Bible Reading: Genesis 27 | Matthew 127 | Psalm 27
Devotional for February 6, 2025
Reading: Genesis 27 | Matthew 27 | Psalm 27
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Genesis 27
There are two occasions in Scripture when a man blesses his sons at the end of his life. Jacob is at the center of both of them. The account of Genesis 27 is that of Isaac blessing his sons before he died. His health is failing, and his eyes dim. Isaac intended to bless Esau as the oldest, but Rebekah tricked her husband, placing the blessing on Jacob. That singular act strengthens the words of 25:23.
Scripture never condemns or condones the actions of Rebekah. All it does is state the events as they occurred. This chapter teaches that God can sovereignly bring all things to pass, even if his creatures act sinfully.
The response from Esau after Jacob stole his blessing is predictable, and Rebekah sends Jacob to Laban – into exile. That theme will be prominent throughout the Pentateuch.
Matthew 27
Matthew 27 is the account of the death of Christ through the cruel Roman method of crucifixion. The chapter opens with Jesus before Pilate, who found no fault in him. Yet, due to his weakness, he trades a criminal for Jesus and delivers him over to be crucified.
We know that God needed to forgive our sins. The Son of Man needed to be crucified – without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sins. It had to be the perfect blood of the perfect Lamb. What we see in this chapter is similar to what we observed in Gen. 27. Though Rebekah acted deceitfully and Pilate and other men misbehaved, the will of God was accomplished. Only a God who is absolutely sovereign can bring his purposes from the wicked acts of men.
That thought should comfort us in the world we live in today. So many things are wrong and happening all around. Yet, God is sovereign. He is using all of those evil things to accomplish his purposes in the lives of his people.
Psalm 27
Psalm 27 is a prayer for deliverance from enemies. That is highlighted by the numerous references to the term (or a synonym). We see that in 27:2, 3, 5, 6, and 11. The Psalm has numerous stanzas, but we will look at a summary and seek to apply it in our daily lives.
First, note that the psalmists finds help in none other than the Lord alone. That is not to say we cannot find encouragement and help from trusted friends. It is to say that our ultimate help when attacked by friends and foes is the Lord. The terms David uses in this Psalm are word pictures of the help desired. He calls the Lord his light, stronghold, and shelter. Those terms convey various things, not the least of which is safety and support. A light guides the way in darkness. A stronghold gives protection from enemies. A shelter protects from a storm.
Second, There is genuine help in the Lord. As we learn to depend on him during times of opposition and be patient in God’s timing, we learn to trust him more and learn steadfastness in the faith. That is one of the things the Lord Jesus learned in his earthly ministry. Many people attacked and assailed him, but he trusted his Father. He learned obedience through the things he suffered.
Third, we learn that our God will never abandon us to our enemies. Though it may seem that way in times of difficulty, we also know that God has promised to uphold us. We must often remind ourselves of that truth, especially when the storms are raging. We must preach the Gospel to ourselves. God places his eternal love on his people. He will not abandon us to our foes. He will uphold us and strengthen us.
Applications:
It is essential to find and maintain godly friendships to help and encourage during times of difficulty. However, you place your entire weight and trust in the Lord. He will never betray you. Friends will come. Friends will go. Friends will help. Others betray. The Lord will never abandon his people.
Learn to wait on his time and deliverance. Waiting is hard for most people. Wait, we must. The Lord will be faithful to you as he teaches you to wait on him.