Thoughts on January 11 Bible Reading

January 11, 2018

Reading: Genesis 27-28; Matthew 10

I am sharing some devotional thoughts from today’s reading in the hope that it will encourage you to stay engaged with God’s Word as you read together with me this year. Please do not let these thoughts be a substitute for spending time reading God’s Word and applying what you learn to your life. I am praying for you as we continue this journey together.

Genesis 27-28

Genesis 27-28 is the account of Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing by deceiving his dad, Isaac. Esau was infuriated and began plotting to kill Jacob. Their mother warned Jacob and told him to flee to her home land and her family back east. While on the journey, God spoke to Jacob and made the same promises to him that He made to Abraham and to Isaac.

God’s promise to Jacob seems unfair, yet it makes me rejoice. God’s choice to bless Jacob over Esau had nothing to do with Jacob’s worthiness. Jacob was a deceiver who essentially stole his brother’s birthright and blessing. Yet, God, in His grace, chose to bless Jacob. God’s grace is the good He gives to people even though they do not deserve it. God, in His grace, has chosen to bless me with salvation and with every other good gift He has given to me. I am not worthy of any good thing from the Lord, and neither are you. Yet, God has not given me what I deserve, but by His grace, has given me good gifts.

Thank You, Lord, for Your grace. Thank You, Lord, for not giving me what I deserve, but for dealing with me according to Your loving-kindness.

Matthew 10:16 (CSB)

¹⁶“Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves."

In Matthew 10, Jesus called the twelve apostles and sent them out to do ministry. He gave them some instructions as He prepared to send them out. Verse 16, above, tells them that He is sending them out like sheep among wolves, so they need to be shrewd and innocent. As I read that, I am reminded that God expects me to act in the same way. There are some legitimately bad people in the world, probably more than we care to think about. He has sent me, and all of us who belong to Jesus, to love people and to share the good news of Jesus. Yet, in our love for others and ministry to them, He also expects us to act with wisdom so that we are not unnecessarily harmed in some way.

So, Lord, help me to love people like You love people, and to be faithful to share the good news of Jesus and do all the good I can do for as many as I can. Yet, Lord, please give me wisdom and help me to live according to it. Amen.

What is the Lord showing you from His Word today? Be a doer of His Word and not a hearer (or reader) only.

Bonus: How to use an expository dictionary to help you understand words in the Bible.