Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 25, 2022

“Thus Esau despised his birthright.” – “How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has … insulted the Spirit of grace?”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 25:27-34.

“When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.  Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.  When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished;  and Esau said to Jacob, “Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished.”  Therefore his name was called Edom.  But Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.”  Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die;  so of what use then is the birthright to me?”  And Jacob said, “First swear to me”;  so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew;  and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way.  Thus Esau despised his birthright.”  Genesis 25:27-34.

————–

The action of Esau in despising his birthright is the theme of today’s devotion, particularly because we are warned “that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.  For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.”  Hebrews 12:16-17.

Many of us were born and raised in a family and home where we attended at least some church and some Sunday School and received some amount of Christian teaching.  

Some of us have received much more and in addition attended Christian school and regular children’s catechism and were abundantly taught the doctrines of grace.

This was our birthright, and we received it just because we were born in a family who provided all of it.

Yet, as we got older, we became wise in our own eyes and desired to be like others.  We became attracted to churches that prioritized popularity programs that appealed to our senses rather than appealed to the purity of the preaching including the doctrines of grace which we were taught.  We justified it in our eyes as being more seeker-sensitive.  We joined the crowd who minimized and eventually hid the importance of the doctrines of grace summarized by TULIP.  When others scoffed at election a/k/a predestination, we were silent and stayed with them.  In summary, like Esau, we went our way and despised our birthright.    

Be warned by the lesson of today’s Scripture and this following concluding Scripture!

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said:  “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.”  And again, THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:26-31.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 24, 2022

“God has chosen” – “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.” … So then it (salvation) does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 25:12-26.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son:  Abraham became the father of Isaac;  and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife.  Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren;  and the LORD answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived.  But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why then am I this way?”  So she went to inquire of the LORD.  The LORD said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb;
And two peoples will be separated from your body;
And one people shall be stronger than the other;
And the older shall serve the younger.”

When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.  Now the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau.  Afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding on to Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob;  and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them.”  Genesis 25:19-26. 

———————-

“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob; but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.” Malachi 1:2-2.

“And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac;  for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, “THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.”  Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.”

What shall we say then?  There is no injustice with God, is there?  May it never be!  For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:10-16.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

Article 7.  Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, he hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault, from their primitive state of rectitude, into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom he from eternity appointed the Mediator and Head of the elect, and the foundation of Salvation.

This elect number, though by nature neither better nor more deserving than the others, but with them involved in one common misery, God hath decreed to give to Christ, to be saved by him, and effectually to call and draw them to his communion by his Word and Spirit, to bestow upon them true faith, justification and sanctification;  and having powerfully preserved them in the fellowship of his Son, finally, to glorify them for the demonstration of his mercy, and for the praise of his glorious grace;  as it is written:  “According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love;  having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved,”  Ephesians 1:4,5,6.  And elsewhere:  “Whom he did predestinate, them he also called;  and whom he called, them he also justified;  and whom he justified, them he also glorified,”  Romans 8:30.

Article 9.  This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality of disposition in man, as the pre-requisite, cause or condition on which it depended;  but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc., therefore election is the fountain of every saving good;  from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as its fruits and effects, according to that of the apostle:  “He hath chosen us (not because we were) but that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love,”  Ephesians 1:4.

Article 10.  The good pleasure of God is the sole cause of this gracious election;  which doth not consist herein, that out of all possible qualities and actions of men God has chosen some as a condition of salvation;  but that he was pleased out of the common mass of sinners to adopt some certain persons as a peculiar people to himself, as it is written, “For the children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil,” etc., it was said (namely to Rebecca):  “the elder shall serve the younger; as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated,”  Romans 9:11,12,13.  “And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed,”  Acts 13:48.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 23, 2022

“For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 25:1-11.

“Now Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah.  She bore to him Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Ishbak and Shuah.  Jokshan became the father of Sheba and Dedan.  And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim and Letushim and Leummim.  The sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah.  All these were the sons of Keturah.  Now Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac;  but to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the land of the east.

These are all the years of Abraham’s life that he lived, one hundred and seventy-five years.  Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life;  and he was gathered to his people.  Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre, the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth;  there Abraham was buried with Sarah his wife.  It came about after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac;  and Isaac lived by Beer-lahai-roi.”  Genesis 25:1-11.

—————–

Despite the fact that Abraham had many sons, including Ishmael born to Hagar and the sons born to Keturah mentioned in today’s Scripture, that we read in today’s Scripture, “… Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac;  but to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the land of the east.”  Verses 5-6.

Thus, we see the inheritance given to Isaac specifically described above and generally summarized in the following last sentence of today’s Scripture. “It came about after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac;  …”  Verse 11.

“But what does the Scripture say?

“CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON,
FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN.” Galatians 4:21.

“For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise;  but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.”  Galatians 3:16-18.

“For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.  For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;  for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”  Romans 4:13-15.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba!  Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son;  and if a son, then an heir through God.”  Galatians 4:4-7.

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  …  And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.”  Galatians 3:24-27 and 29.

“nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but:  “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS BE NAMED.”  That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.  For this is the word of promise:  “AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.”  Romans 9:7-9.

“In hope against hope he (Abraham) believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. THEREFORE, IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Romans 4:18-22.

So, we have seen inheritance is based on God’s promise and man’s faith in that promise, but ultimately the inheritance is based on God’s election.  

For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

Consider that “election is the fountain of every saving good”.

Article 9. This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality of disposition in man, as the pre-requisite, cause or condition on which it depended; but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc., therefore election is the fountain of every saving good; from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, … Canons of Dordt, FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. …” Ephesians 1:3-8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 22, 2022

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:62-67.

“Now Isaac had come from going to Beer-lahai-roi;  for he was living in the Negev.  Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening;  and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.  Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from the camel.  She said to the servant, “Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?”  And the servant said, “He is my master.”  Then she took her veil and covered herself.  The servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.  Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her;  thus Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”  Genesis 24:62-67.

—————-

God comforted Isaac after his mother’s death by providing Rebekah to be his wife.  

Isaac was a child of promise a/k/a chosen of God a/k/a an elect thereby being a recipient of God’s blessings including comfort.  

“And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.”  Galatians 4:28. 

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.  It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13-16.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.  …”  Ephesians 1:3-8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 21, 2022

“For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:28-51.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things.  Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban;  and Laban ran outside to the man at the spring.  When he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, “This is what the man said to me,” he went to the man;  and behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring.  And he said, “Come in, blessed of the Lord!  Why do you stand outside since I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels?”  So the man entered the house.  Then Laban unloaded the camels, and he gave straw and feed to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.  But when food was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my business.”  And he said, “Speak on.”  …  So now if you are going to deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me;  and if not, let me know, that I may turn to the right hand or the left.”

Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The matter comes from the Lord; so we cannot speak to you bad or good.  Here is Rebekah before you, take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has spoken.”

 When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself to the ground before the LORD.  The servant brought out articles of silver and articles of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah;  he also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.  Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night.  When they arose in the morning, he said, “Send me away to my master.”  But her brother and her mother said, “Let the girl stay with us a few days, say ten;  afterward she may go.”  He said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way.  Send me away that I may go to my master.”  And they said, “We will call the girl and consult her wishes.”  Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?”  And she said, “I will go.”  Thus they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse with Abraham’s servant and his men.  They blessed Rebekah and said to her,

“May you, our sister,
Become thousands of ten thousands,
And may your descendants possess
The gate of those who hate them.”

Then Rebekah arose with her maids, and they mounted the camels and followed the man.  So the servant took Rebekah and departed.”  Genesis 24:28-22 and 49-61.

————–

We need the favor of God above all which often includes the favor of men. 

Despite the servant doing everything he could in fulfilling Abraham’s commission, the servant realized that he needed the favor of Laban, Bethuel, Rebekah, and her mother.

Any one of them could refuse his offer, and so the servant said;  “So now if you are going to deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me;  and if not, let me know, that I may turn to the right hand or the left.”  Verse 49.  

We see clearly and repeatedly in today’s Scripture the favor that Laban, Bethuel, Rebekah, and her mother all had toward the servant.  

But, as a quick side note, we also need to realize that there are times, even many times, when we should not seek the favor of men! 

“As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?  Or am I striving to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”  Galatians 1:9-10.

But, with that exception in mind, today’s Scripture leads us to focus on favor with God and men, so today’s devotion will examine some Scriptures on this favor.

“For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD,
You surround him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12.

“But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.”  Genesis 39:21. 

“I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians;  and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed.  But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing;  and you will put them on your sons and daughters.  Thus you will plunder the Egyptians.”  Exodus 3:21-22.

“For how then can it be known that I (Moses) have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people?  Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?”  Exodus 33:13.  

“Then she (Ruth) fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”  Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.”  Ruth 2:10-13. 

“Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the LORD and with men.”  1 Samuel 2:26.

“So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered;  and Saul set him over the men of war.  And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.”  1 Samuel 18:5.

“Now the young lady (Ester) pleased him (King Ahasuerus) and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice maids from the king’s palace and transferred her and her maids to the best place in the harem.  …  The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”  Esther 2:9 and 17.

“Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials,”  Daniel 1:9.

“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”  Luke 2:52.

“10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The LORD favors those who fear Him,
Those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 147:10-11.

“For he who finds me (wisdom) finds life
And obtains favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 8:35.

“A good man will obtain favor from the LORD,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.” Proverbs 12:2.

“14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
To turn aside from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding produces favor,
But the way of the treacherous is hard.” Proverbs 18:14-15.

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing
And obtains favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22.

“4 Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:4-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 20, 2022

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; … he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:15-27.

“Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, came out with her jar on her shoulder.  The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her;  and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up.  Then the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.”  She said, “Drink, my lord”;  and she quickly lowered her jar to her hand, and gave him a drink.  Now when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw also for your camels until they have finished drinking.”  So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.  Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, to know whether the LORD had made his journey successful or not.

When the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half-shekel and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels in gold, and said, “Whose daughter are you?  Please tell me, is there room for us to lodge in your father’s house?”  She said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.”  Again she said to him, “We have plenty of both straw and feed, and room to lodge in.”  Then the man bowed low and worshiped the LORD.  He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His lovingkindness and His truth toward my master;  as for me, the LORD has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brothers.”   Genesis 24:15-27.

———————

We remember the command and commission that Abraham gave his servant:  “but you will go to my country and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”  Genesis 24:4.

Was the servant proud in what he did or was the servant humble and glad in what God had done?

The servant was humble.  “Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, to know whether the LORD had made his journey successful or not.”  Verse 21.  “Then the man bowed low and worshiped the LORD.”  Verse 26.

The servant was glad in what God had done.  “He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His lovingkindness and His truth toward my master;  as for me, the LORD has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brothers.”  Verse 27.

The servant could have focused on and trusted his sense of direction and his wisdom in finding and choosing Rebekah.  But, instead, the servant focused on and trusted in God and God’s guidance. 

“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:8-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 18, 2022

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:10-14.

“Then the servant took ten camels from the camels of his master, and set out with a variety of good things of his master’s in his hand;  and he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.  He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water.  He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.  Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water;  now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac;  and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.”  Genesis 24:10-14.

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Through God’s grace to us, including His gift of faith to us, we have faith that God will show us lovingkindness.

First, we believe in the quality of God that He delights in lovingkindness and exercises it on earth. 

“… I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:24.

“He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:5.

“But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.” Psalm 86:15.

Second, we believe that God shows lovingkindness to His elect.

“The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jeremiah 31:3.

Consider that “election is the fountain of every saving good”.

Article 9. This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality of disposition in man, as the pre-requisite, cause or condition on which it depended; but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc., therefore election is the fountain of every saving good;  from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as its fruits and effects, according to that of the apostle:  “He hath chosen us (not because we were) but that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love,” Ephesians 1:4.  Canons of Dordt, FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:28-32. 

Third, we believe that the faith that God gives to His elect contains the element of expectation of lovingkindness.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6. 

Fourth, whatever we face, we believe that God will show us lovingkindness.

“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6.

“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,
And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,”
Says the LORD who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10.

“I will sing of the lovingkindness of the LORD forever;
To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth.
2 For I have said, “Lovingkindness will be built up forever;
In the heavens You will establish Your faithfulness.” Psalm 89:1-2.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 17, 2022

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers” – “I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 24:1-9.

“Now Abraham was old, advanced in age;  and the LORD had blessed Abraham in every way.  Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he owned, “Please place your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live, but you will go to my country and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”  The servant said to him, “Suppose the woman is not willing to follow me to this land;  should I take your son back to the land from where you came?”  Then Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there!  The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my birth, and who spoke to me and who swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give this land,’ He will send His angel before you, and you will take a wife for my son from there.  But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this my oath;  only do not take my son back there.”  So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.”  Genesis 24:1-9.

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Abraham commanded his servant:  “… you shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live, but you will go to my country and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”  Verses 3-4.

We are reminded that Scripture commands us to not marry unbelievers.  

“14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers;  for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?  15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?  16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols?  For we are the temple of the living God;  just as God said,

“I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
17 “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord.
“AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will welcome you.
18 “And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

But, there is hope!

“All your sons will be taught of the LORD;
And the well-being of your sons will be great.” Isaiah 54:13.

“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD:  “My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from now and forever.”  Isaiah 59:21.

“2 Thus says the LORD who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you,
‘Do not fear, O Jacob My servant;
And you Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
3 ‘For I will pour out water on the thirsty land
And streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring
And My blessing on your descendants;
4 And they will spring up among the grass
Like poplars by streams of water.’
5 “This one will say, ‘I am the LORD’S’;
And that one will call on the name of Jacob;
And another will write on his hand, ‘Belonging to the LORD,’
And will name Israel’s name with honor.” Isaiah 44:2-5.

These promises are for God’s elect, in the language of the following Scripture “as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”  Acts 2:39.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 16, 2022

“For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.” – “The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis chapter 23.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+23&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years;  these were the years of the life of Sarah.  Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan;  and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.  Then Abraham rose from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, “I am a stranger and a sojourner among you;  give me a burial site among you that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”  The sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, “Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us;  bury your dead in the choicest of our graves;  none of us will refuse you his grave for burying your dead.”  So Abraham rose and bowed to the people of the land, the sons of Heth.  And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he owns, which is at the end of his field;  for the full price let him give it to me in your presence for a burial site.”  Genesis 23:1-9.  

—————–

I thought it was odd that such a big point was made by Abraham to bury his wife, Sarah, at a burial site “out of my sight”.  Twice, he mentions it in verses 4 and 8, so we will meditate on it.    

In any event, we should consider the shortness of our lives so that we may fear God and present to God a heart of wisdom.

“10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow;
For soon it is gone and we fly away.
11 Who understands the power of Your anger
And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:10-12.

But, so to speak, God does graciously allow our dead to be out of our sight, so that we do not continually dwell in our grief.  God comforts us and allows us to recover over time and to live out our days in gladness.

“Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting:  to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him;  for this is his reward.  Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor;  this is the gift of God.  For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.”  Ecclesiastes 5:18-20.

“Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart;  for God has already approved your works.  Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head.  Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun;  for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.”  Ecclesiastes 5:18-20.

But, there is even much more hope!

Today’s Scripture points us to what Christ has done in abolishing death out of our sight.  

“but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,”  2 Timothy 1:10. 

“For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”  1 Corinthians 15:25-26. 

“But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY.  O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?  O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;  but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:54-57. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 15, 2022

“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” – “that is, Christ.” – “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ … which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 22:15-24.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore;  and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies.  In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”  So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba;  and Abraham lived at Beersheba.”  Genesis 22:15-19.   

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“Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.  He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ.”  Galatian 3:16.  

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”  Galatians 3:13-14.

“What I am saying is this:  the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.  For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise;  but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.”  Galatians 3:17-19.

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:24-26.

“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.”  Galatians 3:29.

“So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.  But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba!  Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son;  and if a son, then an heir through God.”  Galatians 4:3-7.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6. 

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST INTHE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

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