might seem that God was being harsh. 

But the result shows God’s love.  It was actually a blessing to spread us around.  It was actually a blessing to force us to communicate more slowly and carefully.  It was actually a blessing to expand human dominion over ALL the earth.

God loves His people, and blesses us even when He disciplines!

More

And you, be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it. (Genesis 9:7 ESV)

More

I have finally noticed that my daughter enjoys collecting Bible translations.  She has done this for a few years, but it only sunk in recently.  So now I am surveying my own collection of Bible translations, with the intention of giving her a few.

Because I know that one cannot have too many translations.

And because I love her, I want to ensure that she has more, and more, and more.

(We will see if I actually DO this… giving away books is hard for me!)

God, after the Ark incident, understood how good the new life of Noah’s family was going to be.  And because God loves His people, God desired to give them more blessings.  He wanted His people to increase, to grow, to multiply.

Yes, He told THEM to multiply.  But it was God’s power, God’s provision, God’s plans that would cause more, and more, and more to be manifest.

And now look at how big His kingdom is!  Yes, every saint in heaven… yes, every saint on earth… yes, every saint to come…

God loves His people, and so we multiply.