Faith Icons: Jacob (Part 5 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: JACOB (Part 5 of 6)
Genesis 25:19-34
The Lord responded to Rebekah about her difficult pregnancy in v. 23: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older one will serve the younger.”

Twin boys, born over 3,500 years ago, launched today’s current events. Faith icons Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are patriarchs of the Christian belief. The two nations in Rebekah’s womb fathered different peoples. Esau became the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:43). His little brother, Jacob, became father of the Israelites (Genesis 32:28). Israelite kings ruled over the Edomites (Genesis 36:31). But let's start this story at the beginning.

The boys were total opposites. Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country. Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. Since their Dad, Isaac, enjoyed eating wild game, he loved Esau. Their Mom, Rebekah, loved Jacob (Genesis 25:27-28).


One day, Esau, weary and hungry from hunting, said, “Give me some stew, Jacob.”
“First, sell me your birthright.” Jacob bribed. (The birthright was a very big deal. The oldest son inherited the bulk of his Father’s estate, and became leader of the family).

They argued, and finally Esau swore an oath to sell Jacob his birthright. (Genesis 25:29-34).

Later, Rebekah overheard Isaac ask Esau to prepare him fresh game. He promised to give Esau his blessing afterwards. (Genesis 28:7). Rebekah commanded Jacob to beat Esau into receiving Isaac’s blessing. Jacob deceived his Dad by playing the role of Esau (even wearing his clothes). Afterwards, Isaac gave Jacob his blessing—that made Jacob master over Esau. (Genesis 27:27-29).

Esau returned with food for his Dad, and asked for his blessing. After learning about Jacob’s deception, Isaac wondered what to do.

Esau demanded, “Bless me, too!”

Isaac blessed Esau, but as Jacob’s servant. Esau became incensed. First Jacob took his birthright, then stole his blessing! Esau wanted to kill Jacob. (Genesis 27:32-41).

Isaac sent Jacob to Uncle Leban, (Rebekah’s brother), to find a wife. (Genesis 28:1-5). Esau went to Uncle Ishmael, (Isaac’s half-brother), and married Ishmael’s daughter. (Genesis 28:6-9). Jacob and Esau prospered in separate lands (Genesis 36:5-8), were reunited in peace (Genesis 33:1-4), and buried Isaac together (Genesis 35:29).

Take Home Nugget

Jacob wrestled all night with “man” in Genesis 32:24-28. “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Israel is father of the Jewish nation.

Christianity owes its belief and faith to Jacob (Israel), and the Jewish nation. Jesus descended from King David, (Matthew 1:6, 16). Jewish men wrote the Bible. The only exception is the gentile physician, Luke. He wrote the books Luke, and Acts in the Bible's New Testament.

Israel means ‘he struggles with God’.

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons: Isaac (Part 4 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: ISAAC (Part 4 of 6)
Genesis 21, 22, 25, 26, 27

Genesis 21:6: “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter…’” Isaac means he laughs.

Abraham was a hundred years old, Sarah was ninety, and Ishmael was thirteen when Isaac was born. (Genesis 17:17, 24).

“Dad, no!” Isaac shrieked.

Isaac trusted Abraham—and got on top of the stone slab—until his Dad raised his knife up high above Isaac’s chest.

Could Isaac hear the angel’s command to not harm the boy? (Genesis 22:12). What thoughts must have run through Isaac’s head?

“There’s our burnt offering, son” Abraham said, pointing to a thicket. The brush caught a ram’s horns fast (Genesis 22:13).

This is our first glimpse of Isaac. Trust is the name of the game, and Abraham’s faith legacy passed to his son. Isaac was 37 years old when his Mom, Sarah, died (Genesis 23:1), and he grieved. One day, Isaac went to a field to meditate and saw camels approaching. (Meditation, before the Bible was written, meant to ponder what spoken history says about God).

Isaac watched a woman cover her face with a veil, and jumped to his feet. His spine tingled as the camels drew close (Genesis 24:62-66). (Abraham sought a wife for Isaac from his native land).

“Meet Rebekah” the servant said. “She is your Dad’s great-niece (Genesis 24:24).

“Great!” Isaac said, reaching for her hands. “Will you marry me, Rebekah?” Mom, you’d love her! he thought, leading Rebekah into his tent. (Genesis 24:67).

Isaac, forty years old when he married Rebekah, prayed for the Lord to bless them with children (Genesis 25:20-21). Twin boys were born to them when Isaac was sixty years old. Isaac favored Esau (reddish color, body covered with hair, skilled hunter); Rebekah loved Jacob (quiet, stayed around the tent). (Genesis 25:24-27).

During a severe famine, Isaac traveled to Gerar to see Abimelech, king of the Philistines. God told Isaac to live in this land for awhile, promising to be with him and bless him (Genesis 26:1-6). Soon Isaac had grown too powerful for Abimelech, and was ordered to leave (Genesis 26:16).

Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar and settled there. After settling well water issues, he planted crops. He flourished as his flocks and herds multiplied greatly. Abimelech, learning of Isaac’s wealth and power, signed a peace treaty with him (Genesis 26:17-31).

Isaac lived to be 180 years old. Esau and Jacob reunited to bury their Dad. (Genesis 35:29).

Take Home Nugget

Without faith, it is impossible to please God—because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists—and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6).

J.D. Griffith

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Profound Gratitude

PROFOUND GRATITUDE
2Corinthians 2:9-10
The Message: “Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since He’s the God Who raises the dead! And He did it, rescued us from certain doom. And He’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing.”

The apostle Paul was a man driven to succeed. Former enemy of Christ—he worked passionately for God’s kingdom—profoundly grateful for his salvation. He shows believers today how to live victoriously, succeeding in every task. The key to victory is the three “C”s: Clarity, Commitment, and Counsel.

Paul’s fuzzy vision of the daunting task of sharing the Gospel and establishing new churches needed clarification (KLAR-if-i-KA-shun, meaning explanation, focused purpose).

While traveling to Corinth with Timothy, a brother in Christ, Paul suffered hardships in the province of Asia. The adversity before them was so severe, that they thought they would die. Desperate, they prayed, and relied totally on God’s lead. Suddenly, the way to proceed sharpened unmistakably. Paul introduced Timothy to the new congregation in Corinth, and their visit displayed courageous joy to them (2Corinthians 2:23-24). The people were amazed at Paul’s and Timothy’s joy in sharing the Gospel after being tested so severely.

God provides clarity. Focused vision spots opportunities to achieve goals, and appreciation for God’s timing. Paul established new churches at every city in his missionary journey—without causing any of them grief.

Paul was committed to God’s plan of spreading the Gospel to the Gentile world (Greeks, and non-Jewish people). Paul never wavered in his faith. His dedication enabled him to plow forward, despite the obstacles blocking his way. Paul’s profound gratitude for success fueled his passion to achieve every goal.

Paul’s zeal is neither ordinary, nor unique. Those who seek God’s counsel are similarly led to victory. Acquiring Godly direction transforms ordinary boys and girls (like you and me) into extraordinary people. Together, our successful accomplishments glorify our amazing God.

Just like as it was for the apostle Paul, when we seek God daily, plowing forward towards goals always achieves success.

Will you join me in becoming extraordinary?

Take Home Nugget

God’s gift to us is life. Physical life can be supplemented with a rich spiritual life in Christ (John 20:31). Instead of wasting this gift, we can choose success. Like apostle Paul, our success will be marked with happiness, dedication, and profound gratitude.

Life—a gift profound!
Every day, in everything, let us give thanks.
Plowing towards success
Hearts bursting—gratitude unbound.

Happy Thanksgiving, America! November 26, 2009.

J.D. Griffith

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Victorious in Death

VICTORIOUS IN DEATH
1Corinthians 15:57
“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory [over death] through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(PARENTS: You may want to consider whether this devotion is suitable for your very young children.)

“Why did she die?” Raan asked everyone passing by.

A male nurse named Ariel, heard Raan’s plea, and sat down on the hospital floor. “Your name is Raan, right?”

Raan looked at Ariel, and nodded his head.

“I was your sister’s nurse, Raan. Maybe I can help you understand what happened today.”

“What does it mean to die?” Raan asked.

“It means that Sitare’s heart stopped beating, Raan. She can no longer see, hear, sit up, or feel pain.” Ariel said, looking directly into Raan’s eyes.

“Make her better!” Raan demanded, stomping his feet.

“I wish that I could, Raan. The doctors tried everything, but nothing worked. She’s at peace now.” Ariel said softly.

Raan wailed. His balled fists tried plugging the tears that flowed down his cheeks. Ariel held Raan tightly, rocking him, and stroking his hair.

“Come here, son” Raan’s Dad said, scooping Raan into his arms. Sitting down in a chair next to Raan’s Mom, he looked at Ariel. “You cared for Sitare, didn’t you? Thank you for helping Raan. They were very close. At home, when she got sick, Raan never left her side.”

“I am sorry for not being able to do more; very sorry for your loss.” Ariel offered.

“She’s with the Lord now.” Raan’s Dad said. A weak smile flickered across his face. “Raan, your sister is free!” His speech grew stronger with, “Jesus is holding her on His lap. And Grandmear is with them.”

Raan sat up and looked at his Dad. “Grandmear too? Why can’t we be with them on Jesus’ lap?”

“One day, God willing, we will all be together again.” Raan’s Mom said, encircling her arms around her family.

When God raised Jesus from the dead, He guaranteed all believers victory over death, too. Sickness and disease are frightening. Medications don’t always work as is intended. Lots of illnesses have no cure. Many people live in constant pain.

One day, all believers will be free from pain. Their assurance of victory in death is certain.

Take Home Nugget

Funerals often begin with a “Wake”, “Viewing”, or a “Celebration of Life”. People share memories of the deceased, Scripture is read, songs sung, prayers said. Believer’s hope is joyful for unseen future reunions with loved ones.

Check out victory over death in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18.

What is nonbeliever’s hope?

Because Christ is alive, we too shall live.
Faith Icons devotional series will continue November 27, 2009.

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons: Abram (Part 3 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: ABRAM (Part 3 of 6)
Genesis 12:1-3
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”

Now that’s a whale of a covenant! (pact, promise). It’s one thing to hear this as a boy, or young man, but Abram was 75 years old when God said this. With God’s new human life expectancy to be 120 years, in Genesis 6:3, Abram’s life was more than half over! But, he obeyed God and left his country—just like the Lord commanded.

Taking his wife, Sarai, and nephew, Lot, Abram set out for Canaan (Genesis 12:4). They traveled with all their possessions, the people they acquired, and all their stuff. When their caravan landed at the great tree of Moreh at Shechem, God appeared (Genesis 12:4-7).

“You do realize that the Canaanites are living in this land, Lord?” Abram inquired.

“Yeah, don’t sweat that! To you and your offspring, I will give you this land.”

Abram must have looked right, left, and ahead. WOW! He thought, all for me? He built an altar to the Lord right then and there (v. 7).

Abram journeyed east of Bethel, towards the hills, and pitched his tent. There he built another altar to the Lord, and worshipped. How must he have praised God for this wondrous promised land! Then he proceeded to Negev (v. 8-9).

Abram wandered—through Egypt when there was famine, facing Pharaoh, separated from Lot, then rescuing him in chapters 13 and 14. Abram got a vision from God in chapter 15.

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am you shield, and your very great reward.”

“I still do not have a son, Lord!” Abram reminded God.

“Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.”

Abram believed the Lord, and his faithful obedience was attributed to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

“I brought you here to take possession of this land, Abram!”

Take Home Nugget

I challenge you to read Genesis chapters 12-25 for yourself. Oh the wonders!
Abraham died at age 175. Ishmael and Isaac buried him in the cave of Machpelah. (Genesis 25:9).

Abraham, as father of the Jewish race, and patriarch of our Judeo-Christian belief, shows us victory by faith.

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons: Abel, Enoch, Noah (Part 2 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: ABEL, ENOCH, NOAH (Part 2 of 6)
Genesis 4:2a
“Later, she [Eve] gave birth to his [Cain’s] brother, Abel.”

Abel kept the family livestock, while Cain worked the fields (v. 2b). God wired their desires differently; their work even complemented each other. One day they brought offerings to the Lord.

Cain brought fruits from the soil, and Abel brought fat portions from the firstborn of his flock (vv. 3-4a). The Lord favored Abel’s offering over Cain’s (vv.4b-5). When the Lord rejected Cain’s offering, competition was born. Cain became enraged. Why hadn’t the Lord accepted his offering as easily as He did Abel’s?

Cain’s offering was rejected because he was angry. The Lord inquired, “Why are you so angry?” The Lord told Cain that his heart was not right, warning Cain that his sin begs for payback. Cain better get a grip (vv. 6-7).

What happened next? Cain took Abel into a field, and killed him (v.8).

Why did God accept Abel’s offering, and not Cain’s? Abel’s heart was pure, but Cain’s heart was poisoned. Abel teaches us that God loves those who model cheery dispositions and clean hearts.

Genesis 5:18
“When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch.”

Jared was Adam’s great-great-great grandson. Enoch was born 622 years after Adam had Seth (his 3rd son—after Cain and Abel), Enoch’s great-great-great Granddads. Adam was still alive when Enoch was born! (Adam died at age 930 vv. 3-19). Enoch had children, and at age 365, he simply disappeared (vv. 21-24)! God took him.

Enoch—God’s superstar!

Genesis 6:9
“This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteousness man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.”

Check out Genesis 6:1-8 to learn about the giants in the land, and why God was so ticked off. He’d gotten to know Noah intimately, and saw that Noah was the only person who was righteous, moral, and good. This is why God decided to wipe out everyone else, and restart the world’s population with Noah’s family.

God made a covenant (pact) with Noah: 1. He told him to build a huge boat. 2. The boat’s dimension, made out of which wood, and how He’d destroy everything except Noah and his family (vv. 11-18).

“Really, Lord?” Noah wondered.

“Yep.”

"OK, Lord--whatever."

Noah never wavered, even though folks laughed at him the whole time. “What’s a boat, Noah?”

“What’s a flood?” Snickers, heads shaking, clapping others on backs, laughing.

“Tell us again what’s going to happen” uproarious laughter.

Who laughed last?

Take Home Nugget

The best way to live joyously amid ridicule is to find joy in Jesus!

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons (Part 1 of 6)

FAITH ICONS (Part 1 of 6)
Hebrews 11
vv. 1-2: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”

Kids love to emulate (EM-u-late)—meaning to copy—people they admire. Those who love to read, absorb themselves into adventure stories, imaging they are the hero, or heroine.

God has His heroes, too. They are His kids who grew into people of great faith. The author of the book Hebrews, possibly Apollos1 or Barnabas2, around 70 A.D., listed God’s heroes in Chapter 11.

1Apollos is a Christian from Alexandria who learned Scripture from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28). He ministered at Corinth (Acts 19:1; see also 1Corinthians 1:12, 3:3-8, and Titus 3:13).

2Barnabas is a disciple, originally called Joseph (Acts 4:36). He was also a prophet (Acts 13:1), and apostle (Acts 14:14). He brought Paul before the apostles (Acts 9:27), and accompanied him to Antioch (Acts 11:22-29), (Galatians 2:1-13), and on the first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). Together at the Jerusalem Council, they parted company over John Mark (Acts 15:37-39). They were co-workers in 1Corinthians 9:6 and Colossians 4:10.

Details of martyred Christians, because of their faith, can be found in texts other than the Holy Bible, such as Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. But Hebrews 11:35-36 tells about death by torture to people referred to as “others”. Verse 38 pays them tribute by saying, “the world was not worthy of them.” Each one died courageously for their faith in Jesus.

While most of us are not tested to this extreme, Christians are still persecuted throughout the world. Religious freedom is a rare blessing, and it’s never free. Paul had a tremendous attitude about being persecuted for his faith in Jesus. In Acts 20:22-24 he said, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

This series will outline the faith heroes of Hebrews 11. I call them icons, because they’re symbols, representing those whose faith we can emulate today.

Take Home Nugget

Would you boldly claim Jesus Christ as your Messiah, Lord, and King?

DEDICATED TO ACTIVE AND VETERN SOLDIERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU.

J.D. Griffith

When pressures mount because we walk
The path of truth and right,
We can rejoice to know that we
Are pleasing in God’s sight.

D. De Haan

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Unity

UNITY
1Samuel 20:2
“…Jonathan replied, ‘You’re not going to die! Look, my father doesn’t do anything, great or small, without confiding in me. Why should he hide this from me?’”

King Saul went crazy with jealous rage over David’s popularity among the Israelites and Israel’s troops—again. (See Tackling Discord devotion). Jonathan, Saul’s son, reiterated (re-IT-ter-a-ted, meaning say again) David’s loyalty, hoping to convince his Dad of David’s reliability.

But it didn’t work, and David fled to the prophet Samuel at Haioth, Ramah. Saul dispatched men to capture David and return him (1Samuel 19-18-23).

Failing to bring David back, Saul went after David, himself. Saul’s death threat against David led Jonathan to avow his love again. Together, they agreed to a plan. Check out 1Samuel 20:9-43, and decide whether they loved each other as brothers.

Why is unity so hard?

Does unity mean we all have to agree?

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given one Spirit.”

Every believer is indispensible (in-dis-PEN-sa-ble, meaning necessary) to the body of Christ. While we have different talents and interests, working together, our unity glorifies the Father.

Unity does not mean that everyone’s opinions or goals are identical. Each person is uniquely created, which means that no one person is like another. But our common purpose is the same—to serve and honor God.

Ephesians 4:12-13: “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith…”

Take Home Nugget

Unity was not King Saul’s intent as long as jealousy gripped his heart. Infighting among family, friends, and organizations erupt with harsh accusations during conflict. But Scripture proclaims God’s sovereignty over nature (Psalm 135:6), government (Job 12:23), and mankind (Acts 17:25). When united believers strive together, God proves His sovereignty. God cannot fail, even under adverse circumstances.

Striving for unity does not mean avoiding conflict entirely; it means handling discord appropriately. Mismanaged conflict leads to fractured relationships. Avoiding conflict leads to unresolved hurt and anger. Believers arrive at peaceful resolutions to disagreements when relying on the Holy Spirit’s lead.
Psalm 34:14 says, “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”

We’re never alone, or on our own.
Confident in unity, believers are Ambassadors of Christ.

J.D. Griffith

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Tackling Discord

TACKLING DISCORD
1Samuel 19:1, 4-5
“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David…Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?’”

Jonathan, and David were as close as any brothers could possibly be, and struggled to stay alive during many demanding times. When Jonathan’s Dad, King Saul, was so jealous that he wanted to kill David, Jonathan went into combat mode to protect his friend.

Yes, the Philistine, in the Scripture verses at the beginning of this devotion, is Goliath!

Jonathan’s Dad was jealous because David killed the giant, and achieved rock star popularity. Not only was David adored by the Israelites, but revered among the soldiers. King Saul wanted their respect more than being grateful for David’s battle victories. The conflict was within the Saul’s heart, but his jealous rage erupted on his son, Jonathan.

Your household may not be as chaotic as theirs, but we can learn much by how Jonathan reacted. Like Saul, people often look for someone to criticize during conflict. The best way to handle anger during a crisis is to turn to the Lord in prayer. We can then ask the Father to provide us spiritual discernment—because He already knows everything about our problem. Often, when jealousy invades someone’s heart, objective discussion becomes impossible, and tension rules. With the Spirit’s help, gaining insight into the situation often leads believers to manage a peaceful resolution.

Human nature automatically shifts into the defense mode during warfare, (personal attacks on oneself). Hasty reactions yield disputes, and tempers flare.

How to dissolve discord?

Focusing on God provides believers a calm, supernatural pause, and inner peace (John 14:27). Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would provide wisdom to speak correct words when facing hostility (Luke 12:11-12). Sometimes it’s best to not say anything.

Words spoken in anger can never be taken back.

Take Home Nugget

God has called us to represent Him in every situation—the same way Christ did—by depending on our heavenly Father.

Lord, help me to turn aside
From saying words that spring from pride.
Teach us to act as Jesus had done,
Praising You with battles won.

J.D. Griffith

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