Bible Reading: Genesis 13 | Matthew 13 | Psalm 13
Devotional for January 17, 2025
Reading: Genesis 13 | Matthew 13 | Psalm 13
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Genesis 13
The chapter before us today may appear to be relatively insignificant in the Genesis narrative. Still, it does point to at least one central theme of the Bible: the choices of men do not alter the purpose and promises of God. That theme is demonstrated in the narrative of this chapter when Abram and Lot disagree and agree to separate. Abram magnanimously offers Lot the first choice of the land. Lot chooses the best, leaving Abram with what remains. Yet, despite this difficulty and its result, God promises that he and his descendants will inherit the entire land as God promised.
People will do things to harm God's people. It has been that way since the fall of mankind. The seed of the serpent constantly seeks to ruin the seed of the woman and those the Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed. The wicked seem to prosper, while the righteous seem to suffer. Yet, in the end, the redeemed people of the Lord will inherit the whole land – the New Heavens and the New Earth.
Applications:
Difficulties come to God's people. We are not immune to them. Sometimes, we are forced to deal with the poor decisions of others. Sometimes, they frustrate us, but we must trust the Lord's will.
Making wise decisions is an essential part of living the Christian life. God's wisdom is needed. Lot chose poorly, bringing terrible consequences (Gen. 19). Choose wisely today. Make good decisions regarding your finances, health, and spiritual well-being. All things may be lawful, but not all things are helpful.
Matthew 13
Matthew 13 begins the section known as "The Kingdom Parables." Parables are usually fictional stories designed to make one central point or highlight one main theme. They are designed to hide the truth from the unbelieving and demonstrate it to the elect. Unfortunately, parables have been badly abused in Christian literature, making them say many things they were not designed to communicate. Therefore, it is essential to interpret them to understand them as offered by Christ correctly.
13:1-9; 18-23
This section is known as the parable of the sower. The focus is on the effect the Word of God has on those who hear it. Jesus points to four different responses. One of those responses will occur each time the Word of God is preached, read, or heard. The question is: how do you respond to the Word of God?
13:24-30
This section is known as the parable of the weeds. The main point of this parable is that there will be enemies of the church in this life. Unfortunately, they often grow alongside the faithful. A judgment will occur at the hand of the just Judge who must do what is right.
13:31-33
The parable of the mustard seed is very short. Yet, it communicates a comforting lesson: The Kingdom of God started small but continues to grow. Men cannot stop the success of God's Kingdom.
13:44-46
The lesson of these two parables is simple: to be brought into the Kingdom of God is worth more than all other things in this life.
13:46
The parable of the net teaches that at the end of the age, at the final judgment, the Lord will separate the evil from the good and judge them accordingly.
These parables are crucial to a proper understanding of the Kingdom of God. So, spend some time thinking through each one.
Applications:
The Parable of the Sower: The seed of God's Word falls on the soil of our hearts each time it is read and preached. Do you meditate on the Word of God? Do you seek to bring forth fruit of it in your life? (WLC 160).
The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The growth of God's Kingdom may seem small and slow, but it is growing. Every time God's Word is preached, the Kingdom grows. Do not be discouraged by the growth of the church universal. Evil people may try to stop it, but it cannot be stopped.
Psalm 13
Psalm 13 is another lament (the Psalter is full of them). David writes it during a particularly discouraging time in his life. The psalms are so cherished by many because of the plainness of the words and the emotion they bring. They are written in real-time and deal with real issues. This psalm is no different. In this psalm, the "worshiper is on the verge of despair, and his powers of endurance are spent" (ESV Study Bible, 953). The psalm has three stanzas.
13:1-2
The first two verses of this psalm contain four questions. The first two highlight the frustration and despair of the worshipper. He feels forgotten and alone. He feels like God has hidden himself from him. Theologically, this is impossible. God never leaves his people alone. However, there are times when it seems that way. There are times when we either think God has forgotten us or abandoned us. Those times can come during particularly difficult struggles of one kind or another. They could relate to matters of health, family, relationships, attacks of enemies, and many things. Yet, notice that David does not allow the feelings he has to prevent him from pleading with the God of his salvation. We must remember that our feelings will lie to us. They are not always accurate to the facts or the circumstances. We must appeal to the promises of God whenever we feel like David.
The second two questions relate to the struggle to resolve the issue. The final question states the issue: "How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?" David is at his wit's end. He doesn't understand why his enemies seem to be winning. We can feel that way at times. We can wonder why certain people were allowed to bring damage against us and the church. Some questions cannot be answered except to say, in faith, "I will trust in the steadfast love of the Lord." How often do we pray, "Thy will be done"? Do we believe that, especially regarding those dark providences that cannot be fully explained?
13:3-4
David continues his lament and appeals for help. The circumstances seem to be very disturbing, even to the point of death. Perhaps he feels physically threatened. Whatever it is, he pleads with God in prayer for relief. He doesn't toss in the towel. He doesn't give up. Too often, we find no relief because we quit praying too soon. God may not silence the circumstances that led to the despair, but he has promised to uphold his children.
13:5-6
The final stanza does not tell us that the problem ended. It does tell us about the resolve of the one praying. David is going to trust the Lord and his divine will. He will trust that God is acting out of perfect wisdom and that these matters are not happening because God does not care. No, God does care, and David is going to "trust the steadfast love" of God.
Applications:
Nothing is sinful about griping to the Lord (lamenting) about your discouragement due to various circumstances. However, at the end, you must trust him even if you still feel that way.
Pray through the matter that bothers you. Do not quit until the Spirit of God brings you to a place of trust in the Lord's will.