Exodus 22 - 24 (6th Feb)

Exodus 22

These are God's principles in action given to the Israelites. They serve to guide, protect and bless the people if they choose to abide to the principles. God also stressed the principles of restitution-making wrong RIGHT! If you have done someone wrong, make a point to make wrong RIGHT as this will

1) help ease any pain you have caused

2) help others more forgiving and

3) cause you to think before doing the wrong thing again.

Exodus 23

Laws of Justice and Mercy, Sabbath Laws, The Three Annual Festivals...again God gave out a list of laws for the people to follow, so that they will live right before the eyes of the Lord, God.

God is such a merciful and loving God who is always there to want to guide us, warn us so that we do not fall into the trap of sinning against Him and need to bear the consequences of our sins and hence miss out His blessings for us. God's angel to prepare the way---most likely the angel was a manifestation of God. God was the angel the same way He was present in the pillar of clouds and fire for the Hebrew people.

God will never leave nor forsake us...He is and will be there for all of us, in whatever situation we are in, at any point of time in our lives, He chose to want to be there for us---shows how wonderful and loving God is to us.

Exodus 24

God confirmed the covenant. God chose Moses alone to approach Him. Moses wrote down everything the Lord had said. Moses then built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up 12 stone pillars representing the 12 tribes of Israel to worship and honour God.

God called Moses to go up to the mountains and He gave Moses the tablets of stone with the law and commands written for the people's instructions. Moses was with the Lord, God for 40 days and nights. Awesome, right?

Exodus 19 - 21 (5th Feb)

Exodus 19

The Lord assured the Israelites through Moses in v4-6 “I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself………” When Moses told the people, they replied that they will do everything the Lord has said (v8). Then the Lord came down and appeared to the Israelites with smoke and fire. Wow, it is awesome. If I was there, my jaw will probably dropped and with bended knees, I will just soak in His present.

Exodus 20

The Lord gave Moses the 10 commandments for the Israelites:-
1. You shall not have any other gods.
2. You shall not make or have any idol.
3. You shall not misuse God’s name.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your parents so you may live long in the land.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against someone.
10. You shall not covet.

The first 4 commandments talk about your relationship with God. The 5th commandment talks about your relationship with your parents. This is the only commandment that comes with a promise to claim, that you will live long in the land in peace. The 6th to 8th commandments is about your personal life and the last 2 commandments talk about your relationship with others.

The purpose (EX20:20) – Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that THE FEAR OF GOD will be with you to KEEP YOU FROM SINNING.
So remember this verse : EX2020

Exodus 21

The Laws that were set for the Israelites to follow. They have law for the servant, also for people who kill someone whether intentionally or accidentally, they also have laws that against people who harm others whether physically or verbally. Also laws for their pet animal.

Exodus 16 - 18 (4th Feb)

Exodus 16

The Israelites grumbled against Moses because food ran out and Moses said to them that they were not grumbling against him but against the Lord. The Lord then rained down bread from heaven. They called it Manna which means “What is it?” If you pronounce wrongly, it will sound like a Malay word which means “Where is it?”

Exodus 17

Again the Israelites grumbled and quarreled against Moses when they were thirsty. Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?” The Lord asked Moses to strike the rock and water will flow out from the rock.

So people, please remember, do not grumble or argue with your leaders. You are not against them but you are against the Lord who sent the leader to watch over you.

Then in this chapter, there is this lesson on spiritual warfare and the power of intercession. From v8 to v16 was a physical war of Joshua and his men fighting with the Amalekites. While the physical battle was on, Moses together with Aaron and Hur were doing the spiritual battle. The victory is ours if you persevere and press on in prayers.

Exodus 18

The Jethro principle. Work was too heavy for Moses and Jethro taught Moses to choose capable men to assist him.

Exodus 13 - 15 (3rd Feb)

Exodus 13

The Lord said to the Israelites to consecrate every firstborn male of man and animal. The Lord also commanded the Israelites to tell their children about what the Lord had done.

Exodus 14

The Lord went ahead of the Israelite in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way by the day and by the night in a pillar of fire to give them light. The Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds and they went after the Israelites. When the Israelites saw the Egyptians coming after them, they were afraid and cried out to God (v10) and then blamed Moses for bringing them out (v11).

Ironic isn't it? If I’m there at the scene, what will be my response? If after I saw many miracles and also God being so real sending the pillar of cloud and fire in front of me to guide me, I will be very contented and follow Him without any complaint. But the Israelites complained that it would be better serving the Egyptians (v12). And Moses said “The Lord will fight for you; YOU NEED ONLY TO BE STILL. (v14)” Yes! BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD (Psalms 46:10)

Now, from the best movie in the 70s of the Hollywood came “Moses” With a nice picture of him lifting up his staff to part the sea. Can you imagine yourself at the scene? No! Not as Moses, but as one of the Israelite’s child. I’ll be walking through the Underwater World and Aquarium which was the world longest underwater world. I’ll be amazed that I can walk through the sea on dry ground. No crab, corals or lobsters around.

Then the Egyptians chased after the Israelites while crossing the sea and God covered the Egyptians such that not one of them survived (v28)

Exodus 15

God saved the Israelites and they all celebrated and worshipped the Lord with songs. Miriam, one of the prophetess (Aaron’s sister) danced and prophecised with songs. After walking in the desert for 3 days, they found water but the water was bitter and the people grumbled against Moses again (v24). Then Moses cried to the Lord and the Lord showed him to a piece of wood and Moses threw it into the water and the water turned sweet.

There God made a decree and a law to test the Israelites. “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees. I will not bring on you any diseases I brought on Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

So people, listen to the Lord’s word and obey His word.

Exodus 10 - 12 (2nd Feb)

Exodus 10

The plague continued. 8th The Plague of locusts. Again in v3, “Let my people go”. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and then God brought locusts swarmed everywhere. After that Pharaoh seek for forgiveness and the locusts left (v16-19). Again, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened by the Lord.

Then came the 9th Plague. The plague of darkness which was to prepare for the next plague which was also the last plague that was coming. Pharaoh’s heart was still hardened.

Exodus 11 & 12

The final countdown….. then came the Plague of the firstborn. The Lord has given some instructions to the Israelites because God is going to strike down every firstborn. Instructions like how to cook lamb chop (Chapter 12:8, 9). I thought only Chinese eats every part of the animal? The Israelites were to take some blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of their houses. It was the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of Israelites in Egypt and spared their homes when He struck down the Egyptians. Then Pharaoh gave up and told Moses to go worship the Lord with the people and everything they have.

The Feast of the Unleavened Bread and Passover (v17-20) commemorates God’s Deliverance of Israel out of Egypt. It is a lasting ordinance for generations to come. Jesus ate the Passover with His disciples (Luke 22:7-20). Now in our generation, we called it Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion. Please note the regulations in partaking the Passover (v43-49). No foreigner is to eat of it. Which means it is not meant for non believers. All this is to remember Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb that delivered us from sin, slavery and bondages just as God delivered Israel out of Egypt.

So once again to sum up: DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART and ALWAYS REMEMBER JESUS. He saved us all.

Exodus 7 - 9 (1st Feb)

Exodus 7

So ironic, God sent Moses and Aaron to rescue the Israelites and yet God hardened the heart of Pharaoh (v1-4). Well this was to show God’s mighty power and judgment over the Egyptians who had ill-treated God’s people. Remember in Genesis 45:18 that the previous Pharaoh promised the Joseph and his families the best of land and they can enjoy the fats of the land. In Genesis 47:20-27, you can see that the Israelites acquired property, were fruitful and great in number. Also then in Exodus 1:7, the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly in numbers. But sadly in Exodus 1:8, a new king took over Egypt who did not know anything about Joseph. This is why God held judgment against Egypt and wanted to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt.

Then Pharaoh asked Moses and Aaron to perform a miracle. With Aaron’s staff, it became a snake. Also Pharaoh’s wise men, sorcerers and magicians came and perform the same act and each one threw their staff and it turned to a snake. Although the movie only shown 3 person with 3 snakes, you can read carefully that there were more then one wise man, more than one sorcerer and more than one magician because all is in plural. Then came the snake fight and Aaron’s snake won by eating up all the snakes. After eaten up so many snakes, it sure to be fat or maybe it was Anacondas. Still the Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.

So, the Lord started the mighty acts of judgment (v4), first, with the plague of blood. There were 10 plagues. The whole of Exodus is divided into
10 Plagues
10 Commandments
10 Parts of the Tabernacle

So, the first plague was the plague of blood where God said to Moses to tell Aaron to strike the water with his staff on the water of Nile and all the water in streams, canals, ponds, reservoirs, wooden bucket and stone jars (v19) turned to blood.

Exodus 8

For 7 days everywhere was blood and God said “Let my people go so that they may worship Me”. (v1). Pharaoh’s heart was hardened because his magicians also did the same with their secret arts (Ex 7:22). Then God sent the plague of frogs. Can you imagine frogs everywhere and the numerous screams by the gals? With all these, Pharaoh’s heart was softened and asked Moses and Aaron to ask God to get rid of the frogs and it was so. The frogs died. Because of that, Pharaoh hardened his heart again (v15)

Well, if this will to happen in China, frogs everywhere, it will be great. Chinese eats everything. By the way, Geylang got nice frog porridge. Oh man, I’m hungry. I’m still working in Bogota timing, lunchtime now over there and midnight here.

Then came the third plague, the plague of gnats where it stuck on men and animal irritating them and followed by the plague of flies swarmed everywhere, because Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.

Exodus 9

5th The plague on the livestock where all livestock died
6th The plague of festering boils that broke out on men and animals
7th The plague of hailstorm. Again Pharaoh asked Moses and Aaron to pray to God to stop and Moses did. But after Pharaoh saw that, he hardened his heart again. Sigh.

Well, all I can wrap up is this. God wants us to be free and to worship Him. DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART.

Exodus 4 - 7 (31st Jan)

I really thank God for everyone of you who contributed to the devotion for the last few days when I was not around. God bless all of you and His hands is upon you.

Exodus 4
Moses received his call from the Lord. His destiny was revealed to him, but he was afraid. God then asked Moses what was in his hand and he replied "A staff". With that God assured him with 2 miracles, turning his staff into snake (v 3, 4) and turning his hand to leprous and back to normal (v 7, 8). I don't know why he really still afraid. If i really got chance to be a burning bush, my walking stick turning to snake and my hands like snow, I will be awed and follow without asking.

Then Moses also afraid he can't speak well (v 10), and God assured him that He will help him to speak and will teach him what to say (v.11). I really need this from the Lord. Many times I asked the Lord to help me in my speech. You too can ask from the Lord in your speech and may it be words of encouragement and affirmation that comes forth from your mouth.

Hey people, each time if God calls you, be obedient to the call. God was angry with Moses (v 14) because after God assured him so many times, he was still reluctant to walk in the destiny until God had to send Aaron to accompany Moses (v 15).

Exodus 5
"Let my people go" this is the word that God commanded Moses to bring to Pharaoh. God wanted the Israelites to be free so they could worship the Lord (v 1). God knows the cry of the hearts of the Israelites and God sent Moses to the rescue. But the Israelites were angry because it made them suffered even more because Pharaoh said they were lazy.

2 things you can learn from here:
1. God wants us to be free and worship Him
2. Be a warrior of light in your workplace or school. Continue to shine. Do not allow people to say that you are lazy. Do your best even you felt unjustified.

That was what happened to the Israelites. They will feeling unjustified and lots of unsatisfaction and they blame the prophet of God for their suffering.

Exodus 6
God promised Moses that He will deliver the people out of Egypt. You can ask the Lord to free you from bondage and He will :-

1. Bring you out from under the yoke of bondages (v6)
2. Free you from slaves to sin (v6)
3. Redeem you with His outstretched arm (v6)
4. Take you as His own child (v7)
5. He will be our Father (v7)

So this day, make this your prayers. especially we are entering into Sanctification Week. May the Lord sanctify you and set you free. May His hands be upon your life. God bless.

Exodus 1 - 3 (30th Jan) - Meijin

Exodus 1 ~ 3

Exodus is a book of deliverance.
Liberation from slavery.
Our God who remembers our cries.
Our God who groomed the shepherd to be the Prince of Egypt.
Our covenant keeping God.

Observation:
- Exodus records how God protected the Israelites. Pharaoh enslaved and oppressed the Israelites, but they still multiplied. To control the Jewish population, Pharaoh planned to kill newborn Hebrew males. But the Hebrew midwives stayed loyal to God and refused to obey Pharaoh. In turn, we read from verse 20 that “So God was good to the midwives”

- Moses, who saved the Hebrews from bondage, was born and raised under extraordinary circumstances. Son of a Hebrew slave, he became a member of the Egyptians and fled to the desert, where God prepared him for his future role

Inspiration:
- If we are faithful, we will persevere and overcome the challenges placed before us. God will not abandon us in tough times, and we should not abandon Him. [God says in Exodus 3:16~17 – I have been watching closely, and I see how the Egyptians are treating you. I have promised to rescue you from your oppression in Egypt. I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey..”]

- Perfect timing of God [Exodus 2:25 – “He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act”] Our covenant-keeping God truly intervenes in His perfect timing.

Application:
- How do you respond when the going gets tough?
- Remember, God hears our needs and answers prayers in the manner that will help us, serve His will, and often surprise us.
- Trust God in prayer right now for His special guidance today. Perhaps He can do something with the common.

Genesis 48 - 50 (29th Jan) - Karen

Summary of events (Gen 48-50)

The book of Genesis closes with the following events:

- Jacob blesses the sons of Joseph at his deathbed
- Jacob’s prophecy concerning his sons
- Death of Jacob and burial of Jacob
- Joseph reassures his brothers
- The death of Joseph

Here are a few learnings that strike me from reading the biographies of Jacob and Joseph in Gen 48-50.

1. God works in unexpected ways. (Gen 48: 8-20)

Jacob gave the younger son of Joseph, Ephraim, the greater blessing instead of Manasseh. Despite Joseph’s objections, Jacob was led by God to bestow the greater blessing to Ephraim.

From this we can see that God, in His blessings upon His people, gives more to some than to others, more gifts, more of the good things in life.

Also, we see that He often gives most to those who are least likely. He chooses the weak things of the world instead. When God chooses people to fill his plans, he goes deeper than position or tradition.

**God can use you to carry out His plans, even if you don’t think you have all it takes!**

2. Our past affects our present and future (Gen 49)

From Jacob’s prophecy over his sons, we can learn that the way the 12 men lived played an important part in their blessing and prophecy Jacob released over each on of them.

For example, the oldest son, Reuben, was supposed to receive a double inheritance, as it was his birthright blessing. However, he was unstable in his youth and committed the sin of sleeping with one of his father’s concubines. Hence Jacob withheld the birthright blessing to him.

For every action, there is a consequence. Our actions today will be part of our past. Yet this will already have a part to play in shaping our future.

**What action(s) can we choose or avoid so that our future can be shaped positively?**

3. Be patient, and trust in God. (Gen 50: 15-21)

After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers were afraid that Joseph might take revenge on them for selling him into slavery. But Joseph surprised them by not only forgiving them but reassured them and offered to care for them. Joseph’s forgiveness was complete.

Joseph learnt from the experiences that God brings from evil for those who trust Him. Even by the sins of men God’s infinite wisdom is able to overrule events.

**Do we trust God enough to wait patiently for Him to bring good out of bad situations?**

Genesis 46 - 47 (28th Jan) - Madeline

For the 2 chapters, I'll like to zoom into the character traits of Joseph, which we can learn from.

1)Joseph honours his parents

Genesis 47:11-12 "Joseph gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Ramses, as Pharaoh had commanded and sustained his father and his brothers with food."

Joseph brought much happiness to Jacob in his final 17 years of life, by uniting him with the rest of the family. We should honour our parents, which includes material ways of caring.


2)Integrity of Joseph

Gen 47:14 " And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house."

Amid such heaps of money, the opportunity of plundering was super difficult to avoid. But whatever Joseph collected, he brought into the house of the king. It was integrity, to keep the hands pure amidst such heaps of gold. Joseph feared the Lord.

3) Wisdom of Joseph

Joseph was a Shepherd. Nope, he did not have a dip nor degree in business admin / Political Science. Yet, he governed the people in wisdom. By the end of the famine, most of the land became state-owned. And the people paid 20% tax to the Pharaoh!
No force nor threats had reduced the Egyptians to this necessity. Joseph transacted the king's business faithfully; and fulfilled the duties of his office, without resorting to violent edicts.

Let's fear the Lord and keep our integrity. May the Lord give us wisdom to govern,lead and administer... in our ministry, our school and the market place.... wherever God has and will place us. Amen!

Genesis 43 - 45 (27th Jan) - Weiling

Genesis 43 – 45
I won’t be summarizing the chapters since I assume you are already reading the bible chapters for yourself :) but I shall share about some of the points that strike me.

On Favoritism
All 10 brothers were sent on the first trip up to Egypt for food. Jacob/ Israel did not send Benjamin as “he was afraid that harm might come to him”. (Chp 42: 3, 4) [It seems like Benjamin’s life was a little bit more precious than theirs to Jacob] Upon their return, they discovered that their money had been returned to their sacks. If they went back to Egypt again, they might be accused to be thieves! Jacob refused to let them bring Benjamin down to get Simeon back as he was afraid of losing him as well, “his brother is dead and he is the only one left”. [Recap: Joseph and Benjamin were the 2 sons Jacob had with Rachel, the wife he loved.] It was only when i) they ran out of food and ii) Judah promised to guarantee Benjamin’s safety and bear all responsibility that Jacob allowed them to bring Benjamin along on their 2nd trip to Egypt.

Favoritism – we can’t control the affections of another person. It was very clear who Jacob favored – Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin. In Gen 29:31, it says “When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren”. God loved Leah and her sons. And I think God has a soft spot for the forgotten, the weak and the unloved. Sometimes we think it’s always the strong ones or the talented ones who gets picked. I used to think that Joseph would be in Jesus’ genealogy since he’s the hero of the story. But guess what? God chose to give the honor to Judah. (Matt 1: 3) What did Judah do?

What made him so special? But it’s really not about how smart a person is or what he does. We don’t have to strive for God’s love and acceptance. Read the child-bearing competition between Leah and Rachel in Gen 29 & 30 again to see how the women named their sons and fought for glory, honor and their husband’s affections. With Judah, Leah chose to simply praise God –“This time I will praise the Lord” (Gen 29: 35).

God’s perfect plan
It is not clearly stated why Joseph did not immediately reveal his identity to his brothers. Perhaps after his brothers tried to do harm to him in Chp 37, Joseph was not sure if he can fully trust them and thus decided to observe them further. But I do not think it was out of hatred or anger either. In fact, Joseph forgave them and asked that they “not be grieved or angry” with themselves Gen 45: 5. Joseph had gone through some very difficult times; and when he faced his brothers again, many a times his emotions overwhelmed him and he had to turn away to weep. (Gen 42: 24; 43: 30; 45: 1-2, 14-15) He was rejected, his brothers tried to do harm to him. He tried to do what was right, but was wrongly accused of sexual harassment and thrown into jail.

He was forgotten by the cup-bearer and spent two years prison before things took a significant turn for the better. There were probably many questions; many things that didn’t make sense at that point of time. But Joseph chose to look to God and trust Him. Finally, there was meaning in his suffering. (Gen 45: 5-8) If he was not sold to Egypt, if he had not interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, if he did not have favor… he would not have been able to help his family. It did not mean God caused the brothers to hate him and want to kill him, but that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”(Rom 8: 28) All things are beautifully interwoven into God’s plan.

Even if you may not understand the things you are going through right now, trust in Him who loves you and makes all things beautiful in His time.

Genesis 41 - 42 (26th Jan) - Pauleon

Genesis 41
We have been reading about Joseph the Dreamer's journey yesterday. Today, the story starts off at the part where Joseph was left in the prison by the forgetful cupbearer (wa Pharoah so 'nuah', need someone hold cup for him even. Haha)

It's amazing how Joseph, who is always ready and always willing to do God's will. Imagine how Joseph, after being betrayed and sent to prison, and after interpreting dreams for the cupbearer, was all ready to be rescued. Day after day he would wake up thinking "will the cupbearer come today?" but nooo he doesn't for 2 years!! 2 years!! Will you have the patience to wait 2 years for God to work in your life? Are you walking Joseph's journey, waiting, and waiting? Then let Joseph's life speak to you, for here lies a man of tenacity (though a bit loudmouth and "haolian" when he was young.. hehe). Wait on God, and pray until something happens.

Notice also how he always points back to God in verse 16. "I cannot do it...but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." How many a times do we take credit for things we think we did but actually it is and always will be God behind it all.

Reading on, we hear about how wonderful it all turns out. Joseph becomes governor of Egypt! Second only to the Pharaoh. And what wisdom God has given Joseph.

Genesis 42
Here, Joseph's childhood dream is fulfilled (his brother bowed before him). It is with great cunning and wit that Joseph decided not to reveal his true identity to his brothers first. I believed at this point Joseph had already put the past behind him and had already forgave his brothers. He was not out to deceive his brothers out of anger or hurt. We see in verses 21-22 his brothers were saying they are being punished for what they did to Joseph. The repentance they expressed touched Joseph.

Now turn your attention to Jacob. Imagine how he felt when his sons returned! Simeon was taken in Egypt! After losing his beloved Joseph so many years ago he was surely devastated. He decided not to follow what Joseph told his sons to do, afraid of losing his youngest and dearest son. We shall follow their journey in tomorrow's reading, which I believe most of you are anticipating!

Genesis 38 - 40 (25th Jan) - Kelvin

GENESIS 38
The sons of Judah were evil in the eyes of the Lord and were put to death. Judah himself had sinned against the Lord too when he visited a prostitute after the death of his wife. He did not know that the prostitute was his daughter-in-law and when everything was revealed eventually, he paid a heavy price for a lesson learnt and I can sense his guilt and shame for what he had done.
Therefore, brothers & sisters, “Be watchful over yourselves because the evil one is always out there waiting to shame us and strike us down.”

GENESIS 39 & 40
Joseph was deeply blessed by the Lord even though he was rejected and sent away by his own brothers. The Lord’s favor was with him and even Potiphar can see it himself and decided to entrust all his things to Joseph. Unfortunately, Joseph was tested on his faithfulness to God and despite withstanding all the temptations set by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph was persecuted for his righteousness by the evil plans set by Potiphar’s wife.

Thanks be to God that even when in prison, Joseph found favor in the eyes of the prison warden and was again, entrusted with everything possible. Can you imagine yourself serving your sentence in the prison and the warden becomes your friend and asked you to take care of every matter and allow you to do anything you want in the prison? I think I would not feel as though I am a prisoner but a staff of the prison instead!

God’s anointing was also with Joseph. He was able to interpret the dreams by 2 of the inmates and what amazed me here was when Joseph daringly told the chief baker that he was going to die in 3 days with birds feeding on his flesh. Such was the level of negativity in the words of Joseph but he knew it was not from him but from God! The Lord says to those of you who have the fear of releasing word but if you know that it is from the Lord, do not be afraid to say it to your brothers & sisters in Christ.

Lastly, I have a summary verse for these 3 chapters. It is found in
Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of their righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The Lord wants us to endure hardships along the way in our journey with Him and do what is right even when the world is against us.

Genesis 35 - 37 (24th Jan) - Ivy

GENESIS 35

Jacob’s sons got into trouble by standing up for their sister. God spoke to Jacob and said ‘Go up to Bethel and settle there…’ Bethel means house of God. So Jacob recognized the voice of God whom spoke while he fled from his brother. Jacob obeyed God and told all the women and children whom Simeon and Levi brought back from the Canaanites and Perizzites to ‘get rid of their foreign God’ they have with them, purify themselves and change their clothes.

Pause for reflection: Have you ever heard people say ‘Why you Christians so ‘selfish’ worship only one God?’ I was only able to answer this question after knowing God from the Old Testament. We can see that this characteristic of God is consistent throughout the entire bible. God requires us to worship Him only (no other gods) and to purify ourselves by surrendering their old self for new (change their clothes). My answer to the above question is, God is our God of all, provide ‘one-stop service’, like hypermarket everything can get, why do we need to ‘shop around’?

Is it time to surrender other ‘gods’ (habits/sins)? Have you been shopping around and seeking answers from other sources and not God?

The women and child from Canaanites and Perizzites obeyed and gave up their foreign God and Jacob had them buried under ‘oak at Shehem’. Notice this verse ‘Then they set out, and the terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.’ As they surrendered their foreign gods, God intervened and protected them from harm. So cool!

Again, it was mentioned ‘it was there (Bethel) that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother’. Seems like Jacob had his encounter with God at Bethel. Fell in love with God there. Where and when did you fall in love with God?

God gave Jacob a new name. Instead of being called the deceiver, he is now called Israel which means ‘he struggles with God’. God also begun His personal relationship with Jacob and confirm from this chosen son of Issac the covenant promises made to Abraham in (17:1-8). God once again told Jacob to be fruitful and multiply. Just like what pronounced in the beginning (Gen 1:28) and to Noah after the flood (Gen9:1,7) God’s blessing on the human race would be fulfilled in the through Jacob and his offerings.

Then Jacob went drinking (lim jiu) and fellowship with God. So intimate!

Rachel then died at child birth and name her son Ben-Oni which means son of my trouble. But his father named him ‘son of my right hand’ or ‘son of the south’. Good choice. Reminds me of Jabez.

Summary of Jacob’s sons (total 12):

Leah bore 6 sons with Jacob: Reuben (first born), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun.
Rachel bore 2 sons with Jacob: Joseph and Benjamin.
Rachel and Leah’s maid servant each bore Jacob 2 sons : Dan, Naphtali, Gad & Asher.
Issac lived 180 years and Esau and Jacob buried him.

GENESIS 36

Summary of Esau family
- 5 wives
- 5 sons (not all wives gave birth)
- God also blessed Esau that ‘heir possessions were too great for them to remain together; the land where they were staying could not support them both because of their livestock’
- I was trying to count the grandsons….lost count. Someone can volunteer to do the maths. =P

Notice 36:11 Eliphaz Teman. One of Job’s friend was named Eliphaz and Temanite (Job2:11) and Job himself was from the land of Uz. Thus Job probably lived in Edom.

So okay…a lot of names…. Chapter 36 ended with ‘Esau the father of the Edomites’.

GENESIS 37

Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son. Tell tales on his brothers. ‘Howe lian’ or low EQ?

In his generation he represented Israel (more than others) – as a people who struggled with both God and human and overcame and as a source of blessing to the nations. It is moreover through the life of Joseph that the covenant family in Canaan becomes an emerging nation in Egypt, thus setting the stage for Exodus.

Joseph innocently told his dream to his siblings and caused them to be upset and unhappy. Sounds arrogant to me. But he got rebuked by his dad the 2nd time ‘his father rebuked him and said, "What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?" 11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.’ - A hint that Jacob later recalled Joseph’s dreams when events brought about their fulfillment.

Joseph’s brothers plot against him. They wanted to kill him initially but Reuben tries to rescue him. As big brother (firstborn) he probably felt he should be responsible. So they tore Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped his clothes in the blood. The brothers then took the stained robe to bluff their daddy that their brother was eaten by a ferocious animal. If it were today, with forensic science, they will need to be smarter hor?

This part is drama. Picture this:
Jacob TORE his clothes and put on the uncomfortable sack cloth. He also refused to be comforted by his sons and daughters. He wept for Joseph. This shows that he is really really upset.

Meanwhile, Joseph is being sold to Potiphar (or popiah?). The people of Arabian Desert were long involved in international slave trade. Mai zhu zai. From favouritism with daddy to being slave, see how Joseph overcame all obstacles later.

Genesis 32 - 34 (23rd Jan) - James

Genesis 32

“Determination? Or is it determination to trust God that matters most?”

If there’s one thing I admire about Jacob, it has to be his determination. This was a man that was found pulling his brother Esau’s leg on the way out as he was born, as if desiring to ‘come out first’ or ‘be no 1’. Here was the same man putting another 7 years of hard work to earn the hand of a bride he was promised initially, never mind that 1st promise turned out to be false.

Now this same man stands in the wilderness carrying everything he owned with him, determined to survive the wrath of the brother whom he humiliated almost 20 years ago. This man is scared and afraid, make no mistake about that, but he also believes in what his God promised him when he left Bethel and again when he left Laban.

It’s always easy to choose the most logical way out. If I was Jacob, with my wealth, and being cunning, I would have gone somewhere else, anywhere that takes me further away from my brother. But that wouldn’t be in line with God’s command for Jacob which is “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” (Gen 31:3). This Jacob obeyed, and set off straight in the direction of the man who wanted to kill him.

We can have the same determination and strive for greatness doing things our way, just because Frank Sinatra sang that famous song now suddenly everyone believes in living his life doing what he wants. But is God with you? Are you experiencing victory? God promised the deceiver that “He’ll be with him” not once, but twice. This is interesting considering God’s word for us during the last youth service. Do you recognize your sonship and have you surrendered all? I believe that is KEY to God’s victory for us. Jacob recognized that God called him, and despite his wealth and cunning, submits to the promptings of God.

->Let me correct myself, what I admire is not just his determination, but his determination to trust God.

BTW Jacob was still pretty scared, groveling with fear and trying to suck up to his brother. That’s the deceiver we know. That night, a man appeared and wrestled Jacob. Now Jacob wrestled this man not knowing that He was God until later. His request for a blessing is an indication that he finally realized this person he’s wrestling with is no mortal, but supernatural. So God blessed him, calling him Israel, meaning “God fights”. WOW! His blessing is that Jacob will have victory because, and only because God fights for Him! Success! Success in everything Jacob does, including meeting Esau. Jacob was crippled in this wrestling match, but it really means that to be successful with God, Jacob had to be crippled in his own self-sufficiency (his own belief in his power/ability).

-> That youth service sermon comes back to me now. Does God fight for you? If you do not think so, then consider this. Why not?

Genesis 33-34

This chapter shows that the meeting with his brother Esau was a success, so successful to the point that Esau even offered to leave escorts with Jacob to protect them from harm as they traveled home. What favor! However, an interesting thing to note here is that Jacob declined the invitation to have protection and even proceeded to Succoth after Esau left, although he promised Esau that he’ll make his way to Seir, where Esau is camped. Maybe the weaker ones and the herds could not take the perilous journey? Maybe he was afraid that Esau’s attitude could change and therefore he could be at the mercy of his brother? God may have commanded him to return to the land of his fathers (which he did) but not Seir specifically. This shows that the deceiver is still not able to deal truthfully, probably because of fear of Esau.

This next chapter tells of the unfortunate incident that happens to Jacob’s daughter Dinah. As I read this, one thought that comes to my mind is this,

-> Girls, watch how you dress and where you go, no matter if you’re alone or with friends!!!

Dinah entered the city alone to meet and see how the “young women” were like in this city. Shechem SAW her, took her and lay with her, and violated her. The bible doesn’t say anything about how she dressed, but in today’s context, how a woman dresses usually attracts the LOOK from guys. So lesson 1, bring a pepper spray wherever you go! And learn to kick the guy really hard in the nuts. Just kidding! =)

On a serious note, one other interesting point to take note is Jacob was indecisive when he received news about his daughter’s rape. He was alone at that time and waited till his sons came home before there was any reaction. Even then, he did not make any decisive response and this resulted in his sons’ retaliation. I remember a long time ago when I first came across this, I actually laughed as I read about their revenge. Seriously, imagine them all struggling to run away in their sarong as they’re chased by the 2 brothers, Simeon and Levi.

Leaders who are indecisive will have people under them taking matters into their own hand, often to disastrous results.

Genesis 30 - 31 (22nd Jan) - Vivien

Chapter 30
Continuing where Pastor stopped, in Chapter 30 Rachel became jealous of her sister, as she could not bear any children for Jacob. And the “war” between the two sisters started. Since Rachel was barren, so she decided to get her servant to build a family through her (v3). And through her servant she got 2 sons – Dan and Naphtali. Now it was time for Leah to retaliate. Seeing that she has stopped having children, she too got her servant to lay with Jacob, and through her she had another 2 sons – Gad and Asher. I personally find it ridiculous to see such a scene (thank God life is simpler, husband can only have one wife)

Guys, please learn from this chapter, don’t ever think of having mistress. Already not easy to handle one, having another one, then you are really asking for trouble! By the way… the fight was not over yet… but let’s have a commercial break..

***Rachel wants mandrakes! Just barter some of your mandrakes and get one night with Jacob! **** End of commercial break.

Ah… Here is like one women who is so desperate to be loved by a husband who only have eyes for the other wife… I really wondered how Jacob felt when Leah excitedly waited for Jacob to reach home from the fields and told him, “You are mine today, because I bartered my son's mandrakes with your beloved wife, Rachel, for a night with you.”

Hmm… Why did Rachel make such an offer? What is so important about the mandrakes? In the Message version, Rachel called the Mandrakes, love-apple. Ah… it has been believed that this plant can help in conceiving. So is another act of desperation, but I am not sure if it is out of love… Because Rachel already had Jacob’s heart, but it seems like social status. Following after that, Leah bore another 2 sons – Issachar and Zebulun. God really loved Leah. He never forgets about her, and always listens to her prayers and gave her sons plus one bonus, a daughter. To all those people out there who think that they are unloved by anybody: God loves you, and He never forgets about your existence. =)

Finally, finally the “war” was coming to an end. God remembered Rachel and finally decided to open her womb, with that She bore 2 sons – Joseph and Benjamin.

In the next half of the chapter, Jacob decided to take his household to leave Laban. Laban recognized that he became prosperous because God was with Jacob, so of course he would want to retain Jacob. But Jacob appeared to have asked for less than what he deserved. However, he increased his supposedly imperfect, but strong flock, leaving behind the spotless, but weak flock for his uncle. Wasn’t he smart or what? Nope, it was God who gave him the vision through dream.

Chapter 31
In this chapter, it is about the Jacob and his household running away from Laban. I was quite shocked that Rachel actually stole her father’s household gods (What for??)… But the Bible didn’t mention that she was exposed for the crime. But later when you read on, she died prematurely, while giving birth to Benjamin. Maybe that had got to do with the crime. But at least the episode with Laban ended in peace, with a covenant between the two men that they will not harm each other.

Genesis 27 - 29 (21st Jan)

Chapter 27

Isaac was supposed to bless his first born, Esau, but with the conspiracy between Rebekah and Jacob, Jacob took the blessing. Rebekah was the one who challenged Jacob to deceive Isaac to give him the blessing. Read this chapter and you will know how it was done. But remember that all this is to fulfill what God told Rebekah in Gen 25:23 that the older will serve the younger.

The blessings that Jacob got were (v28, 29):
1. God’s blessing of heaven’s dew and earth’s richness
2. Nations will serve him and people will bow down to him
3. Lord over his brothers and they will bow down to him
4. Those who curse him shall be cursed and those who bless him shall be blessed.

Blessing & glory be to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He is the God of 3 generations.

Later part of the story was the return of Esau wanting to get his blessing and found that Jacob took his blessing away. Isaac was angry (v33). Esau was also angry with Jacob and said that he is rightly called a ‘deceiver’ and Jacob deceived him twice (v36). Birthright & Blessing. Esau decided to wait till his father, Isaac, died then kill Jacob (v41). Rebekah knew it and asked Jacob to flee to Laban, his uncle (Rebekah’s brother). Rebekah also cannot stand her ‘non-christian / different tribe’ daughter-in-law (Esau’s wife that married at his age of 40, Gen 26:34). It certainly brought grief to both Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 26:35)

Chapter 28

So Isaac blessed Jacob marry to someone of the same tribe. Hey people, try to look ‘within’. Say NO to unequally yoke relationship. You will be blessed if you obey J.

Jacob left and when the sun set, he took a stone and used it as pillow to sleep (v11). There, he had a dream (v12-15). We called it ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. Jacob anointed the stone with oil and called that place Bethel, the house of God (v16-19). And he made a vow to the Lord (v20-22).

Chapter 29

Jacob continued his journey and he saw a well covered with a large stone (should be heavy). The shepherds will carry the stone away and then water the sheep then they will carry the stone to cover back the well. Suddenly, he saw a beautiful gal, Rachel, and she was a shepherdess. Immediately Jacob turned into a hero. With all his strength, he rolled the stone away from the well and watered the sheep. Such a strong dude. Rachel was Laban’s daughter (same tribe). Cool. He kissed her and he wept aloud (v11). Weird.

Laban has 2 daughters. Leah, the elder, had delicate eyes and Rachel, perfect, beautiful. That’s why Jacob fell for her. So he didn’t mind working 7 years for her. But was cheated by his uncle and he got Leah instead. So he worked hard for another 7 years to get Rachel.

Leah gave birth to Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah. You must take note of these names because they will form the 12 tribes later on.

Genesis 25 & 26 (20th Jan)

Chapter 25

Abraham had another wife and concubines (v1, 6). For you guys, you can only have 1 wife and no concubines or porcupines. Abraham gave everything he owned to Isaac (v5) and then he died at 175 years old. Both Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham at the same place where their mother, Sarah, was buried.

V12 – 18 was the account of Ishmael. He had 12 sons that form his 12 tribes.

Then the account of Isaac. He prayed on behalf of his wife because she was barren and the Lord answered his prayer and his wife got a pair of twin boys. She named the first that came out as Esau because he was red and hairy. She named the second one who was grasping on the heel of Esau on the way out, as Jacob, which also means deceiver.

How do you think Jacob felt while growing up? “Hi, I’m Deceiver. I’m here to apply for a job.” Who will employ a deceiver? Jacob was a quiet man (v26). Of course he was quiet. Who would want to talk to a deceiver? He must be so downcast.

Notice that God changed Abram name to Abraham (Gen 17:5). God give the name of Abraham’s son, Isaac (Gen 17:19). But for Jacob, Isaac and Rebekah named him. So Jacob probably did not have a great childhood days. Later you will find that Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (v29-34).

Chapter 26

OK, back to Isaac. The Lord blessed Isaac and assured him of the promises He gave to his father, Abraham (v2-4), all because Abraham obeyed the Lord (v5). Abraham kept God’s requirements, God’s commands, God’s decrees and God’s laws.

On the later part of the chapter, you will find a lot of ‘wells’ surfaced. Isaac reopened the wells of Abraham (v18). Then the Lord met him at Beersheba and assured him once more. And there Isaac built an altar and dug a well (Shibah) (v25, 32)

Genesis 22-24 (19th Jan)

Chapter 22

Abraham was tested by the Lord. By then Isaac was a youth. The servants and the young guy, Isaac, happily followed Abraham to worship the Lord. I believe that Abraham just kept silent and feeling down knowing that he was bringing his only son to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. When they about to reach the place of sacrifice, Abraham turn around and told the servants to wait there and he said with confidence, "We will worship and then we will come back to you.(v5)" Believe me, Abraham did not read Genesis 22. So he would not know that God will stop him.
Only you know, I know and those who read will know.

Can you imagine the father and the son alone walking up the journey to the place of sacrifice? Isaac carried the big heavy stack of wood walking up (v6). I hope you know that to burn a body, you need plenty of wood and it is not light. It is like Jesus carrying the Cross and Our father in Heaven bringing His one and only Son to be sacrificed as atonement for our sins.

v9, Abraham built an altar. Take note that when you read Genesis, there are somethings you need to highlight them as bright as possible. They are words like "well", "tree" and "built an altar". I will share more on these in our June Tribe camp.
Abraham chose to obey God to sacrifice his son and God stopped him (v11-12). Then God provided them a ram.
There Abraham called the place "The Lord will provide", "Jehovah Jireh"(v14).

And this time, God assured Abraham in v15-18:-
1. God will surely bless him
2. God will make his descendants as numerous as the stars and sand.
3. God will make his descendants to possess the land
4. Through his offsprings, all nations will be blessed. All these were promised to all of us because Abraham obeyed God (v18).

Chapter 23

Death of Sarah and how Abraham negotiated for the land to buried her.

Chapter 24
Isaac has grown up and it was time to get married. Abraham sent forth his servant to look for his wife. His servant prayed to God to give him success (v12). Hey you all can pray for success too. Also look at the blessing on Rebekah in v60. She will multiply and possess the land.

We read this whole chapter. Beautiful love story. How you wish everything is planned for and you know in advance who is the one for your life right? The answer is "WAIT PATIENTLY".

Genesis 19 - 21 (18th Jan) - Jason

Chapter 19: Where we plant ourselves determines what we become.

We see the friction of decisions that Abraham and Lot made chapters ago since settling into the land. Lot chose a well watered area (see Gen 13: 10) while Abraham chose to live near the trees of Mamre (Gen: 13: 18). Lot chose to live dangerously, where his nearest neighbours were the Sodomites and the Gomorians (Sound like Martians). He pitched his tents too near danger.

Abraham debated with God, in other words, he was a man that was close enough to know of God's plans before they were decided. Whereas God had to send messengers to warn Lot. Lot was blind to the danger being not as close to God as Abraham was. He was too near the prowling lion of sin and such was the result, he was sucked into their carnality as well. Lot should have nothing to do with these people, instead living close to them, he called them his friends, "No my friends" (Gen 19: 7) He even offered his virgin daughters to the men to have sex with, when he should have said no.

Generational repercussions.

One of my accountability partners from Melbourne told me recently how decisions we make at an early age are spiritual ones. Ones that allow us to bear fruit today. Decisions that allow us to DECIDE to bear fruit today. For eg: To become a christian at a young age, to pray in tongues, to work in the Spirit. They changed who we have become, but they have bigger repercussions. Our family.

Lot was close to God, however, his wife looked back and was turned to salt. His daughters grew up near depravity, slept with their own FATHER. Looking back its such an interesting as God was interested in giving Abraham many children as his inheritance, a focus on generations, on the offspring. In some of our lives, spiritual fruit, spiritual children.

Chapter 21: Fruit and everlasting fruit; laughing with YOU!

Gen 21: 6 "..God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will LAUGH WITH ME."

Here we see Sarah laughing and everyone sharing her joy. Issac's birth is no doubt a miraculous birth and a promise from the Lord, and all of Abraham's household benefited from his decision to be rooted firmly where God calls him to be. Truly the whole world and all nations today laugh with Sarah, she is an UNFORGOTTEN mother. Whereas, Lot's children borne of his 2 daughters is such a painful thing to go through, to not have people laugh with you.

Today i was made to reflect on this passage especially the preceding chapters of Genesis 13. Where i am reminded by Lot's decision, is God our provider (Lot and the well watered land), is God our banner, our mediator, our righteousness. Are we defending God's integrity today, or are we defending our own. In life, in ministry, in relationship. Where are we pitching our tents today seems to be my word from this time with God. To know that decision to plant ourselves brings us closer from the now to the forever.