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Free Bible Studies
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Lesson 040: Dealing with Disappointment
Genesis 40:23 - Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Joseph had dealt with so many trials and troubles in his young life. He was abandoned by his brothers and sold into slavery. He tried to make the best of his situation and live honorably for God. Yet he was falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison.
Despite all this, Joseph was still faithful to God and believed he would be delivered. Joseph must have been excited to hear the chief butler was restored to his former position.
Let’s read together Genesis 40:1-13.
The chief butler did not put in a good word to Pharaoh for Joseph. The chief butler actually forgot about Joseph for two years.
Joseph must have been very discouraged during that time. Perhaps he thought God was going to deliver him using the chief butler, but nothing happened for two years.
Let’s read together Proverbs 3:5; Psalm 42:11; and Colossians 3:23-24.
Despite this setback, Joseph still believed in God. Joseph knew God did not forsake him. God blessed Joseph when he was in Potiphar’s household. God even blessed Joseph in prison.
Let’s read together Psalm 27:14 and Galatians 6:9.
Just like Joseph, we need to learn how to wait on the Lord.
#Genesis 40:23#Galatians 6:9#bible study#line upon line#isaiah 28:10#free bible studies#bible studies#Psalm 27:14
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Lesson 039: Flee Temptation
Genesis 39:11-12 - But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. He found himself in Egypt as a slave in the household of Potiphar. Yet God did not forsake Joseph during this time. In fact, God blessed Joseph and made everything prosper under Joseph’s hand. Joseph rose up in prominence in Potiphar’s household and even became the head servant.
When things were starting to go well with Joseph, he was suddenly faced with a sexual temptation. How did Joseph react?
Let’s read together Job 24:15; Psalm 139:23-24; 1 Corinthians 6:18; and 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Joseph was tempted to have an adulterous affair with Potiphar’s wife. However, he knew even if Potiphar never found out about this affair, God would know. Therefore, Joseph literally fled the temptation.
Let’s read together Genesis 39:13-20 and Revelation 6:9-11.
What was Joseph’s immediate reward for choosing obedience to God? Potiphar’s wife was incensed that her amorous advances were rebuffed by Joseph. She accused him of attempted rape. Potiphar had Joseph thrown into prison.
Faith and obedience to God and His commandments does not guarantee happiness or even safety in this life. Yet, God still calls us to faithfulness and obedience.
One interesting thing to note is that if Potiphar truly believed his wife’s claims, Joseph would have been killed outright. Slaves had no rights. Potiphar may have wanted to placate his wife, but at the same time, he didn’t want Joseph to die.
Let’s read together Genesis 39:21-23.
Even in prison, God continued to bless Joseph for his faith and obedience. Are you willing to be faithful and obedient to God, no matter the cost?
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Lesson 038: More Righteous?
Genesis 38:26 - So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.
Genesis chapter 38 tells a rather sordid story about sexual sins. Judah and Tamar both committed sins in this story, yet Judah called her more righteous than him. Why did he say that?
Let’s read together Genesis 38:1-11; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; and Numbers 36:7.
In the Old Testament, there was a custom known as levirate marriage. If a man died childless, it was the duty of an unmarried brother to marry the widow. The first child they had together would be the legal descendant of the dead man. The purpose of this custom was to protect family lines and inheritances.
Er married Tamar, but Er died without an heir. It was Er’s brother Onan’s duty to marry Tamar and have a child who would be considered Er’s legal heir. Onan took advantage of the situation to have sexual relations with Tamar, but he did not want to provide an heir for Er. The Lord killed Onan for his disobedience. Judah promised Tamar she would marry his next son Shelah, but he reneged on his promise.
Let’s read together Genesis 38:12-25; Leviticus 20:14; Leviticus 21:9; Deuteronomy 22:20-22; and John 8:41.
The penalty for adultery in Old Testament times was stoning for both the man and woman. Burning was the penalty for extreme cases. Judah in his anger demanded Tamar should be burnt to death because he thought she committed harlotry. However, Tamar gave proof that Judah was the one who got her pregnant. Judah had to come clean about lying to Tamar and committing sexual sin.
When Judah said Tamar was more righteous than him, Judah acknowledged his hypocrisy. They both sinned, but he was the worse sinner. Judah never had sex with Tamar again after this admission.
Let’s read together Matthew 7:1-2 and Luke 6:41-42.
May we be careful not to judge others and act as hypocrites.
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Line Upon Line Lesson 037: The Demonic Seed of Jealousy
Genesis 37:4 - But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.
Have you ever been jealous of someone for whatever reason? Have you ever pre-judged or looked down upon someone? Have you ever despised someone in your heart?
We may not want to admit it, but we have all acted like Joseph’s brothers at one time or another. However, is jealousy really a big deal? Isn’t it just a minor sin?
Let’s read together Exodus 20:1-17 and Matthew 5:21-22.
Consider what happened because of Joseph’s brothers’ jealousy. They broke the tenth commandment because they coveted the favor Jacob showed Joseph.
Joseph’s brothers openly talked about murdering him. They may not have committed the act, but they broke the sixth commandment. Joseph’s brothers held hatred against Joseph in their hearts.
Joseph’s brothers broke the eighth commandment when they took Joseph’s coat of many colors away from him. They broke the fifth and ninth commandments when they lied to Jacob about what happened to Joseph.
It can be argued that Joseph’s brother broke the first commandment because they put their jealousy over what God would have wanted them to do.
Let us be clear that God did not use Joseph’s brothers to further His purpose. Rather, God used the circumstances they created to further His purpose. Joseph did not have to go through all that trauma.
Let’s read together 1 Corinthians 6:12-17; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Philippians 2:3-4; and James 3:13-18.
How can we break the demonic seed of jealousy? There are a few things we can do. The Bible exhorts us to live a purposeful life. We should be careful of what thoughts we allow in our minds. We should learn to be respectful of others and be content with what we have.
Let’s read together 1 Peter 2:1-3.
Friend, are you willing to set aside jealousy in your life and live graciously as a new creation under Christ?
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Line Upon Line Lesson 036: Esau’s legacy
Genesis 36:9 - And this is the genealogy of Esau the father of the Edomites in Mount Seir.
Genesis chapter 36 is a genealogy of Esau’s family line. Interestingly, Esau is referred to in this passage as Edom and as the father of the Edomites. What does Edom mean?
Let’s read together Genesis 25:25, 29-31 and Genesis 32:3.
Edom means “red” in Hebrew. This was a nickname given to Esau. He sold his birthright to Jacob for some “red stew” (possibly red lentil stew). Edom was also the name of a territory or region founded by Esau.
Let’s read together Ezekiel 25:12-14.
God pronounced judgment against Edom. What was the crime of the Edomites?
Let’s read together Numbers 20:18-21; 2 Samuel 8:14; 2 Chronicles 28:17; Psalm 137:7; Amos 1:11; and Obadiah 1:11.
The Edomites refused to grant the children of Israel passage through their land at the time of Moses. The Edomites were initially mightier than the Israelites. The Edomites were eventually subjugated by King David. However, the Edomites took advantage of the Babylonian conquest of Judah. Edom attacked and raided Judah, even though Judah was already being judged by God.
The Edomites attacked Judah out of a desire for vengeance. They had no feelings of brotherhood for the children of Israel.
Let’s read together Matthew 2:1-16.
King Herod tried to kill Jesus because he felt a Messiah would threaten his rule. Historians have identified King Herod in this passage as Herod the Great. Historians have also identified Herod to be a descendant of the Edomites through his father, although Herod was raised as a Jew.
Let’s read together Psalm 112:1-3; Proverbs 13:22; Matthew 6:20-22; and 1 Timothy 6:6
It is a shame that the Bible has nothing positive to say about Esau’s descendants. They seem to have shared their forefather’s character flaws of jealousy, violence and desire for revenge. Esau did not leave a good and lasting legacy.
What legacy will you leave?
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Line Upon Line Lesson 035: Be Holy for God is Holy
Genesis 35:2 - And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.
Jacob was instructed by God to settle in Bethel. Jacob was also to build an altar to God there. Jacob then instructed his household to remove any idols or graven images from their presence. Jacob also instructed them to purify themselves and put on new clothes. Why did Jacob give these instructions?
Let’s read together Genesis 27:41-46; Genesis 28:10-22; Joshua 24:15; and 1 Peter 1:16.
God finally brought Jacob back home after fleeing his brother Esau many years ago. Jacob had changed so much since then. Jacob’s faith and relationship with God had grown stronger and more intimate. Jacob had left with nothing, but he returned with a family and how much possessions.
Jacob was given a fresh start by God. Jacob wanted his household to follow God wholeheartedly and dedicate themselves to the Lord.
How did Jacob’s household respond to his request?
Let’s read together Genesis 35:4; Exodus 20:3-6; and 1 Pete 3:3-4.
Jacob’s household and all who were with him gave Jacob their idols and graven images. They also gave all their earrings to him. Why did they give up their earrings?
There is nothing inherently wrong or sinful with earrings. However, anything that puts the focus on self can become an idol. Jacob’s household did not have to give up their earrings, but they did not want anything to distract them from God.
Friend, are you willing to give up and throw away anything that could be an idol in your life?
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Line Upon Line Lesson 034: Two Wrongs Do Not Make a Right
Genesis 34:2 - And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and violated her.
This story is something that could come out of today’s headlines. An innocent girl was raped by the son of a wealthy influential leader. Dinah was clearly a victim in this story. Her future prospects were now diminished in society as a non-virgin girl. More importantly, imagine the mental and emotional trauma she suffered as a result of this assault.
What were the reactions of Jacob and his family?
Let’s read together Genesis 34:5-7.
Why did Jacob hold his peace? Why didn’t he say anything? There are a couple of possibilities. Perhaps Jacob did not want to act rashly, even though he may have been angry. Perhaps he was afraid of getting into conflict with the Hivites, who were much stronger than him. Perhaps the responsibility to react lay with Dinah’s brothers and Jacob wanted to confer with them first.
Let’s read together Genesis 34:8-12, Proverns 20:22; Micah 6:8; and 2 Corinthians 6:14.
Shechem, Dinah’s rapist, wanted to marry her. Schechem’s father Hamor brought a marriage proposal to Jacob. He also proposed Jacob’s people to intermarry with the Hivites. This way they would become one people.
Let’s read together Genesis 34;13-31; 2 Samuel 12:14; Proverbs 20:22; and Romans 12:19.
Dinah’s brothers deceitfully answered Hamor and said they would agree to his proposal if the Hivites got circumcised. Shechem readily agreed to their condition since Dinah would become his without him suffering any consequences. Since Shechem was highly esteemed and respected by the Hivites, he was able to convince them to be circumcised.
Dinah’s sons attacked the Hivites while they were recovering from circumcision and slew all the males in the city, They then plundered the city of its livestock and wealth. They even took the Hivite women and children captive.
There is no question Shechem should have been punished for what he did to Dinah. However, Jacob’s sons did not bring him to justice. They executed vengeance upon the Hivites.
God wants us to act justly. May we learn the difference between God’s justice and man’s vengeance.
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Line Upon Line Lesson 033: God Can Change Your Heart
Genesis 33:4 - But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.
God had forgiven Jacob and blessed him. Jacob was even given a new name - Israel. However, Jacob must have felt some trepidation about meeting Esau again after all these years. They did not part on good terms. Jacob maneuvered to take Esau’s birthright and he even stole Esau’ blessing of the firstborn. What was Esau going to say or do to Jacob?
Let’s read together Psalm 73:26 and Ezekiel 36:26.
God performed another miracle in Jacob’s eyes. This one was more subtle, though. Esau initially came with four hundred men to meet Jacob. Yet, Esau lovingly embraced his prodigal brother and they wept together.
The Holy Spirit worked on Esau just as he worked on Jacob. Esau gave up his bitterness, his resentment, and his desire for revenge against Jacob. Instead Esau rejoiced at seeing his long-lost brother.
Let’s read together Mark 10:27 and Philippians 1:6.
What is impossible with men is possible with God. Jesus can change anyone’s heart if they are willing to open up to Him.
Let’s read together Genesis 33:18-20 and Joshua 24:15.
Jacob finally arrived safely in the land of Canaan after a long sojourn. He erected an altar and named it “El Elohe Israel.” What does that phrase mean? It means “God, the God of Israel.” Jacob publicly proclaimed the name of his deliverer and who he, and his succeeding generations, will follow.
Will you proclaim the name of God, who changed your heart, and follow him forever?
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Line Upon Line Lesson 032: Wrestling with God
Genesis 32:22 - Then Jacob was left alone and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.
Esau’s confrontation with Jacob was imminent. Esau was coming to meet Jacob with four hundred men. Jacob sent hundreds of animals as a present to Esau, hoping to pacify him. Jacob divided his family into two separate companies. If Esau attacked one company, perhaps the other company would be able to escape with their lives. Jacob earnestly prayed to God for deliverance and recalled the promise God made to him.
Let’s read together Genesis 32:22-24 and Psalm 139:23-24.
Jacob sent everyone ahead of him. He was left alone. Perhaps Jacob pondered and agonized over his past sins that ultimately put him in this dire situation. Perhaps Jacob continued to pray to God for forgiveness and deliverance.
In any case, Jacob encountered a man. Perhaps Esau sent someone to kill him? Jacob struggled and wrestled with this man. Jacob did not want to die.
Let’s read together Genesis 32:25-26 and Jeremiah 29:13.
Jacob came to realize this was no ordinary Man as he desperately wrestled Him. Jacob was wrestling with Jesus. Even when Jacob’s hip was miraculously dislocated, he endured the intense physical pain and held onto Jesus. Jacob refused to let go of God until He blessed him.
Let’s read together Genesis 27:36; Genesis 32:27-31; Isaiah 62:2; and Revelation 2:17.
Jacob was forced to confront his past head on when Jesus asked Jacob for his name. “My name is Jacob.” Jacob, a supplanter, a liar, and a thief. Yet, Jesus forgave Jacob of all his sins. Jesus even gave Jacob a new name - Israel - “wrestled with God.”
Friend, are you willing to seek after God as earnestly as Jacob wrestled with God? Will you shed your old identity and accept a new identity in Christ?
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Line Upon Line Lesson 031: A Covenant Meal
Genesis 31:54 - Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread. And they ate bread and stayed all night on the mountain.
The dispute between Jacob and Laban came to a head. Jacob decided to flee with his family. Laban pursued Jacob and overtook him. However, God had warned Laban in a dream to be careful how he dealt with Jacob. How did Jacob’s and Laban’s dispute get resolved?
Let’s read together Genesis 31:43-55.
Jacob and Laban made a covenant with each other What is a covenant? It is a legal agreement between two parties.
Jacob erected a stone pillar and Laban made a stone heap to be symbolic witnesses to their covenant. Jacob promised to treat Rachel and Leah well, as well as to not take any more wives for himself. Jacob and Laban promised each other not to pass beyond the pillar and heap to harm each other. Jacob and Laban sealed their covenant with a meal. They then parted in peace.
Are there any other examples of covenant meals in the Bible?
Let’s read together Exodus 24:1-12.
God proposed a covenant with the children of Israel. Moses relayed God’s words to them. They responded to God’s proposal by saying, “All the words that the Lord has said we will do.”
Moses wrote a book detailing the covenant and read it aloud to the people. They confirmed they would obey God’s words and abide by His covenant. Moses also made sacrificial offerings to God. Moses then took the elders of Israel up the mountain to have a covenant meal in the presence of God.
Let’s read together Jeremiah 11:1-17 and Hosea 1:2.
Unfortunately the covenant between God and the children of Israel did not last. The children of Israel broke the covenant when they stopped following God’s words and began worshiping idols.
Let’s read together Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-23; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; and Galatians 3:15.
Covenant meals are not arcane rituals that have no relevance to us. Did you know the Lord’s supper (or communion as some people call it) was also a covenant meal? When we participate in the Lord’s supper, we acknowledge the covenant Jesus made with us that He ratified with His blood on Calvary.
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Line Upon Line Lesson 030: The Divine Breeder
Genesis 30:32 - Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats, and these shall be my wages
Jacob wanted to take his family and return to his homeland. However, Laban was reluctant to let Jacob go. Laban saw that he was more prosperous as long as Jacob was with him. Laban convinced Jacob to negotiate for a new deal to continue serving him. Jacob asked for some unusual terms. Instead of asking for a flat percentage of the flock, Jacob made an unusual request. He asked for all the blemished sheep and goats. Why did Jacob ask for these as his wages?
Let’s read together Genesis 30:35-43.
How did the blemished sheep and goats get so strong? Was Jacob a clever and masterful animal breeder?
Let’s read together Genesis 30:33; Genesis 31:7-12; Genesis 31:42; and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Jacob’s prosperity was not due to his skills or own works. God blessed Jacob by performing a miracle to make the blemished sheep stronger than expected. God did this to interfere with Laban’s scheme to keep Jacob with him forever. Jacob fully acknowledged all his prosperity came from God and not by his own doing.
May we learn like Jacob to trust God with all our heart and acknowledge Him in our ways.
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Line Upon Line Lesson 029: A Deceiver Deceived
Genesis 29:25 - So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?”
What happened to Jacob here? How did he get into this situation? Why was he deceived?
Let’s read together Genesis 29:15-17.
It is interesting to note that Bible translations of Genesis 29:17 vary wildly in interpreting what kind of eyes Leah had. Some translations say her eyes were weak, dull, or even bleary. Other translations say her eyes were tender or delicate. A few translations even say Leah’s eyes were attractive.
Perhaps Leah’s eyes did not have the sparkle or sharpness that would attract Jacob’s attention. In any case, Jacob found her sister Rachel more attractive.
Let’s read together Genesis 29:18-20; Genesis 34:12; and 1 Samuel 18:25.
In ancient Bible Times, it was customary for the groom’s family to give a dowry to the bride’s family. This could come in the form of property, goods, or money.
Jacob was estranged from his family, since he had to flee his brother Esau’s wrath. Since Jacob literally had nothing besides the clothes on his back, he offered seven years of his labor to Laban.
Let’s read together Genesis 27:3; Genesis 29:22-20; and Galatians 6:7-9.
Just as Jacob deceived Isaac, Laban deceived Jacob. It seems that Laban had profited greatly from Jacob’s labor. He did not want to let Jacob go. Laban likely got Jacob drunk at the wedding feast and gave him Leah instead of Rachel.
When Jacob confronted Laban about his deception, Laban offered Jacob to work another seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Laban introduced polygamy to Jacob, which will cause much familial strife in the years to come.
Jacob experienced what it felt like to be deceived by someone. He reaped what he had sowed.
Let’s read together Psalm 27:14; Psalm 139:23-24; and Isaiah 40:31.
If Jacob were more patient, he would have received God’s blessing without suffering through so many trials. God allowed Jacob to be deceived so that he could be aware of the flaws in his own character and repent.
May we strive to be honest in our actions and wait upon the Lord.
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Line Upon Line Lesson 028: Ladder to Heaven
Genesis 28:12 - Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Jacob had left his home. He had been revealed as a liar and a deceiver. He stole his brother Esau’s blessing. He had to flee for his life to escape being killed by Esau. He must have felt alone and afraid. Perhaps he even felt forsaken by God and deservedly so. Yet, Jacob received a vision by God to let him know God was still there for him.
Let’s read together Genesis 15:1; 26:23-35; 28:13-15; Joel 2:28; and Acts 2:17.
Jacob had a dream of a ladder connecting earth to heaven. He saw angels going up and down this ladder.
Why is this significant? Jacob encountered God in a vision like his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham before him. God promised He would be with Jacob and take him to the land of promise.
Let’s read together Job 19:25-26; Isaiah 59:2; Ezekiel 18:21; John 14:6, and 1 John 1:9.
Jacob was a liar and a thief. His sins separated from God. Yet, Jacob’s dream showed him there was a way back to God. If Jacob would repent and turn away from his sins, he could come back to God.
The ladder in Jacob’s vision represented Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Whether in the Old Testament, New Testament, or even today, Jesus is the only way to God the Father.
No matter who much you have sinned, God will not forsake you if you confess and repent of your sins. Will you give your life to Jesus wholeheartedly?
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Line Upon Line Lesson 027: Blessing and Deceit
Genesis 27:41 - So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Why was Esau so intent on obtaining Isaac’s blessing? Why did his mother Rebekah encourage him to obtain it using deceitful means? What was so significant about this blessing that Esau was seeking to kill Jacob for stealing from him?
Let’s read together Genesis 25:24-28.
Isaac and Rebekah had fraternal twins - Esau and Jacob. Isaac favored Esau and Rebekah favored Jacob as the two grew up. Isaac and Rebekah should have loved their children equally. Their favoritism played a role into the eventual strife between Esau and Jacob.
Let’s read together Genesis 17:18-21; Genesis 21:8-14; Numbers 3:12-13; and Deuteronomy 21:15-17.
God established a divine birthright after making a covenant with Abraham. Isaac was designated the son of promise, even though Ishmael was technically Abraham’s firstborn son.
The firstborn son was given a double portion of his father’s inheritance. The firstborn also was given the responsibility of the priesthood for the family.
Let’s read together Genesis 25:23, 29-34; Genesis 26:34-35; Galatians 5:16-21; and Hebrews 12:15-17.
If the birthright was so important, why did Esau sell it to Jacob for a pot of stew? Esau lived for the here and now. It seems he would rather gratify his flesh immediately then dwell upon spiritual things.
Esau would not die if he skipped a meal. Yet he saw his birthright as less valuable than a bowl of stew.
Esau’s lack of spirituality is further evident when you examine who he chose to marry. Esau married two Hittite women, causing grief to his parents.
Why did Jacob take advantage of Esau in this situation? Rebekah remembered the prophecy God gave her before her children were born. She was intent on making sure Jacob obtained that birthright by any means necessary. She must have influenced Jacob to desire Esau’s birthright.
Let’s read together Obadiah 1:10-11 and 1 John 3:15.
Esau was only interested in the temporal benefits of Isaac’s blessing. This is why he wanted to kill his brother. The priesthood had no value for him.
Let read together Psalm 27:14; Psalm 37:34; and Isaiah 41:30.
Jacob’s deceitful actions had consequences. He had to run away from home to flee his brother’s wrath. Little did he know, Jacob would never see his mother again. Jacob should have waited on God instead of taking matters into his own hands.
May we learn from the mistakes of Esau and Jacob.
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Line Upon Line Lesson 026: Like Father, Like Son
Genesis 26:7 - And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.”
Did you get a sense of deja vu when you read the passage? Abraham showed the same lack of faith in God…twice (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:11). Wouldn’t Abraham have recounted these stories with his son Isaac? Shouldn’t Isaac have learned from his father’s mistakes?
Let’s read together John 1:12 and 1 John 3:2.
There are many references in the New Testament about God having children. However, there is nothing in the Bible about God having grandchildren. Why is that?
Let’s read together Ezekiel 14:12-20; Psalm 105:6; Isaiah 41:8; Luke 3:8; and John 8:31-59.
The passage in Ezekiel informs us Daniel, Noah, and Job were righteous individuals. However, they could not save anyone through their righteousness. Their faith in God could only save them individually.
The Jews in the time of Jesus believed they were the chosen people of God. However, Jesus told them their biological lineage could not save them. They must have a personal relationship with God to be considered children of God.
Let’s read Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 24:16; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 2:10; and James 4:8.
Isaac had to develop his own relationship with God. He had to embark on his own personal journey of faith. Like Abraham, Isaac was going to have moments where his faith waned. Isaac was going to make mistakes. It didn’t matter how many times Isaac fell. He just needed to get up and keep walking with God. His faith in God would grow and his relationship with God would deepen.
Let’s read together John 5:39 and Acts 17:11.
Friend, while it is important to hear the word of God, it means nothing if we do not apply it in our lives. We need to give our lives to Jesus and follow Him wherever he leads us. Confess all your sins, turn away from them, and repent. Keep walking with Jesus. You will be surprised to see how much your relationship with Him will grow stronger and more intimate.
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Line Upon Line Lesson 025: The Pain of Infertility
Genesis 25:21 - Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
The pain of infertility is something that has existed for millenia. It spans across different cultures and eras in history. There are countless thousands, if not millions, of people who can relate to this pain.
Let’s read together Genesis 11:30; Genesis 25:31; Judges 13:2; 1 Samuel 1:5-7; and Luke 1:7.
The people in the Bible were no different. Several women had to deal with infertility issues, like Sarah, Rebekah, Manoah’s wife, Hannah, and Elizabeth.
Let’s read together Psalm 22:1-3; Daniel 3:16-19; Jeremiah 29:11; and 2 Timothy 1:12.
The Bible does not specifically say how long Isaac pleaded with God for his wife. It could have been months. It could even have been years.
God always answers our prayers. However, He does not always give an answer on our timetable. He does not always say yes to our prayers. Sometimes God says no. Sometimes God says wait. No matter what God’s answer is, we need to remain faithful.
Let’s read together Joshua 1:5; Psalm 34:8; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:12-14; and John 14:27.
I understand Isaac and Rebekah’s pain when they were dealing with infertility. My wife and I struggled with the same thing for years. Even with modern technology and medication, we did not have any success.
Those years were hard. What can I say to comfort my wife when the pregnancy test reads negative yet again? When she is congratulating friends who have gotten pregnant, but she cries bitterly at night because she cannot experience the same joy?
I claimed Genesis 25:21 as my own and pleaded with God nightly for three years. Despite our sorrow, I felt that I grew closer to Christ. I knew Jesus would always be with me, whether or not we could successfully conceive a child. I eventually became at peace with the possibility that we could never have a child of our own.
God blessed us with a child when I was about to give up trying. I still praise Him to this day for this miracle.
Even if my wife never got pregnant, I could still say with confidence God is good.
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Line Upon Line Lesson 024: Thighs and Promises
Genesis 24:2-4 - So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell;but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”
This is an unusual Bible verse, to say the least. Abraham’s servant had to put his hand under Abraham’s thigh to swear an oath. What does this mean?
Let’s read together Exodus 29:22, 27; Leviticus 7:32-34; Numbers 5:21-27; and 1 Samuel 9:24.
The word thigh is only mentioned 33 times in the Bible. The references in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers deal mostly with the heave offering. The priest would receive the right thigh of the sacrifice as his appointed portion. Some scholars have speculated that the thigh represents the authority or power of the priesthood. It is interesting to note that Samuel offered the thigh to Saul, who would become the first king of Israel.
Let’s read together Psalm 45:3; Song of Solomon 3:8; and Revelation 19:15-16.
Revelation 19:16 mentions Jesus having His title “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” written on His robe and thigh. However, it is very doubtful Jesus would have that title literally tattooed on his thigh. It is more likely He has a sword on His thigh. The sword would likely have that title written on it. In this context, this is a reference to war, as Jesus ultimately will triumph over Satan.
Let’s read together Jeremiah 31:19 and Ezekiel 21:12.
There is a reference in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel to striking one’s thigh. In context, this is an outward show of grief.
Let’s read together Genesis 24:9 and 47:29-30.
Interestingly, Israel (also known as Jacob) made the children of Israel swear an oath to him, using the same method. Israel made them promise to take his bones out of Egypt and bury them in the promised land.
While the cultural significance of placing a hand under another person’s thigh is lost to antiquity, it is clear that it is employed for matters of great importance. Why did Abraham make his servant swear he would look for Isaac’s bride among Abraham’s own people? Why not from the surrounding nations? Why limit the options for Isaac?
Let’s read together Deuteronomy 11:16; 1 Kings 11:1-8; Amos 3:3; and 2 Corinthians 6:14.
Abraham's wish for Isaac not to marry a woman from another nation, was to protect Isaac. Abraham knew if Isaac married a woman who worshiped idols, she might lead him into idolatry also. Abraham didn’t want to risk his son turning away from God for the sake of an unbelieving woman.
Abraham’s desire for his son to marry a woman of the same faith is relevant to us today. If you are looking for a spouse, first seek God with all your heart. Only then, seek for someone who is also walking with Jesus.
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