Genesis 19-24 // Matthew 7-8

Ultimately, we see different responses to the judgment of God. Some shy away from Him while others embrace Him. Tho those who are His children, He not only causes them to embrace Him but abundantly blesses as well.

Genesis 19 presents the narrative of how Lot was spared from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot hesitates, his wife turns back, his daughters choose to sinfully keep their line together and his sons-in-law think he is only jesting. Not only that, but Lot tells the angels he cannot go into the mountains, yet that is exactly where he ends up. Yet verse 29 tells us that Lot was preserved because God remembered Abraham. Peter will later refer to Lot as righteous, therefore, it seems that God does not spare the cities because there were not 10 righteous people there, yet because of His conversation with Abraham, he does spare those He deems righteous.

Genesis 20 reminds us that Abraham is far from righteous in and of himself. It could be tempting to view Abraham as near perfect after viewing the mess that is Lot and his family. However, for a second time, Abraham is willing to lie about his wife, forfeit her to another man, simply because he wants to spare his life. He does this, both times, without actually knowing if his life would be risked. However, God protects that the line is to come from Abraham by keeping Abimelech from having relations with Sarah. Once God reveals Himself to Abimelech, he responds and God blesses both Abraham and Abilmelech in the situation.

Genesis 21 shows us how God was working in the nations to provide the right conditions for His Son. Hagar and Ishamael's heritage is sent away, yet the Lord cares for and preserves them on account of Abraham. Abimelech forms a treaty with Abraham for he can see that Abraham is blessed.

Genesis 22 presents the works that display Abraham's faith. Now that Ishmael is gone, God speaks of Isaac as Abraham's only son. Yet, Abraham, trusting in the resurrection, is willing to offer his only son to the Lord. The Lord spares Isaac and provides a ram as a substitute. Abraham provides a picture of our Heavenly Father (though a flawed picture), as he offers his one and only son. The ram presents a picture of Christ, the substitute on our behalf so our life can be spared!

Genesis 23 shows us how God has been blessing Abraham. Not only is he blessed with material wealth, but God has caused neighboring peoples to respect Abraham for it and not be displeased or threatened by him. We also see that God has caused Abraham to be quite astute, knowing the culture well and handling himself with grace and dignity. In such ways, he is able to bury his wife properly.

Genesis 24 shows how God will be faithful to Abraham and his generations. It is commendable to see how often Abraham's servant responds to the circumstances with worship to the Lord. Nahor's family also seems to respect the Lord (though may not know Him) in the way they speak to the servant. The line leading to Jesus is preserved in that Isaac stays in the land promised, while his bride is brought to him from his own people.

Matthew 7 reminds us that fruit will make the heart visible. This cannot be actions alone, however, but we need to listen for motives as well. In fact, the motives--usually stemming from words spoken--are really what sets apart the false teachers from the true ones.

Matthew 8 provides a few cultures for healing and their different responses. Jesus is willing to touch the unclean (rather than just speak healing to him) and He is not defiled but the man is clean. He also calls that man to obey the Law and report to a priest. He also heals a gentile man on account of the faith of the centurion. We're reminded that He healed Peter's mother-in-law, though this probably happened earlier. Yet, the sadly, the people of Gadarenes reject Him when He offers healing. After casting demons into the swine (who recognize Him as the Son of God), the people ask Him to leave. Perhaps this is because He will cost them profit, perhaps they simply fear His power, perhaps they liked the effects of being submitted to demons? Either way, they reject Him.

God's grace is seen in that we are reminded that the flesh will not respond properly to God without His gracious work on our behalf. Abimelech, left to himself, could have chosen to kill Abraham for his lie. Lot could have continued on like others in Sodom and could have been destroyed. Laban and his family could have resisted what Abraham's servant was asking. But God was lovingly working through people to provide them true joy and to accomplish His divine purposes! He controls not only the events in life, but lovingly grants the grace to control how we respond to them!