SCC Discussion Blog

I’ve often criticized Reuben when he suggests they put Joseph in a pit rather than kill him so Reuben can rescue him later. Reuben did not want to stand up to all of his brothers and simply say they should let Joseph go. I then realized, I’m just like him. There are times when I am afraid to say something in defense of God and His principles and instead make a noncommittal answer. I often get my courage later when I am alone. I think, I should have said this. But at the time, I’m afraid, there is no other excuse.

One of the most incredible things about the Bible is all of the characters we can relate to and see how God used them despite their shortcomings. I pray daily that He will use me despite my shortcomings as well.

When reading about Jacob, Dinah, and the Men of Shechem today, those are the two ideas that stand out to me (besides the brutal violence throughout this story).

It seems these are the only two choices popular culture gives those who aren’t part of the “main stream”. Either you join us, or you will experience hostility until you do. Neither outcomes are desirable, which is probably one reason many Christians find a middle ground so hard to achieve. We are IN this world but not OF it. Jesus prayed not to take us FROM this world but to PROTECT us from the evil one. We must live in a broken world as redeemed sinners. How are you experiencing this in your life today?

I always enjoy reading a good historical fiction book about a subject I am interested in and I find that I learn a lot from these books. When reading the story of Jacob and his family I was reminded of a series of books by one of my favorite authors, Liz Curtis Higgs. She takes the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, and later Dinah and her brothers, and creates a historical fiction story.

The Bible account is the basis for the characters set in the 1700s in Scotland. The first book is called “Thorn in my Heart” and is followed by three others. They are fascinating books and I plan to read them again now that we are discussing Jacob. If anyone likes the Bible and historical fiction, this is a great series!

Reading the account of Isaac and his 4 wives and 11 sons… I wonder what dinner time was like for them? What kind of rivalries where there?
I thinks it’s easy to get down on Nation of Israel as we read on – all their ups and downs – But perhaps given what God had to work with from this original family its a wonder that the Nation of Israel functioned as well as they did!

OK pastor #2 on board. Like my handle?
OK this idea of Noah’s to read through the chronological Bible in a year I think was his best yet, right behind picking me as a friend.

I have really enjoyed the readings, I simply “feel” closer to my God when I read His word. So much more to say but I’ll save it for another glob.

Two things caused me to pause and think during my reading tonight. The first was the emphasis that seemed to be placed on the rolling away of the stone before the sheep were given water. While wondering about this, it made me think of the rolling away of the stone of Jesus’ tomb and the subsequent watering of His sheep – and then His commission of Peter to care for God’s people.
The other point was regarding the naming of the sons of Jacob. All the names but one had to do with how the mother felt regarding that son. But then there was Judah: This time I will praise the Lord. And that made me think of the fact that it was from the line of Judah that Jesus came.

I see my flaws revealed in these people who were greatly used by God and am reminded that He will use me if I am available, not if I am perfect.

Thank you, Noah, for suggesting this Daily Bible. It reads like a novel. The historical info makes it come alive. I look forward every evening to my Bible reading. It had become something I was doing out of faithfulness rather than a joy and true learning experience. Now some nights I even read on into the next day’s reading because I get so caught up in it.

It amazes me how quickly food was prepared when the Lord visited Abraham (Gen. 18:1-8) – they didn’t have Jenn Airs back then! It also struck me that Rebekah needed TWO goats to prepare one meal for Isaac (Gen. 27:5-17).

Over the years I have often heard people say that they have trouble reading the Bible because they can’t relate to the stories in it. Yet for me that is part of the power of the Book! I can’t get away from how human the people are! I see the moments of great faith in Abraham, only to find in the next paragraph a man given to lying and deceit. It seems Isaac learns not only to trust the God of his father but also inherits some of the same character flaws, the same is true of Jacob.

Its funny – if I were the one writing Genesis, I think I might gloss over the imperfections and spend more time focusing on building up how good, powerful and majestic God is and how faithful his early followers were. On second thought maybe that’s what we get from the stories of Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: imperfect people, yet loved and pursued by God. Maybe seeing these people in all their glory (and moments not-so-glorious) the story reveals to us a good, powerful, patient and majestic God?
What are you learning?
-Pastor Noah?