Bible Reading: Genesis 35 | John 7 | Psalm 35
Devotional for February 18, 2025
Reading: Genesis 35 | John 7 | Psalm 35
Download the PDF edition.
Genesis 35
Genesis 35 continues the account of Jacob and his family's journey to Hebron. There are three significant sections of this chapter. The first (35:1-3) highlights the way we worship God. After God commands him to return to Bethel, Jacob gives instructions to his family regarding foreign gods. He tells them to "put them away and purify yourselves."
Interestingly, the name of the city that Jacob was commanded to go to means "the house of God." That is, Jacob was preparing his family to enter the presence of God by locating them in that place. A few lessons can be ascertained from this shot section. First, Jacob assumes his God-given leadership role in his home and points them to the importance of worship. Today, men abdicate their responsibility to safeguard their homes and families by leading them in that way. Fathers must point their families to the public gathering of God's people. The second item to consider is how we worship. We are not to worship with idols or anything that distracts us from the majesty of God. That item will become part of the moral law when God gives it to Moses. We are to worship the right God in the right way. The third item speaks to the need to prepare for public worship. Jacob tells them to do these things before they arrive at Bethel. God's people should spend time preparing for his worship each week as instructed by Larger Catechism Q160. We spend much time preparing for far less important things, yet we neglect the one most important thing. As a result, we do not benefit as much if we were more diligent in this area.
The second significant section (35:4-15) highlights what happens to Jacob upon his return to Bethel. Three things take place. First, Jacob builds an altar (a place of worship), Deborah dies, and God appears to Jacob again. The mantle is being transferred to Jacob as the son of promise because his father, Isaac, will soon die.
The third significant section (35:16-29) accounts for Rachel and Isaac's deaths. Rachel is the beloved wife of Jacob, and she dies giving birth to Benjamin, who will become a significant part of the Genesis narrative in a few chapters. Finally, the chapter closes with a transfer of the narrative to Jacob primarily and his sons.
Questions and Applications:
We are to worship the right God in the right way. What idols, superstitions, etc., do you bring to God that is not obedient to him?
We are to prepare for worship each Lord's Day. That will look different for most people. What do you do as an individual and family to prepare for the public worship of God?
John 7
John 7 highlights events at the Feast of Booth (also known as the Feast of Tabernacles). Here, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach, which brings great opposition to him. The Feast of Booths "was celebrated in September or October, two months before the Feast of Dedication. It is called the Feast of Booths because people lived in leafy shelters to remember God's faithfulness to Israel during
her wilderness wanderings. It was also a time of celebration and thanksgiving for the harvest." Thus, the idea of reflecting on the goodness and faithfulness of God is highlighted. Today, we do not practice the feast days of the liturgical calendar. We don't need to practice these things because we have it in more simplicity and abundance in the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. In the Supper, specifically, we thank God for his faithfulness in redeeming us from our sins. It is an exhaustive look at God's redemptive plan compacted into a small meal.
There are some observations to consider about this chapter.
Jesus initially said he would not go to the Feast (although he knows he must go according to OT law). He goes and teaches.
Jesus teaches us about the Sabbath and moral law.
There is division in the crowd. Some support Jesus, and others don't.
Jesus teaches about the "living water."
The religious leaders threaten Jesus' life.
These things serve to heighten the narrative and create tension between Jesus and the leaders, which will eventually culminate in the death of the Savior.
Questions and Applications:
How do you prepare and use the Lord's Supper? Consider reading through Larger Catechism Q168-175.
Why do we no longer need the "liturgical calendar" (advent candles, lent, etc.)?
What does Jesus highlight about the Sabbath?
What is the "living water"?
Psalm 35
Psalm 35 is lengthy but highlights several important and practical points to consider during opposition and attacks from evil people. We will summarize the most essential items.
First, there is nothing ungodly in asking our God in heaven to deal with evil people. We desire their repentance, but if they won't, we should ask our Just Judge to deal with them. We do not take vengeance ourselves. We leave that to the Lord.
Second, relief from the attacks of evil people should lead to thankfulness. We tend to overlook that, but it is essential to remember to thank the Lord when he answers our prayers and brings relief from enemies.