ResponsiveReiding

Through the Word in 2020 / Jan 20

January 20th, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 8:14-22; Acts 11:19-30; Psalm 19, Genesis 42-43.

Psalm 19 holds its own place as one of the loftiest and most profound. Verses 1-6 give what is called by some “the book of nature”.

As Paul would write in Romans 1, in the book of nature or creation “his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” With the result that no has an excuse for not acknowledging Him rightly.

Verses 7-11 open up the wonder and glory of God’s 2nd book – the book of special revelation – the Word. It is in this book we learn about man’s purpose and fall, and God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. We could know those things no other way. He has not left us without clear witness.

Verses 12-14 contain David’s prayerful response to pondering these realities. All of the light from these 2 books has revealed to him an astronomically inscrutable God, and the horror of his own sin. So he pleads to have his sin revealed, cleansed, guarded against, and then vs. 14. The indication of why God calls David a man after His own heart. For his prayer there is not a simple – “help me live my life right.” It is “work in me so that I AM right, in concert with your own holiness.” I want the words of my mouth to be ordered so as to give glory to this great and glorious God, but more – I want those word to come out of a heart which truly desires that.

Heavenly Father, what would we be like as your family, if this were the case? Oh may it be true. Answer this prayer Father. Let every word that crosses my lips be worthy of the Name I bear. Let me never speak but that it would be what Christ Himself would say in the very same place. And my Heart – how I plead with you today to grant that the things I ponder, consider, mull over and allow my mind to entertain would be just as acceptable to you as if they were your own thoughts. What do you give your great, holy and infinite mind over to thinking about? This is what I would have for myself. To have a mind that in purity and justice and sweetness and mercy and grace and holiness is occupied at all times with those things so that I should never blush to have them declared before you, and the whole world.
Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 19

January 19th, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 8:1-13; Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 18:25-50, Genesis 41.

This, from Matthew 8:1-3

When Jesus says “I will”

No pow’r can intervene

Even hopeless lepers

Are instantly made clean

The blind, the deaf, the lame

In body, soul and mind

In Christ the Son of God

The fullest cure do find

No remnants of The Fall

Abide outside His pow’r

Though poisoned by our sin

He’ll cure us in His hour

When Jesus says “I will”

The heart may hope and rest

That when we’ve sought Him out

He’ll grant us Heaven’s best

So seek in Him dear soul

The cure for sin’s disease

He loves to say “I will”

To humble sinner’s pleas

When Jesus says “I will”

Because His blood was shed

The Father joys to raise

Foul sinners from the dead

Don’t wait a moment more

With all your guilty stain

Cry out to Christ the Lord

He’ll say “I will”, again.

—

Reid Ferguson / Kuyperian Abnormalist.

Dulcius ex Asperis

www.ecfnet.org | Making disciples of all nations
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Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 18

January 18th, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 7:15-29; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 18:1-24, Genesis 39-40.

Choosing which passage to dwell on today is a challenge. Every portion is so very rich. But we must choose, and I would call your attention to some familiar observations out of Acts 10. I find Peter’s discourse at Cornelius’ house so wonderfully organized, complete, clear and accessible, I pray it might be a great reminder to us of both the simplicity of the Gospel, and how wonderfully great swaths of Biblical truth can be condensed into such a brief space. Not my git for sure. Be assuredly Peter’s.

Note then these 10 things out of our text:

1. vss. 34 & 35 / The Gospel is of equal applicability to all. There are no special groups from whom the Gospel is to be withheld. Peter assures them they have an interest in it. Some may think themselves too good to need the Gospel, too wicked to be beneficiaries of it, too religious to be drawn to the simplicity of trust Christ alone etc. But no matter who you are, where you are from or what your circumstances, if you are seeking God (and even if you are not!) the Gospel is for you.

2. vs. 35 / God receives all who set themselves to seek Him. In this, we are brought to be reminded that the Spirit of God is at work in the world. It is true that no one seeks God AS God on their own. Yet all sorts are aware that something is terribly wrong and are seeking for an answer on the level they understand it, and, the Spirit of God is creating in some a true hunger for God and salvation. It is not a product of their own making, but it is real nonetheless. If you know something of your own brokenness or lostness, it is because the Spirit has revealed it to you, and is seeking you out. DOn’t ignore His work in drawing you to Christ.

3. vs. 36 / Jesus is Lord of all (God) – and the Gospel of peace is about Him, and tied to His Lordship. If Christ is not God, there is no peace, there is no salvation. And if Jesus does not rule and reign over all, He is not God and not worthy to be believed and served. This is the first great revelation to our souls which we need so desperately: To who Jesus really is. Apart from that, there is no salvation. And that salvation rests in having peace with God through Jesus Christ.

4. vs. 37 / Jesus came within the context of repentance from sin, and faith toward God. There is no salvation apart from these two things. As John came preaching repentance from sin and faith toward God, so Jesus is the sacrifice for those sins and the One in whom we must trust to be saved from the condemnation our sins deserve. There is no salvation apart from dealing with sin. For sin is our great crime against the Loving God.

5. vs. 38 / Jesus came in the full manifestation of the Spirit of God, and in His ministry demonstrated God’s goodwill to all. Thus the Gospel offer is built upon a demonstration of His willingness to receive and heal. Don’t ignore His revelation of God’s willingness to receive you. He has given you all the evidence you need to assure your heart that He will.

6. vs. 39 / Jesus was crucified. (See: 1 Cor. 15:3-4) Apart from His crucifixion for our sins, our debt has not been paid nor our penalty taken. There is no Gospel apart from the Cross. Jesus’ dying in our place – taking the weight of our guilt and shame upon Himself. And praise God – He has done that very thing! This is the good news indeed!

7. vs. 41 / But He was also verifiably raised from the dead by God on the third day. (See: 1 Cor. 15:3-4) If Jesus was not, IS not raised from the dead, we are still dead in our trespasses and sins. Just as there is no Gospel without the Cross, so there is no Gospel apart from the resurrection. Jesus has risen. We must believe it in order to be saved.

8. vs. 42 / He commanded it be preached that He is the Judge of all mankind. Here is one more aspect of the Gospel so very often neglected in our day, but absolutely essential as Peter unfolds the basics of Gospel truth to these hearers. God will judge all sin one day. And it is Jesus Himself who will be that judge. Have you been reconciled to your Judge? If not, come now.

9. vs. 43 / He is in fact the great subject matter of the Scriptures – of all of God’s revelation to mankind. If you would know what the Bible is all about, you need look no further than to understand that it is given to explain the need for, and the fullness of – the person and work of Jesus Christ. He crystalizes it all.

10. vs. 43 / Forgiveness of sins is found in His name. Ah! The great and final piece: This is our crying, eternal need – forgiveness of sins. And how is that to be had? Through His name alone. He alone is god’s means. No church, no religion, no system – Jesus Christ and Him crucified, risen, and coming again as the Judge of all.

You’ve just had a crash course in Gospel theology.
Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 17

January 17th, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 7:1-14; Acts 10:1-23; Psalm 17, Genesis 37-38.

There is a very timely lesson about Bible reading that emerges out of the reading in Acts today. It pops up in Acts 10:17 (ESV) — 17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate.

Note first that even the great Apostle Peter, when confronted with this staggering vision – was perplexed about what it might mean. When we are handling the Word of God, we are being met by revelation that God has given to us, and sometimes, we don’t get what it means right off the bat. Don’t feel bad. Don’t be intimidated. It may take some thought, meditation, further study, prayer and consultation with other sources to get to the heart of a passage. You’re in good company. While the main message of the Bible is clear, and the chief facts accessible to most, there are parts and themes and connections that do not lie right on the surface and will require some significant digging to get to. Patient labor will yield rich rewards – but don’t think something is wrong if you have to work for it – we’re dealing with eternal and cosmic truths. In any other field of study, say engineering, mechanics, electronics, sales & marketing, history, mathematics, etc., each has its own unique vocabulary and structure. So does Bible study. Hand in there. You’ll get it.

Note secondly how un-modern Peter is. And by his example exposes one of the chief flaws in Bible study so prevalent today. Note what the text doesn’t say, and then what it does. It doesn’t say: “Peter was perplexed as to what the vision meant TO HIM.” He needed to know what it meant period, before he could begin to ask what it meant to him or how it would be applied in his life. So many today jump the gun in this regard and misread the Bible horribly.If Peter had taken the first approach, he might have concluded that the whole vision was about food, and that even as a Jew, he was now free to eat bacon double cheeseburgers! Whoopee! But the vision wasn’t about HIM, and wasn’t about the freedom to eat non-kosher foods. The vision was about the Gospel, and how it was to be carried to the Gentiles freely – even though most Jews would consider them unclean. Like the unclean animals Peter was to sacrifice in the vision. Peter himself will finally make that connection in vs. 28 “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.”

And that brings me to a 3rd observation. Peter still didn’t understand the vision until God providentially arranged certain events so as to make it clear. Sometimes, Scripture doesn’t take on its full force in our understanding until God opens our eyes to it in experience. Some passages, you do your best to sort out but don’t seem to be able to fully get. Don’t get frustrated. Don’t get discouraged. Give the Lord time and space to crack it open for you in His way. And when He does, it won’t just be that you understand it, it will be a watershed moment that fixes the lesson permanently in your heart and mind. When Peter recounts all of this later to leaders in Jerusalem, you can hear the vividness in his retelling of the facts. It would never leave him.

Do your reading. Do your homework. Pray. Don’t jump to conclusions. Find out what it should mean for the whole Church before you try to arrive at what it might mean for you. And trust the God of the Scriptures to bring the necessary light in His time and in His way. He delights to make Himself known in His Word. What did peter find out about His God in all of this? That God was far more merciful and gracious than he had ever imagined.
Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 16

January 16th, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 6:25-34; Acts 9:20-43; Psalm 16, Genesis 36.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” is one of the most recognizable and oft-quoted passages in the Gospels. And many have focused on the last phrase, while virtually ignoring the first part. But as is true with all texts, we need to take the whole to avoid making the part into something it is not. If we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness – what things will be added to us? His Kingdom and His righteousness. Don’t think those small or inconsequential – they are the fullness of the riches He delights to bestow on us.

Note: We do not seek righteousness generically, but rather HIS righteousness. remembering, that His kingdom is a kingdom of righteousness, one that bears none of the ravages of sin whatever. So in the first place, we seek His righteousness to justify us. Each must put their trust in the Gospel to begin with. The religion of the Bible is not one of trying to establish our own righteousness, but of always seeking to be sure we are trusting in HIS righteousness.

But in the second case – and here is an extraordinary insight into the Christian’s primary occupation – we seek His righteousness lived out in us. Victory over sin. Living in love toward the saints that they too might find victory over sin. To live as the righteous people we have been pronounced by Him to be in justification. As strange as it sounds, Jesus is calling us to a preoccupation with our sin. Not morbidly. Not anxiously. Not with any hint of condemnation – but with the courage that is engendered by knowing our status with Him as His beloved children cannot be altered by anything. We are totally and irrevocably secure in that. Because we are so secure, we have the freedom to face the depths of remaining indwelling sin and challenge it on its own ground in a continual warfare; and that, with a sort of Christian bravado. A Biblically justified “bring it on!” in challenging our sins. A warfare to live fully in concert with who and what we’ve become in Christ Jesus.

In the overall picture, it is as though Jesus is saying give yourself to me like a bride to her insanely wealthy and attentive husband – and watch what I will do for you. Know that you will never lack provision. And never lack my constant, faithful love. And be free then to explore the fullness of the riches of my kingdom.

And how do we do this in practical terms? One means is prayer. When we pray, we pray as He taught us, not ignoring our other needs, but doing so in quiet confidence that when we give ourselves to seek His Kingdom, He will give us all we need. We pray His agenda, trusting him to know and provide for ours better than we do. We pray like our hearts know full well (as they ought) that His unshakable, unbreakable love for us designs only our good in the sovereign exercise of His care for us.

We do it in study of His Word. Mining out the provisions He has stored up for us there. Searching out and gaining His wisdom, His understanding and grasping more fully the wonder of the person, plan and work of Jesus.

By consciously looking to the indwelling Spirit of Christ to work in us courage for the battle, willingness to die to our sins, new tactics for new days, comfort in failure and power to rise up again.

We do it in fellowship with God’s people, where we commiserate over our wounds, bandage each other up, learn tactics from one another, encourage one another, exhort one another, pray for one another and rejoice with one another.

We do it by sitting under the preaching and exhortation of God’s Word; by attending to the Lord’s Supper so as to feed the grace which lives in our souls; by confirming our faith in baptism, and by trusting the finished work of Jesus on the Cross.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and the fullness of all that is contained in those will be fully yours. And it is more than we can collectively imagine.
Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 15

January 15th, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 6:16-24; Acts 9:1-19; Psalm 15, Genesis 34-35.

Psalm 15 is both delightful, and terrifying. Delightful in the picture it paints of one who would walk with God. Terrifying in how far short I fall in every respect.

Who indeed can dwell on God’s holy hill, when what it takes to qualify to do so, I’ve long since failed at?

O that I would walk blamelessly. But even if I did from this moment forward, what about my past?

That I would always do what is right – but I fail in that every hour.

And falsehood still finds its way into my heart. I lie to myself about my own goodness; lie about others to feel better about myself; and worst of all, lie about God – failing to know the real truth of Him as fully revealed in Jesus. Still harboring the lies of Eden that God is not ALL good and has only my best interest at heart – without flaw.

How I have slandered others – especially those with whom I disagree.

And I’ve not always done only good to my neighbor – even my closest neighbor, my spouse, my child, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

And there have surely been times when I’ve reproached my friend needlessly.

I have often – and still have the tendency to be impressed and intimidated by the wicked as adding some perceived value to me if they are brilliant, talented, astute, accomplished, powerful, recognized, forceful, and attractive.

And I have failed to honor those who fear the Lord regardless of their station.

At times, when my promises appeared as though they would cost me more than I planned, I’ve reneged on them to spare myself.

I’ve lent not out of love, but to receive a return, and had a heart which can be bribed from being fully impartial.

What hope then is there for me that I might one day live with my God in His holy mountain?

But one.

That Christ my substitute has fulfilled all of this. He hasn’t erred in even the slightest. And that His perfect righteousness is imputed to all who put their trust in Him and Him alone.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!
“Ball of Confusion”

January 14th, 2020

“Ball of Confusion”: That was the title of a hit song by the Temptations back in 1970. And the composer had it right: “that’s what the world is today – hey hey.”

Now I expect the World at large to be pretty confused. After all, if you have no true north to orient your compass by, no fixed point of reference for navigation, travel of any sort is confused randomness. And when that is the case morally and spiritually, the results are truly disastrous.

Those were the thoughts I had upon reading the linked article in the Town Hall today: https://townhall.com/columnists/myrakahnadams/2020/01/12/how-to-get-closer-to-god-if-you-dont-attend-church-n2559327 “How to get close to God if you don’t attend Church.” We might as well ask: “How do you go swimming if you don’t get into the water?” For that, is actually easier than the question the article posed.

Now don’t get me wrong – I understand the reality that some are infirm or otherwise prevented from attending some sort of public and gathered worship. God certainly provides grace for extraordinary circumstances. We need not try to justify neglect of Biblical norms by arguing from extreme conditions. We understand the foolishness of making such cases. But let me cite where the author of the article is coming from:

“Now, let’s get real. Any talk of “God” can be threatening, especially if you are not a churchgoer — and part of a growing trend. According to the Pew Research Center, church attendance and Christianity is on the decline in the U.S — especially among the largest population group known as Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996.

Alternatively, instead of participating in any traditional Judeo/Christian religion, characterizing oneself as “spiritual” is popular, non-threatening, and culturally acceptable. Subsequently, if “spiritual” means that you believe in a universal power greater than yourself — or not sure exactly what you believe, but like the moniker — you are cordially invited to begin “exercising.”

And their suggestions? 1. Find God in Mother Nature. 2. Thanking Him in general. 3. Seeking Him/Asking Him. 4. Praising and glorifying Him. Now what would possibly be wrong with those things? And basically – nothing. Except that in the article, they are juxtaposed to or posited as a substitution for “going to Church.”

The problem? This: The Church, the People of God, IS the dwelling place of God on earth. It is where He intends us to meet Him. Where He sets the date. Where His presence is purposely made manifest. Is God in nature? Sure. He’s omnipresent. But He chooses to manifest Himself in and through – His Church in a way He decidedly does not in nature – or anywhere else. Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV) — 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

We might as well be saying to Christ: “Look, I love you, but I don’t like going over to your house to meet, and I really don’t like your family. So I’ll have a relationship with you as long as it is on those terms – and that I don’t have to be where you are.

Methinks there’s something askew.

Ball of Confusion for sure.
Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 14

January 14th, 2020

Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 14

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 6:1-15; Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 14, Genesis 32-33.

I could not help but be struck by the emphasis Jesus places upon forgiveness in His giving us His pattern for prayer in Matt. 6. You would think the prayer pattern itself would be light and instruction enough – but then He takes out His magnifying glass and enlarges on forgiveness. Why? Because nothing is nearer and dearer to the heart of the Father than forgiveness. Nothing so reveals Him to us as does what He was willing to do, what cost He was willing to incur, what absolutely cosmic measures He would go to – to forgive our sins, and reconcile us to Himself. This is so important for us to grasp that Jesus caps it by saying that no one who fails to manifest the grace of forgiveness, will be saved by grace. Make no mistake, unchanged in this regard means unsaved.

Some squirm at this thought because they falsely believe forgiveness means ignoring past offenses. It means nothing of the kind. Jesus in His resurrected body still bears the scars of His crucifixion. An eternal reminder that forgiveness is immensely costly. You will lose something in forgiving. You will be saying to that person or those persons “you don’t owe me anything anymore.” You willingly take the hit and cancel the debt. Jesus does not go on here to elaborate, but when we do such a thing, we also gain something else of more eternal value; deeper entrance into the very heart of God Himself. It’s worth it.

Others recoil because they imagine this means – for instance – criminal acts against us must be swept under the rug. Not so. I can and MUST forgive sins against myself, but I have no power or authority to forgive crimes against the law. Nor sins against others. That is a separate jurisdiction. And in fact, in order to love my neighbor as myself, I may need to see to it someone I forgive for myself must still be brought to justice under the law in order to protect others. Love for my neighbor and not just the offender requires it.

Nor does forgiveness mean the hurt of the offense just goes away. We are called to forgive in the very midst of pain, it does not mitigate the pain any more than Jesus suffered less on the Cross when saying “Father, forgive them.”

And to have my heart ready to forgive, is not always the same as being truly reconciled. Christ has made an atonement for the sins of the World. There is no sin and no sinner for which there is not provision for full and free forgiveness. But the tragic reality is, an offender never gets the benefit of that forgiveness until they repent. I may get the benefit in my heart, being at the ready – out of the bottomless ocean of God’s forgiveness for me – to be reconciled to them should they repent. But sadly and tragically, they cannot partake of the benefit of it if they remain unrepentant. They cannot have the joy of complete reconciliation even as I at the same time receive the joy of freedom from needing to prosecute the case anymore. Oh how we need to pray that they might turn by the power of the Holy Spirit, even as He has worked in our own hearts to turn and seek reconciliation with the Father through the Son.

Forgiveness is expensive. Forgiveness between God and us cost the blood of His eternal Son. And God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish in unforgiveness, but have the everlasting life His forgiveness brings. Heavenly Father, manifest your forgiving heart in me by your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. For Jesus’ sake.
Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 13

January 13th, 2020

Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 13

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 5:33-48; Acts 8:1-25; Psalm 13, Genesis 31.

Parasitic faith.

There is a species of belief, such as this, rooted apparently in amazement at seeing certain outward signs, which is nevertheless not a saving faith at all. It masquerades as faith, but it isn’t enduring, deep rooted and fruitful faith. It is a faith which steals some temporary life which is little more than the life of a parasite. It has no life of its own, but only that which it draws from its host. And such a faith must one day be exposed and show itself for what it truly is.

Simon the Magian in our Acts portion, it appears, was simply amazed by the Disciples the same way His former followers were amazed by him. And as amazement at Simon’s activities could save no one, so mere amazement at Philip’s signs could not save either. Just because we might see miraculous things and be amazed by them doesn’t mean we believe Jesus has died for our sins, and are trusting in His atoning work for being reconciled to God the Father. We must trust Him and His work on behalf of our souls, not just gawk at His power.

As the account goes on the demonstrate, Simon’s heart had not been affected at all. He was still motivated by greed, recognition, power and even bitterness – a lack of love for others, certainly not love for his enemies. But such things can’t be the characteristics of those born again by the Spirit. While vestiges of these sins remain, they no longer do so unchallenged, and no longer carry the place of prominence.

As James will tell us in his letter, even the demons acknowledge that God is real, and has power – and they even tremble at that reality. But mere acknowledgment of God’s power is not saving faith in either men or demons. If they do not love Him, serve Him or trust Him, it is not saving faith, it is parasitic faith. We need to be sure we are personally trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross on our behalf. For all those who do, are really and truly – His.
Through the Word in 2020 / Jan. 12

January 12th, 2020

We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 5:21-32; Acts 7:39-60; Psalm 12, Genesis 29-30.

Today’s account of Jacob laboring for a flock of his own after 14 years of serving his father-in-law Laban is a lesson both in careful Bible reading, and a display of wondrous grace.

There is no question that the account is somewhat puzzling. What is all this about Jacob peeling sticks to get the flocks to mate and produce striped and specked offspring that would become his wages? The bottom line was, Jacob, still not having learned to live by faith in trusting God’s promises, sought to use folk magic to get his desired result. He was still up to his old ways of trying to manipulate external things to get his way, rather than trusting God that He could and would bring His promises to pass.

We must be careful not to assume that Jacob’s attempt to use folk magic is countenanced by God. God had determined to bless him. The folk magic contributed nothing to that. But if we are not careful, we can take this example as something to be emulated instead of recognizing how God often blesses in spite of ourselves. This is not an endorsement. And Jacob himself will have to admit in the next chapter that it is God who has made things work out the way they did. And God told him that too! (31:9-13) What is described here is no more a method than Gideon’s fleece. In fact, it is something much greater. It is a record of God’s amazing grace in the face of human foolishness.

When our faith is small, or our Biblical knowledge of God and how He works is scant, we too can easily fall back on human means to achieve God’s ends. But it would be a sad mistake to assume those means really brought about the desired result rather than God being willing to bless in spite of our foolishness. Oh how gracious He is toward our brokenness and foolishness. And how careful we must be not to make unwarranted direct cause/effect connections in events, when we employ things God has not appointed for His ends, but in His mercy He grants anyway.

Ours is always to go back to the Word, back to His promises, back to trust His character and His sovereignty and stop trying to manipulate Him, events or people. He knows how to deliver. And none of His promises can fail.