Buyer’s Remorse

Series on “I am Joe’s Favorite Verses”
Hebrews 12:1-2
 (Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Hebrews 12:1-13 

[Many years ago, there used to be articles in the Reader’s Digest titled “I am Joe’s ___” with the blank being filled with a body part or organ. Over the years, I’ve written down verses that are meaningful to me on 3x5 cards. In this series we’ll be looking at some of my favorite verses. In other words, “I am Joe’s Favorite Verses”.]

  

Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse? 

Maybe you bought a car or even a house on the spur of the moment, and now you regret it. Or maybe instead of some material thing, it was a relationship. Almost 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. I’d call that buyer’s remorse.

 

No doubt, in the first century, a Jew becoming a Christian would come at a price. They might lose status in their community. Friends or family might reject them. They could lose income. Eventually, some converts began to wonder if they’d made a mistake… buyer’s remorse. Hebrews was written to those Jewish Christians.

 

Therefore, in the first ten chapters of Hebrews, the author made a systematic comparison of Christ to the staples of the Jewish religion including the prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, Aaronic and Levitical priests, the tabernacle, the covenant and the sacrifices required by the Law. And his conclusion? Christ was superior!

 

Following this, he made a list of the heroes of the faith. These were men and women from the Old Testament who had lived “by faith”. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and many others – all of them were pillars of the Jewish faith. Here’s what he wrote about them.

 

¹³ All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.     NIV

 

When the word “therefore” is used, it means that what follows is a logical next step to take. In the following use of “therefore”, it not only refers to the heroes of the faith, but also to the systematic comparison with Christ.

 

¹ “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.         NIV 1985

 

The paraphrase from The Living Bible helps us to visualize this metaphor and understand how it applied to life, not only then, but now.

 

¹ Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.           TLB

 

You may not have experienced buyer’s remorse to the point of rejecting your faith. But you may have gone through times when it just felt too hard to keep hoping in a promise when you couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. An emotional valley when no matter what, hope doesn’t help.

 

When that happens, remember the words of Hebrews and ask for the Lord's help.

 

² Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”         NIV 1985

 

Copyright 2025 Joseph B Williams

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By Comparison

 Continuing a Series on “Living by Faith”
 (Use the link below to read the verses.)
1 Samuel 12:1-11; Hebrews 11:32-34

[Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Each person is commended for living “by faith”. Following these commendations we read, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, continue to live “by faith”.]

We live in a world that thrives on comparison. It starts at an early age. Mothers compare
their babies. Students compare their grades. Employees compare their paycheck, or the possessions bought with it. Throughout our lives, the message is clear; compare yourself to others to see how you stack up. It’s human nature.

 

Samuel grew up in a relatively good home. His parents observed all the religious traditions of Israel. In fact, his Mother Hannah, dedicated him to the Lord. As a result, he served as a priest, a prophet and a judge.

 

As a priest, he served in the Tabernacle with Eli. As a prophet, the Lord spoke to him when He wasn’t speaking to anyone else. As a judge, Samuel led Israel against the Philistines, and back to the Lord.

 

Samuel was even spoken of in the same breath as Moses. It doesn’t get any better than that. Unless you consider the fact that he is also mentioned in Hebrews 11 as a Hero of the Faith. By all accounts, Samuel was a very impressive guy. All of Israel could not lodge a complaint against him.

 

³ Here I am. If I have done anything wrong, accuse me now in the presence of the Lord and the king he has chosen. Have I taken anybody's cow or anybody's donkey? Have I cheated or oppressed anyone? Have I accepted a bribe from anyone? If I have done any of these things, I will pay back what I have taken.” ⁴ The people answered, “No, you have not cheated us or oppressed us; you have not taken anything from anyone.”         NLT

 

If I compare myself to Samuel, I’m not him… but I am Joe. And the Lord created me with unique gifts, desires and experiences that perfectly fit His plan for my life. This is confirmed to me, when I read the words of David in Psalm 139.

 

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful, I know that full well.     NIV

 

Samuel was not perfect, but he did trust the Lord throughout his life. We can take heart from this and follow his example. And in the same way that the Lord was faithful to Samuel, He is faithful to you, and to me.

 

Therefore, let us live by faith… not by comparison.

 

 

The Rings of a Tree

 Continuing a Series on “Living by Faith”
 (Use the link below to read the verses.)
2 Samuel 7:1-29; Hebrews 11:32-34

[Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Each person is commended for living “by faith”. Following these commendations we read, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, continue to live “by faith”.]

  

You’ve probably heard before that the rings of a tree can tell you how old it is. But, did you know that you could also learn the history of a tree’s life? According to International Paper, you can actually learn the following from the rings of a tree:

A tree that’s happy, getting lots of sunshine and rain, will show rings that are relatively broad, and evenly spaced.

A tree’s rings that appear wider on one side than the other may indicate that something pushed against the tree as it was growing. The tree will build “reaction wood” to help support the side that’s leaning.

A fire in the forest can be easily seen by scarring on the tree’s bark. Year by year, the tree will create more and more wood to cover the scar, but it’s there to see in the tree’s history.

Reading this makes me wonder if we as humans, don’t have something similar to “rings of a tree” within us. Something that shows the scars or happiness or stress of life.

 

David experienced all of these starting as an outcast shepherd boy; defeating Goliath; running from Saul; being anointed king of Israel; defeating Israel’s enemies; sleeping with Bathsheba; and then, having her husband killed. David’s life was all over the map, both good and bad. No doubt he had some “interesting” rings.

 

In 2 Samuel 7, there’s an amazing promise to David from the Lord.

 

“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you… ¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”          NIV

 

The Lord had a plan for David’s life. And not only for him, but his children, and his children’s children and their children; eventually crossing over the millennia to Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

 

The Lord also has a plan for you, and for me. One day at a time; one year at a time; one experience at a time; from generation to generation; the “rings of the tree” can be seen. Let us pray like David to our Sovereign Lord.

 

²⁰ What more can I say to you! You know me, your servant. ²¹ It was your will and purpose to do this; you have done all these great things in order to instruct me. ²² How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is none like you; we have always known that you alone are God.          GNT

 

A Box of Chocolates World

 

Continuing a Series on “Living by Faith”
 (Use the link below to read the verses.)
Judges 11:1-11; 29-33; Hebrews 11:32

[Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Each person is commended for living “by faith”. Following these commendations we read, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, continue to live “by faith”.]

  

Forrest Gump was famous for saying, “My Momma always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates’. You never know what you’re gonna’ get”.

 

Jephthah faced a life just like that. Historically, the setting was in Canaan, in the region of Gilead. The Israelites had once again, sinned against the Lord by worshipping other gods. As a result, the Lord had given them over to the Philistines and the Ammonites, who oppressed them for eighteen years.

 

It was during this period of history that Jephthah was born into a problematic family. His father was Gilead, the patriarch of the family. But his mother was a prostitute; very possibly a temple prostitute serving a pagan god.

 

Because of his mother, and to keep him from getting any inheritance, Jephthah’s step-brothers drove him out of the house. He had no control over who his parents were, yet he paid a severe price, and became an exile.

 

Rejected, and living in a foreign land, we read that Jephthah “had a band of worthless rebels following him”. He was an outcast without a family, who learned to survive on his own. Eventually, he became known as a mighty warrior.

 

Because of this reputation, when the Ammonites mounted a war against Israel, those same step-brothers, who had spurned him before, came begging for his help. Jephthah was tempted to reject them, like they had done to him. Instead, he listened to God’s call.

 

²⁹ Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites… ³² Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into his hands.              NIV

 

Like Jephthah, we live in a “box of chocolates” world where you never know what you’re gonna’ get. It can be painful, out of control, hopeless and capricious.

 

But as Christians, we know that our Lord is sovereign; that He has a plan that includes us; that He loves us so much that He sent His only son to die for us; that He is always with us.

 

Indeed, there is a balm in Gilead.

 

 

Two Sides of the Same Coin

 Continuing a Series on “Living by Faith”
 (Use the link below to read the verses.)
Judges 14:1-20; Hebrews 11:32

[Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Each person is commended for living “by faith”. Following these commendations we read, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, continue to live “by faith”.]

 

There’s an old saying that goes “two sides of the same coin”. It’s a short way of saying that even though heads and tails are totally different, they’re a part of one in the same coin. This can also be a metaphor of our life.

 

For instance, growing up, I knew that my Dad loved me; I just couldn’t feel it. He wasn’t good at showing his affection or verbalizing his love. He also didn’t appear to have time for me; to play catch or shoot baskets. And when he was angry with me, it felt like I had disappointed him to the point that he could never love me.

 

As a young adult, that perception of not feeling loved by my Dad, was a major motivation for leading me into a twenty-five year career in urban youth ministry. On one side of the coin, was the feeling of not being loved by my earthly Father. On the other side, was my desire to show the love of my Heavenly Father. Two sides of the same coin.

 

The Lord has a way of doing the same thing; of taking the duality of an ordinary person to do something extraordinary. Take Samson for instance. Despite all of his shortcomings, failures and weaknesses, he was a part of the Lord’s plan. In Judges 14, Samson has set his eyes and desires on a Philistine woman, much to the consternation of his parents.

 

³ His father and mother objected. “Isn’t there even one woman in our tribe or among all the Israelites you could marry?” they asked. “Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me! She looks good to me.” ⁴ His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time.    NLT

 

The Lord seems to revel in taking a person with a significant weakness, and doing something amazing. This is a pattern throughout Scripture! While the world steps on weakness, making it shameful; the Lord holds it up, making it a tool of sanctification and redemption.

 

Perhaps Paul said it best in 2 Corinthians 12.

 

⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.          NIV

 

…Two sides of the same coin.

 

 

 

The Upper Story and Lower Story

 Continuing a Series on “Living by Faith”
 (Use the link below to read the verses.)
Judges 16:23-31; Hebrews 11:32

[Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Each person is commended for living “by faith”. Following these commendations we read, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, continue to live “by faith”.]

  

Push leads to shove. Take a sporting event for instance. When a player feels like they have suffered some perceived injustice, they retaliate and strike back at the offending person.

 

The fact is, you probably experience something similar on a daily basis. For instance, how do you feel when a car cuts you off on the highway; don’t you want to speed up and cut them off? What about when your boss does something that really ticks you off; don’t you want to retaliate?

 

Push leads to shove. In a word… revenge. It’s easy to see in others; but in reality, it’s a part of human nature.

 

Samson was a judge of Israel for twenty years; a Nazarite dedicated to God at birth. But if you were to pick one word to describe him, it would likely be revenge. His life started off with a familiar story that promised great hope. His mother was barren when an angel of the Lord appeared to her and made this promise.

 

⁵ You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”             Judges 13 NIV

 

Unfortunately, as an adult, Samson made one bad decision after another. He had many sexual escapades with Philistine women. He was also busy killing Philistine men, and destroying their livelihood. Not out of a desire to fulfill the promise made to his mother, or even his lifelong dedication as a Nazarite; but out of revenge.

 

And yet, he is commended in Hebrews 11 for “living by faith”. As you read through the stories of Samson’s life, what you see is the Lower Story; but what the Lord sees, and had purposed, is the Upper Story.

 

For instance, in Samson’s Lower Story, he insisted that his parents bring him a young Philistine woman as his wife while in the Upper Story, the Lord was at work.

 

⁴ His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time.                 Judges 14 NLT

 

What if there were four chapters in the Bible written about your life, or mine? Would people only see the failures; the selfish acts; our Lower Story? Or would they see what the Lord sees, how we shared the love of Christ; how we lived by faith; our Upper Story.

 

Nobody is perfect, least of all Samson; and yet the Lord was at work through him. The same is true for you and me. What is your Upper Story?

 

 

 

New Year, Same Mask

 

Continuing a Series on “Living by Faith”
 (Use the link below to read the verses.)
Judges 4:1-24; Hebrews 11:32

 [Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Even though they never saw what they had been promised, each person is commended for living “by faith”. Following these commendations we read, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, continue to live “by faith”.]

 

As the calendar year turned to 2021, the Ohio Department of Transportation posted the following on their electronic signs across the state:

New Year, Same Mask

Mask up, Ohio

Do you remember when COVID started? Didn’t you think that it might all be over by summer time? Granted, it was inconvenient when the isles were bare and you couldn’t find any toilet paper. Yes, it was stressful to have your kids home 24-7. But, you knew it wouldn’t last forever. Right?

 

We’re coming up on a year of COVID, and the numbers are growing. We are strongly encouraged to wear masks, social distance and wash our hands regularly. There are also many restrictions such as a 10:00 pm curfew. People are tired of it!

 

But what would it be like if this went on for more than one year? How would you feel if it went on for twenty years?

 

After Ehud died, the people of Israel sinned against the Lord again. ² So the Lord let them be conquered by Jabin, a Canaanite king who ruled in the city of Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived at Harosheth-of-the-Gentiles. ³ Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots, and he ruled the people of Israel with cruelty and violence for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help.                    GNT

 

During this time, Deborah was a prophet and judge, while leading Israel. She called on Barak to organize and lead 10,000 men to fight against Sisera.

 

We don’t know much about Barak. He did answer God’s call, albeit with some hesitancy. He organized the men to rebel against King Jabin; to fight against Sisera and his 900 iron clad chariots. Amazingly, they won! And for his efforts; for his faith; he is mentioned in Hebrews 11 as a Hero of the Faith.

 

Think of Sisera as a metaphor. A metaphor of any of those things that might be oppressive to you; those things that you have struggled with for a month; for a year; maybe even for a lifetime. It might be anger, anxiety, depression, an addiction or fear of failure. Remember that with faith, there is hope.

 

²³ So on that day Israel saw God defeat Jabin, the Canaanite king. ²⁴ And from that time on Israel became stronger and stronger against King Jabin until they finally destroyed him.                NLT

 

“New Year, Same Mask”. 

This slogan indicates that there is an ongoing struggle. Like Barak, we are called by the Lord into the struggle; into the battle with our spiritual enemies. And like Barak, the Lord is with us. It is his battle. It is his victory. All we need to do is to take the first step of faith. 

 

“Are You Kidding Me”!?!

 

A Series on Living by Faith
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
Joshua 2:1-24; Hebrews 11:31

[Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Even though they never saw what they had been promised, each person is commended for living “by faith”. At the end of these commendations, Hebrews 12 tells us, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, live “by faith”.]

 

Did you have a childhood friend, who when they grew up, really surprised you at what they accomplished? I did.

 

He was a high school class mate who skated through school with high grades, but never seemed to take anything seriously; except sports maybe. In fact, in many ways, he was the class clown.

 

But as an adult, he went to college, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree plus two masters and his PhD. He was a professor at a Christian college and served as the Provost for a number of years. I don’t know what a Provost does, but it’s capitalized and sounds very impressive. He has also written six Christian books to date.

 

I could tell you stories about him from high school that would make you say, “Are you kidding me”?!?

 

You could make the same statement about Rahab. She was a Canaanite woman; which for the Jews meant she had two strikes against her right off the bat. Then there was the matter of being a prostitute. It’s possible that from her traveling clients that she learned about the Jewish God, and the Jews military victories.

 

Whatever the case may be, based on her background, you would never have expected her to be praised for her faith and for her works.

 

³¹ By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.         Hebrews 11 NIV

 

²⁵ In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?                      James 2 NIV

 

Her crowning achievement though, the one where you would say, “Are you kidding me”; is that she was an ancestor of Jesus. Think about it. The Lord Jesus was a descendant of a Canaanite prostitute.

 

This just goes to show you that our Lord is not restricted by the expectations or prejudgments of others. He can, and often does, take people who are just ordinary, and works in their life to accomplish great things through His love and grace.

 

Therefore, you might ask yourself, “How is the Lord working in your life”? Do others look at you and ask, “Are you kidding me”?

 

 

Questions that Define You

 

A Series on Living by Faith
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
Exodus 2:10-15; Hebrews 11:24-27

 [Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Even though they never saw what they had been promised, each person is commended for living “by faith”. At the end of these commendations, Hebrews 12 tells us, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, live “by faith”.]

  

What defines who you are? Is it your job; your family; your personality; your financial wellbeing? For some, their addiction defines them, or even one single event in their life; good or bad.

 

In the beginning, your family is most certainly where you get your identity from. In the small town where I grew up in Mid-Michigan, I would tell people that “I am Dwight and Marge’s son”. That was my most basic identity. Before anything else, I was the son of my parents.

 

Because of the circumstances surrounding Moses’ birth, his Mother gave him up so that he could live. Eventually he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. She raised him as her own, even naming him. In fact, the New Living Testament translates that “Pharaoh’s daughter, adopted him as her own son”. 

 

Moses was the biological son of Hebrew slaves, but grew up in the house of Pharaoh. So how did Moses answer the question, “Who are you”? Where did he get his identity from?

 

²⁴ By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.      NIV

 

The Passion Translation, makes an even stronger statement.

 

²⁴ Faith enabled Moses to choose God’s will, for although he was raised as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, he refused to make that his identity…            TPT

 

Moses could have lived his whole life in the privilege and luxury of Pharaoh’s household; but he chose not to. Instead, Moses chose to identify with his people; his culture; his birth parents; and ultimately, his God.

 

Many years ago, at a men’s retreat, my Pastor spoke about, “Who are you? Whose are you? Whom do you serve?” For Moses, when he answered those questions, his life took a totally new direction.

 

Like Moses, you make decisions every day of your life based on your answers to these questions. As a result, what direction is your life trending?

 

 

Flying Above the Clouds

 A Series on Living by Faith
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
Genesis 50:15-25; Hebrews 11:22

 [Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Even though they never saw what they had been promised, each person is commended for living “by faith”. At the end of these commendations, Hebrews 12 tells us, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, live “by faith”.]

  

Flying above the clouds is fascinating. The weather can be dark and stormy on the ground, but when your airplane gets above the clouds, it’s bright and sunny. Of course, the trip through the clouds can be pretty bumpy and scary, but through it all, you have the hope and expectation of flying above the clouds.

 

Joseph knew what it was like to live in the dark and stormy weather of the world. His brothers sold him into slavery, and then lied to their father about it. He was falsely imprisoned when Potiphar’s wife accused him of attacking her. While in prison, he interpreted Pharaoh’s cupbearer’s dream, but was forgotten when the cupbearer was released.

 

Despite all of the adversity that he faced, Joseph knew how to fly above the clouds. He knew who was in control. He knew the promises of the Lord, and what his role was in fulfilling them. When Jacob died, Joseph spoke these words to his brothers who had sold him into slavery.

 

²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.    NIV

 

And later when Joseph was about to die, he said this.

 

²⁴ Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”         NIV

 

We’re living in unprecedented times when life can easily feel chaotic and overwhelming. The pandemic, racial unrest, political antagonism, economic uncertainty and a frantic pace of life can all lead to feeling like the dark and stormy weather of the world seems to be in control.

 

Take heart. God has a plan. Despite the adversity of the world around you, or whatever adversity you are personally experiencing, God is at work. The Lord has promised to be with you; to never leave you; to love you always so that, like Joseph, you can live by faith; flying above the clouds.

 

 

 

We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder

 A Series on Living by Faith
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
Genesis 28:10-22; Hebrews 11:21

 [Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Even though they never saw what they had been promised, each person is commended for living “by faith”. At the end of these commendations, Hebrews 12 tells us, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, live “by faith”.]

  

As a teenager I remember singing the song, “We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”. It might have been at church camp; or youth group; or maybe both. It’s a repetitive song, but there are several levels of interpretation that make it quite interesting.

 

The first level has to do with its origin. It is a traditional spiritual, originally written and sung by slaves. Apparently slaves were not allowed to talk when they were working, but they could sing. This song was a means for them to express their desire and hope for freedom from a life of slavery.

 

“We are climbing Jacob's ladder… Every rung goes higher and higher… Rise, shine, give God the glory… Keep on climbing, we will make it… Do you want your freedom? Soldiers of the Cross.”

 

Secondly, the song is obviously about Jacob who was leaving home under the guise of going to his uncle Laban’s to find his future bride. In reality, he was running away from his brother Esau, whose blessing he stole by lying to their Father. Jacob was a scoundrel who couldn’t be trusted. As a result, he was “run out of Dodge”.

 

However, one night during his trip, he had a dream about stairs, not a ladder. Those stairs led him to Heaven; to the God of Abraham; the God of Isaac, his Father. Most important, they led him into the presence of the Living God.

 

For the first time, the promise of the Lord for land and descendants became much more than something for Jacob to steal; much more than his family heritage. There is reason to believe that this experience was a spiritual turning point in Jacob’s life.

 

¹⁶ Jacob woke up and said, “The Lord is here! He is in this place, and I didn't know it!” ¹⁷ He was afraid and said, “What a terrifying place this is! It must be the house of God; it must be the gate that opens into heaven.”… ¹⁹ He named the place Bethel.    GNT

 

Finally, the third level of interpretation lies in what it means to you and me? How do we apply it to our lives? Have we had an encounter with the Living God? Has He become real to us? Are we experiencing his presence in our life?

 

Jacob is one of the few mentioned as a Hero of the Faith because, by faith, he passed along the blessing of his father and grandfather. His dream about climbing “Jacob’s ladder”, was an important step of his faith journey.

 

What about you? Are you climbing Jacob’s ladder?

 

 

Well Done My Son

A Series on Living by Faith
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
Genesis 26:1-25; Hebrews 11:20

 [Hebrews 11 is a recounting of the Heroes of the Faith. Even though they never saw what they had been promised, each person is commended for living “by faith”. At the end of these commendations, Hebrews 12 tells us, “Therefore, because you are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… throw off sin; run with perseverance; fix your eyes on Jesus”. In other words, live “by faith”.]

  

Sibling rivalry. If you grew up in a family with more than one child, you may be intimately familiar with what this phrase means. In fact, you may have experienced it for much of your childhood, and maybe even as an adult.

 

My oldest sister and brother had a fierce sibling rivalry. Although I wasn’t born yet, they tell stories of how they competed with each other. The one that sticks in my mind the most took place while riding in the car when Susan would say, “Dwight’s looking at me”! They knew exactly how to push each other’s buttons.

 

Isaac may be best known for the sibling rivalry of his twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Their rivalry started while they were still in the womb of their mother Rebekah, and continued throughout their adult years. It culminated in Jacob stealing, not only Esau’s birthright, but his blessing too. Out of this family mess, Isaac is mentioned in Hebrews 11 as a Hero of the Faith. But why?

 

When a famine came, the Lord told Isaac to not flee to Egypt, but to stay. Isaac obeyed, and it was during this difficult time that the Lord confirmed Abraham’s covenant with him.

 

³ Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. ⁴ I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed…       NIV

 

Because of Isaac’s faithfulness, his crops grew a hundredfold; and he had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. In fact, he became so wealthy and powerful, that the king of the Philistines asked him to leave.

 

It was another setback that Isaac had to face. Even more difficult was finding water. His Father Abraham had previously dug wells in the area, but the herdsmen had filled them with dirt. Then when Isaac’s servants would dig and find a new well, the herdsmen would claim the water was theirs. Finally though, he found a well that he could call his own, and made his home there.

 

Clearly Isaac wasn’t a perfect person. He had faced adversity throughout his life. From the time his father was about to sacrifice him; to living in the land of the Philistines homeless; to dealing with a son who lied to his face to steal his blessing. And yet, he is recognized as living “by faith”.

 

I find great hope in Isaac. Hope that someone like me who is far from perfect; who has dealt with adversity; who has struggled to live faithfully… will someday find the love and affirmation of his Heavenly Father when he says, “Well done my son. Well done”.