Bible Reading: Genesis 21 | Matthew 21 | Psalm 21
Devotional for January 29, 2025
Reading: Genesis 21 | Matthew 21 | Psalm 21
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Genesis 21
Genesis 21 is a critical chapter within the Abrahamic narrative. The opening verses fulfill the promise made to Abraham regarding an heir – a son of his seed that will carry the thematic structure of the seed of the woman forward (See Gen. 3:15). The application of the opening verses should be a comfort to all of us as we ponder the promises of God given to us in his Word, knowing that he will do what he says. In obedience to God’s command, Abraham names his son Isaac (which means “laughter) and circumcises him as he is a member of the visible church of old, and Sarah responds in praise to God for his blessing. That leads to another application for our lives. Often, we pray and ask God to remember his promises to us, but do we also remember to praise him and thank him when he responds? It is easy to forget that, but we shouldn’t. We not only need God’s faithfulness, but we need to be faithful to thank him when he blesses us.
Paralleling the blessing of Isaac and the gladness that comes from the birth of Isaac is the grief and sadness that comes to Hagar and her son (21:8-21). God meets her in her distress and makes a covenant with her. Ishmael, who represents the seed of the serpent, will become mighty and a bitter enemy of God’s people.
Matthew 21
This chapter begins the section of Matthew’s gospel, in which Jesus is now in his final days, and he takes the opportunity to teach at the temple. The chapter is divided as follows: First, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (21:1-11). Here, the people praise and magnify the Savior but miss the point of his arrival. In a few days, this same crowd will clamor for his death. Second, Jesus cleanses the temple from those who abuse it (21:12-17). Third, there is the unusual account of Jesus cursing the fig tree (21:18-22). That account is predictive of what God will do to Jerusalem and the temple for executing his Son. Fourth, Jesus’ authority is challenged by the religious leaders of the day. As usual, he confounds them with his answer. Finally, two parables highlight that the kingdom has been given to those who listen (21:28-46). The second parable speaks directly to the prophetic ministry of Christ and is a strong indictment against the religious leaders of his day who will not listen.
Psalm 21
Psalm 21 is the companion of the previous Psalm when David asked for God’s help and protection and now, here, gives praise for the answer. Three stanzas comprise this Psalm, but the overarching theme is one of gratitude for God’s kindness in answering prayer.
21:1-7
In this section, we note the following items: First, David rejoices at the positive answer to prayer. In Psalm 21, he asked for the things he now describes as answered by the Lord. Second, David is specific about the scope of the answers. We should be that way when we receive a response from the Lord for some items prayed about in our lives. Too often, we are general, not specific. David is specific.
21:8-12
In this section, David describes the Lord's actions as a result of his prayers. He details them and writes them down. It may be a good exercise to keep a prayer journal and record the many ways God hears your prayers and answers them.
21:13
The prayer of thanksgiving ends with gratitude and praise. The result of God’s kindness is singing. We sing because God is kind to us. He hears his children and answers them.
Applications:
Don’t forget to thank God for answering your prayers. Nothing is more repugnant than an ungrateful person. Don’t be an ungrateful child of God.
Writing down God’s answers in detail is often a source of great encouragement.
Remember, God does hear the prayers of his children. He loves us and answers us according to his great mercy and grace.