January 8th

Genesis 25:1-4


1 Chronicles 1:32-33

Genesis 25:5,6, 12-18

1 Chron. 1:28-31, 34

Genesis 25:19-26,7-11

We didn’t cover much ground, as we stayed in one chapter of Genesis. However, we did read about a very important event, the birth of Rebekah’s twins — Esau and Jacob. The importance of these two boys, as Rebekah inquired of the Lord, is that they represented two nations, two nations that will struggle with one another.

Esau’s descendants become the nation of Edom, while Jacob’s descendants become the nation of Israel. God foretold of the conflict between them, as He said, “One people (Israel) will be stronger than the other (Edom), and the older (Esau) will serve the younger (Jacob).” As we proceed through the Bible, we will need to keep our eyes on these two men, to see if this prophecy is fulfilled.

The other important event that we read about today was the death of Abraham. The Scriptures commented about this incredible man, “He breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man satisfied with life...” No doubt, Abraham saw and did some amazing things; his time on earth was incredible indeed, but why was he satisfied with life? Because Abraham had discovered the meaning of life, what life is all about — having a personal relationship with God and honoring Him on earth with faithfulness and obedience.

Abraham didn’t live for wealth or ease. He didn’t live for power or prestige, and he didn’t live for people or projects. He simply sought to make God his true love, his life’s focus, and to bring Him pleasure every day. If or when we discover the meaning of life, as Abraham did, that is when we begin to see things more clearly, when our desires and ambitions are simplified and when we fall in line with the will of God. His purposes become our purposes.

Daily Reflection

Have you discovered the meaning of life, the purpose for your existence? If you were to consider your goals and ambitions, your priorities and focus, they give evidence of whom or what it is that you are living for — yourself, others, the world, the Lord. What do they tell you?