Bible Reading: Genesis 33 | John 5 | Psalm 33
Devotional for February 14, 2025
Reading: Genesis 33 | John 5 | Psalm 33
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Genesis 33
Genesis 33 is a short chapter that highlights one central theme: reconciliation. It is evident from chapters 32-33 that Esau desires to meet with Jacob. Though Jacob responds in fear of this news due to his treatment of his older brother twenty years earlier, Esau's motivation is only good and not evil. The picture reminds us of the love of God the Father for his people as we are reconciled to him. Note the emotions and actions of the brothers when they meet:
33:4 – Esau embraces his brother. That is not the response Jacob expected and not the one most people would offer.
33:7 – Jacob bows down before his older brother. There is a sign of respect from Jacob, probably mingled with fear of what he might do to him.
33:12 – Esau offers to partner with Jacob, though he declines. There is a desire for fellowship.
According to one scholar, reconciliation "involves a change of attitude and relationship from enmity and estrangement to friendship and harmony. Reconciliation refers to the deliverance of sinners from God's righteous enmity against them for their sins. Sinners are God's enemies." (Reformed Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, p. 1001. Beeke and Smalley). Esau is the offended party. Jacob has wounded him and offended him through his deceptive acts. As a result, Esau threatened to kill his brother. Yet, in this passage, we do not see an angry judge coming to slay his wayward brother, but one who comes in love and affection with the desire for fellowship with him. That is a good picture of God the Father's love toward us. While we were still sinners – enemies of God – Christ died for us. In that, God demonstrated his love toward us. God is the active agent in the process of reconciling sinners to himself. We are the recipients of his fond embrace and fellowship. Our response is worship as we reflect on God's mercy and grace displayed toward us.
Applications and Questions:
What would have been Esau's more natural attitude and behavior in this chapter other than what he displayed toward Jacob?
Write your reconciliation story (or discuss it with your spouse and family) in your own words. For example, in Gen. 33, Jacob's story of reconciliation with his brother is told. As Christians, we have one as well.
After musing about your reconciliation, spend time thanking God for his eternal love and favor. Worship him!
John 5
John 5 can be divided into three sections. Each of these sections highlights an aspect of Christ as the Son of God. The first (5:1-18) highlights Jesus's love for weak and pitiful creatures as Creator and Forgiver of the sins of men. The event happens on the Sabbath, which only enrages the religious leaders of his day. The Reformed faith has always highly regarded the Lord's Day, the Christian Sabbath. It has been careful to set aside one day in seven for God's public and private worship. However, our doctrinal standards make room for acts of mercy and necessity. In this section, Jesus is performing an act of compassion toward this helpless man. The religious leaders did not understand the full intent of the fourth commandment.
The second (5:19-29) highlights the zeal of the Savior to do his Father's will. In this section, two themes are presented. First, Jesus is equal to God. Second, the Father and the Son perform different things, but the Son is subordinate to the Father (in his estate of humiliation). The Son came to do the will of his Father. His mission was to proclaim the kingdom of God and see all those whom the Father gave to him comes to him. Those who come to him will do as he tells them.
The third (5:30-47) highlights the trial of the world by the just judge. Though it seems that the world (represented by the religious leaders of his day) is putting Jesus on trial, the opposite is the case. That is true today. Jesus is not on trial. Those who rebel against the Just Judge will be tried and convicted for their rebellion against the words of the Son.
Applications and Questions:
What part of the character of the Savior do you witness in the first section? In what ways has he shown you that part of himself in your life? Be specific.
As the Savior desires to do the will of his Father, it ought to be ours as his disciples. In what ways do you still need to bend your will to his?
Many of us have family and friends who stand condemned before the Just Judge of heaven and earth. Do you pray for them? Just as the lame man could not walk on his own accord, so, too, can your lost family and friends save their souls. Pray and plead with the God of heaven to have mercy on them.
Psalm 33
Psalm 33 is a Psalm of praise, useful when offering prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God. The first three verses set the foundation of the Psalm.
Praise for God's Word (33:4) – We should praise and thank God for giving us his Word. Without it, we would wander in darkness. His Word is true, and all his promises come to pass.
Praise for God's work of creation – The book of Genesis underscores this entire Psalm. In 33:6-7 the Psalmists refer to the opening pages of Genesis by reflecting on God's work of creation. When we see his handiwork, we should stop and consider the God who made it and praise him for it.
Praise for God's rule and reign (33:10-19) – God is sovereign. He made all things and decrees all things for his glory and our good. The rulers of the earth are nothing compared to our God and his power and might. He preserves his people and protects them from those who do not fear him. The rulers of this earth come and go, but our God remains forever.