Daily Bible Devotionals

“About three months later Judah was told, ‘Your daughter-in-law, Tamar, has been acting like a prostitute, and now she is pregnant.’  ‘Bring her out!’ Judah said. ‘Let her be burned to death!’  As she was brought out, she sent her father-in-law this message: ‘I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.’  And she added, ‘Examine them. Whose signet ring, cord, and staff are these?’  Judah recognized them and said, ‘She is more in the right than I, since I did not give her my own son Shelah.’  And he did not know her intimately again.”  Genesis 38:24-26 (HCSB)

Three Biblical “women accused of adultery” stories come to my mind. First, Tamar is forced to lure Judah into fulfilling his duties as kinsman-redeemer…by making him believe he is committing adultery. Her actions ensured the birthline of the Messiah. Tamar is recognized by name in the genealogy of Jesus. (Matt 1:3)  **Notice the other women in Jesus’ genealogy were either prostitutes, adulteresses, or accused of both…and all were Gentiles. (Tamar, Ruth, Uriah’s wife [Bathseba], Rahab).

The Jewish community should have considered those women unworthy, yet their characters earned them reputations of high regard…all except for Mary. Mary was the only woman in Jesus’ genealogy who was legitimately innocent: a nice, normal Hebrew girl. Yet, to this day, most Jewish community considers Mary a fornicator.

“The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’”  Matthew 1:18-21 (HCSB)

Then, there is this story.

“Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with His finger. When they persisted in questioning Him, He stood up and said to them, ‘The one without sin among you should be the first to cast a stone at her.’  Then He stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they left, one by one, starting with the older men. Only He was left with the woman in the center. When Jesus stood up, He said to her, ‘Woman where are they, has no one condemned you?’  ‘No one, Lord.’ she answered. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus. ‘Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.’” John 8:6b-11 (HCSB)

The first story involved a woman who faked adultery and thus ensured the line of Messiah. The second was unjustly accused of adultery because she bore Messiah. But the third should be closest to our hearts, for we have all committed spiritual adultery. Her story teaches us that Jesus is willing to FORGIVE adulterers with conditions.

“Then they took him (Joseph) and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat a meal. They looked up and there was a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic gum, balm, and resin going down to Egypt.” Genesis 37:24-25 (HCSB)

The notion that Joseph did not work and was simply a young snitch in a pretty coat is off base. Joseph was wearing a coat given to those in authority. Joseph, though younger, was supervising his brothers.

At 17 years old, Joseph had already shown the giftedness of being a good steward. His stewardship giftedness, combined with his gift of prophecy and interpretation, eventually saved his life. It also saved the nation of Egypt and the seed of Israel. But at the time, those gifts stirred up envy among his brothers that grew to hatred and eventual violence.

Envy is pride, wounded in competition.  

Question:  Is there a brother or sister in your life against whom you are competing? Seize this moment to acknowledge your submission to the Lord’s plans for the person you are competing against. It may be that God will grant that person success you will never obtain. It is important that you understand God has not rejected you but simply has another path for you.

Perhaps you are successful and feel the pressure of someone else’s envy. I warn you that relational conflict will come, even when you completely follow the Lord…or even because you are following the Lord. Even among God’s children, envy arises. Dare I say hardship is part of God’s plan? It was for Joseph and his brothers.  

The point: Remain faithful, even during unjust opposition. The true “shalom” of Jesus is not the absence of conflict for believers. Rather, it is the presence of peace in the midst of conflict that passes understanding.

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this World. Be courageous! I have conquered the World.”  John 16:33 (HCSB)

God’s provision is somewhat hidden in the text concerning the Ishmaelites. These traders were coming from Gilead. The very Ishmaelite merchants Joseph was sold to, no doubt, carried that famous Gilead balm that would aid in Joseph’s healing from the wounds inflicted by his brothers.

Even when circumstances overwhelm us, Adonai Yir’eh, God provides.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Genesis 36. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“They had set out for Bethel. When they were still some distance for Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and her labor was difficult. The midwife said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid, for this is another son for you.’ With her last breath – for she was dying – she named him Ben-oni (son of my sorrow), but his father called him Benjamin (Son of the Right Hand).” Genesis 35:16-18 (HCSB)

What’s in a name? Obviously, Shakespeare didn’t know what God knows! Names mean something. At least in the Bible, they do. Studying the Bible from a Hebraic perspective, we learn that everyone’s name has a meaning aligned with their character.

For instance, “Jacob” meant “Heel catcher.”  And that’s what he was: a deceiver, a tripper. But once he wrestled with the Lord, his name was changed to Israel: Contends with God. This is because he “wrestled with God and man and has overcome.”  Divine intervention changed Jacob’s character; hence, a name change was in order.

Perhaps it was the wrestling experience that compelled Jacob to quickly change Ben-oni’s name to Benjamin. I believe there may be another idea to consider. When a father decides to be present and affirming in a son’s life, the boy’s confidence and self-worth are established. Imagine Tiger Woods without the presence of his father telling him, “You could be the greatest ever!”  I believe Jacob’s interaction with Benjamin changed more than his name. Benjamin truly grew beyond “son of my sorrow” and into “son of the right hand.”  Later in Scripture, we learn the tribe of Benjamin became the fiercest in all of Israel. The power of an affirming father is simply amazing.

Of course, the theme of “name change” is found throughout Scripture: Simon-to-Peter, Saul-to-Paul.  Hosea’s children’s names were changed from “Not Pitied” to “She-was-pitied” and “Not My people” to “My people.” Abram became Abraham, and Sarai became Sarah…, and the list goes on.

But what of us? Just as Joshua gave Israel the choice of being called by God’s Name (choose you this day Whom you will serve), we believers in Messiah are given the choice of a new name through Jesus. By God’s Grace, we are enabled to transcend the curse of being born children of men to be adopted by God.

“When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:4-7 (HCSB)

Our names have been changed because of God’s intervention in our lives. We are adopted by the Lord by accepting the atonement provided by Jesus’ shed blood. We no longer carry our old names: Sinful. We now bear the Lord’s name: Perfect. Made so by Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. Now that’s paternal interaction & affirmation if I’ve ever seen it!

“All the able-bodied men listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and all the able-bodied men were circumcised. On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords, went to the unsuspecting city, and killed every male.” Genesis 34:24-25 (HCSB)

They say it takes a lifetime to build a reputation and a moment to ruin it. Among the otherwise peaceful history of the Patriarchs, this story of Dinah’s rape (and the subsequent slaughter) stands out as particularly damaging to Israel’s reputation. It, no doubt, birthed the perpetuated hatred and suspicion of the Jews among the Arab people that exists to this day. What was its resounding myth? “You can’t trust a Jew.”

In our litigious culture, people seek to assign blame whenever something repulsive happens. You gotta know who to sue! It seems there are several people at fault in this situation.

First, there’s Jacob, who allowed his daughter to roam the countryside un-chaperoned.

Next, Shechem commits the ultimate wrong by raping the young woman. That said, it is unclear whether this was a sin in his culture.

Back to Jacob: Jacob’s response to the initial news was way too passive, a recurring theme in his character.

Then, we see Dinah’s brothers enter the picture. Simeon and Levi’s devious zeal for the family’s reputation supplanted their respect for their father and the honor of the Lord’s name.

Again, Shechem seizes the opportunity to save his neck by undergoing the knife of circumcision. In addition, he convinces all his people to be circumcised, not based on an acknowledgment of Jacob’s God, but on the prospects of obtaining the Jews’ possessions by default.

Back to Simeon and Levi…seriously, it was a cunning slaughter.

Yes, it’s a case that celebrity attorney Johnny Cochran would have loved. But what’s the MORAL? The moral is: We are all human, and nobody is without sin. “All have sinned and come short of God’s glory.” (Romans 3:23) That is precisely why the world needs salvation.

Finally, the actions of Jacob’s sons draw an interesting parallel to the “Judaizers” in the early Church. I am speaking of those who replaced God’s grace and mercy with keeping the Torah’s requirements.   By forcing the “knife” of the traditions of the elders, those “Judaizers” slaughtered the chances for many Gentile converts to flourish, unfettered, in their newfound personal relationships with Messiah Jesus.

“So Esau said, ‘What do you mean by this whole procession I met?’ ‘To find favor with you, my lord,’ Jacob answered. ‘I have enough, my brother,’ Esau replied. ‘Keep what you have.’ But Jacob said, ‘No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face and it is like seeing God’s face since you have accepted me.’”  Genesis 33:8-10 (HCSB)

It is a beautiful thing when brothers reconcile. Jacob rejoiced that the Lord had brought Esau and him back together, once estranged, and now “one.”  Seeing Esau was like seeing God because only God could have accomplished such a reunion. Consider Jesus’ prayer.  

“May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe you sent Me. I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.”  John 17:21-23 (HCSB)

“Hear o Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is “One.” (Heb., “Echad”) Deuteronomy 6:4 (NKJV)

The subject of Messiah’s prayer was “Echad,” unity among His Father, Himself, His Ruach (Spirit), His disciples, and all believers who would follow after. It was extremely important to Jesus to communicate that, as He is Echad with the other persons of the Trinity, His children are also to be “echad” with Him and each other.

It is speculated by certain rabbis that Esau came out in force to destroy his brother, but the Lord changed Esau’s heart. If that is so, it was not because of Esau’s goodness or Jacob’s ingratiating march home. Esau’s reaction was in accordance with God’s promise and directive to Jacob while he was still working for Laban, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:3 (HCSB)

Also, it is significant to note in this chapter the difference between the brothers’ definition of “blessing.” Esau’s notion of “blessing” was purely material. His anger over Jacob stealing Abraham’s blessing had more to do with his anxiety over the prospects of enduring a future void of wealth & lifestyle. Once he was rich, Esau could care less about the birthright or the land of Canaan.  

Sadly, many within the Church solely equate God’s blessing with acquiring Worldly objects & amenities. This perspective often keeps them from leaving “stuff” to follow God’s call. They simply cannot imagine “blessing” without earthly possessions. Jacob’s biggest lesson is more closely linked to the “birthright” he purchased from Esau for that bowl of stew. The “birthright” was the right to lead the family spiritually. When Jacob experienced God’s miraculous promise fulfilled, he finally learned the differences between “blessing” and “wealth” and between “joy” and “happiness.”

“Then Jacob said, ‘God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, “Go back to your land and to your family, and I will cause you to prosper,” I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps.”  Genesis 32:9-10 (HCSB)

There are many instances throughout the Tanakh (Old Testament) involving “staff” imagery. Perhaps the three significant instances are Moses, Jacob, and Judah.

In the days of the patriarchs, the staff was essential. It was both a sign of prominence and a defense in the wilderness. A man could lean on it when traveling on a long journey. In Biblical imagery, the staff represented man’s “support system” and how he got through life.

Take the story of Moses. God told him to throw his staff on the ground. Once it hit the ground, Moses’ staff became a snake. The snake represented that Moses’ way of getting through life was sin. God then asked Moses to pick up the snake, which exposed Moses’ fear of trusting the Lord. When Moses took hold of the snake, it became a staff again…but now it was God’s staff.

There is power in that kind of staff! Anyone who’s seen the “10 Commandments” movie knows God’s staff beats the best man-made staff any day!

When Jacob crossed the Jordan “with his own staff,” he became “two camps” spiritually and literally. He was double-minded. He wanted to follow the Lord but in his own way. Of course, that’s not following the Lord! And God was about to teach him that very lesson.  

Elijah gave us a good definition of being double-minded.  

“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, ‘How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal [Lucifer], then follow him.’” 1 Kings 18:2 (KJV)

We must realize the battle is not over following the Lord’s way or ours. It is overheeding God’s voice or Satan’s.

Later that evening, Jacob wrestled with God. When the Bible says Jacob “overcame,” it doesn’t mean he defeated the Lord. That is impossible. The Lord was trying to shake Jacob loose, to see if Jacob would let go…forcing Jacob to choose Him through adversity. And Jacob WOULD NOT LET GO! Nor should we. Jacob decided to become single-minded and fully follow the Lord. Have you?

“Now Jacob heard what Laban’s sons were saying: ‘Jacob has taken all that was our father’s and has built his wealth from what belonged to our father.’ And Jacob saw from Laban’s face that his attitude toward him was not the same. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family and I will be with you.’” Genesis 31:1-3 (HCSB)

Six chapters in Genesis (this one and the 5 preceding it) tell the story of Jacob’s moral downfall. In his oft-misquoted poem, Marmion (generally attributed to Shakespeare), Sir Walter Scott once wrote, “What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” By chapter 31, Jacob has reached the pinnacle of his decline, wrapped up in the web of his own deceit, as it were. This is where we learn that cheaters never win and winners never cheat.

After the American Civil War, when slaves were supposed to be freed, many plantation owners found new ways to cheat their former slaves of their human rights. This “legal” form of slavery was called the Company Store. Here’s how it worked. The plantation owner would set up a store on his property to supply all the dry goods his servants would need. He would not pay his “employees” with US currency and devised a new monetary element called the “chit.” This was the only form of money accepted at the Company Store.

Since his field hands were uneducated, they had no idea they were being scammed. When the “chits” ran out, they would buy from the store on credit accounts. The account was tallied at the end of the month, and the crooked plantation owners would always find ways to keep the servants in debt. You couldn’t leave till you paid your debt…slavery.

According to ancient custom, Laban had a similar scam running on Jacob. Despite Jacob’s completed years of service, his wives and children were in the legal power of Laban, who could refuse to hand them over to Jacob. We see this in Laban’s statement in verse 43, “The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine….”

So, what does this mean to us? Satan wants to own you. Every negotiation with Satan compromises God’s standard and leads you into further bondage and indebtedness.

God will allow us to feel the sting of our sin, to feel its consequence to rebuke and teach us. But when He knows our lessons have been learned, He extends mercy and grace, leading to our repentance. (Romans 2:4)

“Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, ‘Am I in God’s place, who has withheld children from you?’ Then she said, ‘Here is my slave Bilhah. Go sleep with her, and she’ll bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.’”  Genesis 30:2-3 (HCSB)

There was an apparent difference between the customs of the ancient Middle East and God’s design for a healthy family. It has been said that apples don’t fall far from the tree, and Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel were (literally) all from the same family tree.  

Had Jacob not sinned, Isaac would probably have sent a slave to retrieve a wife for him…as Abraham had done for Isaac. I believe the Lord would have led the slave directly to Rachel, and he would have brought her back to Jacob. Then, Rachel would have learned from Rebekah about waiting on the Lord. But that’s the whole problem with sin: It separates you from the Lord Himself and then radiates to your immediate family, your church, your friends….and the list goes on. Sin separates us from a healthy community so the enemy can pick us off individually.

Take a moment to reflect on your life. When was the last time you took an inventory of the sin in your life? How has sin affected you? Doesn’t it always push you away from the Lord and other believers? Take it from someone who has been there:  Leave that sin and come back home!

It may take a while to repair those bridges burned. That’s okay because you’re going home, either your literal home or back to your family of believers, those who love you and will give you wise counsel.

We don’t have to follow those patterns of sin that we learned from the cultures we were called out from. We must simply turn from those Worldly ways and philosophies, trust in the Lord’s guidance, and begin following His leading. As He proves Himself faithful, you will grow in faith. Pretty soon, you will realize He is changing your whole value system. You desire to sin less & less, and you seek to please Him more & more.

Remember: It took one day to lead Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to drive Egypt out of Israel. Have faith and keep following the Lord. He will lead you to the places He has prepared for YOU, both in this life and the Kingdom to come.