February 1 - Birth of the King

Matthew 1

The genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to Joseph, following Joseph’s lineage.  See Luke 3:23-38 for Mary’s lineage that goes back to Adam.

So Mary was chosen to be Jesus’ mother and Joseph, Mary’s betrothed (engaged), was considered a righteous man (v.19).  An angel came to Joseph that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that He should be named Jesus, and that He will save His people from their sins.  This fulfilled prophesy from Isaiah 7:14.  So Joseph married Mary.

His people.  We are called His people in Psalm 100:3.  The Lord God Himself has made us and not we ourselves.  We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.  As His sheep we can count on Him to take care of us---to lead us by quiet waters, to restore our souls, and to lead us in the paths of righteousness (Psalm 23).

It all goes back to Jesus---and righteousness.  Joseph and Mary lived right---righteousness—before the Lord.  We are called to live holy lives, too.  Feed on His word---and be holy.

Lord, thank you for calling us to be your people.  Help us to make good decisions and live holy lives, pleasing to you.

January 31 – Judah and Tamar

Genesis 38

Listed among the ancestors of Jesus were Judah and Tamar (see Matthew 1:3).  Tamar was the wife of Judah’s first born son, Er.  Er was evil in God’s sight so God took his life.  By Jewish custom Er’s brothers were to give his wife a child to be his heir. But Er’s next brother also displeased God and he died, so Tamar had no child.  The youngest brother, Shelah, was not yet an adult, so Judah told Tamar to go live with her father---so she did.  Later when Shelah is grown up, Tamar is not given to him as a wife, so Tamar deceives Judah as a temple prostitute---and becomes pregnant with Judah’s twin sons, Perez, the first born, is listed in Jesus’ genealogy.

Questions arise here giving us food for thought.  Did Tamar go down to Egypt with Judah and the rest of Jacob’s tribe?  Did she become Judah’s wife?  Not likely since Genesis 38 verse 26 tells us that he did not sleep with her again.  So she raised her twin sons as a single parent, but the scripture doesn't tell us if she remained in her father's home or went to live with Judah's tribe.  Does it matter at whose table she and her sons ate?   

There is so much deception, jealousy, and trickery in the Bible, but God wants us to “be holy.” In Leviticus 11:44-45, repeated in 1 Peter 1:16, it is written “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  Jesus tells us over and over to keep His commandments (John 14:15, John 14:21, John 15:14).  Paul writes in Ephesians 1:4 that we should be held and blameless before Him in love.  Consider your spiritual condition.  Do you need to lose any weight there?  Keep your account short with the Lord and stay spiritually trim and fit, “holy”.  Find and share the joy in your life.

Lord, we want to be holy and pleasing to you.  Show us where we have sin in our lives and forgive us.

January 30 – Joseph dies

Continuing Genesis 50

When Joseph is 110 years old he dies, there in Egypt.  He tells his brothers that he is about to die and that God will take care of them and take them back to the land of Canaan.  He makes them swear that they will take his bones with them when they leave Egypt.

Joseph is the second to the youngest---but he dies before some of his older brothers.  We don’t know the cause of Joseph’s death.  Was it from the rich food he had eaten at Pharaoh’s home all those years?  Who knows?  Even during the famine they didn’t lack for anything.  Others may have been hungry but they had plenty of grain and meat to eat.   No famine for us.  Be careful what you put into your body, physically and spiritually today.

Lord, thank you for the life of Joseph.  Help us to live as dedicated to You as he was.

January 29 – God Meant it for Good

Continuing Genesis 50

After Jacob died Joseph’s brothers were again feeling guilty about selling him and expected him to take revenge.  They said that Jacob wanted Joseph to forgive them---and they “fell down before him.”

Again with the “bowing down.” 

Joseph gives his classic response (v.30), “Don’t be afraid…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” 

It was God who provided.  Just as He provided for all of Jacob’s family in Egypt, He will provide for us, wherever we are.  Trust in Him and set the table.  Put out your good crystal and fine china.  No mediocre meal for us whenever the Lord is with us.  Isn’t that how it should be?  Choose---and remember that He promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy and Hebrews).  I like to think that Jesus hasn’t’ forgotten the recipe for manna.  

Manna was considered spiritual food, as well as physical nourishment.

Date-Manna Bread

For this recipe, use organic wheat. Much of our wheat is now treated with the herbicide Roundup to “ripen it quickly.” This kills most of the seeds and they will not sprout. Sprout the wheat in large jar or sprouting bowl. Soak the wheat for a few minutes; then invert the container to drain most of the water. Repeat this several times as necessary. When the sprouts are ½ to ¾ the length of the grains of wheat, they are ready. In a warm house, it is possible to start the process before supper, repeat the soaking before going to bed and then again the next morning; the wheat will usually be ready that evening. If it is ready too soon, put it in the refrigerator until you can use it.

·         2 cups sprouted organic wheat

·         flour as needed

·         ½ lb. dates

·         1 cup raisins

·         ¼ tsp. cloves

·         ¼ tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 300°F.

Place the sprouted wheat in a food processer and whirr it until it is ground up and pasty.  Add flour until it is doughy.  Add dates, raisins and spices and process a little more to mix. Form into small loaves or one larger loaf.  For variation, use your imagination and add apples, orange juice, basil, or sun dried tomatoes to suite your own taste.

Bake for a long time in a slow oven (300 degrees for about 2.5 hours)

Yield: 12 servings

Source: Adapted from Barb Beck, “Date-Manna Bread recipe,” FatFree.com: The Low Fat Vegetarian Recipe Archive, www.fatfree.com/recipes/breads-quick/date-manna-bread.

January 28 – Jacob Mourned

Genesis 50

Jacob blessed all his sons (Genesis 49), then he breathed his last breathe and was gathered to his people.  He died.  Joseph had his father embalmed---as was the Egyptian custom.  Joseph and his brothers with their households except children and livestock, Pharaoh’s servants, the elders of Pharoah’s household and all the elders of the land of Egypt went to Canaan, the threshing floor of Atad—north of the Dead  Sea, east of the Jordan River—to bury Jacob.  The sons did as their father had asked them, “Bury me with my fathers.”  They mourned him for seven days and then returned to Egypt.

Death is part of life.  After formal or corporate mourning we usually feast---but scripture doesn’t give us any clue that Joseph and his brothers had a big meal after Jacob was buried.  With a family meal there is a real release of emotions--and a return to normal---or a beginning to discover a new normal.  Time to move on—but that cannot be rushed.  Each person has to progress at their own rate---and we should not make others hurry through the process.  Good food is good for the body.  Along with that meal there should be laughter and love---other elements that promote healing. 

Rejoice in the Lord---celebrate life and love.

At my memorial service---Celebration of Life---I hope that everyone will focus on the good times---on the victories that the Lord has given us---and on His presence with us. In meantime--it hopefully will be many years---let’s create some good memories----and good meals to enjoy together!

Lord, we praise you today for life you have given us to live to the fullest, for food to enjoy, and for family and friends with whom to experience the joy of knowing you.

January 27 - Jacob’s Blessing

Genesis 48 - 49

Now Jacob saw that his life was near the end so he requested of Joseph that he not be buried in Egypt, but in the land of Canaan.  Then he blessed Joseph’s sons, crossing his hands so that the second born received the blessing of the first born.  He blessed Joseph, giving him an extra portion of his inheritance, and told him that God would be with him and would bring him back to the land of his fathers.  

Jacob also blessed each of his sons by name, giving them an appropriate blessing, telling them what would come of them in the days ahead.  He declared Judah as a leader of the tribes and predicted that the Messiah would come from Judah’s line---Shiloh, meaning “the one who brings peace.”  See Revelation 5:5, the lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome.

How will you bless your children?  Will they receive the blessings of Judah and Joseph?  Those were good blessings.  Some of the other sons were not blessed with such a pleasant future or outlook.  Blessings are not our custom, but we give them or withhold them throughout life.

Lord, we bless you.  Thank you for blessing us with your presence.  May we intentionally show your love to those in our families and thus give a special blessing to them. 

January 26 – Settling in the Best of the Land

Genesis 47

Joseph presented his brothers and his father to Pharaoh.  Pharaoh gave them the best of the land of Egypt---the land of Rameses and asked that capable men be put in charge of his own livestock. Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

The rest of Egypt suffered under the famine and people ran out of money to pay for grain, so they gave their livestock to Joseph in payment.  Then they sold themselves and their land for grain.  Joseph moved the people off the land and into the cities, and allowed them as slaves to farm the land, giving one fifth of the harvest to Pharaoh.  Only the land that belonged to the Priests and that belonging to the household of Israel did not become Pharaoh’s land.  Israel lived in the land of Goshen and became fruitful and very numerous.

Would you be willing to give your own life for food?  That is what the Egyptian people did---they became Pharaoh’s slaves so that they could eat.  Then Joseph gave them seeds to plant---in turn they would give Pharaoh a fifth of their harvest.  The drought must have been nearly over at this point---but they were still without food until the harvest.  It is hard for us to even imagine being without food to eat.  We live in such a land of plenty---and the shelves at Albertson’s and Winco are constantly restocked for our convenience.  What will it be like if that comes to an end?  What will you do for food?  Be careful that your spiritual food does not dry up, too.

Lord, thank you for the abundance that you provide for us, both in physical and spiritual food.

January 25 – I Am Joseph

Genesis 44-46

When Joseph sent them on their way again filling their grain sacks with their money, he also had his servants put his silver cup in Benjamin’s grain sack.  After they had left, Joseph gave the order to his house steward that whoever had his silver cup would become his slave.  When the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, the brothers tore their clothes in anguish and returned to Joseph’s city.  They explained how leaving Benjamin in Egypt would devastate their father and begged to let him go home with them.  Joseph had enough---he sent his servants out of the room.

He told his brothers that he was their brother Joseph.  He wept.  He told them not to be angry with themselves because it was God who sent him to Egypt to preserve life.

Since there would be another five years of famine ahead of them, Joseph sent for his father, Israel, to come down to Egypt and they would all live together in Goshen where Joseph would provide for them all.  The Pharaoh even commanded that wagons be sent for Jacob and all the wives and children of the brothers so that they could travel easily down to Egypt.  Joseph provides new change of clothes for his brothers, and five new outfits for Benjamin along with three hundred pieces of silver.  He sent grain and donkeys to his father along with provisions for his trip down to Egypt.  Joseph said to his brothers as they left, “Do not quarrel on the journey.”

Jacob was revived upon hearing that Joseph was still alive and saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to take him to Egypt. God gave Israel a vision that he did not need to be afraid to go to Egypt and that He would make them a great nation there---and bring them up again to Canaan.  So they took all their livestock and belongings and set off for the land of Egypt—the land of Goshen.  As they had been in Canaan, they were shepherds in Goshen—a loathsome occupation in Egypt. Including Joseph and his family, there were seventy people in the house of Jacob.    

Do not quarrel on your journey!  These brothers had a quarrelsome reputation.  Their brother Joseph had been restored to their family.  They should have been rejoicing with every step along the way back to Canaan.  They should have been so thankful to God for providing for them!  Did they not see the big picture?  God had provided them with food---and now a new home!  What did they have to quarrel about?  They probably wanted to blame each other once again for almost killing Joseph and then for selling him into slavery---for only twenty pieces of silver.  Now Joseph was rich beyond them---and gave Benjamin 300 pieces of silver---more than ten times what they had sold Joseph for. 

Do you ever want to quarrel with those near you over some past action?  Jesus tells us in Luke 9:62 that no one after putting his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.  Don’t look back---let the past be that---the past!  Look forward to what the Lord has prepared for you---a heavenly home and a feast with Him.  That new home will be better than the one that Jacob and his household went to in Goshen.  The whole family of Israel moved to Egypt.  Who do you want to take with you to God’s promised land?  Family, friends, neighbors.  With whom will you share this good news?  Purposely share with them the bountiful feast of Jesus.  His word and His way.

Lord, show us if we have any quarrlsome ways, but more importantly help us to share your good news with those we know so that they too may join us at your banquet table one day.

January 24 – Joseph’s Brothers – Down to Egypt and Bowing Down

Genesis 42- 44

Canaan was having the famine along with the rest of the world.  Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt so he sent ten of his sons down to buy some.  He kept his youngest son Benjamin home with him.  When the brothers arrived in Egypt Joseph recognized them—but they did not recognize him.  He accused them of being spies.  To test them Joseph demanded that their youngest brother come down to Egypt.  He puts them in prison for three days and then releases all of them except one, Simeon, who must stay there until the youngest brother comes to Egypt.  Joseph sells them grain and gives orders to return their money in the bags of grain.  He also provides provisions for their trip home.  As one of the brothers is feeding his donkey along the way he discovers the money---and they find that all their money was returned.  “What is this God has done to us?”

Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go to Egypt and later when they run out of grain he sends his sons down to Egypt again---but this time they know they must take Benjamin.  They also take double the money since their money had been returned for their earlier grain purchase.  They are reunited with their brother Simeon.  In gratitude they bow down to Joseph (Gen. 43: 28)---just like in Joseph’s dream. Joseph has a noon meal prepared and served to them at his home.  Joseph weeps privately, but he does not reveal who he is and does not eat with them, for it was loathsome for Egyptians to eat with Hebrews.  Joseph again tested his brothers by giving Benjamin a portion five times that of his brothers.

This must have been a feast fit for brothers of the king…or pharaoh since Joseph was treated just like the pharaoh in Egypt.  Because they were experiencing a famine, it must have been a special treat for them!  Were the brothers so in awe of all the food that they didn’t notice or react to the fact that Joseph gave Benjamin five times as much as the others?  Do you notice when others have larger portions than you?  Does it really make any difference?  There they were sitting in Joseph’s home---eating the bounty of the land of Egypt that Joseph had stored up and they didn’t even realize whose presence they were in.  Do you know that you are always in the presence of the King?  Choose to feel His presence and enjoy the feast of His Table today.

Lord, help us to see just what you have done for us. We thank you that you are always with us and provide for us and for our families. 

January 23 - More Dreams for Joseph

Genesis 40-41

The cupbearer and baker of the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, offended Pharaoh, so he had them thrown into jail, where they were placed under the charge of Joseph.  Now these two men had dreams the same night and were sad that no one could interpret their dreams.  The cupbearer dreamed of a vine with three branches, grapes and a goblet into which he squeezed wine.  Joseph interpreted the dream to mean that in three days he would go back to serving as the king’s cupbearer.  That is what happened; only the cupbearer forgot about Joseph’s request of help to get him released from jail.

The baker’s dream was about a basket of bread on his head from which the birds were eating.  Joseph interpreted the dream to mean that the baker would die in three days---and that is what happened.

Two years later the Pharaoh had dreams about seven fat cows and seven scrawny cows and then about seven ears of grain.  He was upset by the dreams and no one among his magicians could interpret the dreams.  Then the cupbearer remembered Joseph, a Hebrew youth, who had interpreted his dream in jail.  So Pharaoh sent for Joseph who interpreted the Pharaoh’s dreams to mean that God was going to give Egypt seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of famine.  Since the dream was repeated, the cows and then the grain, it meant that it was determined by God and it would happen very quickly.  So Joseph advised Pharaoh to take action and appoint an overseer in charge of the land and let him store up the excess produce in the seven years of abundance, reserving it for the years of famine.  Pharaoh saw how wise Joseph was, so he released Joseph from jail and made him second in charge of everything in the land.  He gave him a new linen garment, a gold necklace and his own signet ring.  He even gave him the priest’s daughter as his wife.

The abundance of the land happened just as Joseph had predicted and he wisely stored up food in all the cities of Egypt.  He and his wife had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, in the sixth year of abundance in the land.  After the seventh year of abundance, the land of Egypt and everywhere on the whole earth began to experience a famine, again, just as Joseph had predicted.  Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to people of Egypt and people of all the earth who came to Egypt to buy grain. 

Abundance and famine.  What a lesson for us---when we have plenty we should store up for the lean years.  There maybe years when we have spiritual abundance also---not just physical prosperity.  During those prosperous years, store up the good stuff.  In the lean years---be willing to share your stores.  When was the last time you felt like you had a “prosperous” year…maybe it wasn’t a whole year…just a season.  Stored up any spiritual treasures lately?

Lord, bless us with abundance that we may share with others, physically and spiritually.

January 22 - Joseph in Potipher’s House

Genesis 39

Joseph became successful---as successful as a slave can become---in Potipher’s home.  In time he became the overseer of the house and all that Potipher owned.  The Lord blessed the Egyptian’s home and fields because of Joseph.  Every meal in that home was probably like a banquet---with handsome Joseph presiding at the table.  Unfortunately Potipher’s wife noticed how handsome Joseph was and wanted him for herself—but Joseph was a man of integrity and wouldn’t have anything to do with another man’s wife.  So she accused him of bad actions and had her husband throw Joseph into jail.  Even in jail, Joseph found favor and was put in charge of the other prisoners.  The Lord continued to bless Joseph.

Have you ever been accused of doing something you didn’t do?  How do you think Joseph felt?  All he could do was be obedient to his master and go to jail.  The food there was likely not as good as the food at Potipher’s house…and although he was “blessed” in the jail, it was also likely to be a dreary place.  But the Lord was with him.  God has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:8; Hebrews 13:5).  Always hang onto that promise.  He is with us no matter where we are---but we do have the free will to choose where we go (hopefully it will never be a choice that leads us to jail).  Choose your path wisely.  Joseph did---even as he fled away from Potipher’s wife—and in all that Joseph did the Lord made it prosper.  May this be a prosperous day for you.

Lord, guide our hearts, thoughts, words, and actions that what say and do may show the highest level of integrity, like Joseph, and like you.  May we be blessed and be a blessing to others.

January 21– The brother’s eat a meal while Joseph is in the pit

Genesis 37

The saga of Joseph and his brothers continues when Joseph was sent by Israel from the valley of Hebron (south of Bethlehem) to check on his brothers and their flock in Shechem (north of Jerusalem).  He found his brothers twenty miles north of Shechem at Dothan.  His brothers saw him coming and plotted against him, some wanted to kill him, but Reuben and Judah said, “Let us not take his life.”  So when Joseph arrived at their camp, they took his colored tunic and threw him into a pit.  As they sat down to eat a caravan of Ishmaelites and Midianites was coming from Gilead going to Egypt, so some of the brothers pulled Joseph out and sold him for twenty pieces of silver.  They slaughtered a male goat, put the blood on Joseph’s tunic, and took it to their father.  Israel assumed that a wild beast had devoured him.  Israel mourned for his son for many days, refusing to be comforted by his sons and daughters.  Meanwhile the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s officer.

The meal that the brother’s ate was probably a simple meal of bread and possibly goat cheese.  It is unlikely that they often killed a goat from the grazing herd.  Their meal was interrupted by the Midianite caravan.  How often do you allow your meal to be interrupted by passersby or the phone?  Do you let anything interrupt your devotional time, that time that you have set aside to feast on the King’s word---His bread of life?  Keep focused on His word today and let Him show you something special or new.  Share that word with your family the next time you meet together.

January 20 - Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors

Genesis 37

Israel had a long-sleeved varicolored ornamental coat or tunic of varied colors made just for Joseph.  Because of the favoritism his brothers hated him and this was intensified by those dreams that Joseph had concerning sheaves of wheat and stars bowing down to him.

This coat of many colors was a royal type of garment, long and beautiful.  Whereas the other brothers coats were likely plain colored, functional and only knee length.  Most of the clothing that was worn during this era was natural colored, so a special garment of various colors was extra special.  Being long sleeved also made it more valuable.  I imagine that the coat was presented at a special gathering, maybe his birthday.  At any rate you can be sure that a fine meal was prepared for the occasion.  Roasted lamb, fresh vegetables, breads and cakes---a meal for a favorite person---a beloved son.  The other brothers probably had not been treated to a special meal and definitely not presented with a multicolored tunic.  No wonder they hated their little brother.  Fathers and mothers shouldn’t show favoritism---and brothers and sisters should love and honor their siblings, as well as their parents. Favoritism and sibling rivalry are obviously ancient “diseases” that can fester and ruin family relationships.  Look at your family relationships and don’t let these “diseases” ruin the love you have for one another. Don’t bear grudges or hard feelings, since those can lead to bitterness that can poison you (not the one you are angry or displeased with) and creates a barrier between you and God (as well as between you and others). This is easier said than done--but worth the effort.  As it says in 1 John 4:7-8, "Beloved, let us love one another."  

Let the meal you share with the Lord today fill each of you with His love, peace, and joy together. 

Pray for good relationships within your family.    

January 19 – Joseph and his Dreams

Genesis 37

This chapter begins the history of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.  In verses 5-11Joseph is depicted as a dreamer.  In one dream his brothers’ sheaves of grain in a field bowed down to his sheave of grain.  In another dream the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to him.  Not only his brothers took great offense, but his father did, too, as he said, “Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?” 

Take a look at Revelation 12:1-2.  A woman, representing the nation of Israel, is clothed with the sun and the moon is under her feet and on her head is a crown of twelve stars.  Is this a coincidence that the stars may represent the twelve tribes of Israel?  Just a little “food” for thought today.  Isn’t it interesting how God weaves things through the Bible?

So back to Joseph and his dreams.  How would you feel if you were told that you would be bowing down to someone?  Was the jealously of his brothers justified?  Was this only a dream?  What have you dreamed lately?   

Lord, please give us sweet dreams---dreams and goals during the day that are inspired by you and sweet dreams at night that give us restful sleep. 

January 18 – Anointing a Stone

Genesis 35

Jacob built an altar at Bethel in the land of Canaan and he called the place El-bethel, since that was where God had revealed Himself.  Bethel means “house of God.”  God promised to give the land which He gave to Abraham and Isaac to Israel and his descendents.  Jacob set a pillar in the place where He had spoken with him and poured wine and then oil on it. 

A pillar was a customary covenant witness. We wouldn’t consider wine and oil a “meal” but it was a special consecration to the Lord.  Have you ever set up a pillar, a standing stone---big or small-- in remembrance of something that someone or the Lord has done for you?  Consider doing that soon---it could be a “witness rock” in your yard.  Whenever anyone asks you about that “rock”---you can tell them what the Lord has done for you.  For more on “standing stones” watch Ray Vander Laan’s video on that subject.  

Lord, we want to honor you.  Thank you for all you provided for Abraham, his family and for us—especially today for you, Mike---Happy Birthday!  May God continue to bless and guide you as you seek and serve Him.

January 17 – Wrestling---and No Meal

Genesis 32

Jacob selected an extravagant gift of more than 200 goats, 200 sheep, 30 camels, along with additional cattle and donkeys for his brother Esau and sent them ahead of his family.  Then he sent his family across the Jabbak River, a tributary of the Jordan River, while he stayed behind.  That evening he wrestled with an angel---thought to be the pre-incarnate Christ.  God allowed Jacob to “win”—but He crippled Jacob’s hip.  Jacob asked for a blessing---and in that blessing God changed his name to “Israel”.  He said that he saw God face to face, yet his life was preserved.  It wasn’t a dream---and his limp proved that.  To this day sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip socked because God touched the socket of Jacob’s hip.

No meal---no feast---but Jacob saw the face of God---and wrestled with Him.   Before He let Jacob go He changed his name to “Israel.”  Israel means “he fights or persists with God”.  Jacob not only was in God’s presence---he fought with God through the night.  Do you ever feel like you’ve spent the night, not sleeping but wrestling with God? 

Heavenly Father, please give us your blessing tonight---and help us to sleep well.

January 16 – Returning to the Homeland and a Sacrifice on the Mountain

Genesis 31

Jacob, along with his household return to the land of his father---and the Lord promises, “I will be with you” (v 3).

God blesses Jacob because He remembers the vow that Jacob made to Him, and because He saw the way Laban was treating Jacob (see verses 40-41 for summary of years of service).  By this time Jacob was wealthy.  He put his wives and children on camels—not donkeys for their trip to Canaan, but they left without saying goodbye to Laban.  When Laban catches up with the caravan he and Jacob discuss the situation---and Laban tries to find his “idols” that someone in the family took from his home.  Although the idols are never discovered (Rachel has them), Jacob and Laban do come to an agreement and make a covenant to treat each other right.  They set up a stone pillar with a heap of stones around it in memory of their covenant.

Additionally Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain, called his kinsmen together, and they ate a meal on the mountain consecrating the vows of Jacob and Laban.  In the morning Laban kissed his daughters and grandchildren, blessed them and he returned home.  What could have been an ugly fight turned into a blessing because the Lord intervened and Laban was respectful to God’s leading.  A meal sealed the covenant between Jacob and Laban.  What a good example for us.

When we have differences, we should clear the air---make a covenant—and sit down at a meal together.  Set things right where there are differences---don’t wait for the sun to go down (Ephesians 4:26).  Surely God was in their midst.  May He be in your midst today, too.  Eat, drink, and be merry---together.

Lord, help us to be open to listening to others and set things right that our lives would be pleasing to you.  Thank you for always being with us, just as you were with Jacob.

January 15 – Wedding Feast

Genesis 29:22

Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast. 

A wedding feast was prepared that Jacob thought was for his bride Rachel.  But with a heavy veil over the bride’s face, Laban deceived Jacob and gave his older daughter, Leah, in the marriage ceremony.  It was the custom to marry the older daughter before any younger daughters.  After a week of wedding festivities, Laban gave Jacob Rachel as his second wife.  It is likely that there was another week of wedding celebrations.  Jacob served Laban for seven years before he married Leah and for another seven years after he married Rachel.

Those first seven years seemed only like a few days (v.20)---but what about the next seven years?  By then the feasting was over.  Jacob had two wives---plus the maid servants---who became concubines for Jacob.  Between the four “wives” Jacob had eleven sons and a daughter. (Later Jacob and Rachel had another son, totally 12 sons which became the 12 tribes of Israel.)  With all the children, his four wives, plus servants, every meal was likely a feast for the Jacob household.

Jesus has promised us a wedding feast in heaven, Revelation 19:7-10.  “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb”.  These feasts that Jacob experienced may have been similar to the marriage supper---the great feast that will happen someday in heaven.  Men of the city were invited by Laban to the wedding feast—making it a public event that gave authority to the marriage union. 

So as you celebrate your anniversary this year, honor your wife/husband with a feast---a marriage supper in memory of your marriage and in anticipation of the wedding feast we’ll have in heaven.

January 14 - Jacob’s Ladder

Genesis 28

Jacob had his eyes so set on himself that he didn’t even look for God until God intervened in a dream with angels going up and down a ladder.  The Lord spoke the promise to Jacob---the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant and that He would be with Jacob wherever he went (v.15) and would bring him back to the land.  Jacob saw that place as the gates of heaven.  Jacob promised (v. 20) that if God would be with him---and provided food, clothes, and safety for him, then the Lord would be His God.  He also said that the rock he used for a pillow, the pillar he set up, would be God’s house---and that he would give back to God a tenth of all that God provided.

So Jacob is expecting the Lord to take care of him.  That wasn’t what God promised.  Jacob wasn’t asking for a feast---just food.

What are we expecting from the Lord?  Are we unaware like Jacob (v. 16) that the Lord is with us?  Like Jacob there maybe angels all around—but more importantly you are in the presence of the Lord.  Relax.  Feel God’s presence in your life---and enjoy what He provides for you---spiritually as well as physically. 

Traditionally the Jewish set a place for Elijah at the Passover table.  Consider setting an extra plate at the table whenever you want to feel the presence of the Lord at meals.

Lord, I praise you for who you are, for being with us, and thank you for providing for Jacob and for us.

January 13 – The Blessing of Jacob

Genesis 27

When Isaac was old and about to die, he wanted to give Esau his blessing as the first born---but Rebekah overheard Isaac sending Esau out to hunt some game and requesting him to prepare a savory dish.  She told Jacob to get two choice kids (goats) from the flock and she would prepare a savory dish.  She helped Jacob put goat skin on his hands and neck and gave him Esau’s clothes to wear so that Isaac would be deceived.  Isaac was blind and although he recognized Jacob’s voice he felt the hairy “kid” hands of Esau.  Jacob lied when Isaac asked if he was Esau, “I am.”  Isaac blessed Jacob.

Then Esau came into his father’s tent with another savory dish.  Isaac asked, “Who are you?”  Esau answered, “Your first born son, Esau.”

“Then who was he that brought me the hunted game and I ate of all of it before you came in?”

Esau cried out, with a bitter cry, “Bless me, even me also, O my father.”

But Isaac said, “Your brother came deceitfully and has taken away your blessing.”

“He took away my birthright and now he has taken away my blessing.  Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”

Isaac said, “I have made him your master.”  Then Isaac answered, “You shall live by your sword and serve your brother---and…you shall break his yoke from your neck.”

Esau bore a grudge against Jacob and planned to kill him.  When Rebekah heard about it she sent Jacob away to her brother Laban’s home.  And the story goes on…..

The “feast” that Isaac received from Jacob was a savory stew served with wine.  Since Isaac was old he probably had lost some teeth as well as his eyesight.  It is likely the stew meat was very finely chopped so that Isaac wouldn’t have to chew very much.  Do we need our food chopped finely?  How about our spiritual food?  Can you figure it out or do you need it chopped finely, too?  The more we are “into” God’s word, the more meat we can take.  See Hebrews 5:12.  Spend some time chewing on God’s word for yourself.  Then create and enjoy a feast---a savory dish---with Him today.

Rebekah's "Savory Dish"

Rebekah knew what she was doing when she prepared this meal—it was good enough to steal a father's blessing.  For folks whose nose wrinkles or stomach turns at the thought of eating goat, here's a recipe along the same lines that uses lamb instead.  Yield: 6–8 serving.

·         3 lb. lamb, boned

·         2–3 medium onions, chopped fine

·         1 clove garlic, crushed

·         1 cup wine vinegar

·         1 cup water

·         10–12 whole peppercorns

·         1 Tbsp. salt

·         2–3 bay leaves

·         1 tsp. caraway seeds

·         1 Tbsp. sugar

·         3 Tbsp. oil for browning meat

Place the lamb in a glass or earthenware bowl. Add onions and garlic. Combine remaining ingredients, except oil, in a saucepan and bring to a full boil. Pour over lamb and refrigerate 12–24 hours. Remove lamb from liquid; pat dry with paper towels. Put oil in a heavy pan and brown meat on all sides. Add liquid and cover. Let simmer over low heat for about 2 hours, or until tender.

January 12 – Wells, Blessings, Oaths and a Feast

Genesis 26

There’s another famine in Canaan---but the Lord tells Isaac to stay there in Gerar---not to go to Egypt.  God confirms His covenant with Isaac that He had made with Abraham. 

In fear of being killed Isaac tells the local men that his beautiful wife Rebekah is his sister—but King Abimeleth catches on, confronts Isaac and tells the people that whoever touches Isaac or Rebekah will be put to death.  Isaac sowed in the land and reaped one hundredfold.  The Lord blessed him.

The Philistines are jealous of Isaac’s prosperity---so they fill up his wells with dirt.  Isaac left Gerar, moving to the valley.  There he dug more wells---which the local herdsmen claimed.   Isaac moved to Beersheba where the Lord blessed him.  King Abimelech, recognizing that the Lord blessed Isaac, came to him and made an oath with him.  Isaac prepared a feast for Abimelech and his staff. 

The Lord has promised to prepare a feast for us in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23).  Although David wrote that long after Isaac, it is notable that the promise it there.  In this case the oath that Abimelech made with Isaac took away the status of “enemies.”

Have you considered creating an oath with those who would treat you as Abimelech treated Isaac---asking him to leave their town?  What does creating an oath entail?  Do you offer a feast to those who aren’t your closest friends?

Consider how our Lord treated those that treated Him unjustly---how He ate with the unloved and unlovable people.  Can you do any less?

Lord, help me to treat others justly, as you would, to be honest and willing to serve those we may consider as “enemies”.

January 11 – Birthright for Lentil Soup

Genesis 25:27-34 

Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons---Esau and Jacob.  Esau was the first born and thus would inherit more than Jacob.   Jacob cooked some stew and Esau came in from the field famished.  He said to Jacob,” Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff for I am famished.”  Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright”.  Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die; so what use then is the birthright to me?”  So Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for some bread and lentil stew.  Esau ate and drank, and rose and went on his way.

The birthright of the elder son assured him a double share of his father’s inheritance (see Deuteronomy 21:17).  So Jacob now had Esau’s inheritance.  According to the Jewish Talmud, the brothers were 15 years old at this time, and this is said to have happened on the day that their grandfather Abraham died.  Lentil stew was a mourner’s meal for the Jews, so the stew was meant for Isaac.

That must have been a very enticing aroma from that lentil stew for Esau to have been so focused on food that he gave up his inheritance.  What was he thinking?  Was Jacob was just plain greedy?  Another question arises.  Had Jacob planned this---premeditated---or did it just happen to happen on that day? 

Think about your motives.  Are you greedy or gullible?  Are you famished for stew or for spiritual food?

January 10 – Don’t eat yet

Genesis 24:33

Food was set before Eliezar, Abraham’s servant, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told my business.”

Are we sometimes so eager to eat that we don’t speak up and take care of business first?  God had blessed Abraham.  His servant Eliezar met Rebekah just exactly as he had prayed to God that he would meet the woman who was to be Isaac’s wife.  God arranged it all.  Rebekah proved to be a hard worker—carrying water for Eliezar’s ten camels was a big task.  Rebekah’s brother recognized God’s hand in this arrangement.  It must have been joyous to be marrying into a rich family.

Marriages these days aren’t arranged---but it is still often “who you know.”  Like Eliezar---take care of your business before setting down to eat with the King---or with family or friends.  When we take care of business, our food will settle and digest better.  Healthy relationships make for a healthy body.

Lord, help us to “tell our business” to others and to be ready to sit down and eat a great meal with family, friends and you.  

January 9 – Offering of Isaac

Genesis 22:1-19

In the King James Version, God will provide Himself.  In the NASB, God will provide for Himself. 

The responsibility here is God’s not man’s.  God will provide what we need and what He needs.  He provided the ram in the thicket to spare Isaac.  The sacrifice was unto the Lord.  Because Abraham was obedient--- willing to sacrifice his only son---God promised to greatly bless him (v. 17).  In his seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed (v. 18).  The Jewish people---the tribe of Israel have been known as the keepers of the knowledge.  The knowledge of God.  Through them all the people of the world will one day know God.

So are you willing to sacrifice to the Lord what is nearest and dearest to your heart?  What is God asking you for in obedience?   It may not be your firstborn son---but would you be willing to give him to the Lord---so that he could serve the Lord as a missionary---a pastor—or just as a lay servant.   Be willing to prepare your son(s) and daughter(s) to serve the Lord that their sacrifice of time and talents would be pleasing to the Lord.  The Lord will provide (v.13).