- Sunday: Genesis 13:5-15:21, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 6:1-10, Proverbs 1:29-33
- Monday: Genesis 16:1-18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5
- Tuesday: Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15
- Wednesday: Genesis 20:1-22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22
- Thursday: Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6
- Friday: Genesis 24:52-26:16, Matthew 8:18-34. Psalm 10:1-15, Proverbs 3:7-8
- Saturday: Genesis 26:17-27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10
Scripture: Genesis 15:12-13
12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. 13 Then the LORD said to him, "Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there.Observation:
Chapter 15 of Genesis is a famous chapter for more than one reason. First, verse 6 is quoted by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians (Gal.3:6), where Paul talks about the promise that God made to Abraham based on Abraham's faith, not based on Abraham's good deeds. Then James quotes the same verse to prove that Abraham did not just possess faith, but also acted according to his faith!
Second, the end of Genesis 15 shows us a beautiful covenant ritual. It is too much to describe all the details here, but what I'd like to point out, is that -- similar to the New Covenant -- this covenant with Abraham is a one-side covenant that God upholds by himself. God was the one committing himself to this covenant, and Abraham only watched as God made this promise to him. The promise that God made was to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants. Is it any wonder that after nearly 2000 years of dispersion, the people of Israel are back in their country again? This happened in 1948, and it shows that God is a God who keeps his promises.
The verses that caught my eye for today's SOAP though, are verses 12 and 13. Abraham fell into a deep sleep and was overcome by a thick and dreadful darkness. When I read that, for the first time I realized that it was God who brought that thick and dreadful darkness upon Abraham. The reason is given in verse 13, where God says Know for certain. The LORD wanted Abraham to know that his descendants would be oppressed for 400 years in a foreign country (Egypt). In effect, he gave Abraham a preview of the pain and suffering that his descendants would experience. Hence the 'thick and dreadful darkness' that came over Abraham.
Application:
Just recently, I experienced a time that felt like a 'thick and dreadful darkness'. It was a time where I had to wrestle with God to find answers. At times it felt like 'spiritual oppression' that I experienced -- and it might have been -- however, this passage made me realize that God most likely allowed this experience in my life. Sometimes God allows the darkness to come over our lives, so that we better understand the light that He brings. If you read last week's SOAP, you know that at the very end of times, there will be NO MORE darkness, but only light. God and the Lamb will be the light in the new Jerusalem.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for periods of darkness that you allow to happen in our lives. I pray for those who experience a darkness this very moment, that you will give them the assurance that you are there in the midst of it all. Shine your light in their lives and in our lives. In Jesus name, the Light of the world.
Have a great week!
In Christ,
Dick
What you talk about here - being thankful and praying for periods of darkness - is a huge opportunity for growth in my faith in God. It frightens me to think of entering a dark period and what can happen, how I will handle it. I am a worrier by nature and I've worked so hard to give my worries over to Him over these past 3 years. Reading your post here shakes my foundation a little bit. You want to think you'll get through it because you put your faith in God, but man, you don't want to be tested on it. Thank you for the reminder and Scripture to keep on my heart.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Carrie. I recognize that 'worry' that you describe from my early years as a Christian. Having walked through this, I can give you the assurance that God is with you even, and especially in the darkness. Romans 8:31-39 gives us the assurance that we will NEVER be separated from Christ's love. And in 1 Corinthians 10:13, the apostle Paul gives us the assurance that we will not be tested more than we can handle. With the test, God also provides the outcome! It's great that you are committed to reading through the Bible, because God's word is what guides you in every circumstance. A quote I like from Kay Arthur is this: "Don't forget in the darkness what you've learned in the light." It's very true!
ReplyDeleteI like that quote! Such a great truth to remember.
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