Betrayal, match-making, compromises, and death. These are just some of what happened during Genesis 23-29. But what do all of these stories mean for us today? How do these stories and lessons apply to use today?
As we continue to walk thought Genesis, here are 3 lessons learned from these passages.
An Example of Living Faith.
Abraham just thought he was buying a plot of land to bury Sarah. However, God had a bigger plan in place for that land. Brett shares in this devotional about how that land would be the 1st piece of land that the Israelites would ultimately occupy. It was the beginning of them being in the Promised Land that they end up at in the book of Exodus. Abraham had to trust God’s leading, for God had a bigger plan going on that no one could see. In the same way, we need to trust God’s plan, even though we may not be able to see it’s complete picture yet. He is at work.
An Example of Hearing God’s Voice and Obeying.
What does it look like to hear God’s voice and obey? In Brett’s devotional of Genesis 24, the search is on for a wife for Issac. The people searching for his wife had to prayerfully go before God and be led by His direction. In the same way, we need to actively go before God daily to seek His guidance and direction. The more we can do that and be open to His leading, the more likely we will hear Him and be able to know fully what God wants us to do and where He wants us to go.
You Reap what You Sow.
In Genesis 27, Sean shares about how Jacob deceived his dad and betrayed his brother by stealing Esau’s blessing. This deception cost Jacob his relationship with his brother and caused him to run away from the family. His actions caused much division. And, as we see years later, Jacob would be deceived by his own family, as well. It’s a reminder for us all to invest our time in Godly things, rather than what we and our flesh desire. Galatians 6:7-9 CSB sums it up perfectly, “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”
Challenge:
When we spend time with Christ daily it impacts us and others. That is why we want to provide opportunities for people to know God’s Truth and practically apply it to their lives. At New Life there are a variety of Bible reading plans you can be part of this year. You can be part of the Genesis Series by texting “Genesis” to 703-454-5990 or you can find other devotionals with more in-depth descriptions of each one here.
What are you learning from Genesis 23-29? How have you been encouraged? Share below.