Our God Is Faithful

January 24, 2013            Gen 49–50, Matt 15:21–39, Ps 15, Prov 3:3–4

There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.
Blaise Pascal

Genesis 49-50

Jacob utters prophecies about his sons and their descendants. What are these prophecies based upon?

Do the sins and deeds of the father pass on to generations later?

Reuben was the firstborn and as such is given a great inheritance and honor than his brothers. However, because he had sinned greatly (35:22) he lost his standing.

Jacob made it clear that that the violence of Simeon and Levi was not godly. He said that they would be scattered over the land. How did God take this curse and turn it into a blessing?

Judah is given the rights of the firstborn, why? He would become like a lion, where is this seen fully in the future?

What is the blessing to Zebulon?

Issachar is likened to a strong donkey loaded down with saddlebags. What does this mean?

Dan would provide justice for his people. Samson’s victories over the Philistines may be in view here.

What do we learn about Gad? What about Asher? Naphtali?

In what ways is Joseph like a fruitful vine? In what ways would he be blessed?

Which of the titles of God here do you most like and why? He is the Mighty One of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, the Almighty.

What do we learn about Benjamin

Chapter 50

This is the first time we see an elaborate funeral in the Bible and it is also the first person embalmed.

Joseph’s brothers doubted his word, but his attitude is tremendous. Have you learned to trust and forgiven like this?

Genesis begins with creation and ends with a coffin; this is the result of sin. Never fear though Christ was on His way and the Bible ends with life everlasting.

Matthew 15:21-39

Why does Jesus seem so hesitate to help this woman? What titles does she call Him?

Why is it so significant that Jesus says her faith is great? Could we say the same of you?

It is interesting that the disciples doubted the ability to feed 4,000 when they had seen Jesus feed 5,000 already. Notice the differences between the two feedings:

The 5,000 (Matt. 14:15–21)		The 4,000 (Matt. 15:32–39)
Predominantly Jews		Predominantly Gentiles
Took place in Galilee, Bethsaida		Took place at Decapolis (Mark 8:31ff)
5 loaves, 2 fish		7 loaves, “a few fish”
12 baskets left over		7 baskets left over
In the spring of the year		In the summer
Crowd with Him one day		Crowd with Him three days

What most amazes you about the ministry of Christ?

Psalm 15

This psalm begins with a question (v. 1), and ends with a promise (v. 5b).

Who is worthy to be a guest of the King? The simple answer is only by grace are any of us, nonetheless we do see some characteristics given here.

God is pleased with those that walk with integrity; work righteousness; and are committed to the truth. Would these characteristics describe you?

He goes on to give some other characteristics in this Psalm. God is against slander, evil done to your neighbor, and those who take reproach against a friend. Are you guilty of slander? Are you a good neighbor and friend? Do you make fun of your friends mistakes and misfortunes?

Next God says those who honor the righteous (fear the Lord) and have nothing to do with the vile are to be invited to be His guest. Also we have to be people of our word, if we said we will do something we will do it. We will not show our greed by extorting anyone or taking a bribe to say untruths against someone.

The promise is that one who lives this lifestyle “shall never be moved.” We can have fellowship with God and He will bless us. What else could you ask for in life?

Proverbs 3:3-4

Let not mercy and truth forsake you;

      Bind them around your neck,

      Write them on the tablet of your heart,

      And so find favor and high esteem

      In the sight of God and man.

Do you show mercy and truth often, do they go with you everywhere you go? Who do you need to show mercy to today? The promise is we will find favor in the sight of God and man.

In all these texts we see that God is faithful to His people and His promises. We are in a covenant relationship with Him. We need not fear that He will forsake us, but we must be sure we do not forsake Him. 

Pray today that you can show the characteristics God calls you to live by as seen in these texts.

Praise God today for His protection and wisdom.