Day 17

Genesis 35:1–36:43; Matthew 12:1-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 3:21-26

AFTER JACOB AND Esau were reunited as brothers, Jacob moved within the land that had been promised to him. Jacob and Esau were both so prosperous that one region was too small for them both. As we moved along with Jacob and his family through Genesis today, we also said good-bye. Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel, died in childbirth. The child was the twelfth son of Jacob (Israel), and he was named Benjamin (Genesis 35:18). And so today, we read the first recap of the first children of Israel —the names of the sons of Jacob.

Knowing these names and where they came from is important. In the future, these men’s names will become the tribes of Israel, and we will cross paths with them frequently as we move forward through the Scriptures.

But we have one more good-bye. Jacob’s father, Isaac, died in today’s reading as well, at the ripe old age of 180. Jacob and Esau buried him together. Abraham’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren now lead the way forward.

In our Psalms reading today, we received answers to questions we’ve probably asked ourselves (and God) at times: How do I make this faith journey work? What does a person who is doing it right look like? Or as King David put it, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1).

Thankfully, the Scriptures answer this question:

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.

MEDITATION:

Don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace.