Pastor Billington's Blog

Genesis 40

This chapter sets up what God does next with Joseph. It’s because of his dream interpretations here that he’s brought to Pharoah’s notice.

What about our dreams? Should we give special credence to them? It’s obvious that God does something special with Joseph. Think of it as something like an angelic announcement. It’s not normative, and we shouldn’t be looking for it in our own lives. God has given us His Word, and we should go there for direction.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (WEB) “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Joseph does something very important here, and it’s something that should speak to us. He gives God all the glory for his ability to interpret the dreams (40:8). Whenever God intervenes in our lives in a special way; whenever God does something unusual; whenever God heals us or blesses us; we shouldn’t think that it’s because we’re better or more important than other people. We should always give God the glory for His work in us and through us. Remember, it’s not about us – it’s always about God!

Thought for the day: It’s very easy to be arrogant when we do something well. Do you remember to give God the glory for His work in your life?

John 15:5 (WEB) “I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Genesis 39

We could see Joseph rebel. We could see him bemoan his predicament. Instead, he does what he can and thrives. Does he have his dreams in the back of his head, encouraging him? Is his faith in God that strong? Note his words: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Here’s what we do know: even when tempted to do evil, he doesn’t, and he initially suffers for it. But God continues to be with him, and he continues to do what is right!

Isaiah 41:10 (WEB) “Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness”

Thought for the day: Are you willing to do what is right even if you suffer for it?

1 Peter 3:14 (WEB) “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.”

Genesis 38

While we don’t understand or like some of the cultural practices at the time, providing heirs was very important. In fact, we see the concept of levarite marriage eventually codified into the Mosaic law.

Deuteronomy 25:5-6 (WEB) “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead shall not be married outside to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her, and take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. It shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall succeed in the name of his brother who is dead, that his name not be blotted out of Israel.”

No-one wanted to do what was expected after Tamar’s husband died, so she took matters into her own hands. God used Judah’s infidelity to provide for her. The Bible also sees God behind the deaths of Er and Onan. Did God orchestrate them, or simply allow them to happen? Either way, God decreed or allowed their deaths, which is another nod to His sovereignty.

You may remember the concept of levarite marriage under a different name: kinsman redeemer. It’s a big part of the book of Ruth!

Thought for the day: How are you doing with your family obligations? Hopefully you don’t have to be tricked into fulfilling them!

1 Timothy 5:8 (WEB) “But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Genesis 37

Joseph, as favorite, apparently felt pretty secure in order to relay his dreams to his family. Didn’t he realize it would make everyone upset? Here we see many of the same issues that have caused problems before, including favoritism and sibling rivalry. And it’s compounded by Joseph’s…attitude? Lack of awareness? Pride? His dreams served as both a prediction and an impetus, since they bring his brothers antagonism to the boiling point. God, in His sovereignty, knew this would happen. In fact, he makes sure of it!

Genesis 37:15 (WEB) “A certain man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field. The man asked him, ‘What are you looking for?’ “

Thought for the day: God has a purpose and a plan, and He will make sure that it happens.  And His plan is so much better than our plans!

Romans 8:28 (WEB) “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Genesis 36

Even though Jacob is the son of the promise, Esau’s descendants still grow and prosper. Eventually they become Edom, and Edom is a thorn in Israel’s side for the duration of its existence. In fact, even after the nation itself is displaced, one of its descendants, Herod the Great, tries to kill Jesus as an infant (Matthew 2:16)!

Thought for the day: Isn’t it astonishing how hatred can be passed down from generation to generation? We need to realize that there is a difference between being angry and staying angry.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (WEB) ” ‘Be angry, and don’t sin.’ Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil.”

Genesis 35

We see a spiritual highlight of Jacob’s life when he returns to Bethel. He has the entire household put away their idols to go meet with God, and God confirms His covenant with him. But it’s followed by a time of personal tragedy (you could even say it’s bookmarked by personal tragedy). How often do we find that’s the case in our own lives? Life is a fluctuation of highs and lows. What we need to do is to keep our eyes focused on El Shaddai (“God Almighty”). When we do, we can see the positive (“son of my right hand”) in the midst of the negative (“son of my sorrow”).

How important was the reaffirmation of the covenant with Jacob when Isaac was about to die? And, speaking of that, we’re a long way from Genesis 27:2 (WEB): “See now, I am old. I don’t know the day of my death.” We know that Isaac was basically blind, but we don’t know what else was going on with his health. Was he overly concerned when he called Esau to him, or should we give him credit for making sure things were ready before he died? In our own culture, I think that it’s appropriate to be concerned! It’s good to make arrangements ahead of time, especially if you have a family.

Thought for the day: Are you keeping your eyes on God? In the midst of your tragedy, can you see God at work?

Romans 8:18 (WEB) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed towards us.”

Genesis 34

This issue with Dinah shows that Jacob’s sons have inherited their father’s knack for deception. While they were right to be upset about their sister being raped, they acted in a disproportionate manner, and Jacob understands that it will probably come back to haunt them. It doesn’t, but that’s because of God’s intervention (Genesis 35:5). We need to be careful that our righteous anger is truly righteous, and not just vindictive and destructive, or it will cause us no end of problems.

Thought for the day: What can we do to keep our anger in check?

James 1:19-21 (WEB) “So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Genesis 33

We again see the middle eastern negotiation that we’ve seen before. “This is for you!” “But I don’t need it!” “It’s yours anyway!” The language is interesting too. Jacob literally says, “Please accept my blessing.” Does that refer back to the blessing he stole?!?! Esau seems genuine with his welcome. In fact, he runs to meet Jacob and embraces him. Could Jesus have been thinking of this when He told the parable of the prodigal son? This is the parable of the prodigal brother!

Thought for the day: Jacob is terrified of his brother because of the way he mistreated him. Perhaps we should live our lives in such a way that we don’t fear the retaliation of others!

Romans 12:18 (WEB) “If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.”