Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 274

"Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth." Psalm 119:88

Text: Genesis 35:1-29

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S COMMUNICATION WITH MAN

Have you ever puzzled over the matter of God’s communication with man? The Lord seemed to have spoken to Abraham at intervals. The same thing may be observed in Isaac’s life. We see the same feature occurring in Jacob’s life! We may make the following observations:-

1. God as Initiator

Of course God has to be the Initiator. The prerogative of offering a Covenantal relationship belongs to God exclusively!

2. God as Teacher

The Lord has to explain things to man. He has to teach him about values, morals, eternal matters, faith and lots more. Man would not be able to fathom the truth on his own. His perception would at best be limited if not warped.

3. God as Provider

God’s love for man is wonderfully seen in the way He provides. His provisions may indeed be described by the word “blessing”.

4. God as Protector

God’s hand of protection was seen in the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He especially protected them from physical harm and danger.

This list is not exhaustive! God played many other roles, albeit they are often unseen and unknown to man!


UNDERSTANDING MAN’S ROLE IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S BLESSINGS

Man has certain roles he must fulfil! Let us consider three of them:-

1. A personal faith in God

This is the starting point! Man has to ask himself if he can and does believe in God and whether he would acknowledge Him as Lord!

2. Worship

The most natural response of true faith in God is seen in Worship. The patriarchs kept raising up altars to offer worship to the Lord.

3. A life of Obedience and Moral Excellence

The most outstanding expression of faith in God is characterized by obedience and moral excellence. Sadly, the sons of Jacob seemed quite lacking when measured along these lines! What had happened to them that they had become so wicked?