Bible Pathway - Jan. 9, 2010
Highlights In Today's Reading:
As the great patriarch Abraham dies, we meet Isaac's family — his wife Rebekah and their twin sons, Jacob and Esau. God reveals plan for: (1) His people; (2) and salvation (25:23). Esau despised his birthright (25:32-33). God sends "Living Water" to resolve conflicts (26:32-33). God said: I loved Jacob. And I hated Esau (Mal. 1:2-3).
Verses for Today:
Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham. . . . And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours. . . . they digged another well, and strove for that also (Gen. 26:18-21).When Isaac's servants digged in the valley, Scripture says that they found there a well of springing water (26:19). The meaning would be translated into modern English as "running water." But it is interesting that the Hebrew word translated springing literally means "living." About two millenia later, Jesus sat on a well that had belonged to Isaac's son Jacob (John 4:6). It was there that Jesus promised a Samaritan woman (a descendant of Isaac and Jacob) living water (4:10).
Again and again, as Isaac's servants reopened the wells of Abraham, the Philistines took possession of them.
The opposition of the Philistines in attempting to keep Isaac from obtaining water which rightfully belonged to him is symbolic of Satan's efforts to divert our attention from reading this message from Christ who said: If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me . . . out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (7:37-38). The Bible and Christ are inseparable. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (1:1).
Satan seeks to keep every Christian from seeing the importance of the Holy Spirit in making the Word of God a reality — a transforming power within his life. The Word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).
Just as water makes it possible for plants to maintain life and growth, so the Holy Spirit, working through the Word of God, makes it possible for Christians to have an abundant life and spiritual growth. Everything we do that is contrary to the Will of God robs us of lasting satisfaction and treasures in heaven.
Thought for Today:
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever (Ps. 107:1).
Christ Revealed:
As the spiritual Seed that would bless all the nations of the earth (Gen. 26:4). Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. . . . not . . . as of many; but as of one . . . which is Christ (Gal. 3:16).
Word Studies:
25:6 concubines =secondary wives without inheritance rights; 25:8 gave up the ghost =died; 25:16 castles =settlements; 25:21 intreated =prayed earnestly; was intreated of him =granted his prayer; 25:23 two nations =the Israelites and the Edomites (36:9); 25:29 sod =cooked, boiled; 26:3 Sojourn =live temporarily; 26:8 sporting with =showing loving affection to; 26:9 of a surety =clearly; 26:10 lightly =ignorantly, have lien =have had sexual relations; 26:11 charged =warned, commanded, ordered; 26:13 waxed =became; 26:14 store =household; 26:19 springing water =running water, literally "living water." Jesus promiseed living water (John 4:10); 26:31 betimes =early; 27:15 goodly raiment =choice clothes; 27:28 fatness =best; 27:37 corn =grain.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joyce & Bruce Rutherford's 45th Anniversary • Bible Pathway Printer: Rose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Official: Rep. Michael Capuano (MA) • Country: Somalia (7 million) on the Horn of Africa • Major languages: Somali and Arabic • Islam is officially favored and all other religions are opposed • 99.8% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and mercy (Lam. 3:22-23).
Optional Reading: Matthew 9
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23
