by William Hill | Mar 28, 2023 | Bible Reading
Read: Genesis 12
The book of Genesis has several key chapters you should know and summarize. Chapters 3, 11, and the one for today are some of them. Genesis 12 highlights the essential nature of the Abrahamic covenant. Abraham came from a land of pagan idolatry, called by God from the Ur of the Chaldeans, to dwell in a country not his own. Chapter twelve opens with the promise of God’s protection and care for him and his seed throughout all generations. Some within Christendom view this covenant as made with a particular group who are promised a portion of land. Though that is what eventually occurs, the idea is far more than physical. The descendants of Abraham are the spiritual seed of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul equates this covenant with those descendants that are a chosen people and made to be a holy nation.
The other important section of this chapter highlights events that will take place in the lives of Abraham’s physical descendants many years from now. The parallel is striking. First, there is a famine in the land. Second, Abram and his wife go to Egypt to find relief. Third, the wife of Abram was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Fourth, the Lord afflicted Pharoah’s house with plagues. Fifth, Pharaoh gave Abram and his wife orders to leave the country. That narrative parallels the narrative that begins at the end of Genesis and continues for the first fourteen chapters of Exodus.
Applications:
- Making a great name for yourself is contrary to the life of a Christian. A Christian seeks to glorify God, exalting his name and not their own. If God wants to bless you, he will.
- Faithfulness is an essential mark of a Christian. Are you being faithful to what God has given you to do?
Learn The terms of the Abrahamic covenant (12:1-3).
by William Hill | Mar 24, 2023 | Bible Reading
Read: Matthew 11
Matthew eleven has two main sections, and they are nicely linked to one another. The first section (11:1-24) sets forth the struggle of John the Baptist and his desire to be comforted. The chapter opens with John in prison. He is suffering for the sake of the gospel at the hand of Herod the King. He sends his disciples to Jesus to inquire whether he is the Christ. Jesus instructs the disciples to return to John and instruct him and comfort him with the answer. Jesus then takes the opportunity to teach the crowds about the ministry of John and the significant role he played as the forerunner of the Messiah. Sadly, many did not respond to the words of John, just as they did not respond to the words of Christ (11:20-24).
The final section (11:25-30) contains the only time that Jesus speaks directly about himself. The connection between the previous narrative and the words of Christ in this section cannot be missed. Whenever we are uncertain, whenever we face difficult times, whenever we begin to doubt, we must go to Christ, who will resolve our fears, give us hope and rest, and bring comfort to our weary souls.
Application: The Lord Jesus Christ is the only comfort you need. He invites sinners to find it in him. Therefore, when weary or restless, flees to Christ. He suffered in all ways that you do, yet without sin. He entrusted himself to the will of his Father for you. Therefore, you must do the same.
by William Hill | Mar 21, 2023 | Bible Reading
Read: Genesis 11
Genesis 11 is the narrative account of the Tower of Babel. What is often overlooked is that this section of the Genesis narrative is significant because it highlights two primary themes that will continue until Christ returns. That theme is of the city of man and the city of God.
The city of man is demonstrated when man, in rebellion against God, seeks to build a tower that will reach heaven. The absurdity of such behavior is noted, but what is more important is the heart attitude of mankind in laboring together to accomplish their goal. Their goal is simple: They want to make a name for themselves, and the tower is an edifice built to their honor and glory. The tower is a symbol of human autonomy. It symbolizes lives in direct opposition to God and submission to his will. That effort draws the attention of God, and he comes to demonstrate his singular sovereign right to rule over the affairs of mankind. He confuses their languages and disperses them over the face of the earth. The other aspect of this narrative is found in the tower’s name. Babel is a term that often refers to the city of Babylon. That city is in violent opposition to the city of God and his people (See. Rev. 17-18).
The city of man (Babylon) references human ambition with no regard for God. Another aspect of this narrative that is important to note is the builders’ goal. They seek to make a name for themselves, but God is the one who desires to be honored. He establishes men. He exalts them. Thus, the genealogy at the end of the chapter focuses on Shem and his descendants. “Shem” comes from a Hebrew root that means “name.” In chapter twelve, we will see God call Abraham and promise to make him great, to give him a great name. That stands in direct opposition to men’s labors without any reference to God.
Applications:
- We are not to draw attention to ourselves but only to the work of Christ.
- We are not to make a great name for ourselves. God makes men great through his work.
Learn:
- The issues that led to the building of the tower.
- The point of the genealogy in 11:10-26
by William Hill | Mar 16, 2023 | Bible Reading
Read: Matthew 10
Matthew Ten contains two main sections. The first (10:15) is a continuation of the remarks made by the Savior in 9:35-38. In that section, we note how Jesus calls his disciples to himself and then sends them out to do the work of the ministry. The list of the disciples is included in this section, beginning with the three men (Note: Andrew is included as he is related to Peter) who served in the inner circle of the Savior. A few things to note: first, these men were all very different. Peter was married. Matthew was a tax collector. James and John are brothers. Many of them were fishermen, and most had mediocre education. Yet, the Savior called all of them to serve him as those he sent. Second, it is essential to note that the Lord sent them. They did not run ahead, devising their plans for “doing ministry.” They were called by the Lord and then sent by him. In the church today, many run ahead, thinking they are called to serve in the work of the ministry when, in fact, they may not be. They do not submit themselves to training or service, first in the local church and then by elders who properly examine them. Instead, they act on independent desires and zeal. The model of the New Testament strikes against that notion. Men are called, and then men are sent. Men do not call themselves to serve in the ministry. Men like that should be considered with a great deal of caution.
The following significant sections contain the bulk of the Savior’s teaching, mainly to the disciples he sends out into the world. In this section, we take note of the Lord’s teaching on persecution, fear, peace, and rewards. Consider it the disciple’s first seminary class as the Lord seeks to guide them and protect them from the dangers and difficulties of ministerial life. It is a lesson they will learn slowly, but they will eventually learn it.
Applications:
- Beware men who run ahead and have never been sent to pastor or shepherd the church. Those men are typically independent thinkers who lack submission to the church. There may be exceptions, but the exceptions do not make the rule. The model of the New Testament is: “called, trained, sent.”
- All Christians will suffer for the name of Christ. Persecution is part of living faithful, godly lives.
- It is impossible to have two masters. Serving Christ may put you at odds with relatives and friends. Choose Christ! It is better to die without friends and inherit the glories of heaven than to die popular with a myriad of friends and lose your soul.
by William Hill | Mar 14, 2023 | Bible Reading
Read: Genesis 10
Genesis Ten is known as the “Table of Nations,” highlighting Noah’s descendants, specifically Noah’s sons. The genealogy of this chapter sets the stage for chapter eleven and the thematic issue of the city of man versus the city of God that continues the seed of the serpent and seed of the woman theme that began in Gen. 3. The phrase “these are the generations” is a grammatical marker indicating the start of a new section in the narrative.
10:2-5
Japheth’s descendants are listed first and represent the coastland people. There is nothing more said about these people.
10:6-20
Ham’s descendants receive more attention than the other sons of Noah. His descendants represent a large portion of what will be the enemies of the people of God (E.g., Egyptians, Babylonians, etc.). The city of Babel is mentioned, and it will become the focus of the next chapter.
10:21-32
These verses list the descendants of Shem and from whom Abraham is descended. The Abrahamic narrative takes center stage in Gen. 12. Shem is significant since his name is constructed from the Hebrew root, which means “name.” Shem is in the line of the seed of the woman. That importance will be evident in chapter eleven.
by William Hill | Mar 10, 2023 | Bible Reading
Read: Matthew 9
Matthew 9 contains two main sections: The first highlights the mercy ministry of the Savior. In this section, he heals a person with paralysis, a woman who was ill for an extended period, restores to life a girl, and heals a blind man and a mute man. These events highlight the Savior’s love and compassion toward those affected by sin. These sections set up the final central section of the chapter when Jesus seeks to send out ministers to the harassed sheep. Jesus sees the people, and the text explicitly tells us he has compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. The people of his day suffered under the cruelty of the leaders. Those that should have been leading and guiding God’s people were using them to serve their selfish interests. In this chapter, Jesus reverses the sad indictment of the wicked and evil shepherds of Ezekiel 34. We should also note the importance of praying for faithful leaders in the church. The enemy is active and will strive to destroy pastors, elders, and deacons as they seek to minister to the sheep. Therefore, pray to the Lord for faithful men the Holy Spirit gifts to lead and guide God’s people.
Applications:
- Whenever the struggles of this life come, remember the eternal compassion of Christ for his people. He not only ministers to the physical needs of the people, but he also ministers to their spiritual needs.
- Pray for faithful pastors, elders, and deacons. The task of the ministry is not easy, and Satan never rests in his efforts to destroy the church of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, pray that those men, called by the Spirit of God, would be faithful to the Good Shepherd of the Sheep.
Learn:
- The details of the calling of Matthew as a disciple.
- The compassion of the Savior for the harassed and helpless.
