Bible Reading: Genesis 36 | John 8 | Psalm 36
Devotional for February 19, 2025
Reading: Genesis 36 | John 8 | Psalm 36
Download the PDF edition
Genesis 36
Genesis 36 is a chapter on the descendants of Edom. Similar to 25:12-18, where information regarding the line of Ishmael is given before the lengthier narrative on the life of Jacob, the narrator chooses to provide a lengthy description of the line of Esau before moving to the more critical line of Jacob and the life of Joseph. Though this chapter may seem tedious to read, it is important for the following reasons. First, Esau is referred to the Edom four times in the chapter. That is important because Esau, being in the line of the serpent, is the head of a line of people who will be bitter enemies for the godly line, the people of God. Edom comes from a Hebrew word that means "red" (see 25:25 and 25:30). Second, the chapter forms a bridge between the narrative of Isaac and Jacob to Jacob and Joseph. In this chapter, the narrator concludes his concern with Isaac and begins to shift to the life of Jacob and, more importantly, Joseph.
What can we learn from this chapter, as tedious as it may be? We learn that God's people will always have enemies, sometimes from our own family and family line. That should be no surprise because Jesus said that their father and mother would hate them on account of him. The godly line represented by Jacob and his descendants (see Ch. 46) is harassed and threatened by those of his own family, the serpent's line. It also points us forward to the time when the people of God are threatened by those who hate Christ, especially in the eschaton. Persecution is part and parcel of living the Christian life.
Questions and Applications:
Using a Bible concordance or online tool, trace the line of Esau (Edom) and look up the various times it threatened and troubled the godly line of Jacob,
God's people will be persecuted. Jesus tells us to consider it a blessing when that happens. That goes against our fleshly desire for a life of ease and comfort. In what ways have you been marginalized for the sake of Christ?
John 8
John 8 is an essential chapter that defends the person of Christ, especially his deity. However, there is some debate about the canonicity of 7:53-8:11 (the woman caught in adultery). Some take it as part of the canon and properly included here. Others take it as misplaced and part of the canon. Others still consider it a late insertion and not properly in the canon of inspired Scripture.
There are three major sections in the chapter. The first is the encounter with the woman caught in adultery (8:1-11). Jesus is presented with a challenge from the religious leaders that he answers. He never affirms the woman's sin but tells her to go and sin no more.
The second section (8:12-30) is another Johannine discourse highlighting Jesus as the light of the world. The world is lost in darkness due to sin. Men love the darkness because their deeds are evil. Yet, Jesus, of whom there is no darkness at all, proclaims to be the light of the world. He is the light that comes to penetrate the darkness of the hard hearts of man. His people are also called the light of the world. As we point people to the true and perfect light, we highlight the Savior and their need for redemption. We spread the light by our words and actions—the true light flames our light.
The third major section of this chapter (8:31-59) highlights the encounter Jesus has with the religious leaders, which culminates in the charge of blasphemy. This section is a vitally important one in defense of the deity of Christ. Was he fully God and fully man? Was he a created being? This section answers those questions. Throughout church history, the deity of Christ has been under attack. We saw it in the early church with the movement of the Arians. Today, we witness their teaching in such cults as the Jehovah's Witnesses. The importance of the doctrine of the deity of Christ cannot be overstated. If Christ is not fully God and fully man (one person with two natures), he cannot be our Redeemer. The council of Nicea (A.D. 325) answered the claims of the Arians and proclaimed Christ to be God and man – begotten not made of one substance with the Father. In this section, Jesus answers the charge of those who would question his union with the Father as being of one substance with the Father by stating, "Before Abraham was I am (8:58). That expression reminds us of the exchange between Moses and Jehovah at the burning bush (Ex. 3). Jesus was stating that he was the voice (the Logos) of God speaking in the bush.
Further, Jesus states that he is the great "I am" of Ex. 3. That establishes that Jesus knew who he was, that he was God-man, truly God, and truly man. The doctrine of the hypostatic union is essential to the Christian faith. To reject it is to reject the Savior.
Questions and Applications:
In what ways are you showing your light in a dark world?
Consider the multiple references of Christ as fully God and fully man in the New Testament. Use a concordance or other resource.
Psalm 36
Psalm 36 is another of the Psalter's prayers of lament. The main focus is on the efforts of the wicked. David is the author described as "the servant of the Lord." His lament is rooted in the steadfast love of the Lord. There are three stanzas.
36:1-6
The problem is described in general terms in these verses. David describes their problem as one of the heart. The evil people that trouble him live with no fear of God before their eyes. They use their words to harm and devise wicked schemes to hurt and harm the righteous. That is the nature of evil people. Perhaps you have witnessed that kind of behavior in others. They spend much of their day plotting and scheming to overthrow the righteous. They do not rest day until they inflict their hatred and venom on others. David doesn't allow that to deter him. He appeals to the Lord's steadfast love, which is mightier than the most wicked thing his enemies can do.
36:7-9
This section describes the joy that comes from meditating on the love of God for his redeemed people. David describes this love as "steadfast." It is constant, and it never changes, unlike this sin-wrecked world. Life's circumstances do not affect God's love for his people. Enemies may attack us. The world may oppose us. Dark providences may happen, but God's love for his redeemed people will never change.
36:10-12
The final section of the Psalm is a prayer for God's steadfast love to continue. It is a prayer for help from the efforts of the wicked. God may not end the opposition but will support and help his people. He will never be affected by those who try to harm his church.
Questions and Applications:
Think about a time in your life when evil people were assaulting you. How did you feel? How did you respond?
We all experience dark providences. Our heavenly Father is not affected by them, and his love will not change due to them. It abides forever.