Thoughts on January 13 Bible Reading

January 13, 2018

Reading: Genesis 33-35; Matthew 11

I would really like to hear from some of you who are reading the Bible with me this year. How is it going? What is the Lord teaching you? What are you finding difficult? What would make it easier? Use the comments section below to share.

Genesis 33-35

Jacob’s family had problems. His daughter was raped by a foreigner who was infatuated with her. His sons deceived and killed the men of the town to avenge their sister. His oldest son had sex with Jacob’s concubine who was the mother of the young man’s brothers. Jacob’s favorite wife, Rachel, died in childbirth. All of this sounds like a soap opera. Yet God also confirmed His promises to Jacob, the same promises that were given to Abraham and Isaac before him.

I am really thankful that the Lord continued to be Jacob’s God. I am thankful God kept His promises to Abraham and Isaac. My own salvation has come through Jesus because God kept His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  I am also thankful that my family and my circumstances do not have to be perfect for me to remain a child of God. Thank You, Lord!

Mathew 11:2-3 (CSB)

“Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples and asked him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'”

Matthew 11:11 (CSB)

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

I am not sure what caused John the Baptist to second guess Jesus. Perhaps Jesus was not doing what John thought the Messiah would or should do. John doubted, so he sent his questions to Jesus and Jesus reassured him. Jesus then followed that up by saying that John was a great man.

I think all people have doubts at one time or another (whether or not we want to admit it). Here, I think we can follow the pattern of John with his doubts. We can take our doubts directly to Jesus. I once heard a pastor say that we should “doubt our doubts” rather than doubting the Lord and His word. I like that.

Lord, please help me to doubt my doubts. Help me to bring my doubts and questions to You. Help me to trust you even when I do not have the answers I desire.

Amen.