She Shall Be Called Woman

July 12, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 2:18

Woman refers to an adult female human according to the dictionary, usually associated with qualities of femininity. In Hebrew the word ishshah reflects on the fact that woman was derived from man, Ryrie tells us. Scripture tells us that God formed all the beasts of the field out of the ground – a discussion for another day perhaps. However, this woman was unique. She possessed the DNA of Adam; taken from his “rib” or “side” she was part of his very being. This meant something special to Adam, giving them a kinship he did not experience with any other animal. “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh!” (2:23).

God’s purpose for woman is clearly stated. “It is not good for man to live alone” (Genesis 2:18). One must conclude that woman was created for companionship, someone for Adam to talk with heart to heart. Why then did God not create another man? Men do not speak easily from their hearts, man to man. Perhaps a woman’s perspective is needed to help a man express his emotions. We are not told details about their relationship, but we do know that in the eyes of God, man needed a helper (2:18). May we assume that Eve was a strong and vibrant young woman?

Some will argue that woman is lost in the male-dominated culture recorded in the Bible. However, we see astonishing examples of women who were strong. I doubt that Noah and his lads could have accomplished the building of the ark and their journey on it with a boat full of animals, without the strength and support of their Missus! Sarah, revered and loved by her husband, was someone Abraham listened to in matters of import, some which reach into our world today; read about Hagar, in that family (Genesis 16). Deborah was a judge in an era of male domination in Israel. Rehab was pivotal in saving the male Israelite spies. Naomi’s loyalty to her husband allowed them to travel into Moab as a family, where her son married the Moabitess Ruth, who became a progenitor of Jesus…..and the list goes on.

Just as God had a plan for these women, so He has a plan for every woman born on earth. Spurgeon relied on the prayers of an old, and perhaps insignificant woman; her faithful prayer life lifted his spirits when he was discouraged and gave him insights into the Word of God that blessed his world. I met women in Africa who endured through unbelievable pain and deprivation in the strength of the Lord, believing they were part of His magnificent plan, whether or not they could see the end from the beginning. Few of us can, whether men or women.

Womanhood is to be celebrated! Why? Simply because He [God] called her “woman.” It was a woman who first talked with Jesus after His resurrection – He chose to reveal Himself to Mary Magdalene. Listed among women of the Bible are nameless women, referred to by the role they played, such as ‘the crippled woman’, ‘the Samaritan woman’, ‘the woman who lost her coin’. Each of these had a role to play in the plan of God, which would bring Him glory and honour. Woman does that so well!

Reflection:

Count the women who have impacted your life significantly and thank God for each contribution they made to the person you are today.

Devotional

The Slippery Slope

March 20, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 5:41-44

Celebration is scriptural. How many times throughout the Bible do we read of momentous times of praise and worship, of gratitude for what God has done? The Lord even commands us to remember events and answers to prayer, starting with the rainbow of promise (Genesis 9:14-16). His covenant of provision and protection all become objects of even our silent celebrations.

However, the arts of Satan can take our very joy and thanksgiving and turn them into something else. Let’s party! Nothing wrong with that. But how we party and why has become the object of our study. “Search me O God and know my heart” must be our beginning prayer.

Recently I heard tributes paid to a man who is devoting his life to humanitarian efforts. He deserves man’s highest praise for the sacrifices he is making. However, I observed that in order to celebrate his achievements some Christians felt led to downplay whether or not he had a relationship with God. He held a position that represented him as God’s agent.

In celebrating a “good life” we need to be very cautious. Jesus questioned the belief of those who chose to accept the praise of men, rather than seeking the only real glory that comes from God. In fact, knowing what was in their hearts, Jesus saw that they did not believe He had come from the Father. He also knew if someone else came to the Jews at that time, representing themselves as coming “in His name”, that person would be accepted. John 5:41-44. Why is this important?

Scripture warns against the pride of man. It’s a slippery slope that takes us with our good intentions into the area of self-satisfaction, where we forget to honour God for all He is doing in and through us. There can be no question about the source we are willing to recognize publicly. Is it God?

Scripture makes clear that if we are looking for praise of men here on earth, we need not expect accolades in heaven. (John 12:43) “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honour” (Proverbs 29:23). In the eyes of men we might appear to be humble, but if we do not bring glory to God the question remains “Are we hypocrites, self-serving for the praise of men to boost our own egos?” This is a question we can only ask ourselves. We dare not judge another man’s heart. But the answer makes clear to us who is central to our lives, personally.

We who celebrate the achievements of men might bear some responsibility for their downfall, if we do not give God all the praise, honour and glory! “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!” (Colossians 3:23) Nothing matters more than the fact we are being used by God. All glory belongs to God! The thrill comes when we recognize that God opens doors for us to spread the gospel through every means possible. We need to walk through those open doors giving glory to God who opened them, not to the earthly agent, especially if there is any doubt regarding their personal beliefs.

Reflection:

For example – Oprah Winfrey is known around the world for her good works. She is generous and caring. However, most Christians would not celebrate her as an agent of salvation. Why? She shares another gospel that is anti-Christ. She is “spiritual” according to her own testimony, but sadly relates her spirituality to the New Age god, the god within. In the very same way it is dangerous to ally ourselves with anyone who is anti-Christ, clearly anyone who does not bring glory to God. How will we test the spirits? John tells us we can know by the value they put on the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 John 4:1-2)

Devotional

Faithfulness

June 12, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 24:27

Eliezer had promised. Faithful to his word, he journeyed over 500 miles, back into Mesopotamia. Most likely his trip, backed by his wealthy master Abraham, was as comfortable as possible, although, having ridden a camel myself, it would not be my first choice! Abraham ensured he was well provided for, giving him 10 camels, as well as the dowery necessary for the transaction (24:10), if he found a girl who would be adventurous enough to risk marrying an unknown man.

Abraham was being protective. He valued the promise of God to give him the land in which he now lived (24:7). He did not want his son to be tempted by the luxuries of life back in Ur, so when the time came for Isaac to be married, Abraham sent his trusted servant back home to get a bride from among his God-fearing relatives. He was very anxious to avoid a daughter-in-law from among the pagan Canaanites (Genesis 24:3, 8).

Abraham trusted his God to send an angel before Eliezer (24:7). Going back into the records of Abraham’s walk with God we must remember that every male in his household was to be circumcised as a sign of their allegiance to Abraham’s God (Genesis 17:10-13). This gives us a glimpse into the life of the man he entrusted with this important task. So it comes as no surprise to find Eliezer praying.

We can learn something from the simple prayers of this man. He had certain expectations. Don’t we all? “Show kindness to my master Abraham”……”By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master”. He knew the Lord God was kind! Because God is kind, Eliezer expected God to give him direction and success in his mission. He watched the girl who had caught his eye as the potential bride, watching her closely. After all, a lot rested on his choice! He “watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful” (24:21).

When she passed the test, listen to Eliezer’s prayer: “Praise be to the Lord!” He recognized the Lordship of God. We might ask ‘what does it mean to you and to me, that Jesus is Lord of our lives’? As he bowed down, Eliezer praised God for His kindness and faithfulness, for His direction to the household of Abraham’s family (24:27).

Reflection:

What do we learn from Eliezer? He was a loyal, trustworthy servant. In fact, he was the chief servant in Abraham’s household, a position of honour! (24:2). When Abraham remained childless for nearly 100 years, he feared that his estate would have to go to Eliezer, a servant who had most likely been born in his own household (15:2). Eliezer was faithful to the task, because he was depending on God to hear his prayer.

Eliezer learned to trust the Lord implicitly and he was willing to give God the glory for the success of his mission.

What do we learn about God? He is faithful, provisional, and kind. He hears and answers our prayers. Eliezer believed Him to be worthy of all honour and praise.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

All About Cain

March 4, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 4

What do you know about Cain? Most folks who know anything about this man regard him as a murderer. Shamefully he murdered his brother, so God banished him from the land where he had grown up and farmed. Furthermore he was cursed by God. End of story.

Read this chapter again, just in case you missed it – the story of God’s mercy and grace. ‘Why are you angry?’ God asked Cain (4:6). You probably know the story. Cain was Adam’s oldest son. Then along came Abel. Was there jealousy of this younger brother? Was there sibling rivalry? What was it that set the stage for murder in the first family?

Apparently they knew the drill, how to worship the Creator God, so Abel, we are told, brought portions of his flock. He was a herdsman, keeping sheep, and possibly cattle and goats. Cain’s offering was fruit and veg. What was the difference? God looked with favour on Abel’s offering. Why? Abel honoured God with the best [firstborn], and God was pleased (4:4).

Cain, however, got angry with God. What does this tell you about Cain? So God asked him “Why are you angry” (4:6). We can almost sense the Fatherly heart of God as He reminded Cain “If you do what is right will you not be accepted?” Try again. After all, if he didn’t do what was right there was grave danger that sin could overtake his entire being. It is “crouching at your door” (4:7). I’ve watched a lion crouching before she pounced upon her prey, then devouring it live. Not a pretty sight!

God warned Cain: “It [sin] desires to have [to possess] you”. That sounds pretty serious. What is the solution when sin [Satan] desires to possess you or me? Apparently you and I bear some responsibility in such a situation. Cain did, for God told him – “You must master it” (4:7).

What was Cain’s response? He took his revenge out on his brother. Why did he kill him? ….because he was angry with God. God gave him another chance, asking “where is your brother?” (4:9). Of course God knew, but he invited Cain to confess. Sadly Cain lied and a river of sin took him down a slippery slope.

Throughout this passage we find God’s mercy and grace continuing. Even after He cursed Cain God’s mercy prevented anyone from killing him, by marking him so everyone would know not to touch him (4:15). Sadly we find Cain filled with resentment and anger until the very end. He blamed God for driving him from the land (4:13). He felt sorry for himself, even though God had clearly offered him the opportunity to do what is right (4:7).

Reflection:

Let’s draw some principles from this story. Down through scripture, from the very beginning, any honourable sacrifice to God required blood. Did Cain know that? It seems that the younger Abel did. Are we clear about what God requires?

Sin is a powerful agent for separating us from God, so we must fight against temptation.

Repentance wasn’t in Cain’s vocabulary, but we know it is the number one ingredient for restoring our fellowship with God. Jesus said “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3).

The glorious truth is that we worship a God who has a tender Father’s heart, filled with mercy and second chances. What is our response?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Tactics of Satan

May 8, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Job 1:6-7, 1 Peter 1:8-9

We have just celebrated Easter – the death and resurrection of the Christ. Where do we learn important truths about this vital doctrine of the Christian faith? Satan casts doubt on the veracity of the resurrection and among some, even about the truth of the crucifixion. Is the Bible true, or is it not to be trusted?

Today many Christians struggle to model their convictions among people who do not acknowledge God’s love and mercy. Why? There are many answers to that question, but one stands out in my mind just now. People who claim to know and love God, must know and love God. There is a struggle for supremacy over the human mind; Satan against God. The war is waged in both big and little battles (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). We sometimes see this in the choices we make, or even in the choices we do not make, as we rush along in the busy-ness of our world. Authors write about fitting God into a 3-minute devotional each day. Is this enough for a God who invites us to be in communication with Him 24/7? (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Doesn’t our day belong to Him?

Furthermore, perhaps relationships are falling apart today because we are trying the same principle. Quality time not quantity! Quality time often means a frenetic busy-ness of its own, doing something together as couples, doing something together as parent and child, doing something together as friends. When can we dream dreams together? When can we enjoy silence together? When can we share about our faith and those precious things we are learning about God? How often is it all about doing, rather than being? The same problem exists as we attempt to appease our God. And Satan laughs.

Back to the Bible – the Old Testament. Here God repeats over and over again what He has done for His people. Review! What an important part of learning. Just to ensure we get it right we need times of meditation, times of being still and “knowing that I am God”, times of wonder and adoration., time to listen to the “still small voice” of God (1 Kings 19:12).

We need to be reminded that before we asked Jesus to cleanse us from our sins we were dead. DEAD! Death separates us from life, but God… He has a plan to bring people back to life. In so many words, we are resuscitated by the Holy Spirit – made aware of our need so that we can choose life. Who is doing the seeking? God the Holy Spirit. However, there are movements today who would refute this by telling us to develop the god within each of us. This is defined in our culture as being ‘spiritual’. God does not appeal to the god within us when He offers us a salvation purchased at the cost of Christ’s life.

We need to remember how separate we were in our sins, from the character of God, His holiness and purity, His love and His justice. If we do not remember, Satan laughs as he gains supremacy in our thinking and our language, in our behavior and our relationships! Let us not give Satan this opportunity!

Reflection:

When God made man in His image, didn’t He empower Adam to rule over His precious creation? (Genesis 1:26). Why would we believe that anymore than we believe that God said “Let there be Light and there was light”? (Genesis 1:3). What do you and I believe about God and why? Satan began with Eve: “Did God really say….” (Genesis 3:1) and he tempts us with those very same words.

Don’t we need God to guide us in the big and little decisions we will make each day? Who is in charge the rest of our day after a quick moment of devotion as we speed off into the workplace? Do we trust God’s warning to us about the evil One who seeks to devour us? Each day we face the temptation Satan throws at us to disbelieve, to distrust God’s Holy Word. Where do we get the power to discern what is truth and what is not true, if such a thing is possible in Scripture?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Christmas Story Unfolds

January 3, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 1:1, Genesis 3:14-15

Perhaps it will surprise you to know that the Christmas story begins in Genesis. We need to look at some background. The earth was not God’s first creation. Created beings lived with Him in heaven long before earth took shape. How long Lucifer, one of many angels, existed before the creation of man, we are not told.

God created Lucifer [meaning “Shining One”]. Ezekiel describes him as chief among the angels, powerful, intelligent and very beautiful (Ezekiel 28:13-17). What we learn from Ezekiel and Isaiah is that rivalry developed; Satan wanted not just to be like God, but to be in control (Isaiah 14:12-14). That is when things began to fall apart. It is important for us to understand that God did not create evil in the person of Satan [meaning “accuser”]. Privileges were taken for granted, as power was coveted, and Satan’s attempt to seduce Eve and Adam demonstrated his continuing efforts to control God’s creation.

How does this relate to Christmas? As God cursed the serpent, the creature used by Satan to tempt Eve, He predicted that Satan would bruise the heel of One who would actually extinguish any power the Devil gained in the intervening years, by crushing Satan’s head (Genesis 3:14-15). From the beginning, God had the plan.

We know of course, that this is what happened during the Easter event when Jesus was crucified (bruised seems a light term for His great suffering). But wait! Jesus rose from the dead – the Divine Conqueror of death! His resurrection crushed the determined efforts of the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10). This chapter describes that final battle in heaven. As the Devil is hurled to the earth, salvation is complete; the power of the Kingdom of God, authorized by the blood of Christ, overcomes Satan at last!

How is all of this possible? God sent a tiny baby, born of a virgin to bless all nations of the earth (Isaiah 7:14). God’s Kingdom would be ruled by this baby, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas time! He was also fulfillment of a prophecy given thousands of years before to a man named Abram. The author of Genesis writes the promise of God to this man He renamed Abraham [meaning “father of a great number”]. “I will make you a great nation….and all people on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). That promise was repeated to God’s covenant people, the nation He promised Abraham’s progeny would become.

Matthew begins his gospel “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac…..” (Matthew 1:1). Writing specifically to the Jews, it was crucial for Matthew to begin with the one they called ‘Father Abraham’. Ryrie explains: “The common teaching of that day said the Jews participated in the merits of Abraham, which made their prayers acceptable, helped in war, expiated sins, appeased the wrath of God and ensured a share in God’s eternal kingdom” (Page 1463 Ryrie Study Bible) No wonder they were so shocked when John and Jesus preached the need for personal repentance! All along they had depended on Abraham to ensure their eternal destiny.

The Apostle John records the dissension caused by Jesus, claiming God as His Father (John 8:33-58). His statement that He existed before Abraham was the final straw. This was blasphemy in the ears of orthodox Jews. Yet here we are celebrating Jesus! Not only do we rejoice in His birth, but His life has given each believer eternal life! So at Christmas it really is impossible to remember His birth, miraculous as it was, without thinking of His death on a cross. Hallelujah! That was not the end; He rose again to bring spiritual healing and glorious hope to all who would believe and receive Him! (John 1:12-13).

Reflection:

Isn’t it exciting to see how the Bible draws together events that have been planned in the mind of God from the very beginning of time! This gives me great hope for the future, even when times are tough. Our God is an awesome God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Let There Be Light!

September 5, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 1

It is a simple statement, but what does this tell us about God? His first words indicate He wants us to live in the light of His presence. His glory lit up the darkness at the dawn of creation when “the earth was formless and empty” and darkness prevailed (Genesis 1:2). There was no other source of light! Hovering over it all was God’s Spirit, ready for our world to join the universe, in God’s great creative plan.

Suddenly light burst forth in the darkness! The power of God’s word is manifested as He separated the light from the darkness, preparing a place where mankind could dwell. He “saw that the light was good”! He even named “day” and “night”; these became morning and evening, the first day (1:4-5). In the beginning….! At the end of time there will be a wonderful experience for all who believe that Jesus is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12). We are going to live in a city where there will be no hydro. In fact there will be no need of sun or moon since the glory of God will brilliantly illuminate heaven! (Revelation 22:23). It is going to be beyond spectacular!

In the life of Jesus we see again the heart of God who desires all people should walk in the light of His glory. Adam and Eve enjoyed that privilege in the Garden of Eden, until they chose to disbelieve God’s Word. Jesus brings us back to God. He said “I am the Light of the world”! That is quite a claim! (John 8:12). This theme is repeated “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world” (9:5). Miracles performed by Jesus brought light to the blind, but let’s not forget – He also came to bring light to the spiritually blind.

God’s intention is for all people to enjoy the “light of life” brought to us by His only begotten Son (John 3:16). It isn’t complicated. That fellowship comes to those who believe and receive the Light which John clearly identifies in his gospel (John 1:12). “In Him [Jesus] is life and that life is the Light of men”. John is inspired to explain “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it” (John 1:4-5). However, the truth is that “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Now, the gospel is free. Paul says he offers it through his preaching in order “to win as many as possible”. Isaiah, hundreds of years before Christ came to earth proclaimed “How beautiful….. are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion ‘Your God reigns’!“ (52:7). Today the best preaching is done by the silent witness of lives changed by God to love others!… lives lit by the Light of God, who make a difference – you in your small corner and I in mine! Lives touched by the Holy Spirit with joy and peace, kindness and patience, and forgiveness.

Reflection:

Is God’s Light radiating from your life? How will your eulogy read regarding the way your life has represented faith in Christ Jesus, to the people around you? These are questions each of us would do well to consider. God’s Light is both exquisite and powerful. His love generates tranquility and energy. It attracts because it is real!

Let there be Light!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Eternal God

April 18, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 21:33

Have you ever wondered how different the God you worship is, from every person who has everlasting life?

He shares so much of Himself with His children as He grows them into the image of Jesus Christ! First, through His amazing grace He calls us into His family, where we enjoy freedom from guilt and shame because He has forgiven us. He commands us to pass that forgiveness on to others (Matthew 6:14), since Jesus is our example of the attitude we need when we feel abused, or rejected, or persecuted. Words are not enough; God looks at our hearts and deeds, to see if we are genuine (Matthew 6:15).

So, everlasting life begins with forgiveness (Matthew 6:12) which gives us the privilege of calling God our Father. But what do we know about this God who is the source of life? We are created beings who can be transformed by the power of His Spirit, sanctifying our spirits. Will we ever be eternal? The Bible tells us we will live forever in heaven in the presence of God, but it also tells us He is eternal. What is the difference?

For people who know nothing other than the limitations of time and space it is hard for us, sometimes, to look forward into eternity. Everything here on earth comes to an end, eventually, Our physical life will cease, unless some of us live to see Jesus return. What will endless life look like? However, God can do something we cannot do – as He looks back into eons of time, then He remembers we are but dust. We are created beings. We had a beginning; God does not.

This is what sets us apart from the God who gives us the spirit of eternal love. He gives us the privilege of reflecting His great love, but we can never pass on to another human being a love that is eternal. God’s love has no beginning, and no end; our love has a beginning. He is what we will never be; He is eternal. Why is this important? There are some religious philosophies that teach we will become gods in eternity. There is no indication in the Bible that we should expect that. Logically it is impossible to have no beginning, since we were actually made by the hands of God, designed in His heart to accomplish His purposes, in a certain period of time and space.

Satan fell from a very exalted position in heaven because he desired to be like God; it seems he actually thought he could compete. Does he forget this simple truth? A created being, such as he is, and we are, does have a beginning and an end. God does not. Until we get that fact established in our minds, there will be something lacking in our worship of the one true God! It is pretty obvious today that there are people who think they are spiritual enough to make decisions without consulting God for wisdom and direction.

Yahweh* is the sacred name for the self-existent God who revealed Himself as the God of Israel, when He called to Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). Who are you? Moses wanted to know. “I AM WHO I AM” was God’s reply. In other words “I exist”. This was hugely important for Moses to understand, since he was called to confront the Egyptian Pharoah who had made himself out to be a god. In a pagan society that worshiped multiple gods, it was not difficult to add one more. God’s dynamic, eternal self-existence mattered then, as it does now.

Reflection:

Ryrie comments that the name Yahweh is “the most significant name for God in the Old Testament…meaning: the active, self-existent One….and is especially associated with God’s holiness (Leviticus 11:44-45), His hatred of sin (Genesis 6:3-7) and His gracious provision of redemption” (Isaiah 53:1, 5, 6, 10). When Jesus claimed to be “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6) it was only possible on the basis of His eternal disposition! From Him, our eternal God, we receive everlasting life.

*Yahweh appears 6,823 times in the Old testament

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Harbinger of Hope

April 11, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 9:13-16 (Note this is a repeat)

“I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and earth.”(Genesis 9:13).

A brief study of rainbows reveals they can double-arc over a falls, or very rarely they might spring from the same origin. Googling ‘rainbows’, I discovered that from an aircraft or other vantage point of height, occasionally a full-circled rainbow can be seen. Science explains fogbows and moon bows in a fascinating study. Have you ever seen a Sun Dog? Like slivers of rainbow they lend an aura of mystery to the sky, seen around the globe under the right meteorological conditions. Amazing the handiwork of God!

Early in the history of earth God used the rainbow to signal a covenant which He initiated. It is interesting to note it is not reliant on anything to do with man or his behaviour, but rather is a covenant between God and the earth He has created, and sustains. Coming on the heels of a world-wide flood, the promise is all about God. “I have set My rainbow in the clouds” (Genesis 9:13). He takes ownership for this sign. It is quite probable that this was the first rainbow, due perhaps to changes in atmosphere and cloud conditions following the flood. God, who created all things, has perfect timing and capability to make changes in His creation.

“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds” God promises that He will remember the covenant He has made with Noah and every living creature (Genesis 9:14-16). We have sometimes got it wrong, thinking that the rainbow was a sign for man to remember what God had promised. Instead it’s a sign that God will not forget His promise; a sign of faithfulness to His covenant! What a marvellous hope!

That hope consists of the reality that a world-wide flood will never occur again. As bad as it gets when we see pictures on the news of terrible flooding in many countries around the world, there has never again been a world-wide flood. God has been true to His promise throughout human history since the time of Noah. It went like this: “Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life” (Genesis 9:15).

When we see a rainbow we recognize immediately that God is in control. I remember a very long drive through the hinterland of Guyana. Trails petered out through trackless savannah. In places we had to choose whether to drive down a steep embankment to cross a stream or to rebuild a rickety bridge. As the day wore on we were getting nervous that the sun would suddenly set as it does in the tropics, before we reached our destination. Pacing beside our vehicles as the men repaired the bridge, I was absolutely thrilled by the sight of a rainbow in the sky. There had been no rain where we were, but there it was! A marvellous sign that God had not forgotten us!

God referred to His everlasting covenant on the occasion of the first recorded rainbow. He has made another everlasting covenant. Hebrews 13:20 refers to the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant” (KJV), or perhaps the Living Bible states it more clearly “Now may the God of peace–who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood….” Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord! What glorious hope we have in the faithfulness of our great God! And with that benediction God’s purpose is revealed “[He will] equip you with everything good for doing His will”!

Reflection:

What did the rainbow mean to Noah and is family?

Has God kept His covenant with Noah?

When you see a rainbow now, what do you think God will be saying to you personally?

Consider how much our world stands in need of a harbinger of Hope.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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A Bowl of Stew

March 28, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Genesis 25:24-34

Many of us are familiar with the history of the Jewish nation, beginning with Abraham. Called by God from the land of Ur, Abram was promised that God would make him into a great nation that would ultimately bless the world. His name was then changed to “Abraham” which means “Father of a great number”. To this day numberless Arabs, as well as Jews, call Abraham their father.

Isaac, son of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah, became a quiet shepherd. He was 60 years old when his twin sons were born. As unalike as could possibly be, Esau and Jacob were different in looks, activity and tastes. God gave Rebekah some insight into what to expect of these children “Two nations are in your womb…one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). In those days, as throughout much of human history, the line of succession went to the eldest male child, so here we see God reversing the customary order of things.

Esau and his father were particularly close. Perhaps Esau was the man Isaac never had the courage or the disposition to become, and so he admired Esau’s wild ways and vigorous activity. Jacob, on the other hand was his mother’s darling. In due time Isaac fell ill; it looked like his days were numbered. The patriarchal blessing must be given before he died. Isaac wanted to celebrate the blessing with a little feast so he called Esau to hunt, and to prepare his favourite dish. What he did not know was that the boys had been involved in a discussion on the birthright many years before.

Esau had come home from hunting feeling famished (Genesis 25:29-30). Jacob was cooking, probably a stew of red lentils since these verses refer to it as “Red Stew”. As the elder son it was quite within his right to order his younger brother. “Quick!” “Look, I’m about to die!” Have you ever used language like that because of a perceived need? How serious that need was for Esau, we do not know. However, we do read that he was quite willing to despise his birthright, actually taking an oath when he sold it to his brother for that bowl of stew (25:33-34).

The time came when Esau recognized what he had given up. Bitter were his tears when he pled with his father to bless him too (Genesis 27:38). How thrilling it is to know that God is willing to restore us to the position of children of God, when we repent of our wrong choices!

We must note that Esau did what every human heart, without the Spirit of God must do – he vowed to take revenge. He blamed Jacob for the choice he himself had made. He entered into a covenant agreement, with an oath, to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew. From Esau we must learn to put first things first, to value the privileges God has given to us, and to take responsibility for our own decisions.

Reflection:

Now the question is…what is the birthright of every human being? We have each been made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). It is our right to call Him “Our Heavenly Father”, but do we? Have we been deceived about the state of our spiritual health, just as Esau was mistaken about his physical well-being?

What things take priority in our lives? Do we understand how certain things, or people, hopes and dreams can replace the treasured birthright we have, of being children of God. Satan will tempt us at our greatest point of weakness to believe we need something other than God, to sustain us in the moment. What bowl of stew is tempting you and me today?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)