The AMI QT Devotional for today is written by Pastor Andrew Kim at Tapestry Church.  Andrew is currently studying (M.Div.) at Fuller Theological Seminary.  He and Jessie were married in 2014.

 

 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Genesis 27:1-4

When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me,4 and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”

In today’s passage, we see the beginning of a story marked by deception and lies. As Isaac senses the nearness of his own death (although he would live for another 30-40 years), he feels the need to finish up some family business before he passes. However, the fact that the author of Genesis points out Jacob’s blindness is a hint on how the rest of the story will unfold. He plans on passing down the patriarchal blessing to Esau in exchange for a delicious meal. This seems to signify two things: First, it is comical in one sense to exchange the father’s blessing for a single meal. It seems as though Isaac does not understand the value of what he is passing on. Second, Isaac is apparently blind to the fact that Esau had sold his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a meal. The irony of this situation is easily seen. And this is only the beginning of a chapter which exposes the brokenness of all the characters involved.

It’s easy to see that the story of Isaac’s patriarchal blessing is full of deception and greed. There is no righteous character—no one morally upright in their dealings with people. In many ways, this is an alarming observation, given the larger narrative at hand. Since the fall of Adam, God has been working through the Abrahamic lineage to bring about the redemption and renewal of the world. It is through Abraham’s line that God will usher in His blessing to the entire world. However, those who are central to this plan seem to reflect the fallenness of Adam, rather than the goodness of God. In other words, there are no signs of hope of God’s promised blessing. Nevertheless, as Christians we know how the story turns out. Despite the sinful inclinations of the main characters in the biblical narrative, God ushers in the promised blessing through a sinless human from Abraham’s line in Jesus Christ. What this shows us is that God’s plan cannot be thwarted by humanity’s failures. What God has planned and promised will come to pass regardless of our shortcomings.

As we continue to strive to a live a life for God, let us hold fast to the comforting truth that God’s plan will prevail—despite the fallenness of ourselves and those around us!

Prayer: God, thank You that You work through us, despite how broken we are. And thank You that our hope is not found in our efforts or abilities to accomplish the task You have given to us but rather in your sovereignty and faithfulness to us! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 44

---

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 3:21-2: But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Questions to consider

1. What is the verdict given to all of humanity in verse 23?
2. How does Jesus remedy the guilty verdict handed out to all of humanity?
3. What role has grace played in your life?

Notes

1. All of humanity has fallen short of the glory of God. This is both in regards to moral transgressions and also in the posture of one’s heart. In other words, people have not only broken the written code but also chose to live in rebellion against God.
2. Through His death on the cross, a righteousness that is approved before God has been manifested and given to those who believe in the gospel. This is precisely the blessing that was supposed to flow to all of humanity through the line of Abraham.
3. Personal response.

---

Evening Reflection

Oftentimes, when we read stories like Isaac and Jacob, it is easy to stand at a distance and condemn their actions. However, one of the most radical things that the gospel does is help us recognize that we are no less morally corrupt. Tim Keller says, “The more aware you are of God’s grace & acceptance the more you are able to drop your self-defenses & admit the true dimensions of your sin.” Do you have an accurate picture of yourself? Has God’s grace undone your self-righteousness?