May 15

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR MAY 15, 2024: GENESIS 31, 2 CORINTHIANS 13, PSALM 41:5-13                             GENESIS 31 Laban’s sons observed that Jacob’s wealth had grown substantially after he implemented the agreement made between Laban and him. Since this directly impacted the sons’ inheritance, it is no surprise that they blamed Jacob for picking their pocket. This in turn affected Laban’s attitude; negative thoughts are the most contagious of viruses.  Jacob’s huge advantage, though, was that the Lord kept speaking to him. We as Christians have this same advantage whenever we open our Bibles. In this case, God directed Jacob to return to Canaan. As we read these three portions of scripture today, consider what God is directing us to do. There may be some specific action He is prompting us to take today.

Based upon the experience of those who are or have been married, Jacob made a wise decision to discuss this move with his wives. The fact that they concurred with God’s direction provided extra confirmation that this was the proper choice. It also generated buy-in and rare unity between the sisters.  They left town stealthily, fearing Laban’s reactions. As they departed Rachel stole Laban’s household idol.  Stealing is later declared to be sin in the Bible, and, judging from Laban’s and Jacob’s reactions, was considered so even then. Some scholars charitably think Rachel was trying to stop her father from worshipping false gods. 

Once Laban learns of the escape, the chase is on. God, however, comes to Laban in a dream to warn him not to speak harshly to Jacob. Does God ever appear to non-believers in dreams? It happened to Pharoah in connection with Joseph; it happened to Nebuchadnezzar in connection with Daniel; and it happened to Cornelius in connection with Peter. There are many reports that it happens today in Muslim countries where Christians are not permitted to evangelize. God’s plans cannot be thwarted. 

When Laban catches up with Jacob, they clear the air with everyone speaking what had been on their minds for many years. The only moment of extreme tension was when Jacob, likely too carelessly, said anyone found with Laban’s stolen idols would be killed.  Rachel displays equal measure presence of mind and family deceit to avoid being found out. The text does not say if this misinformation was right or wrong, so we can leave that to God to determine.  Given the positive outcome of this entire meeting, it seems that a potentially hostile encounter was well-handled.  Paul’s counsel to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) is not easy to follow but is the best approach in the long run.  Who among us is brave enough to practice this?

READING FOR MAY 15 CONTINUED: 2 CORINTHIANS 13, PSALM 41:5-13                                       2 CORINTHIANS 13 Paul informs the church that he intends to make his third visit to them soon and will not spare anyone. Ever have such a guest at your home? He reminds them how to practice church discipline, likely so they can get ready for his visit by clearing up any bad practice. He also recommends that they test themselves to see if they are really Christians. 

Paul does not tell us in this chapter what this test entails. Remember he also told them to examine themselves in 1 Cor. 11:28-32, but again no methodology was given. He does give them lots of examples of behavior that would indicate they are not Christians in 1 Cor. 6:9-10. Theology professor Kevin DeYoung finds that 1 John gives three good signs to determine this: 

  • Theological Sign—We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (5:10-13), that He came to earth as a man (4:2) who was the promised Christ/Messiah (2:22), and that it is He alone in whom we trust as our Lord or total master (4:14-16, 5:1, 5). 
  • Moral Sign—We must live a righteous life (3:6-9) and confess our sins when we fail to do so (1:9-10). Again see 1 Cor. 6:9-10 for a list of unrighteous behavioral examples. 
  • Social Sign—We must love other Christians (3:14, 4:7-12, 21).

Dr. DeYoung states all three signs must be present (2:4, 6: 4:20, 5:2). Since Paul states we should test ourselves, LET’S TAKE THE TEST.

Paul closes the letter by affirming a blessing for them from each person of the Trinity: Gracefrom God the Son, Love from God the Father, and Fellowship from God the Spirit.

PSALM 41:5-13 In verse 4 David confesses to sinning against God and asks for mercy. Then he quickly lists additional reasons he needs mercy. He describes enemies that say one thing in his presence and then slander him when they leave--the opposite of speaking truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Perhaps the deepest wound is the betrayal of David’s close friend who had dined with him. In fact, Jesus quoted this verse 9 in describing Judas at the last supper (John 13:8). 

David remains confident of God’s love for him, though, because he had not been defeated by these enemies. Furthermore, he asks to be healed so that he might repay them.  This kind of repayment is of course not our prerogative. Possibly David had the obligation to execute this judgment, though, as head of state: “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Rom. 13:4). 

David concludes by praising the God of Israel, not a god of his own making. He also reminds us that the God of Israel had no beginning and has no ending. He is the only eternal being that exists. He deserves our praise. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.