WEEK 6, DAY 2 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY
Scripture Reading: Genesis 47:28-48:22; Isaiah 55:8-9; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 11:13 and 21 (SOAP – Proverbs 8:12-17)
13 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. ... 21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff. NLT
OBSERVATION:
Today’s Focus Verse(s): Hebrews 11:13 and 21
The author of Hebrews writes of those who not only lived by faith but “died in faith without ever receiving the things promised.” Consider Jacob, who was told that he would become a great nation, but at a time very near his death he still had not seen this come to pass. Yet, like his fathers before him – he still believes and prepares for death by passing the blessing on to the generations coming behind him. The author of Hebrews makes it clear that the faith of God’s people was always looking forward to what they could not see but chose to trust was coming. This is the faith we are meant to have, which is why the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about walking by faith and not by sight.
For we walk by faith and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
THE GENESIS SAGA:
Jacob had lived in Egypt for seventeen years now and was 147 years old. Scripture says, “The time for Israel to die …” After securing Joseph’s promise to bury him – not in Egypt – but in his own burial place the time came when Jacob told Joseph that his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, would be like his own. Shortly after this, he pronounced a blessing on the boys. However, even though Joseph took great care to place the boys in a position that would have ensured Jacob’s blessing on the older – he looked up to find that for some reason Jacob had crossed his hands and had pronounced the blessing belonging to the oldest son, Manasseh, on Ephraim. Jacob let Joseph know it wasn’t a mistake that the younger would be greater, but assured him that the boys would both become great nations.
Other Notable Observations:
The other verses included into today’s journey point us to trusting and respecting that God is in complete and perfect control of all things.
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?
We are to walk, worship, and pray by FAITH, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
We would do well to remember that TRUST > SIGHT
Prayer: Response to God’s Word.
Father, thank You for the saints who have gone before us. Help us to walk by faith – in Jesus’ Name! – Amen
YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
- In what area of your life is it easiest for you to trust God?
- In what area of your life is it most difficult for you to trust God?
- Why is it necessary to submit to God’s plans when they are different from yours?