Today’s reading: Gen 49:1–50:26, Heb 12:1–13:25, Eccles 12:9–14

Today’s theme: Lay aside the weight

We are called to lay aside the burdensome weight of sin and the unnecessary things which may not be sin, but slow and weigh us down, so that we can freely run the race set before us. Jesus, the promised Messiah from the tribe of Judah, has called us to peace and holiness, so let us run with that in mind.

Genesis 49:1–50:26

Judah, the line of Messiah

“Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his … Genesis 49:8–12 (ESV)

Here is a great Davidic and Messianic prophecy and clear evidence of God’s election in spite of Judah’s mistakes. We cannot ignore that Judah put his life on the line for Benjamin.

Hebrews 12:1–13:25

Lay aside the weight

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

These are different for everyone, Lord help each of us to identify these so that we can lay them aside. We do not want to run the race weighed down with shortcomings.

Work for peace

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)Strive and work hard for peace and holiness.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Prayer points from Pastor Dennis on Hebrews 12

Desiring God on Hebrews 12

Today’s reading: Gen 47:1–48:22, Heb 11:1–40, Eccles 12:1–8

Today’s theme: Faith in the Creator

Today we read the famous chapter on faith. One of the most important exaltations that we find in this passage, is the call for us to believe that God is truly God and that He created the world. In our current day, the person and existence of God is under attack and no area has received more focused, strategic, concentrated attack, as the truth that God created the earth in 6 days, resting on the 7th day, just over six thousand years ago.

We must affirm and defend this truth and as Ecclesiastes tell us, we should affirm this in and to our youth, that God is the Creator of the universe, the one in whom we put our faith and trust.

Genesis 47:1–48:22

Your story while walking with God

And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Genesis 48:15–16 (ESV)

Israel (Jacob) had a testimony about who God was, based on his own walk with the Lord and that of his ancestors. Reflect on your own testimony today.

The freedom of God

But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Genesis 48:19 (ESV)

God’s freedom and purpose in choosing who He wills.

Hebrews 11:1–40

Faith, a working definition

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

This is the working definition of biblical faith.

Faith in God as Creator

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:3 (ESV)

This statement actually stands up to scientific scrutiny, it also makes clear that being a six day creationist is a matter of faith in God, because we were not there.

Affirm in your heart that God is God

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

One of the core principles of Christianity is that we must believe God exists, this seems obvious but in our atheistic and relativistic culture, this core must be affirmed in the hearts and minds of believers…Lest we enter into idolatry or apathy. Having faith in God and actively using that faith, brings God pleasure and makes our joy full.

The city of heaven

For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10 (ESV)

It is wonderful that we can look forward to a very tangible heaven.

Live as pilgrims

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16 (ESV)

May our faith make us like pilgrims, giving us a strong desire for our own country in heaven, let us make all our investments and set our affection there.

Ecclesiastes 12:1–8

Serve God in your youth

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV)

It is so important to reach young people with the good news and to serve God while young.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Answers in Genesis on the book of Genesis ( a great 5 minute video as well as additional related content)

WWMF Youth Conference 2014

Today’s reading: Gen 45:1–46:34, Heb 10:1–39, Eccles 11:5–10

Today’s theme: Permanent atonement

Today we learn about the better and definite atonement we have in Christ. The atonement provided by bulls and goats served only as a temporary covering. However the atonement of Christ is eternal, a complete and finished work that cannot be added to or taken away from.

What Christ has accomplished for us is sure, steadfast and rooted in His own immutability and faithfulness. We can have confidence in the eternal security that the atonement of Christ provides for all His elect who put their trust in Him.

Genesis 45:1–46:34

God is in control

So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 45:8 (ESV)

Joseph knew that God was really in control. God is sovereign.

God’s promise to Jacob

Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” Genesis 46:3–4 (ESV)

God makes a powerful, yet very personal, promise to Jacob and tells him that he has nothing to fear. God brought all of this to pass.

Hebrews 10:1–39

Temporary atonement

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:4 (ESV)

It was impossible for animal sacrifices to take away sin, they provided only temporary atonement and served as a reminder of our great need.

Permanent atonement

But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. Hebrews 10:12–13 (ESV)

The atonement of Christ is a finished work, eternal in its effect and universal in its reach, although limited in its application to the elect who put their trust in Him.

Confidence in Christ

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)

Our perseverance and sanctification find their root in Jesus’ person and work. The sureness, confidence and assurance we are guaranteed is in, through and by Him.

The importance of attending church

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)

Church and fellowship is so important for each of us.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on Hebrews 10

Ligonier Devotions from Hebrews 10

Today’s reading: Gen 44:1–34, Heb 8:1–9:28, Eccles 11:1–4

Today’s theme: A better covenant

Today we continue to learn the key message of Hebrews, that Jesus is better. We focus on the better covenant enacted on better promises, we see that the tabernacle of the old covenant was a shadow pointing forward to Christ. This new reformed covenant is built upon the shed blood of Christ which purifies our conscience before God, so that we can serve Him and walk in the forgiveness, the once for all time sacrifice, has purchased for us.

Genesis 44:1–34

Judah, the line of Jesus

Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. Genesis 44:33 (ESV)

Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself on behalf of his brother and for the love of his father, points forward to Jesus, “The Lion of the tribe of Judah”

Hebrews 8:1–9:28

The Tabernacle points to Jesus

They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5 (ESV)

This is true of much of the Old Testament, especially around the Tabernacle and Temple (see the additional resource section).

A better covenant

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 (ESV)

We thank God for the new, better covenant. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant and it is better because it is founded on the wonderful promises of grace (salvation, security, sanctification etc).

The reformed covenant

but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. Hebrews 9:10 (ESV)

Jesus was the first great reformer, the New Testament is in a sense, a reformed old covenant.

Once for all

he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12 (ESV)

Hallelujah, here is the great evidence of God’s love for us and the eternal security we have in the atonement of Jesus Christ, through His blood.

The blood of Jesus purifies the conscience

how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 9:14 (ESV)

An important part of the Gospel message; Jesus purifies our conscience so that we are no longer under self condemnation and we can discern more clearly, the Father’s will.

Jesus, the mediator

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:15 (ESV)

Jesus is the great mediator of the new covenant, bringing agreement and reconciliation between God and man, with Himself as the guarantee of the eternal promises.

Jesus shed blood

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 (ESV)

This is why Jesus died for us and shed His precious blood – to forgive us of our sins.

Jesus, offered once

Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, Hebrews 9:25 (ESV)

This is where Roman Catholics get it wrong, they teach that at every Eucharist, Jesus is offered all over again.

Ecclesiastes 11:1–4

Don’t be paralysed by fear

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (ESV)

We must not be paralysed by the fear of “what if”, or become impotent while waiting for the “perfect time”, we must launch out in faith.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

If you are interested in studying the way the tabernacle points to Jesus in more detail there is a book called Christ and the Desert Tabernacle (this is not free) available via Logos or Amazon

Desiring God on Hebrews 8 and Hebrews 9