January 8
Genesis 25:1-4; 1 Chronicles 1:32-33; Genesis 25:5-6, 12-18; 1 Chronicles 1:28-31, 34; Genesis 25:19-26, 7-11
Genealogies take up a surprising amount of the Bible. Genealogies are lists of each generation in succession. We may find ourselves breezing through these sections, stumbling over names, and wondering why they are there. One of the reasons we have these lists is that they are displays of God's faithfulness and work. Through God’s blessing of all people, we can see how each new generation is a display of God’s grace whether they acknowledge him or not. Despite God's faithfulness the descriptions within these genealogies display humanity's faithlessness and rebellion. We see Abraham having concubines and are reminded of how he slept with his slave. We see Ishmael's rebellion as he "lived in hostility toward all" (Genesis 25:18). We also see the future conflict prophesied between Jacob and Esau.
Yet over all these acts of sin, God's hand is at work. This is the way that God has always worked and always will. We need to see beyond the sin in our lives and the world, so we can see how God is at work.
Father God, thank you that you are always at work. Thank you there is not a speck of the universe that you do not hold together and not a place where you are not present. Help me to see your powerful hand at work in my life and in the world. Amen.
How can you give close attention to what God is doing in the world and in you?
Genealogies take up a surprising amount of the Bible. Genealogies are lists of each generation in succession. We may find ourselves breezing through these sections, stumbling over names, and wondering why they are there. One of the reasons we have these lists is that they are displays of God's faithfulness and work. Through God’s blessing of all people, we can see how each new generation is a display of God’s grace whether they acknowledge him or not. Despite God's faithfulness the descriptions within these genealogies display humanity's faithlessness and rebellion. We see Abraham having concubines and are reminded of how he slept with his slave. We see Ishmael's rebellion as he "lived in hostility toward all" (Genesis 25:18). We also see the future conflict prophesied between Jacob and Esau.
Yet over all these acts of sin, God's hand is at work. This is the way that God has always worked and always will. We need to see beyond the sin in our lives and the world, so we can see how God is at work.
Father God, thank you that you are always at work. Thank you there is not a speck of the universe that you do not hold together and not a place where you are not present. Help me to see your powerful hand at work in my life and in the world. Amen.
How can you give close attention to what God is doing in the world and in you?
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