Bible Reading: Genesis 31 | John 3 | Psalm 31
Devotional for February 12, 2025
Reading: Genesis 31 | John 3 | Psalm 31
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Genesis 31
Genesis 31 contains three major sections. The first highlights the source of friction that exists between Laban and Jacob (31:1-3). The issue is wealth as an indication that God is working for Jacob and against Laban. Wealth is sometimes indicative of the blessing of God, but not always. In this text, it highlights God's favor toward his servant. There are other such instances in Scripture, for example, Job. However, some were poor from a worldly perspective but rich in the things of the Lord (E.g., Paul; the Lord Jesus). The friction that arises between the two relatives causes animosity from Laban toward Jacob. That leads to the second section in the chapter, which highlights Jacob's reasons for returning to his homeland (31:4-13). Ever since he followed his mother's instructions, Jacob has been an exile in a land that is not his own. Through divine revelation, he is told to return to his home. The key verse in this section helps us understand his reason: "I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. But the god of my father has been with me." (31:5).
Interestingly, Jacob references God as "the God of my father" and not "My God." However, God has been with Jacob, caring for and watching over him. The God of heaven knows what he will do in the lives of his people, even if they remain unaware of those things. The third major section of the chapter highlights Jacob's departure and the pursuit of Laban (31:17-55). Wicked people will act wickedly and do irrational things. In this case, Laban, motivated by his anger and jealousy, seeks to overtake Jacob. Warned in a dream, however, he is prevented from carrying out his intentions, and the two rivals sue for peace as the chapter closes.
Applications and Questions:
In what ways has God blessed you in your life? Has that caused any friction between you and your family? Consider, for example, the blessing of knowing the Savior. Since that will affect how you live, how has that been received by members of your household who do not know the Lord?
To whom do you look when wicked people do wicked things? Remind yourself that the God of heaven fights for you and will always do what is righteous in the lives of his servants.
John 3
John 3 is perhaps one of the most known chapters in the gospel of John. It is here that a religious leader comes to inquire of the Savior. In an odd turn of events, Jesus redirects the discussion to that which is most needful: the necessity of being born again. On two occasions in the dialogue, Jesus tells Nicodemus that he cannot see or understand matters related to the Kingdom of God unless he is "born again" (3:3, 7). Literally, the phrase is "born from above." The idea is that fallen people, lost in their sin and dead to sin, cannot and will not see the Kingdom of God unless the Spirit of God gives them "birth" (new life). The means of this new birth are contained within the sovereign will and action of God the Holy Spirit. Although Nicodemus, as a teacher of the law, should know and understand these things, he is confused by the expression, although Jesus goes to great lengths to explain it to him.
Before the Spirit of God birthed us, we were like Nicodemus. Lost in our sin, blind and deaf, we could not understand matters related to God's Kingdom. We needed our eyes and ears opened to the truth of eternal life that comes only when the Spirit of God changes the dead heart of man. As Christians, we should not let a day go in which we fail to give thanks for so great a work of the Spirit in giving us life. Though there are many in the church today that resist God's sovereign right and will in the salvation of people, the analogy used by Christ (birth) only strengthens the fact that salvation is entirely the Lord's doing. Just as we did not choose the day or hour of our birth or the parents we would have, the economic status of our family, etc., We cannot choose life unless the Spirit of God gives it. Just as the wind blows where it will, and we cannot ascertain the source, the same is true of the work of the Spirit. He saves who he will save all to the praise of God's glorious grace.
Applications and Questions:
How does the new birth parallel our human birth? What does that say about the doctrine of election and the doctrines of grace?
What attitude should all Christians have when it comes to salvation? Humility before God should be the response. Too often, however, the ugliness of pride worms its way into our lives, sullying the beauty of the work of the Spirit in making what was dead alive.
Spend a few moments reflecting on the course of events that led you to Christ. Marvel in God's providential care in bringing you to that moment, and give him thanks for it.
Psalm 31
Psalm 31 is another lament we find in the Psalms. This Psalm is a prayer for help due to the attacks of enemies and the trouble that results from them. We see this expressed in 31:4, 8, 11, 13, 15,18, and 20. As the ESV Study Bible points out, "It is not hard to connect many of the particulars with the life of David, the author; but the wording is general enough for all kinds of people to find themselves in this prayer.
A few comments, in summary:
First, when we face trials and hardships in life, we must remember to find our help in the Lord. That idea is mentioned in 31:1-5. Note how David mentions that the Lord is his refuge. A refuge is a place to hide and find relief. Note, also, how David appeals to the Lord in his prayer. He doesn't try to "go it alone." He knows he is a mere man, and he is troubled to the depths of his soul (31:10). Finally, note how he calls the Lord his rock and fortress. Again, the idea is one of stability, strength, and protection.
Second, when we face trials and hardships in this life, we must not think it some strange thing. What is strange is that we do not experience more of them. David mentions the grace of God in his distress. The fact that we do not experience hardship at all times is due to the grace of God. Still, we need God's grace when enemies attack, when sickness finds us, when financial hardship hits us, or when any other dark providence comes to our door.
Third, note how David laments the way he is seen by other people (31:11-14) but continues to trust the Lord. Opposition, especially slander and lies, can affect other people's opinions about us. They do not have to be true to harm and damage. They do not have to be true to hurt. David hurts, but he continues to trust the God of truth in the middle of the struggle.
Finally, note how the Psalm ends: in praise. The problem may not be over, or the hardship may not end, but when we get our eyes off the problem and on our Father in Heaven, who loves us, we find it easier to rest in his divine purposes.
Applications:
Our God is a refuge, a rock, and a fortress. It communicates power and strength. When we face hardships, we must run to him and hide ourselves there. Trust in the Lord!
Our God hears us when we pray and cry out to him during dark providences. He knows our sorrows and pain. We must not be afraid to tell him how much we hurt because of what people say or do.