SOAP 01/10/2015; Genesis 15:16

Today's reading: Genesis 15


S) "¹⁶ Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete."

Genesis 15:16 (NASB)

O) There are two critical points to note that are highlighted in this single verse. First and foremost, God's character is revealed. His omniscience and timeless nature are on display, when He says, "in the fourth generation" and again when He says, "not yet" because He stands apart from our understanding of time. He knows when all things will happen. Also, it reveals His sovereignty, because He says "they will... the iniquity... complete." Those are the key words that make it quite clear, God is sovereignly monitoring and controlling elements of these events as they are to unfold. He is putting the descendants of Abram into the Promised Land by His sovereign hand. He is judging the Amorites for their iniquities, and not randomly, but when they reach a certain measure. He determines when enough is enough. He determines how justice is executed. He determines how grace is given. He is sovereign and omniscient. Secondly, on the note of the Amorites, this passage reveals to us that the Israelites did not go on a conquest to forcibly take over land to which they had no rights. The land belonged to God, just as it still does to this very day. God owns it all; He created the world and all that is in it. The Israelites were given a promised land, because of God's grace toward Abram. The Israelites were given the Promised Land, because of God's perfect judgment of the iniquities of the people who had been living there. In fact, if we look at the end of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, we see that their own sins drove them from those lands as well.

A) God will have His way, as well He should. It's easy for me to get caught up in the details of my tiny life. It's easy for me to forget, that the Kingdom of God is what is important, not the kingdom of Nic. Bills pile up, work stresses me out, my kids might be sick - these are all important attention-getters, but they all pale in comparison to the greater story. There is my story, which is infinitesimal. Then there is His story, which is infinite. I am reminded of a concept I read from Francis Chan (pastor/author), that I need to remember that God's glory is what's at stake. In my life, marriage, relationships, job, parenting; there are opportunities for God to be glorified or ignored. He can be magnified or robbed of what truly belongs to Him: praise and worship. So, when things in my life feel chaotic, uncertain, difficult, or otherwise troubling, I need to remember that He is sovereign and fully aware of all events in time, and that it's His story in the first place.

P) Father, Your magnitude is too large for me to measure. Through Your words, I see a glimpse of who You are, and even in the tiny bits I see, I am overwhelmed by Your greatness. I confess that I do not fear You as I should. I am not consumed by my fear of Your holiness and perfection. Open my eyes and ears, to know Your character better. Through that understanding, I ask for more wisdom and a heart that truly fears You. I can consciously make the decision to respect Your authority, but fearing You is a heart condition that I know I lack at times. I want to lack for nothing, when it comes to knowing, worshiping, and serving You and Your Kingdom. Let Your will be done in my life and on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.