And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. Genesis 25:21 (ESV)
We see two really good things here, firstly the faith and dependance on God displayed by Isaac and secondly his love, spiritual covering and care for his wife as a godly husband.
Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:33–34 (ESV)
The lesson here is that we should not despise and sell as it were our inheritance and rewards in Christ to satisfy the cravings of our flesh.
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34 (ESV)
God’s choice of Jacob over Esau was in God’s preordained plan but was also in line with the desires of the two brothers, one seeking the birthright while the other did not value it. There is no injustice in God’s plans, He is wise beyond our comprehension.
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 (ESV)
Genuine humility in both attitude and service is the pathway to greatness in God’s kingdom. We should all want to be great in Gods eyes (humble, faithful servants).
And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. Matthew 18:8 (ESV)
contrary to the teaching of Jehovah Witnesses and authors like Rob Bell, Jesus clearly taught that hell is eternal.
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. Matthew 18:9 (ESV)
Jesus’ point here is not that we should mutilate our bodies but uses the picture to help us understand the extent to which we need to resist sin, kill the desire of the flesh, and pursue holiness. Like John Owen said “be killing sin, or sin be killing you”
So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14 (ESV)
God will not sit passively and allow those he has lovingly elected and who believe in him to go astray permanently and perish. This is why God restores those who belong to him. We should be grateful for Gods care, concern and faithful protection and patience with us his little ones.
So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35 (ESV)
We do not earn God’s favour by showing mercy and granting forgiveness however if we do not show mercy and forgivenesses then we can not receive it and show evidence that we are either going astray or were never truly converted. We should pursue this “command” to show mercy can forgiveness every day.
This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. Ecclesiastes 5:16–17 (ESV)
We should seek to leave a legacy for our children in this life but most importantly we should build true treasure in heaven
For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:20 (ESV)
Thankfully we now know that the things of this world are not our entire lot, there is also eternal life in heaven. We should enjoy with hearts filled with gratefulness and joy all that God has given us in this life. We should find great pleasure in God, he should be our most precious treasure and we should have a richer sense of his blessings all around us and glorify him for it all.
Leave a Reply