https://esv.literalword.com/?q=Gen+32%3B+matthew+24
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Thursday, 3 February 2022:
Genesis 32:27 — “What is your name?” (Continued from yesterday’s discussion on Genesis 31)
With Esau approaching, Jacob new the consequences of his deceptive life were closing in on him. As Jacob wrestled with God for His blessings, God had one question for Jacob: “What is your name?” Jacob had lived a lie. He left Laban with defiant self-righteousness, but now Jacob was in a struggle with the Truth which was convicting him of his ungodly character. Jacob means deceiver. Jacob had to come to terms with the reality of his sinfulness and depravity. God brought him to this moment of honesty with himself. Repentance requires humbly admitting the truth of your sinfulness and surrendering to the mercy and grace of God. Only then was Jacob ready to be called Israel — “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Genesis 32:28 — “Then he said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.’”
With Jacob’s life transformation came a new name – no longer would he be known as the deceiver but rather Israel — “Triumphant with God… who prevails with God.” Jacob [Israel] didn’t prevail against God in a wrestling match (in fact, he walked away with a permanent limp); he prevailed “with” God. He prevailed because of God, because God guided him through the greatest battle anyone will ever fight, the battle against self.
Genesis 32:29-30 – “Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.’”
Do you know the name of the One with whom Israel wrestled, the One who left Israel marveling, having seen the “face of God”? Jesus is His name, The Savior, “and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Share your testimony, your life transforming encounter with Jesus, and the Gospel with as many as you can for God’s glory.
Matthew 24:3 — “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
The disciples asked Jesus two questions – one relating to the destruction of the Temple (70 AD) and one related to End Times. Jesus will answer both questions as we read on.
Matthew 24:4 – And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.
Jesus emphasized a warning against deceptive leaders. “Christ” is not a name but rather a title meaning “The Anointed One” or “God’s Chosen Leader.” Many will claim to be the leader who has come to solve all our problems, but we should only follow Jesus Christ, guided by others who are also truly following Him. The litmus test for politicians, preachers, teachers, gurus, social media influencers, etc., is how closely committed they are to Jesus (really), and how true they are to His word and will. The only person on earth who is worth following is the one who is closely following Jesus and pointing to Him rather than to themselves. When we place leadership in the hands of the ungodly, regardless how talented, intelligent, and capable they may appear, the destructive consequences will be quite predictable.
Matthew 24:11 – “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.”
Many will be led astray by ungodly philosophers, ungodly political leaders, and also by ungodly church leaders who deceive in the name of God.
Matthew 24:12 – “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.”
Love is dependent upon obedience to God. You cannot really love while in disobedience to God. Disobedience and subsequent lack of love are signs of looming destruction in both a relationship and in a society. When society chooses ungodly leaders, they are choosing unloving leaders who will lead them more and more into divisiveness, hate, and inevitable destruction, all in the name of ‘justice.’
Matthew 24:13 – “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Endurance is required. Endurance is not just resisting persecution over time, it is resisting temptation over time, the internal desire to compromise your Christlike character to accommodate worldly influences. Not everyone will remain obedient over time. Many who call themselves Christians will compromise to the world. Obedience that is motivated by fear, pride, and even duty will ultimately fail. Only obedience that is truly motivated by love can endure.
Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
The Gospel is proclaimed as a testimony to everyone whether they believe or not. Final judgment comes after the Gospel has been proclaimed throughout the world. God has called us and has give us the responsibility, the power, and the authority to be his messengers and ambassadors to the world until he returns – “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Matthew 24:30, 36-45 – Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory…. But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?
Jesus repeatedly emphasizes that His return will be sudden, unexpected, and unannounced. This is an important point.
Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Today, Jesus addresses two prophetic topics: 1) Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70 (Matthew 24:1-35) and 2) Jesus’ final return to judge the living and the dead (Revelation 20–21). Note: Scholars debate which verses deal with the destruction of Jerusalem and which deal with End Times. There is much fascination, speculation, confusion, debate, and unfortunately hype associated with End Times prophecy. Here are a few things that seem clear:
1) No one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). If someone tells you they have figured it out, you can stop listening at that point.
2) Most people will not see it coming at all, even those who view themselves as religious. (Matthew 24:37-39)
3) People will be going about their business as usual (believers and unbelievers) when the Lord returns. (Matthew 24:40-41)
But the most important thing to take away from today’s readings is Jesus’ warning to remain faithfully obedient while we await His return. Jesus gives this warning several times in different ways. “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:46) It is far too easy to become complacent. In the name of grace, we are tempted to take sin far too lightly. As we continue to read this year, consider all the verses that command our pursuit of holiness, purity, and obedience. Also, take to heart all the verses which charge us to be faithful with the Gospel message —
- Philemon 1:6 — And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
- Romans 1:16 — For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
- Romans 10:14-15 — How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
- Jude 1:20-23 — But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) — 3 Feb 22: Today, clean your house – remove the things in your life that you know are unacceptable to your Lord and Savior. (1 Peter 1:15, 16) Share the Gospel with someone today.
https://esv.literalword.com/?q=Gen+32%3B+matthew+24
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Thursday, 3 February 2022:
Genesis 32:27 — “What is your name?” (Continued from yesterday’s discussion on Genesis 31)
With Esau approaching, Jacob new the consequences of his deceptive life were closing in on him. As Jacob wrestled with God for His blessings, God had one question for Jacob: “What is your name?” Jacob had lived a lie. He left Laban with defiant self-righteousness, but now Jacob was in a struggle with the Truth which was convicting him of his ungodly character. Jacob means deceiver. Jacob had to come to terms with the reality of his sinfulness and depravity. God brought him to this moment of honesty with himself. Repentance requires humbly admitting the truth of your sinfulness and surrendering to the mercy and grace of God. Only then was Jacob ready to be called Israel — “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Genesis 32:28 — “Then he said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.’”
With Jacob’s life transformation came a new name – no longer would he be known as the deceiver but rather Israel — “Triumphant with God… who prevails with God.” Jacob [Israel] didn’t prevail against God in a wrestling match (in fact, he walked away with a permanent limp); he prevailed “with” God. He prevailed because of God, because God guided him through the greatest battle anyone will ever fight, the battle against self.
Genesis 32:29-30 – “Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.’”
Do you know the name of the One with whom Israel wrestled, the One who left Israel marveling, having seen the “face of God”? Jesus is His name, The Savior, “and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Share your testimony, your life transforming encounter with Jesus, and the Gospel with as many as you can for God’s glory.
Matthew 24:3 — “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
The disciples asked Jesus two questions – one relating to the destruction of the Temple (70 AD) and one related to End Times. Jesus will answer both questions as we read on.
Matthew 24:4 – And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.
Jesus emphasized a warning against deceptive leaders. “Christ” is not a name but rather a title meaning “The Anointed One” or “God’s Chosen Leader.” Many will claim to be the leader who has come to solve all our problems, but we should only follow Jesus Christ, guided by others who are also truly following Him. The litmus test for politicians, preachers, teachers, gurus, social media influencers, etc., is how closely committed they are to Jesus (really), and how true they are to His word and will. The only person on earth who is worth following is the one who is closely following Jesus and pointing to Him rather than to themselves. When we place leadership in the hands of the ungodly, regardless how talented, intelligent, and capable they may appear, the destructive consequences will be quite predictable.
Matthew 24:11 – “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.”
Many will be led astray by ungodly philosophers, ungodly political leaders, and also by ungodly church leaders who deceive in the name of God.
Matthew 24:12 – “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.”
Love is dependent upon obedience to God. You cannot really love while in disobedience to God. Disobedience and subsequent lack of love are signs of looming destruction in both a relationship and in a society. When society chooses ungodly leaders, they are choosing unloving leaders who will lead them more and more into divisiveness, hate, and inevitable destruction, all in the name of ‘justice.’
Matthew 24:13 – “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Endurance is required. Endurance is not just resisting persecution over time, it is resisting temptation over time, the internal desire to compromise your Christlike character to accommodate worldly influences. Not everyone will remain obedient over time. Many who call themselves Christians will compromise to the world. Obedience that is motivated by fear, pride, and even duty will ultimately fail. Only obedience that is truly motivated by love can endure.
Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
The Gospel is proclaimed as a testimony to everyone whether they believe or not. Final judgment comes after the Gospel has been proclaimed throughout the world. God has called us and has give us the responsibility, the power, and the authority to be his messengers and ambassadors to the world until he returns – “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Matthew 24:30, 36-45 – Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory…. But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?
Jesus repeatedly emphasizes that His return will be sudden, unexpected, and unannounced. This is an important point.
Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Today, Jesus addresses two prophetic topics: 1) Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70 (Matthew 24:1-35) and 2) Jesus’ final return to judge the living and the dead (Revelation 20–21). Note: Scholars debate which verses deal with the destruction of Jerusalem and which deal with End Times. There is much fascination, speculation, confusion, debate, and unfortunately hype associated with End Times prophecy. Here are a few things that seem clear:
1) No one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). If someone tells you they have figured it out, you can stop listening at that point.
2) Most people will not see it coming at all, even those who view themselves as religious. (Matthew 24:37-39)
3) People will be going about their business as usual (believers and unbelievers) when the Lord returns. (Matthew 24:40-41)
But the most important thing to take away from today’s readings is Jesus’ warning to remain faithfully obedient while we await His return. Jesus gives this warning several times in different ways. “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:46) It is far too easy to become complacent. In the name of grace, we are tempted to take sin far too lightly. As we continue to read this year, consider all the verses that command our pursuit of holiness, purity, and obedience. Also, take to heart all the verses which charge us to be faithful with the Gospel message —
- Philemon 1:6 — And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
- Romans 1:16 — For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
- Romans 10:14-15 — How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
- Jude 1:20-23 — But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) — 3 Feb 22: Today, clean your house – remove the things in your life that you know are unacceptable to your Lord and Savior. (1 Peter 1:15, 16) Share the Gospel with someone today.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 