Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 5, 2022

“Now behold, today I (Joshua) am going the way of all the earth, … not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 35:16-21.

“Then they journeyed from Bethel;  and when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and she suffered severe labor.  When she was in severe labor the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for now you have another son.”  It came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni;  but his father called him Benjamin.  So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).  Jacob set up a pillar over her grave;  that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day.  Then Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.”  Genesis 35:16-21.

——————

As sad as the death of Rachel is to us who read about it, we should not dwell on it too long;  we trust God.  We start by accepting the brevity of life.

“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.” Psalm 90:10.

“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,”  Hebrews 9:27.

Even Rachel’s husband, Jacob a/k/a Israel, did not dwell on her death too long.  He buried her and set up a pillar over her grave, but he then “journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.”

But, we also recognize what God has given us.

Regarding the significance of Benjamin’s birth, we read the following Scripture.  “Then God remembered Rachel, and God gave heed to her and opened her womb.  So she conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.”  She named him Joseph, saying, “May the LORD give me another son.”  Genesis 30:22-24.  Rachel’s only request was that the LORD give her another son which God in fact did for her and for others.  We later see how much Israel loved Benjamin!

But, there is even more hope!

The biggest hope is in the verse following the verse (“it is appointed for men to die once”), Hebrews 9:27, quoted above.  “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”  Hebrews 9:28.

Thus, our joy and peace are not reserved by thinking, or leading others to think, that we will never die.  But rather, we live out our days joyfully and peacefully trusting God, and teaching others to trust God, that God fulfills all of His promises to us, including but not limited to:  salvation and eternal life.  

“So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12.

“Now behold, today I (Joshua) am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed.” Joshua 23:14.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5.

“11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12.

“This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.” 1 John 2:25.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 4, 2022

“I am God Almighty”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 35:9-15.

“Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. God said to him,

“Your name is Jacob;
You shall no longer be called Jacob,
But Israel shall be your name.”

Thus He called him Israel. God also said to him,

“I am God Almighty;
Be fruitful and multiply;
A nation and a company of nations shall come from you,
And kings shall come forth from you.
“The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac,
I will give it to you,
And I will give the land to your descendants after you.”

Then God went up from him in the place where He had spoken with him. Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He had spoken with him, a pillar of stone, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel.” Genesis 35:9-15.

——————

Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 26. What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?

A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence) is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father; on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but He will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body; and further, that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage; for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.

“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11.

“But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.” Psalm 115:3.

“‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,” Jeremiah 32:17.

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 3, 2022

“Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 25:5-8.

“As they journeyed, there was a great terror upon the cities which were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.  So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him.  He built an altar there, and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him when he fled from his brother.  Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak;  it was named Allon-bacuth.”  Genesis 25:5-8.

———————

God protected Jacob and his family and those who were with him when they fled from his brother Esau.  And, as we read in today’s Scripture, God protected them when they fled from the land of Shechem to go to Bethel.  “As they journeyed, there was a great terror upon the cities which were around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.”  Verse 5.

Today’s Scripture motivates us to meditate upon God’s protection.  Here are some verses.

“16 “Terror and dread fall upon them;
By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone;
Until Your people pass over, O LORD,
Until the people pass over whom You have purchased.
17 “You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance,
The place, O LORD, which You have made for Your dwelling,
The sanctuary, O LORD, which Your hands have established.
18 “The LORD shall reign forever and ever.” Exodus 15:16-18.

“For the LORD loves justice
And does not forsake His godly ones;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.” Psalm 37:28.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?
2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,
My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident.” Psalm 27:1-3.

“The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.” Psalm 121:7.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:1-4.

“10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
11 “Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored;
Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.
12 “You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them,
Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent.
13 “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand,
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’
14 “Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel;
I will help you,” declares the LORD, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:10-14.

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”  2 Thessalonians 3:3. 

In conclusion, at the end of today’s Scripture, it is interesting that Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, was mentioned. The purpose may be to lead us to consider and give us comfort that if God protected Deborah who was “only” the nurse to Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, so that Deborah lived to such an old age, then God may (and will) protect us, His humble servants too.

“3 “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,
And all the remnant of the house of Israel,
You who have been borne by Me from birth
And have been carried from the womb;
4 Even to your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will bear you!
I have done it, and I will carry you;
And I will bear you and I will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:3-4.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 1, 2022

“Put away the foreign gods …, and purify yourselves …; and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God”

Today’s devotion comes rom Genesis 35:1-4.

“Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”  So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments;  and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.”  So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.”  Genesis 35:1-4.  

————

In today’s Scripture, Jacob had to move.  We remember the prior Scripture.  “Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites;  and my men being few in number, they will gather together against me and attack me and I will be destroyed, I and my household.” Genesis 34:30.

But, it was more than just a move.  “So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments;  and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, …”.

Applying this Scripture to us, sometimes, we need a second chance, a fresh start.  So to speak, we need to put away our foreign gods, purify ourselves, move or turn, and replace a bad activity with a good activity.  In a word, we need to repent.

But, there is hope!

God grants repentance.  God gives us the will to do so.  God works within us for His good pleasure.

“He ((Jesus) is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”  Acts 5:31.

“When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”  Acts 11:8.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

Repentance involves more than being sorry for sins and asking for forgiveness.  Repentance involves changing direction from wickedness to righteousness and replacing a bad activity with a good activity:  “… that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”  Acts 26:20.

Jacob said:  “I will make an altar there to God”.  

What will be our altar?  What will be our good activity to replace the bad activity?  What will be our “deeds appropriate to repentance”?

It is easier to stop a bad activity than to both think of what good activity to do and to consistently do it.

But, there is more hope!

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:13.  

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 31, 2022

“But they said, “Should he treat our sister as a harlot?”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis chapter 34.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+34&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land.  2 When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.  3 He was deeply attracted to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the girl and spoke tenderly to her.  4 So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this young girl for a wife.”  5 Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter;  but his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob kept silent until they came in.  6 Then Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him.  7 Now the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it;  and the men were grieved, and they were very angry because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing ought not to be done.

8 But Hamor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter;  please give her to him in marriage.  9 Intermarry with us;  give your daughters to us and take our daughters for yourselves.  10 Thus you shall live with us, and the land shall be open before you;  live and trade in it and acquire property in it.”  11 Shechem also said to her father and to her brothers, “If I find favor in your sight, then I will give whatever you say to me.  12 Ask me ever so much bridal payment and gift, and I will give according as you say to me;  but give me the girl in marriage.”

13 But Jacob’s sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor with deceit, because he had defiled Dinah their sister.  14 They said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us.  15 Only on this condition will we consent to you:  if you will become like us, in that every male of you be circumcised, 16 then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live with you and become one people.  17 But if you will not listen to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

18 Now their words seemed reasonable to Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son.  …  24 All who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor and to his son Shechem, and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.

25 Now it came about on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came upon the city unawares, and killed every male.  26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went forth.  27 Jacob’s sons came upon the slain and looted the city, because they had defiled their sister.  …  30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites;  and my men being few in number, they will gather together against me and attack me and I will be destroyed, I and my household.”  31 But they said, “Should he treat our sister as a harlot?”  Genesis 34:1-18 and 24-27 and 30-31.

————-

Certainly, “they were very angry because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter”.  Certainly, “such a thing ought not to be done.”  

But, did Shechem’s action give the right to Jacob’s sons to kill every male and loot the city?

Punishment proportionate to the severity of the crime is one of the foundations of justice.  “‘If a man takes the life of any human being, he shall surely be put to death.  The one who takes the life of an animal shall make it good, life for life.  If a man injures his neighbor, just as he has done, so it shall be done to him:  fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth;  just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him.  Thus the one who kills an animal shall make it good, but the one who kills a man shall be put to death.  There shall be one standard for you;  it shall be for the stranger as well as the native, for I am the LORD your God.’”  Leviticus 24:17-22.

But, this common saying “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” has been misused to claim that one has the right to take things into his own hands and punish by his own hands.  As you can discern even from this Scripture alone, that is not the intent of Scripture.  Moreover, we later read:  “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  …  for it is a minister of God to you for good.  But if you do what is evil, be afraid;  for it does not bear the sword for nothing;  for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”  Romans 13:1 and 4.  Thus, punishment by those established by law to enforce the laws (a/k/a law enforcement) is another of the foundations of justice.  

How far we have drifted away from respect to even the basic foundations of justice!

Consider how important God views justice and how we should eagerly seek to learn what Scripture teaches about justice!

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You.” Psalm 89:14.

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

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

“Hate evil, love good,
And establish justice in the gate!
Perhaps the LORD God of hosts
May be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” Amos 5:15.

But, there is hope!

“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold;
My chosen one in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 “He will not cry out or raise His voice,
Nor make His voice heard in the street.
3 “A bruised reed He will not break
And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish;
He will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 “He will not be disheartened or crushed
Until He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.” Isaiah 42:1-4.

“There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:7.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 30, 2022

“O God, You are my God” – “he had pitched his tent … Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 33:12-20.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+33&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city.  He bought the piece of land where he had pitched his tent from the hand of the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money.  Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.”  Genesis 33:18-20.

——————–

Jacob, pitching his tent and erecting there an altar to worship God, his God, reminds us of the following Scripture.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance;  and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;  for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:8-10. 

How can we like Jacob live by faith?

Like Jacob, we can be patient and content with what we have, pitching our tent, so to speak, and meditate on God’s promise, being a fellow heir with Jacob of the same promise, namely that we will receive an inheritance, heaven, “the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” 

Like Jacob, who viewed God as his God, the God of Israel, through the name that he gave his altar, we can view the Almighty God as our God, “my God”, like in the following Scripture.

“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1.

Like Jacob, we can believe that God is with us wherever we go.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

Like Jacob, we can view where we are at, even if it is in a wilderness, as the sanctuary of God, and so to speak, build an altar there and meditate on God day and night.

“2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches,
7 For You have been my help,
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:2-8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 29, 2022

“God has dealt graciously with me”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 33:1-11.

“Then Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him.  So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids.  He put the maids and their children in front, and Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last.  But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.  He lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, “Who are these with you?”  So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”  Then the maids came near with their children, and they bowed down.  Leah likewise came near with her children, and they bowed down;  and afterward Joseph came near with Rachel, and they bowed down.  And he said, “What do you mean by all this company which I have met?”  And he said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.”  But Esau said, “I have plenty, my brother;  let what you have be your own.”  Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably.  Please take my gift which has been brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have plenty.”  Thus he urged him and he took it.”  Genesis 33:1-11.  

———————

God dealt graciously with Jacob in different ways.  We will look at three ways presented by today’s Scripture.

First, although Jacob was “greatly afraid and distressed” of Esau (see Genesis 32:6-7), we read:  “Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.”  Verse 4. 

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7.

Second, Jacob introduced his children to Esau by saying: “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Verse 5.

“3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 137:3-5.

Third, Jacob convinced a reluctant Esau to take his gift by stating: “Please take my gift which has been brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have plenty.” Verse 11.

“It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:22.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 28, 2022

“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.” – “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 32:24-32.

“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh;  so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him.  Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.”  But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”  So he said to him, “What is your name?”  And he said, “Jacob.”  He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel;  for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.”  Then Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.”  But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?”  And he blessed him there.  So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.”  Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh.  Therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.”  Genesis 32:24-32.

———————-

There is a sense in which we strive with God and with men to enter into the kingdom of heaven.  

“And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?”  And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door;  for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.  Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’  Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’;  and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from;  depart from Me, all you evildoers.’  In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out.  And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God.  And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.”  Luke 13:23-30.

Regarding striving with men, Scripture teaches us that the righteous strive with the wicked, including many false prophets. 

“Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But those who keep the law strive with them.” Proverbs 28:4.

“Enter through the narrow gate;  for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.  For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.  “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”  Matthew 7:13-15.

Regarding striving with God, Scripture teaches us that we strive to love God with all of our strength as one who wrestles uses all of his strength.  “AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’”  Mark 12:30.

Regarding striving with God, using another analogy, Scripture teaches us that we need to use all of our resources.  “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again;  and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”  Matthew 13:44-46.

More generally, we read:  “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”  Luke 21:36.  “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.  They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim;  I box in such a way, as not beating the air;  but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

But, there is hope!

Salvation is given through the narrow door (a/k/a narrow gate) of election by God’s grace alone, not by our own strength.

We see this even in today’s Scripture.

“Then Jacob was left alone.  …”  Verse 24.  In other words, God chose Jacob, and God approached him through a man who wrestled with Jacob.    

Jacob did not bless the man with whom Jacob was wrestling, but the man with whom Jacob was wrestling blessed Jacob.  

Jacob knew that it was by God’s grace that he was preserved.  “So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.”  Verse 30.

In conclusion, salvation is by God’s doing, not man’s doing, not by our wisdom nor by our strength.  “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 (God’s 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 | March 27, 2022

“I will appease him with the present that goes before me. Then afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 32:13-23.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+32&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“So he (Jacob) spent the night there. Then he selected from what he had with him a present for his brother Esau:  two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milking camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.  He delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on before me, and put a space between droves.”  He commanded the one in front, saying, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going, and to whom do these animals in front of you belong?’ then you shall say, ‘These belong to your servant Jacob;  it is a present sent to my lord Esau.  And behold, he also is behind us.’”  Then he commanded also the second and the third, and all those who followed the droves, saying, “After this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him;  and you shall say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us.’”  For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me.  Then afterward I will see his face;  perhaps he will accept me.”  Genesis 32:13-20.

—————–

We remember from prior Scriptures that Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed of his brother Esau who was coming to meet him with four hundred men, because Jacob had deceived their father Isaac in order to steal a blessing that was intended to go to Esau.  “So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him;  and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near;  then I will kill my brother Jacob.”  Genesis 27:41.

In today’s Scripture, we see the lavish gift and detailed plan that Jacob made in order to appease Esau.

Today’s Scripture of appeasement leads us to meditate on our own sin against The Sovereign, Almighty, Thrice Holy God Who is full of wrath against sinners, and we meditate on the lavish gifts and the detailed plan that the Law provided in sacrifices and offerings to try to appease God.     

But, the hope is not provided by what man provided under the Law.  The hope is provided by what God provided through His grace.  

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins?  But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”  Hebrews 10:1-4.

“Therefore, when He (Christ) comes into the world, He says,

“SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED,
BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME;
IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE.
“THEN I SAID, ‘BEHOLD, I HAVE COME
(IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME)
TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.’” Hebrews 10:5-7.

“then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,”

He then says,

“AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.” Hebrews 10:9-18.


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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 25, 2022

“The words of the LORD are pure words; … You, O LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him”

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 32:6-12.

“The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”  Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed;  and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and the herds and the camels, into two companies;  for he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company which is left will escape.”

Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your relatives, and I will prosper you,’ I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant;  for with my staff only I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau;  for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children.  For You said, ‘I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’”  Genesis 32:6-12.

—————-

What should we do when we are greatly afraid and distressed?

What did Jacob do?

Jacob prayed and remembered God’s Word, including His promises to him.  “For You said, ‘I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’”  Verse 12.

For us, we can look in the Book of Psalms to help us pray and which is rich in stories of God’s deliverance and comfort.  Here are some examples.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from those who do iniquity
And save me from men of bloodshed.” Psalm 59:1-2.

“5 “Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy,
Now I will arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in the safety for which he longs.”

6 The words of the LORD are pure words;
As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
7 You, O LORD, will keep them;
You will preserve him from this generation forever.” Psalm 12:5-7.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.” Psalm 91:1-9.

“14 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 “With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.”” Psalm 91:14-16.

“8 But You, O LORD, are on high forever.
9 For, behold, Your enemies, O LORD,
For, behold, Your enemies will perish;
All who do iniquity will be scattered.” Psalm 92:8-9.

“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4.

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