Bible Reading: Genesis 30 | John 2 | Psalm 30
Devotional for February 11, 2025
Reading: Genesis 30 | John 2 | Psalm 30
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Genesis 30
Genesis 30 continues the events that began in 29:31 with the contest between the two wives of Jacob. Lean was the more fertile of the two wives, and Rachel was envious of her sister, demanding Jacob to give her children. Of course, that was out of Jacob's hands as he pointed out to her, "Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of your womb?" The Bible is clear that the Lord opens the womb and closes it. Many years ago, I knew a couple who were told they could not have children. For years, that medical opinion seemed accurate. One day, suddenly, the wife was pregnant. The Lord does determine who will and who will not have children. As a result of Rachel's frustration, she employs her servant to give Jacob offspring. Eventually, God opened Rachel's womb and gave birth to Joseph. That significant act will establish the narrative until the end of the book. Joseph will become a significant figure in the lives of God's people.
The other event in this chapter is found in 30:25-43. Though the circumstances are odd, they highlight one main thing: God blesses his people, and he will harshly deal with those who seek to harm them.
Questions to Consider:
It is important to remember that God is sovereign over all affairs of life. In this chapter, we note how he opens and closes the womb. He can do what no man can do. What things in life are you facing that seem impossible? Commit it to the Lord. Wait on him. Remember that he is God, and he will do what is right.
In this life, God's people will often feel oppressed and harassed. Yet, the Lord has his eye on his people and will vindicate them. What matters are you facing from others that cause you to think the lord has forgotten you?
John 2
Chapter Two contains two sections. The first (2:1-12) highlights the first sign that Jesus performed (2:11), demonstrating his glory. The main point of the miracle is to emphasize that better has come to the people of God in the coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Although the Old Testament pointed to Christ in everything, it was a mere type and shadow of the substance (the old wine). Now, the new wine has come represented by the coming of the Savior. He is the fulfillment of all that the Old Testament said.
The second section (2:13-25) highlights the cleansing of the Temple and the prediction of the resurrection (2:18). These words will be used against Christ at his trial before the Sanhedrin.
Applications and Questions:
When you read the Old Testament, do you make a note of the many ways it points you to Christ?
Why was Jesus angry at the way the people were treating the Temple?
Psalm 30
Psalm 30 is a song of dedication of the Temple (see the superscription that heads the Psalm). It is written by David. Though David desired to build the Temple for the Lord, he was prevented and told that his son would take up that labor (See 1 Chron. 17; 1 Kings 8). The Psalm has five stanzas.
30:1-3
This first stanza highlights David's gratitude for the deliverance he receives from the hand of the Lord. There are two dark providences mentioned in this section. First, the opposition he experienced at the hands of his enemies. Whatever the circumstance, David is being harassed (again!) by those who oppose him. We have noted these many times already. The people of God are never promised freedom from opposition in this life. Second, the apparent struggles with his health. Those two items may appear to be unrelated, but as experience has taught us, opposition can lead to worry and worry to significant health concerns. However, David does not turn the matter inward. Instead, he cries out to God for help and is heard. God doesn't treat us differently. He has told us what to do when we face dark providences. They may not be those experienced by David and may not necessarily lead to health issues, but they are dark and difficult. The degree of the suffering is not the issue. How we respond to it is. We must respond in faith and plead with our God for help.
30:4-5
The second stanza is a natural and proper response to God's kindness in hearing our prayer. That is demonstrated in the words David offers in verse four: "Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name." Therefore, we must always remember to thank God for answered prayer. It is easy to overlook this important duty. We are quick to ask for help, but are we as quick to thank God and praise him for his gracious replies? We should not be as rude children to our heavenly Father. The next item of importance in this section is David's encouragement to the broader covenant community. Dark providences come and go. However, they will not last forever. We may struggle for a season, but joy will return as we learn to wait on the Lord. Dark providences are hard to endure at times. A loving Father designs those trials of this life. He is infinitely wise and knows what is best for us. He seeks to produce steadfastness in us and prepare us for the morning when there will be no more sorrow, tears, or death.
30:6-7
This section is a confession of sorts. David admits to his arrogance. He is trusting in himself and not the God of heaven. We know that God opposes the proud. HE turns his face away from the boastful and arrogant. We must never forget that we can do nothing without our God working in and through us. We can't breathe on our own. We can move from here to there without the help of the Spirit of the living God. We must resist the urge to "pat ourselves on the back." Instead, thank God and praise him.
30:8-10
This section is a response to the misery experienced when God hides his face from us when we are prideful. There is a sense of heartfelt repentance. David describes his remorse as a death, and he pleads the promises of God to help him and restore him.
30:11-12
The final section is the response to God's forgiveness. Mourning for sin is turned to rejoicing. The restoration of God's fellowship leads to song. The forgiveness of sin leads to a thankful and humble heart.
Applications:
When we experience dark providences, brooding over them will lead to further difficulties. Pray and plead for God to help.
Be careful to thank God whenever he answers.
Resist the urge to take credit to yourself for God's work in you. He will hide himself until repentance is granted.