Date | Version | Reading Plan |
---|---|---|
February 5, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Genesis 36
Observation
The chapter largely provides details regarding the descendants of Esau. There are a few important things to note. First, we receive explanation that Esau moved to Seir because his and Jacob’s “possessions were too great for them to dwell together.” (Gen. 36:7). Even though God blessed Jacob and told him that “a nation and a company of nations would come from you” (Gen. 35:11), Esau was also to be the head of a nation (Gen. 25:23).
Second is why some of the names of Esau’s wives seem to change. The TGCBC gives some helpful details on this point:
A comparison with the names given to Esau’s wives in 26:34 and 28:9 suggests that one of them may have been changed at some stage. If Ishmael’s daughter took on the name Basemath, meaning “perfume,” in place of Mahalath, it may have caused Basemath daughter of Elon to change her name to Adah.”
Third is the listing of kings in the land of Edom and their reign in Gen. 36:31-39. The TGCBC illuminates that, “These kings do not appear to belong to a single dynasty and are associated with different cities. The author of verse 31 either knows of or anticipates the establishment of a monarchy in Israel.”
Application
As we read of the generations of Esau, we see God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the word He had spoken to Rebekah that Esau would be a nation. Esau’s possessions had grown to where he and Jacob could no longer dwell together. The expansion of Esau’s family line reveals God’s steadfast adherence to His promises, His goodness and common grace.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for how widely you extend your grace, even to those who do not know You or call upon Your name. How faithful is our Lord and our God!
Mark 8
Observation
Continuing from the last chapter of the healing of the deaf man, Mark records how a great crowd had again gathered and had nothing to eat. Jesus spoke to His disciples, telling them that He had compassion on the crowd and did not want to send them away hungry to their homes as they will faint on the way. The disciples asked Him how one would be able to feed the people with bread in the desolate place. Since this is not the first time Jesus had multiplied food, but as the ESVEC makes note, “The overarching motif of the hardness of heart will hold the key to answering this awkwardness”. Jesus proceeded to multiply the seven loaves they had and fed the crowd. This He also did with a few small fish and the people ate to satisfaction.
Mark recounts more interactions between Jesus, the Pharisees, the disciples and the healing of a blind man, but it was Jesus’ discourse with the disciples that concludes the chapter that was particularly striking. Jesus called the crowd to Him with His disciples and began speaking to them by saying, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” The ESVEC provides one of the most profound expositions on Mark 8:34 I have thus far encountered and is worth sharing in whole:
The aim of the call to “deny” yourself (cf. 14:30, 31, 72) and “take up” one’s “cross” has nothing to do with unhealthy self-accusation, self-abasement, self-hatred, loss of personality, or nurture of a martyrdom complex. Rather, through surrender of—and death to—self-determination and self-reliance, one becomes free from any detracting, fallen, or sinful affection, idol, or loyalty in order to “follow” Jesus’ kingdom rule in an ongoing and maturing way.
Application
The cost of being a disciple of Jesus is great. It requires a full death to self and surrender to Him as Lord. The conundrum within the call is that this death ultimately brings life. May we see the eternal worth of putting to death the desires and deeds of the flesh, favoring instead the treasure of deep relationship with Him achieved through obedience.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to do this better. Help me to know where and how I need to die to myself that I may reach a deeper intimacy with you.