Bible Reading: Genesis 25 | Matthew 25 | Psalm 25
Devotional for February 4, 2025
Reading: Genesis 25 | Matthew 25 | Psalm 25
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Genesis 25
Genesis 25 is the account of the death of Abraham and begins the section of the Genesis narrative dealing with the life of Issac. Though the narrative highlights the birth of other children, it should be noted that Isaac was the lone heir of all that Abraham possessed. That is another indicator of the seed of the woman theme that began in Gen. 3:15. It is through Isaac that the goldy line would continue.
This chapter also introduces us to Isaac's sons, Jacob and Esau. Though Esau was the firstborn, he was willing to surrender that privilege over mere material possessions, such as food. The difference in the makeup of these men is as different as their eternal standing. In fulfillment of the word of the LORD, the later sections of Genesis will highlight the blessing of God on Jacob and the displeasure of the LORD toward Esau. Esau would become the father of a nation that hated Israel (Edom). Here, in the lives of Jacob and Esau, we see the continual theme of the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent.
Matthew 25
Matthew 25 deals with matters related to the final judgment. It does so in three ways, as highlighted in the three main sections of the chapter. First, Jesus exhorts us to watch because no one knows when the Son of man will return. That is an important reminder for all of us. We are to be busy living to the glory of God in the here and now as we look and wait for the return of the Savior.
The second section is a parable about using the Lord's gifts to his church. Connecting the idea of watching, Jesus now discusses the issue of doing. Each of us has been given gifts to be used in the church for the good of the people of God. We are to use them to the glory of God.
The third section deals with matters related to the final judgment. Here, we have plain teaching regarding sheep and goats: the regenerate and the unregenerate. We also have explicit instructions on how the sheep will manifest their redemption in how they live their lives toward others.
Psalm 25
Psalm 25 is a lament, and it is unusual because it doesn't end with much confidence. That can be the case in our lives. We pray and plead, but sometimes, we are forced to wait. Patience is mentioned in this Psalm in 25:3, 5, and 21. There are eight stanzas in this Psalm.
25:1-3
This section draws attention to the problem that caused the lament. There are those in the lives of the worshipers that are troubling them. They are described as enemies. Note, however, that this lament is directed to the Lord. Our complaints need to go heavenward whenever we face opposition or various trials and struggles. Note, also, that there is an expectation of relief, though it is not apparent when or how.
25:4-5
The worshiper turns his attention to a petition. The petition seeks the sanctifying work of the Spirit of God as he moves through this time of distress. Throughout, he waits for God's answer. Too often, we waste the trials of this life and do not benefit from the suffering we experience because we want a resolution right now. On one hand, that is not necessarily a wrong attitude. However, we should be desirous to see God work in us to conform us to the image of his Son. We should desire God to sanctify us entirely throughout the trial.
25:6-7
The worship now appeals to the character and nature of God. He appeals to his mercy and steadfast love. He appeals to the love of God that will not change because the follower of the Lord is experiencing attacks from enemies or is struggling with some infirmity. God does not change. He does not abandon his people, though he sometimes makes them wait. There is also a confession of sin. In our circumstances and suffering, we must remember that we are dust and fall short of God's glory.
25:8-10
This section focuses on the character and nature of God and moves the worshiper away from his present struggle. Whenever we are in distress, it is medicinal, in some sense, to get our eyes and thoughts off ourselves and put them on the glory and character of our God.
25:11-15
Again, the worshiper returns to his frail existence as a sinner desiring to be a man who fears the Lord. Then, we learn some of the reasons for our struggles with the confidence that the Lord will deliver us from all of them.
25:16-18
The worshiper pleads for relief. The problem seems to be growing. He continually confesses his sin and pleads for mercy.
25:19-21
Te worship returns to the problem and seeks the protection that only God can bring while he is forced to wait for relief.
25:22
The lament ends with no resolution. Only a prayer for help is offered.
Applications:
Waiting patiently for the Lord's answer and help is difficult. Yet, wait, we must, or we will never learn the lessons embedded in the trial. Pray for patience.
While we wait, we must deal honestly with our hearts and confess any known sins to the Lord. He will forgive. Perhaps the trouble we are experiencing is due to our sin.
While waiting, focus on the nature and character of God for comfort. He will resolve the problem but does it when he is ready.